Global warming, and its consequences, represent one of the difficult challenges of the 21st century. While some of the impacts and effects have proved to be beneficial in the short-term for certain regions, some of the implications could prove dire for the environment and the planet’s future. This article seeks to identify and discuss some of the potential negative impacts of global warming.
Perhaps the most memorable consequence of global warming is the increasing risk of natural disasters. As the atmosphere warms, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and cyclones become significantly more common and intense. This can cause huge economic losses and disruption to people’s lives. In fact, according to the World Bank, global warming has already caused just over US$1 trillion in economic losses since 1998. This amount is likely to rise significantly as global temperatures continue to rise.
Furthermore, global warming is causing the rise of sea levels. According to IPCC reports, 90% of all sea level increases since 1971 is directly attributed to global warming. This could have devastating effects on the environment and ecosystems, particularly in coastal or low-lying regions. For example, with sea levels rising at an alarming rate, several tropical island nations such as Maldives face the threat of total submersion. Such extreme events, if left unchecked, could lead to loss of prime coastal lands, species extinction and displacement of large sections of populations.
Another issue caused by global warming is the disruption of habitats and ecosystems. Climate change is having a major effect on the distribution of species, the health of forests and the productivity of gradually disappearing wetlands. Furthermore, the ice coverage of the earth is melting at an alarming rate. This could lead to an unexpected reduction in the earth’s albedo, thereby significantly increasing temperatures across the globe.This could have devastating repercussions on the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Finally, global warming also brings about a range of health related issues. Heat waves, floods, droughts and other weather-related issues caused by global warming make populations far more vulnerable to contagious diseases and heat-related health complications. This could have serious effects on public health and significantly increase health care costs. For example, according to World Health Organization, total casualties from climate-related disasters is expected to cross 2 million per year by 2030.
Clearly, global warming has the potential to bring about a range of disastrous consequences that could heavily threaten global security, economy, ecosystems and health. Therefore, it is essential that governments, businesses and individuals work together to tackle the global warming crisis.
