The issue of global warming is one of the most pressing concerns of our time, yet the consequences –specifically its effects on human lifespan– remain unknown. While some believe that global warming will eventually cause our extinction, the reality is far more complex, depending on the measures taken to address it, the resources at our disposal, and how well the global population adapts to its consequences. To gain a richer understanding of when, or even if, global warming will bring about our end, it is essential to look at the condition of current climates, the effects of an increasingly hotter world, and the changes humanity can make to slow or reverse the progression.
The average temperature of the Earth is estimated to be steadily increasing, and climate scientists have already begun to observe the contribution of this to extreme weather conditions worldwide. Temperatures will continue to rise as the Earth’s atmosphere is no longer able to resist the greenhouse gases pumped into the environment. As consequence, areas like the Arctic and the Gulf Stream are slowly being altered by the new climates, pushing populations to the brink of destruction and disrupting resources. Additionally, sea levels are expected to rise further and create further destruction of coastal cities and towns. All of this can be seen as evidence that our current course will eventually lead to human extinction due to global warming.
On the other hand, this is not an inevitability. Through the combination of both technological and legislative solutions, humanity can drastically reduce our emissions and work to minimize the effects of global warming. New alternative energies and conservation practices can reduce the number of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. Countries and governing bodies can also implement laws to limit the production and sale of materials and products whose use are environmental hazards. In addition, society’s understanding of the effects of global warming has increased, motivating citizens to take part in environmentally conscious day-to-day actions and encouraging companies to adjust their production patterns accordingly. Overall, by putting global warming on the forefront of government agendas, public education and focus, and budgetary allocation, global warming can effectively be addressed.
Ultimately, when we will all die from global warming ultimately comes down to our efforts to protect the planet we inhabit. Without taking the right measures to reduce our emissions and contribute to the preservation of our environment, the outlook is bleak. It is up to us to prevent the worst-case scenario of an Earth no longer capable of supporting a healthy global society. Therefore, it is time to reconsider our eco-friendly efforts and collaborate on both local and international levels to reduce and reverse the careless Covid-era emissions that have infected our planet and diminished our home.
