Climate change is no longer a mere scientific concept, but a tangible cost of living in the modern world. Over the past several decades, global warming has become increasingly visible in its staggering reach and rampant destruction. With temperatures constantly on the rise and fluctuations in average yearly precipitation, it’s become integral to comprehend where these changes are most pronounced in order to mitigate their potential impacts. It’s important to remember that global warming affects all countries, but depending on location and borders, each place may experience their own unique repercussions.
One of the first countries that comes to mind when discussing global warming is the United States. Coastal cities, such as Miami and New York, have been the casualties of multiple flooding events due to sea level rise, according to Climate Central. With sites like the University of Miami’s Institute for Global Warming, the public is becoming mindful of the damages in the area, and taking note of the recommended preventive methods. On the other hand, the Midwest and West have suffered from debilitating droughts and consequential wildfires, disrupting the farming and tourist industries, The Guardian reports.
In Europe, many of the southern Mediterranean countries have seen more days above the average temperatures, and drought-inducing heatwaves in the summer months. The repercussions of the changing environment can be seen on the island of Sardinia, where the lack of precipitation has caused crop not only to be stunted, but for whole wheat farms to disappear due to undesirable conditions. Furthermore, wildfires have taken over Portuguese and Spanish landscapes, devastating local communities, the World Bank explains..
Asia has also been greatly impacted by global warming. During the 21st century there were rapid changes in temperatures across the continent, with Tibet and South China experiencing more extreme weather, more intense flooding, and devastating landslides, according to the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research. In India, as the warm season length is growing, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to make use of agricultural streams, worsening their consequences of poverty. Overall, the climate crisis has been worsening over the years in the Indian subcontinent, especially rural and tribal areas, The Hindu reports.
Finally, a country deserving of special attention due to its unique situation is Australia, whose current climate emergency has been gaining more and more attention. It’s one of the places most affected by drought and intense heat, with its average temperature increasing 1.44 degrees Celsius since 1910, as reported by an Australian Climate Council report. In addition, fire hazards occur more often due to arid conditions and strong winds, frequently turning into deadly thousands of acres of wide fires.
Despite the urgency of the situation, not all hope is lost. Each country is taking measures towards tangible solutions so as to mitigate their impacts before it’s too late. For example, the US has made efficient investments into renewable energy sources, and is taking action to transition industries towards a more sustainable economy. In Europe, countries like Portugal and Spain are regenerating burnt forests and investing into reforestation projects. China is respectively providing subsidies to its citizens, in order to make the switch to renewable, reliable power sources more accessible. And Australia is advocating for campaigns aimed at reducing emissions, while pushing people to recycle more, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
All in all, it’s becoming clear that global warming is indubitably an international threat. Its impact on different countries continues to be pertinent and tangible, deteriorating the environment and impeding people’s basic rights to life and safety. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance for countries and communities to act as soon as possible, in order to transcend the deadly consequences of weather-induced catastrophes.
