It is widely accepted that global warming is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing humanity today. It has prompted debates about who is responsible, who is affected and what solutions there may be to counter its effects. But who does global warming affect?
The effects of global warming are felt by a huge variety of people and species around the world. This can be attributed directly to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, which are home to a multitude of organisms, some of which may not be able to adapt to their changing environment or migrate to safer parts of their habitat fast enough.
Animals, plant life and aquatic creatures are particularly vulnerable to the changes brought about by climate change. Warmer temperatures can alter the migration patterns of many species, while others, such as polar bears, may not be able to survive the drier ice sheets and melting glaciers that are now more regularly experienced. Most of these species depend on a conducive climate and specific environment to live their lives and without it, their survival is at risk.
In addition to animals, human lives are highly impacted by the effects of global warming. Every population has been affected by climate change in one way or another. For example, a heated atmosphere can lead to an increase in drought and flooding, which can wreak havoc on food sources and water availability. People living in often less economically developed countries are especially prone to the effects of these events as their daily activities are highly reliant on the environment. Warmer temperatures can also lead to an increase in vector-borne diseases such as malaria, which can spread faster and further due to a longer carrying period for mosquitos.
However, the effects of global warming are not limited to its negative implications. While it can lead to the destruction of land and habitats and has the potential to displace millions of people, it can also bring about certain benefits. Shorter and milder winters could mean that physical activities such as golf and skiing become possible in regions where they have not been before. Warmer temperatures can also make some places more productive, providing more hours of daylight and increasing the growing season for crops, leading to higher yields of food in affected areas.
Fundamentally, global warming is a worldwide issue which affects the entire planet. It poses a threat to both human and nature, with its implications being felt globally, regionally and locally. Its effects are both physical and psychological and are understandably of great concern to people at all levels. To combat the ever-growing menace of global warming, it is essential that both individuals and governments come together to proactively build more resilient societies and work to reduce the emissions leading to climate change.
