Climate change has been any of the world’s most
important environmental issues for decades. Global warming, as one of its main drivers, is often cited as one of the most significant
environmental stressors that threaten the health and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. Truly, the science is clear
and the threat is real, with evidence of its impact manifesting itself in the way of extreme weather events, dwindling resources,
and an overall destabilization of the world’s ecosystems.
The term ‘global warming’ is actually a misnomer;
it’s climate change, or the planet’s global average temperature rising, that is the real source of concern. A rise in temperature
is a result of the excess of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, which are released primarily from the burning of fossil
fuels and land development. It has been proven that this increase of GHG is having a detrimental effect; over the last 50 years,
the world has seen the hottest stretches in recorded history as well as severe droughts, floods and storms.
Of immediate concern is the potential effect that this climate change might have on food and water shortages around the world. A
recent UN expert report warns that the two are interconnected and that if warming is not curtailed it could cause global crop
failures and lead to the spread of disease. This is especially alarming considering that a majority of the world’s population
lives near or in areas vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
The warming of our planet is not without its positives, however. Parks, forests, and other green spaces – sources of much-needed
oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange – have been expanding as temperatures continue to rise, providing some hope for the future of
our ecosystems. For some, global residence time is being reduced, and people have been able to adapt to the changing conditions,
allowing for greater local food production.
Despite the impacts of global warming that are already happening, there is still time to act. Solutions to this major environmental
stressor can be found through collaborating governments, research groups, and global bodies such as the United Nations and the
European Union. We must strengthen commitments to reduce emissions and increase the adoption of renewable energies in order to
reduce the amount of GHG in the atmosphere. Additionally, individuals need to be aware of their personal carbon footprint,
looking for ways to reduce their emissions through gardening with native plants, recycling, or simply by avoiding the use of
plastics.
In conclusion, it is without a doubt that global warming is a significant environmental stressor. Its effects can be seen in the
way of extreme weather events, dwindling resources, and an overall destabilization of the world’s ecosystems. It is our duty to
raise awareness and take action to reduce our carbon footprint, as well as to collaborate with governments, research groups
and global bodies in order to work towards a sustainable future.
