The eco-conscious movement recently expanded, raising climate change prevention efforts. President Biden initiated ambitious energy efficiency plans, protecting U.S. residents from adverse environmental effects. Though many Americans jumped on board, some lack awareness about the harsh consequences of rising global temperatures.
The Source of Environmental Degradation
Climate change derives from the enhanced greenhouse effect. The phenomenon signifies carbon emissions’ impact on atmospheric functions.
Earth uses the greenhouse effect to maintain life-sufficient temperatures. The atmosphere generates heat from solar radiation, sending it to the surface, reabsorbing excess warmth and emitting it into space. When greenhouse gases invade the atmosphere, they hinder what is otherwise a natural process.
Greenhouse gases have a higher sunlight-to-heat conversion rate. They also contain excess warmth in the atmosphere rather than sending it to space. The production and entrapment of heat increase the global temperature over time.
As the temperature rises, the global ecosystem changes. It causes glacier melting, increased storm frequencies, extended droughts, and more. As Earth’s once-consistent elements change, the remainder of the planet experiences a detrimental shift.
The Food Supply
As agricultural regions experience changes, they have difficulty meeting consumers’ food demands. Rising temperatures cause long-lasting dry spells, water displacement, and soil degradation. Farmers compensate with costly chemical additives, like pesticides and fertilizers.
Utilizing high quantities of resources raises the price of food. In the coming decades, the cost of essential vegetables like corn may increase by between 42% and 131%. Without cost-efficient production, hunger will rise and domesticated animal populations may fall.
Another climate change effect that alters the food supply is water scarcity. Increased global temperatures raised the evaporation rate, leaving many regions with little fresh drinking water. Egypt recognized the problem and attempted to dam the Nile River.
Over 2.1 billion humans already lack access to clean drinking water. Limited water sources may increase its price in the future because of shipping and filtration costs.
Coastal Living
If climate change continues, coastal living will change drastically. Melting glaciers and rising sea levels will leave waterfront properties submerged. Residents may have to relocate inland as the beaches dissipate.
Higher precipitation rates and summer temperatures increase the frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes. Strong winds can cause significant roof damage. Additionally, hurricane-caused flooding impacts millions of Americans every year, causing significant residential and commercial damage.
As coastal storms increase, the prices of property insurance will also rise. Few residents may be able to afford oceanfront properties, altering the real-estate market.
Rural Regions
Rural regions also experience adverse climate change impacts. High temperatures increase the intensity and number of forest fires. When fireworks or campfires ignite a wooded area, expansive fires may occur. As mass vegetation burns, it Earth’s natural carbon filters, increasing atmospheric pollution.
Rising temperatures also increase the spread of tree diseases and harmful species. Mild winter temperatures promoted Colorado’s bark beetle infestation. The pests degrade their host tree, causing deforestation and limited emission filtration.
Urban Areas
Additionally, cities experience localized rising summer temperatures from ground-level ozone. Excessive vehicle pollution in minimal vegetation regions causes the urban heat island effect. This can result in heightened rates of heatstroke and other human health effects.
Increased greenhouse gas emissions and summer temperatures also affect lung health. Poor air quality can inflame the airways and cause chest pains. Inhaled pollutants may additionally increase one’s risk for stroke, heart attacks, lung cancer, and premature death.
Climate Change Prevention Measures
Fortunately, we can limit adverse effects caused by climate change and protect humanity and the global ecosystem. When reducing the impacts, we must start from the source. Limiting our global carbon emissions can decrease the enhanced greenhouse effects.
Rather than relying on fossil fuel-derived energy, we may adopt renewable power sources. We can also increase our energy efficiency by using alternate forms of transportation and eating a low-emission diet. Talking to your local government officials about sustainable changes is essential for shrinking your community’s carbon footprint, and it may just play a role in where human beings can, and cannot, live in the coming years and decades.
