Five Reasons We Must Take Climate Change Seriously.
It's very real, and it is here now.
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our world today. With temperatures rising, extreme weather conditions becoming more frequent and global sea levels on the rise, it’s clear that the consequences of climate change are real and tangible. It’s up to all of us worldwide to take steps to limit its impacts. Here are five reasons why we need to take climate change seriously.
1. Health: Climate change has serious implications for human health. Higher temperatures mean an increase in air pollution and water contamination, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Climate-related diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, will become more widespread, particularly in developing countries. The prolonged heat and humidity caused by global warming can also impact mental health, increasing stress and anxiety levels. Death due to exposure to high heat, such as heat strokes will increase.
2. Agriculture: Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns can drastically reduce crop yields and destroy entire crops. At the same time, invasive species move into new areas, threatening both crops and livestock. Warmer temperatures can also increase the risk of agricultural pests and diseases, leading to serious food shortages. Think this won't effect your medicinal weed? Talk to the owners of small marijuana farms in states where it is legal. All farms will be impacted.
3. Economy: According to the World Bank, the global economic cost of climate change is estimated to be $2 trillion annually by 2030, if action isn’t taken. This cost consists primarily of lost labour productivity and investment, along with damage to infrastructure, property and other economic losses due to extreme weather events, such as droughts, flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes. Higher temperatures can also lead to increased energy costs as demand rises for cooling systems.
4. Ecosystems: Climate change is already having a huge impact on our environment. Species are becoming endangered due to habitat loss, while others are dying off because they can’t adapt to rapid changes in their environment. Changes in ocean chemistry and higher temperatures can also disrupt entire food chains and lead to coral bleaching.
5. Future Generations: We must act right now to protect future generations from the worst effects of climate change. If we don’t take action, we could be leaving them a world that is increasingly difficult to live in. Rising sea levels, desertification, floods and other extreme weather events could displace millions of people and cause massive economic disruption. And the intensity of our weather is ramping up quickly.
The impacts of climate change will be felt by everyone, so it is essential that we act now. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, conserving energy, and investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change.
How have you been effected recently by climate change? Let me know in the comments.