Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns are referred to as climate change. These changes may be organic, but since the 1800s, human activity has been the primary cause of climate change. This is mainly because burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, release gases that trap heat.
There is a change in the climate. Between 1901 and 2016, the average global temperature climbed by around 1.8°F. 1 The average global temperature can change by one or two degrees, which might result in potentially hazardous changes to the climate and weather. Because they are the obvious ways that climate change is influencing the Earth, these actual, observable changes are what we refer to as climate change impacts. For instance, changes in rainfall have occurred in numerous locations, causing an increase in floods, droughts, or extreme rainstorms as well as more frequent and severe heat waves.
Effect of climate change
Weather patterns are shifting as a result of warming temperatures, which is also upsetting the natural order. This puts us and all other kinds of life on Earth in grave danger.
- Higher temperatures
More hot days and heat waves are occurring almost everywhere on land, and 2020 was one of the warmest years ever recorded. Higher temperatures can make it harder to work and move around, as well as raise the risk of heat-related illnesses. When the weather is hotter, wildfires start more easily and spread more quickly.
- Stronger storms
Rainfall changes in response to temperature changes. Storms become more intense and frequent as a result. They cost billions and damage homes and communities by causing flooding and landslides.
- Heightened drought
In more places, water is becoming more scarce. Devastating sand and dust storms that carry billions of tons of sand over continents can be sparked by droughts. As deserts spread, there is less space for agriculture. The threat of regularly not having enough water affects a lot of people nowadays.
- A rising, warm ocean
Most of the heat from global warming is absorbed by the ocean. This threatens coastal and island communities by melting ice sheets and raising sea levels. The water also absorbs carbon dioxide, keeping it out of the atmosphere. The ocean becomes more acidic as a result of increased carbon dioxide, endangering marine life.
- Species extinction
Both animals on land and in the ocean are at risk from climate change. As the temperatures rise, these risks rise as well. Among the various dangers include forest fires, severe weather, invasive pests, and diseases. Others won’t be able to relocate and live, but some species will.
- Increased health hazards
Diseases like malaria are spreading due to changing weather patterns. Extreme weather makes it harder for healthcare systems to keep up with the growth in sickness and mortality. Increased hunger and inadequate nutrition in areas where people cannot grow or find enough food are other health problems.
- Poverty and uprooting
Climate change makes it easier for people to fall into and stay in poverty. Floods have the potential to devastate homes and livelihoods in urban slums. Outdoor jobs may be challenging to perform in the heat. 23 million people are displaced each year due to weather-related calamities, making millions more people at risk of poverty.