Abri’Ana Rider
Delcastle Technical HS, 10th
In recent times, climate change has become an increasingly noticeable phenomenon. The melting ice caps and the extreme heat waves are just some of the examples that highlight the impact of climate change on our planet. Unfortunately, it is us humans who are responsible for this environmental crisis. Our actions have led to the emission of greenhouse gases that are altering the earth’s natural equilibrium. As a result, the earth is trying to restore balance, which is leading to unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters such as storms.
Let’s talk about the excessive heat for a second. In the article global temperature, it says global warming is causing extreme temperatures, reducing snow and sea ice, intensifying rainfall, and changing habitats for plants and animals. Land areas have warmed faster than oceans and the Arctic is warming the fastest. The rate of warming in the past few decades is much faster than the average rate since the start of the 20th century (Climate.gov, 2024). Climate change is a complex phenomenon that involves various factors. One of the primary causes of global warming is the greenhouse effect, which occurs due to the build-up of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. This gas acts as a blanket, trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere and leading to rising temperatures. This, in turn, has various adverse effects on the planet, such as drying up the Earth, causing extreme weather events, and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems.
The second thing I want to mention is that excessive heat can have devastating effects on crops, which form the foundation of the food chain. As the sun transmits energy, plants absorb it through photosynthesis and convert it into the nutrients that serve as food for herbivorous animals. If the plant supply dwindles due to extreme heat, the impact will ripple through the entire food chain, resulting in a decline in the population of herbivores and carnivores alike. This means that not only will the availability of fruits and vegetables be reduced, but also the supply of meat will decrease, leading to an overall food shortage. Based on the article Climate Change Impacts, said, “Increased temperatures, drought and water stress, diseases, and weather extremes create challenges for the farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables”(NOAA, 2021). This evidence supports the idea of the big impact it can have on us humans. Why try to grow, thrive, and improve when all we’re doing is setting us back? It is plain and simple we need food. Without it, we’ll increase the rate of mortality.
Climate change has become an increasingly concerning issue due to its negative impact on our environment. One of the consequences of climate change is the rise in the frequency and severity of storms, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. As the Earth gets hotter, the intensity of these storms increases, posing a significant threat to the safety of buildings, transportation systems, and other infrastructure that are crucial for our daily lives. The destruction of these critical systems not only affects our well-being but also the economy as it impedes the transportation of essential goods and services. We must take action to address this issue and ensure that we are not putting our homes and livelihoods at risk.
In order to address the challenges that we are facing today, such as climate change and environmental disasters, we need to take proactive steps toward finding solutions. While there are many different approaches that can be taken, there are several key strategies that can be particularly effective. One of the most important steps that we can take is to plant more trees. Trees play a crucial role in the earth’s ecosystem, as they help to cycle the atmosphere and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While we may need to cut down trees for various reasons, we can make a difference by planting new trees to replace them. By doing so, we can help to minimize the effects of climate change and ensure a healthier environment for future generations. In addition to planting trees, we can also make a difference by choosing to ride a bike instead of driving a car. Not only does this help to reduce our carbon footprint, but it is also great for our health. Alternatively, for those who prefer cars, investing in an electric car can also help us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, another key strategy for reducing our impact on the environment is to transition to solar energy. By using solar power instead of relying on traditional greenhouse gas-emitting sources of power, we can reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and help to create a more sustainable future for ourselves and our planet. By implementing these strategies and making other changes in our daily lives, we can all play a part in creating a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
Let’s all make a difference by spreading the word and doing our part to save the ecosystem, no matter how small. By taking action, we can ensure a healthy future for ourselves and the earth we call home. Climate change is a monumental issue, so let’s treat it with the importance it deserves.
Resources
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate/climate-change-impacts