From Melting Glaciers to Severe Storms; the Human Fingerprint on Climate Change
According to United Nations, “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.”
Climate change is one of the most significant global issues of our time, with far-reaching impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. The causes of climate change are complex, and the effects are already being felt around the world. In this article, we will explore the causes and effects of climate change and why it is critical to address this urgent issue.
Causes of Climate Change: Climate change is primarily caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), in the Earth’s atmosphere. According to studies, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are the primary culprits behind global climate change. These fuels are responsible for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
Greenhouse gas emissions are causing a blanket effect on the Earth, which traps the sun’s heat and leads to global warming and climate change. Currently, the Earth is experiencing the fastest warming rate in history. This warming trend is altering weather patterns and disturbing the planet’s natural equilibrium, which poses significant risks to all living organisms on Earth, including humans. The primary sources of these emissions are human activities, including:
1. Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for transportation, electricity generation, and heating is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions account for around 70% of total emissions globally.
2. Manufacturing: The manufacturing and industrial sectors are significant emitters of greenhouse gases, primarily due to their reliance on burning fossil fuels for energy to produce a variety of goods, including cement, steel, electronics, plastics, and clothing. In addition, mining activities, construction projects, and other industrial processes also release significant amounts of emissions. Many of the machines used in the manufacturing process run on coal, oil, or gas, while raw materials such as plastics are made from chemicals derived from fossil fuels. As a result, the manufacturing industry is among the most prominent contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Deforestation: Deforestation is a significant source of emissions because when trees are cut down, they release the carbon they have been storing. The destruction of forests occurs when land is cleared for farming, grazing, or other purposes. Every year, around 12 million hectares of forests are lost globally. Since forests absorb carbon dioxide, their destruction also diminishes nature’s capacity to regulate atmospheric emissions. Agriculture and other land use changes, including deforestation, account for roughly 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Transportation: The majority of cars, trucks, ships, and aeroplanes rely on fossil fuels for energy, making transportation a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide emissions. Road vehicles contribute the most to these emissions, combusting petroleum-based products such as gasoline in internal combustion engines. Nevertheless, emissions from ships and aeroplanes are also increasing. Transportation is responsible for approximately a quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, with indications suggesting a substantial increase in energy consumption for transportation in the future.
5. Food Production: Food production generates carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases through various processes. These processes include deforestation and land clearing for agriculture and grazing, the digestive processes of cows and sheep, the production and use of fertilizers and manure for crop cultivation, and the use of energy to operate farm machinery or fishing vessels, often fueled by fossil fuels. Consequently, food production is a significant contributor to climate change. Moreover, greenhouse gas emissions arise from the packaging and distribution of food.
6. Electricity Consumption: Residential and commercial buildings worldwide consume more than half of all electricity, emitting substantial quantities of greenhouse gases as they rely on coal, oil, and natural gas for heating and cooling. The escalating demand for energy to power heating and cooling systems due to increased air-conditioner ownership and the heightened use of electricity for lighting, appliances, and internet-connected devices have led to a surge in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from buildings in recent times.
7. Excessive Consumption: How you power your home, transportation methods, dietary choices, and waste disposal practices all have a role to play in generating greenhouse gas emissions. The consumption of various items, including clothing, electronics, and plastics, also contributes to this issue. A significant portion of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to personal households. Our way of life profoundly affects the environment. The wealthiest individuals bear the greatest responsibility; the top 1% of the global population produces more greenhouse gas emissions than the least affluent 50%.
Effects of Climate Change: The significant increase in the Earth’s temperature has caused a severe effect on climatic conditions. There have been substantial alterations in rainfall patterns, which have resulted in droughts, flash floods, unpredictable rains, and excessive rainfall, among other things. One of the recent dangers is the effect on oceanic resources. As the water levels are rising, low-lying regions are becoming submerged. In addition, the increased temperatures are causing glaciers to melt, resulting in rising sea levels, particularly in polar regions. This situation is also posing a threat to the habitat of various creatures that survive in colder regions, such as polar bears.
1. Rising Temperatures: The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations causes a corresponding rise in global surface temperature. The decade from 2011 to 2020 is the hottest ever recorded, and each decade since the 1980s has been hotter than the previous one. As a result, almost all land areas are experiencing an increase in hot days and heat waves. Higher temperatures lead to more heat-related illnesses and make outdoor work more challenging. Hotter conditions also increase the likelihood of wildfires, which can spread more quickly. The Arctic has seen a remarkably rapid warming trend, with temperatures rising at least twice as fast as the global average.
2. Severe Storms and Hurricanes: In several areas, there has been an increase in the number and intensity of destructive storms. This is due to the rising temperatures causing more moisture to evaporate, leading to more severe rainfall and flooding, resulting in more intense storms. The warming of the ocean also affects the frequency and extent of tropical storms, as cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons thrive on warm ocean waters. Such storms can destroy homes and communities, resulting in fatalities and significant economic losses.
3. Growing Drought: Climate change is causing changes in water availability, resulting in scarcity in many regions. Regions already experiencing water stress are facing more severe water shortages due to global warming. This leads to a higher risk of agricultural drought, which can impact crop yields, and ecological drought, which can harm ecosystems. Droughts can also trigger sand and dust storms transporting large amounts of sand across continents. As a result, deserts are expanding, reducing arable land for farming. Global warming exacerbates water shortages posing a threat to the availability of water for many people.
4. Rise in Sea-level: Global warming leads to the ocean absorbing most of the heat. The rate at which the sea is warming has dramatically accelerated in the last 20 years, affecting all layers of the ocean. As the ocean warms, its volume expands because of the natural expansion of water as it heats up. The rising sea levels caused by melting ice sheets pose a threat to communities living along coastlines and islands. Moreover, the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. However, excess carbon dioxide causes the ocean to become more acidic, endangering coral reefs and marine life.
5. Loss of Wildlife Species: As temperatures rise due to climate change, it threatens the survival of land and ocean species. The risks of extinction increase as temperatures continue to climb. Climate change is leading to the extinction of species at a rate 1,000 times greater than any other time in recorded human history. Around one million species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades due to climate change. Forest fires, extreme weather events, and the spread of invasive pests and diseases are some of the threats linked to climate change. While some species may survive by moving to other areas, others may not be able to adapt and will become extinct.
6. Insufficient Food: A rise in hunger and malnutrition globally can be attributed to climate change and extreme weather events. Crops, livestock, and fisheries may be adversely affected, leading to destruction or decreased productivity. The increasing acidity of the ocean is also putting marine resources at risk, which millions of people rely on for food. In Arctic regions, the changing snow and ice cover are disrupting food supplies from herding, hunting, and fishing. Additionally, heat stress can lead to water and grassland depletion, resulting in declining crop yields and impacting livestock.
7. Increasing Health Hazards: Climate Change is the single biggest threat to human health is climate change. The effects of climate change are currently damaging people’s health through problems such as air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, displacement, mental health stress, and malnutrition in areas where adequate food is unavailable. Environmental factors result in roughly 13 million deaths each year. In addition, the spread of diseases is intensified due to changes in weather patterns, and extreme weather events are causing deaths while also putting a strain on healthcare systems.
8. Melting of Artic Ice: The greenhouse effect, caused by greenhouse gases trapping energy in the atmosphere, is necessary for our planet’s survival. However, an increase in these gases can negatively affect the environment. For example, recent research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has shown a significant decline in Arctic ice and melting of the permafrost over the past few decades, with the possibility of complete disappearance by the middle of this century if action is not taken to address the issue.
9. Displacement and Poverty: The effects of climate change intensify the circumstances that lead to poverty. Urban slums may be washed away by floods, depriving people of their homes and sources of income. Outdoor occupations may become challenging due to high temperatures. Crop yields may be affected by water scarcity. The United Nations states, “In the past decade (2010-2019), weather-related disasters have forced an average of 23.1 million people to flee their homes each year, increasing their vulnerability to poverty.” Most refugees originate from countries that are highly vulnerable and poorly equipped to cope with the consequences of climate change.
To summarize, Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon caused by natural and human factors. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture has led to a rise in global temperatures, melting of ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. These changes have far-reaching consequences, including threats to human health, food security, ecosystems, and economies. Therefore, urgent action is needed at all levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the changing climate, and mitigate its impacts on the planet and its inhabitants.
To give back to the world and address some of the burning issues threatening humanity and the environment, We have established Mythistical Foundation with a vision to promote sustainable living and address pressing issues related to climate change. At the core of our Foundation lies Mythistical Agriculture (MyA), a branch dedicated to addressing the crucial issues connected to soil, water, and air. We aim to create and implement innovative solutions using ancient techniques and modern methodologies that promote sustainable practices, reduce carbon footprint, and preserve our natural resources. We believe that by creating a sustainable ecosystem, we can ensure a better future for generations to come. With Mythistical Agriculture, we are committed to creating a positive impact on the environment and building a sustainable future and holistic living for all.
Note: To make the vision a reality, we seek support from your esteemed industry network to seek Partnership & Collaboration and funding for our Mythistical Foundation.
