Climate Change

By: Sophia C.

       How often have you heard someone talking about climate change? Earth’s climate has changed drastically over the past few decades, mainly because of human activities. Climate change is a long-term change in the Earth’s average weather patterns, which defines its local, regional, and global climates. Climate change may be a natural phenomenon, but human activities have altered these natural processes adversely, which has caused it to be a huge threat to humanity. 

       A study has predicted that by 2100 polar bears will become extinct. According to the IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group, there are less than 26,000 polar bears left in the world. Polar bears need sea ice to hunt for food. However, because sea ice is melting due to global warming, they are starting to starve. 

       Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, is one of the main contributors of climate change. Researchers estimated that the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide would exceed 40 billion tons, incorporating 37 billion tons from fossil fuels. It increases greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, which trap the sun's heat, eventually leading to an increase in the Earth's surface temperatures. Some of the main greenhouse gasses that are causing climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. Some examples where these gasses are generated are driving a car or heating a building. Almost 570 million metric tons are produced per year. The sources of methane emissions are used in major sectors like energy, industry, transportation, construction, and agriculture. 

       Natural processes that have been overwhelmed by human activities also contribute to climate change. Some examples include ocean acidification, ablation, and habitat loss. The impacts of climate change are most discernible in the world’s coldest regions. Studies have shown that the Arctic is heating up twice as fast as anywhere else in the world. Earth’s temperature has risen by 0.14°Fahrenheit since 1880, but the rate of warming since 1981 is more than twice that 0.32° per decade. By the end of summer, areas covered by sea ice in the Arctic have reduced by about 40% since 1979, causing sea levels to rise. The rise in sea levels has accelerated from 1.7mm every year through most of the twentieth century to 3.2mm since 1993. Also, glaciers are rapidly shrinking and crumbling. The average thickness of 30 studied glaciers has reduced by more than 60 feet since 1980.

       Deforestation to create farms or other reasons can increase the levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. According to a UN article, each year approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. As forests absorb carbon dioxide, destruction of them alters nature's ability to keep these harmful emissions out of the atmosphere. Deforestation is responsible for roughly a quarter of all global greenhouse gas emissions, causing adverse effects to our climate. 

       Here are a few viable solutions that can help slow down the effects of climate change. Most of our electricity and heat are powered by coal, oil, and gas; we could use sources of renewable energy like solar panels, electric stoves, and electric cars. One can also use less energy by lowering your heating and cooling, using LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances. Reduce food waste and eat more vegetables to lower the impact on the environment.

       Climate change is a sad reality of today’s world, and if drastic steps are not taken in time, we could lose our precious Earth. Scientists have predicted that in a few decades, certain parts of the Earth will not be habitable due to extremely hot temperatures and pollution. So everyone should take small steps towards saving our planet and helping to slow down the impact of climate change.