"We have a single mission: to protect and hand on the planet to the next generation." -Francois Hollande
It's not a myth. It's not something that will affect future generations while learning is untouched. It's not something that should be ignored.
Climate change is seriously affecting the world, and no country is unscathed. Either we feel the temperature rises, the increased number of natural disasters, the trouble growing essential fruits and vegetables, or the waters rising. We are all affected by climate change, and it's gone on too long.
While it is slightly irritating to talk about the same subject constantly, we cannot afford to be blasé about the changes in our climate. We all need to educate ourselves and learn more about climate change and global warming since our planet is the only home we have.
One way to stop climate change, if at all possible, is to be aware of its causes.
Therefore, without further delay, in today's article, we shall review the various causes of climate change and how they can be slowed down.
What is Climate Change?
Though it's a term you've probably been constantly hearing about in the news for the past decade or so, you might not be thoroughly familiar with the term climate change.
So, what is Climate Change? In the simplest of definitions, climate change can be described as the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that are have been occurring on planet earth.
According to scientists, climate change has been happening on our giant blue planet since the 1880s, and it has had positive but primarily negative effects.
It's important to state that climate change is related closely to global warming, and that is sometimes confused as the same thing. Global warming is also the observation of the changing climate patterns and how greenhouse gases affect the earth's atmosphere and cause global temperatures to rise.
Climate change is no longer seen or experienced in specific places on earth; it's everywhere! For example, natural disasters, droughts, flash floods, sweltering summers and cold winters are all proof that climate change is sickening the earth beyond repair and at an increasingly fast pace.
But, are there severe impacts to climate change? Of course! Take a look at the following subheading to learn more.
What are the Social and Economic Impacts of Climate Change?
Some leaders and prominent persons have claimed that climate change and global warming are mere "hoaxes" invented by environmentalists, which couldn't be farther from the truth.
Climate Change is not a conspiracy since so many social and economic impacts can be observed when you take the time and look around. Such as?
Firstly, let's consider three social impacts of climate change that can be observed on the following list:
- Food security: when certain areas are devastated by natural disasters caused by climate change, there may be a lack of fresh food items such as vegetables and fruits. Also, it may take some time to get imports in stores again because of destroyed roads and shipping ports.
- Health issues: little do most people recognise how much of a strain climate change has on the health systems. When people are hurt because of flash floods or hurricanes, emergency medical attention is required.
- Family situations: after a natural disaster, some families may be torn apart for weeks or months, not knowing if their family members are still alive and well.
The previously mentioned list covers only three of the social impacts of climate change. But, unfortunately, there are many more.
Also, it's easy to identify the monetary strains of climate change for economic reasons.
For example, the economies of many countries rich in natural resources will suffer if there is an increase in natural disasters that destroy forests, etc. Also, when there is tremendous damage to infrastructure, the government must pay to repair bridges, roads, and buildings, causing taxes and inflation to rise. Additionally, increased costs and the economy shrink when a nation's budget is dedicated to stopping climate change.
As for individuals, the economic impacts of climate change may include relocation costs, increased insurance premiums, and the expense to replace things that have been devastated by storms; pricey stuff!
What are the 10 Primary Causes of Climate Change?
Since climate change has been studied for decades by the world's most brilliant scientific minds, it's now possible to identify the primary causes of global warming and how they affect our planet.
It's worth stating that all the harmful causes of climate change are caused by human activities.
Nonetheless, to educate our readers about the causes of climate change so that everyone can collectively work together, we'll analyse 10 of the most significant culprits of global warming.
Overfishing
Though fish and seafood are delicious, delightful, and full of nutrients that contribute to a healthy and well-balanced diet, overfishing is killing our oceans. Without healthy oceans, the human race struggles.
Now that many countries rely on fishing, the industry has boomed too much. Fishing boats are massive pollutants, and when they harvest too much from the ocean floors, there is a lack of diversity in our seas.
Oil and Gas
One of the primary causes of climate change is that most sectors of business and production depend on oil and gas.
Oil and gas products are used in cars, homes, and to make goods for general use. As a result, oil, gases, and coal are burnt significant greenhouse gases and contribute immensely to the climate crisis.
Fossil fuels need to be avoided now at all costs since they hurt wildlife and surrounding environments beyond repair.
Industrialisation
Though we need industries to provide us with specific items in our life, it's sad to say that most industrialisation is detrimental to the environment because the toxic chemicals used end up in the soil. So there are multiple pollutants to watch for.
It wouldn't be so bad if there were more sustainable methods to produce things, but the cheapest plans are often mass-produced and terrible for the atmosphere.
Farming
If you're not vegan or vegetarian, who doesn't love a massive steak or a delightful cut of lamb? However, most meat-eaters do not recognise that farming cattle, chickens, pigs, and other livestock ruins the planet. How's that?
Farming takes up a lot of green space that could be used to grow vegetables or fruits; however, it's for the animals to graze, which destroys local environments such as rainforests and forests. Also, farm animals produce a ton of methane and an extreme amount of waste.
Power Plants
Though we all need electricity and power to continue our daily activities without interruption, power plants are causing climate changes to advance more rapidly than they should.
Fossil fuels are burned at most power plants to produce electricity, and many pollutants are produced. Did you know that burning coal to have power is responsible for 46% of all carbon emissions? Insane!
Consumerism
We all like to shop and buy our favourite things, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, due to technology and increased production in developed and developing nations, we can now buy everything we want whenever we desire. This means that we are producing more and more products and going against sustainable and ecological production.
Trash and Waste in Landfills
Since we're consuming and buying more things than ever before, it's no surprise that there's an increased amount of waste from single-use plastic and packaging. Unfortunately, most of the items we purchase cannot be used again and recycled, and this causes the world's landfills to expand and increase in size.
When trash decomposes in landfills, the waste breaks down and releases toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Modes of Transportation
Trains, planes, and automobiles all get us from point A to point B; nonetheless, currently, there is an overabundance of modes of transportation that rely too heavily on burning gases produced from fossil fuels.
Petrol-powered cars produce harmful carbon emissions, which is why electric vehicles are increasing in popularity.
Oil Drilling
Another terrible culprit of climate change is oil drilling offshore and on land. Oil drilling is responsible for 30% of the methane population and around 8% of carbon dioxide pollution.
Petroleum oil is collected while drilling, and the process is not always healthful for the environment since it may cause leaks that ruin ecosystems and the habitat of most animals.
Deforestation
The clearing of forests for creating farms and ranches is called deforestation. This destroys the natural habitats of many animals, bugs, birds, plants, and greenery necessary for a healthy atmosphere and environment.
Also, as you know from science class, trees turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. So, therefore, the more trees are cut down, the less air we have in our environment.
It's worth stating that all of the previously mentioned causes are in no particular order since they affect the planet horrendously.
In conclusion, while some of the previously mentioned causes you and I can personally do nothing about, it's worth stating that by being aware and raising your voice, you can try your best to stop climate change.
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