Rising temperatures, meteorological phenomena, melting of the polar ice caps, as well as changes in ecosystems and in the fauna and flora, are some of the facts that confirm the problem
By Carlos Roa
Climate change is not just a distant threat or a topic of debate among scientists; it is happening today, as many signs confirm. Evidence of our planet’s distress due to altered climate patterns is within our reach and continues to increase.
From rising temperatures to extreme weather events, the Earth is sending us clear signals that everything is changing in an unmistakable way.
1.- Rising Global Temperatures:
One of the most apparent signs of climate change is the increase in global temperatures. According to data from NASA, the planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and other human activities.
2.- Sea-Level Rise:
As polar ice melts and ocean waters warm, sea levels are rising. Coastal regions are experiencing the detrimental effects of this phenomenon, with increased flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it is increasingly likely that the U.S. coastline will experience about 2 feet (0.6 meters) of sea-level rise between 2020 and 2100 due to emissions up to this point.”
3.- Extreme Weather Events:
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as large storms, hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and heat waves, are clear indicators of climate change. These events disrupt ecosystems, destroy communities, and strain resources.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency refers to scientific studies indicating that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent or more intense with human-induced climate change.
4.- Changing Species Behavior:
Climate change is affecting the behavior of numerous species across the planet. The National Park Service observes that rising temperatures are lowering the survival rates of many species due to changes that result in less food, reduced reproductive success, and interference with the natural environment for native wildlife.
5.- Health Impacts:
World Health Organization emphasizes that climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health – clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. Increasing temperatures contribute to the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever, while heatwaves can cause heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Addressing climate change is not just an option, but a necessity. To mitigate its impacts, we must take swift and substantial action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to clean energy sources, and protect our environment.
The future health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants depend on the choices we make today.
