Global Warming.
“Global Warming is real and human activity is the main cause. The consequences are mainly negative and headed toward catastrophic, unless we act. However, the good news is that we can meet this challenge. It is not too late, and we have everything we need to get started.” - Al Gore
What is it? An increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
Causes: As more air pollutants and CO2 is produced, gases build up in the atmosphere and absorb more sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off of the earth’s surface. Thus, instead of escaping into space, the pollutants trap the heat and cause the planet to heat up.
Don’t wait:
-Join groups dedicated to preserving the environment.
-Attend climate change seminars and become informed.
-Preserve energy by buying products with a Energy Star label on them.
-Support politicians who advocate for climate-friendly policies.
Effects: Scientists agree that the increase in the earth’s temperature is linked to extreme weather and affects all humankind:
- Rising temperatures are fueling longer and hotter heat waves, more frequent droughts, heavier rainfall, and more powerful hurricanes.
- Melting glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more dramatic water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires in the American West.
- Rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding on the Eastern Seaboard.
- Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat waves, heavy downpours, and increased flooding. All those factors will damage or destroy agriculture and fisheries.
- Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and Alpine meadows could drive many plant and animal species to extinction.
- Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more common due to increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher levels of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes. (https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101)
