Wake Up! Climate Change is Real
There are so many things I could say about climate change. Nowadays, it is one of the major issues in the world. High school students will inherit a world profoundly affected by climate change, making it essential for them to understand its causes, impacts, and potential solution. To overcome this issue, you need to bring social awareness with strict measurements to prevent, protect and preserve the environment for future generations.
Think about how the weather has changed since you were a child. Has the weather gradually turned warmer? Colder? Perhaps you notice more snowfall or hotter summer temperatures. Yes, these are all caused directly by climate change and global warming. It has been like this for some years and it is about to get worse. We are experiencing this fast change in the climate due to various factors.
Needless to say, our earth is experiencing rising global temperatures. Do you think this is a matter of concern for high school students? Well yes, you might have heard about the melting of glaciers, a result of the rise of the sea levels.
In addition, there has been a drastic change in the climate due to hazardous factors such as pollution, burning coals, waste disposal in the air, etc. All this will result in affecting the environment and its resources.
Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, primarily driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. This warming trend has led to severe consequences such as heatwaves, wildfires, and more frequent and intense storms.
Climate change disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity, impacting plants, animals, and their habitats. Many species face the challenge of adapting to rapid changes in temperature and altered precipitation patterns. The loss of habitat and the decline in biodiversity not only affects the natural balance of ecosystems but also threatens the availability of resources and food security for humans.
As claimed by http://un.org,
Marine heatwaves have doubled in frequency, and have become longer-lasting, more intense and extensive. The http://ippc.ch says that human influence has been the main driver of the ocean heat increase observed since the 1970s.
The majority of heatwaves took place between 2006 and 2015, causing widespread coral bleaching and reef degradation. In 2021, nearly 60 percent of the world’s ocean surface experienced at least one spell of marine heatwaves. The UN Environment Programme says that every one of the world’s coral reefs could bleach by the end of the century if the water continues to warm.
Coral bleaching occurs as reefs lose their life-sustaining microscopic algae when under stress. The last global bleaching event started in 2014 and extended well into 2017 – spreading across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Furthermore, In The Arctic Sea, ice has been shrinking at an unprecedented rate, leading to the rise of sea levels. This poses a significant threat to coastal communities around the world, as they become more susceptible to storm surge, flooding, and erosion. Small island nations are especially vulnerable, as they may face the risk of disappearing completely due to sea-level rise.
Rising temperatures increase the risk of irreversible loss of marine and coastal ecosystems. Today, widespread changes have been observed, including damage to coral reefs and mangroves that support ocean life, and migration of species to higher latitudes and altitudes where the water could be cooler.
Latest estimates from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization warn that more than half of the world’s marine species may stand on the brink of extinction by 2100. At a 1.1°C increase in temperature today, an estimated 60 percent of the world’s marine ecosystems have already been degraded or are being used unsustainably. A warming of 1.5°C threatens to destroy 70 to 90 percent of coral reefs, and a 2°C increase means a nearly 100 percent loss – a point of no return.
According to http://comission.europa.eu, It is crucial to acknowledge that climate change is predominantly caused by human activities. European Union’s commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tons of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics.
Education and awareness play a crucial role in addressing climate change. By increasing public knowledge and understanding of the issue, individuals can make informed choices and contribute to collective action. Governments should also take an active role by implementing policies that encourage sustainable practices and facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources.
Climate change is an urgent and significant global issue that requires immediate attention. The evidence of its impact is irrefutable, and the consequences are already being felt worldwide. It is necessary that to take meaningful action. Wake up! And protect our environment, ecosystems, and future generations.