Climate change effect

The temperature of the Earth has been steadily evolving over the years. Climate change affects us both mentally, socially, and physically. But, what really is climate change? Climate change is described as the alternation or difference in the nature of the surrounding weather over long periods of time, such as a century, or, more specifically, seasonal fluctuations over long periods of time. Climate cycles are common, and they play an important role in shaping societies, natural ecosystems, and even the human economies that rely on them. An example of this can be seen in agriculture, climate change influences how crops can be cultivated, how plants and how animals live (Global Warming: News, Facts, Causes & Effects. 2013). Earth’s climate is always changing, it changes through a natural cycle, and it has a dynamic climate. The world’s leading scientists are worried about the rapid changes occurring in the earth’s climate, they think it will affect human lives. People all across the world are thus taking actions to prevent or limit climate change. In 2007 for example, scientist from the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change), predicted that due to global warming and climate change, that oceans will warm up and glaciers will melt, causing sea levels to rise from 7 to 23 inches by the year 2100. By so doing, many small islands will be flooded and may even disappear. This is just an extra reason for us to take actions as early as possible, to try and solve or even prevent or limit this serious issue of climate change. Climate change is an important topic because it’s effect on our planet and country cannot be ignored and thus needs to be studied (Shaftel, 2017).

Looking at the causes of climate change, there are two, human and nature. The question however remains, who is the primary cause for the rapid change in the earth’s climate. Some people believe that nature is capable of handling the developments by man, and state that man is not the main cause of climate change. Others however believe that man is the sole reason or the destruction of the earth’s climate system (Shaftel, 2017). Anthropogenic activities must be reduced to a minimum because these activities are the main reason for the climate change on planet earth. In this essay we will discuss about climate change, looking at the causes of climate and its impacts or effects on the surroundings. We will also consider how man is the main cause of the climate changes that we now encounter.

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

There are many causes to the manner in which the climate changes let us however consider the main causes. There are two main causes of climate changes, these are natural causes and human or anthropogenic activities.

Natural causes

Speaking about natural causes, this refers to natural phenomena, out of the control of man. Nature’s activities include volcanic eruptions, earth’s orbital changes, solar variations and even ocean currents.

Volcanic eruptions

These have a cooling effect on the surrounding atmosphere. Upon a volcano erupting, it sends out a large quantity of Sulphur dioxide (SO2), dust, water vapour and ash into the atmosphere. Such eruptions have a long term (for years) influence, changing the climatic pattern, even though the eruption may have occurred just in a single day. Ash, dust and tiny particles will block the incoming sun’s rays from entering into the atmosphere, while SO2 will rise to the upper level in the atmosphere (Shaftel, 2017). The sun’s rays being blocked, they will this bounce back into space, causing the earth’s atmosphere (below these dust and ash particles), to cool.

Ocean currents

This is another important cause of climate changes. Oceans and seas are one of the main components of earth’s mass, they cover about ≥ 71% of the earth and absorb about twice the amount of solar radiation that the land surface absorbs (UNFCCC, 2015). Ocean currents are driven by the winds, which blow horizontally against the surface of the sea. Ocean flows also have a big influence on the concentration of carbon dioxide (Global Warming 101, 2015). It causes carbon dioxide to move in and out of the climate by the changes in ocean circulation, thus influencing the climate.

Earth’s orbital changes

The earth orbits around the sun and has a great impact on the climate, though the influence may not be obvious. A full orbit of the earth around the sun takes a year. The earth rotates on its axis, being tilted at an angle of about 23° (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014). It is this tilt that lets us experience seasons, changes in this tilt directly influences the severity of these seasons. A higher tilt will thus mean that we will experience hotter summers and colder winters, a lower tilt meaning also warmer winters and cooler summers (UNFCCC, 2015).

Anthropogenic causes

The earth’s climate is really changing. Scientists have proved since the 1800s that carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas. Some scientific research has proven that there has been a rapid rise in carbon dioxide (by about 40%) in the atmosphere from 1800 to the year 2012. This measurement showed that the main cause for this rise, are anthropogenic activities (Climate Change ProCon.org, 2014). There are many other greenhouse gases, all of which are consequences of human activities. The noticeable rise in the earth’s temperature is consistent with scientific calculations of the observed rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

There are different signatures for the different influences on the climate. These fingerprints or signatures are unique and easier to observe, by concentrating on a single feature (such as average temperature), rather than studying the seasonal and even geographical patterns of climate change (UNFCCC, 2015). The patterns that have been observed, warming of the surface, temperature variation in the atmosphere, increase in sea temperature, rise in sea level, increase in atmospheric moisture, faster melting of land and sea ice caps all match the patterns which are expected from a rise in carbon dioxide and other anthropogenic activities. It is based on the understanding that greenhouse gases trap heat, that we can expect changes in climate (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014). With this knowledge and the studied signatures it is very clear that natural causes alone cannot produce the observed climatic changes. Examples of natural causes may include volcanic eruptions, fluctuations in climate system, variation in the Sun’s rays and in the earth’s orbit around the sun and internal fluctuations in the climate system (like El Nino and La Nino). Research has been done and simulations show that the natural factors in the atmosphere could not influence the climate as it is. The simulations done with anthropogenic activities however, are consistent with the observed changes.

Humans are the primary cause for the changes that the climate is undergoing. The advent of industrial revolution from the 19th century created a lot of jobs for citizens but also by the same token, saw a massive increase in the use of fossil fuels for energy and for industrial activities (Climate Change ProCon.org, 2014). These jobs caused many to move from rural to urban areas, population thus gathered and increased. The next was that a lot of vegetation had to be cleared away to make way or houses and factories to be built up. The available limited resources were also used for this development. Natural resources were used extensively used for buildings, industries, consumption and transport. These all contributed and caused a rapid increase in the greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere such as nitrous oxide, methane in the atmosphere (Global Warming 101, 2015).

The IPCC during their fifth assessment report concluded that it is about 95% certain, that human activities are the main cause for climate change on earth (UNFCCC, 2015). Humanity is busy building up factories, industries, houses and vehicles all of which use fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal as energy sources and for several reason. The extensive of fossil fuels therefore largely influenced the climate changes (Causes of Natural warming, 2014). Fertilizers used in agriculture also contributed to climate change. These products caused an increase in microbial action in the soil; this then led to the formation of nitrous oxide, methane and even carbon dioxide which all contribute to climate changes. This agricultural products increased in use as the human population also increased, leading therefore to a respective increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014).

Deforestation

Trees are very crucial in our ecosystem. They use carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis. Trees therefore are useful in reducing the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Man however, uses trees a lot in development. All of the major infrastructural developments require wood – trees. The cutting down of trees is called deforestation (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014). This is one of the main ways by which man increases the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)

These are very toxic gaseous substances, emitted by machines such as fridges, deep freezers and others. This substance is released during the use of these machines, its release in the atmosphere, has very destructive effect on the environment (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014).

IMPACTS OR EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

We have just discussed the causes of the climate change in our atmosphere. As climate changes, there are a series of consequences on our atmosphere. There are three main effects of the climate change on our surrounding environment. Climate change will adversely affect human health (influence man’s mind and psychological behavior), it will affect the surrounding biodiversity, and it will also.

Effect on Human health

A lot of research has been carried out and it has been proven, that climate change adversely influences human health. Climate change is affecting the health of northern people such as Nunavat, Canada (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014). Research has proved the various effects of climate change on allergic asthma. Most cardiac and respiratory system diseases, originated from high levels of surface ozone and particles in the atmosphere (UNFCCC, 2015).

The human mind and behavior can be largely influenced by climate change. Man’s population growth, consumption and energy use can be influenced by climate change. For instance during a warm climate, man will prefer cooler meals and prefer warmer meals in a cold weather. Climate change can also cause an increase in stress, anxiety etc. and thus also influences mental and psychosocial health (UNFCCC, 2015). It may also cause an increase in social disorder like post traumatic disorder, suicide, abuse and violence. Even though the effect of climate change may not be immediate, it has very serious effects on man.

Effect on Biodiversity

Biodiversity is of a necessity, if plants and animals are to maintain their habitat. The alternation in climate adversely impacted the ecosystem and thus the biodiversity as well. Water sources for instance may change, the food chain will be destroyed and the sources of medicine will also have to change (UNFCCC, 2015). The marine ecosystem also will be largely affected due to the increase in sea temperature, ocean acidification, also increasing the fragility of some ecosystems such as coral reefs.

Effect on climate

For over the last century or so, climate trends have been rising, an increase in global temperature, global warming. Greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere from decades to even millennia. This will then cause an increase in temperatures, leading to an increase in precipitation. Increase in sea temperature increases the probability of hurricanes; drought and heat waves will also attack more and more areas (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014). For instance, there are more episodes of El Nino since the mid-1970s as compared with the last century. The polar ice caps will also be melting, thus causing an increase in occurrences of very high sea level.

In some other regions, this change in temperatures and precipitation had another adverse consequence, increase in the frequency and severity of fires. Bush fires easily occur, destroying the vegetation, causing smoke inhalation and other injuries.

Solutions

For this destructive trend to stop, we must carry out some necessary steps. To be able to prevent or reduce climate change, the government and the people must work together. First of all, deforestation must be reduced to a minimum, with an increase in reafforestation, for every tree that is cut down, two trees will be planted. Natural resources must also be better managed, making sure that some resources are kept back, for use by future generations (UNFCCC, 2015). Teachers also, must give the necessary knowledge to students, on why and how to protect the planet. Combustion of fossil fuels is one of the primary causes of the increase in climate’s temperature. There must therefore be a reduction in the use of machines that use fossil fuels as a source of energy (Cicerone and Nurse, 2014). Electric vehicles are a good substitute for example, to fossil-fuel based vehicle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is therefore very clear, that climate change is adversely affecting our environment, biodiversity and even our health. If actions are not quickly taken, our planet will be more and more gravely affected. This is because; man is not slowing down, n trying to develop more and more. Deforestation is continuing, so temperatures are rising and so the cycle goes on. Post traumatic disorders continue as a result, anxiety, stress, violence and much more varied effects of climate change. Since man is the primary cause of this climate changes, we must change our activities, to be able to protect our environment. Reafforestation and sustainable management of resources must be carried out. We must all join forces, for the planet’s survival.

Works Cited

“Causes of Natural Warming.” http://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-causes.html, Accessed 02 Apr. 2017

“Climate Change ProCon.org.” Is human activity a substantial cause of global climate change? http://climatechange.procon.org/ Accessed 01 Apr. 2017

“Global Warming 101.” https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101, Accessed 04 Apr. 2017

“Global Warming: News, Facts, Causes & Effects.” LiveScience, Purch, http://www.livescience.com/topics/global-warming, Accessed 05 Apr. 2017

Cicerone, J. R., and Nurse, P. (2014). Climate Change: Evidence and Causes, An Overview from the Royal Society and the US National Academy of Science

Shaftel, Holly. “Climate change cuases: A blanket around the Earth.” NASA, 30 Jan. 2017, https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/, Accessed 07 Apr. 2017

UNFCCC (2015). Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerabilities and Adaptation in Developing Countries. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change