Table of Contents
Temperature Increase Is Global
Global temperatures are on the rise, and climate change is accelerating. Climate change is currently a hot topic, and it’s for good reason. This change in climate is having a significant effect on our environment. The average temperature on the planet has risen by 1.62°F in the last 150 years. Effects of rising global temperatures can be seen everywhere.
Potential Effects on the Global Ecosystem
Temperature increase has a wide range of effects on the ecosystem. Plant and animal species are threatened as habitats become increasingly difficult to survive in because of changes in weather patterns, availability of food and water sources, and competition. With rising sea levels, coastal habitats are at an even greater risk of destruction. This can lead to species loss of some of the world’s unique species that are only found in that region, threatening our biodiversity.
Increased Wildfire Activity
The rise in global temperatures is leading to increased frequency and magnitude of wildfires. Warmer temperatures can dry out grassy and wooded areas, creating an abundance of tinder and contributing to potential fire hazards. Nations like Australia are currently feeling the brunt of this as near-weekly bushfires devastate millions of acres.
Changes to Human Habitation Due to Rising Temperatures
Climate change is also having a severe effect on human habitation. Coastal communities are being destroyed as rising sea levels make areas no longer suitable to stay in. Other human habitats, like those in deserts, are also being threatened. The population of many desert-dwelling communities are declining due to rising temperatures, food shortages, and increased desertification.
Global Sea Ice Loss
Sea ice is vital to a healthy ocean ecosystem, but climate change is causing the Arctic to experience an accelerated loss of sea ice. This has a wide range of effects on sea creatures, as melting ice alters migratory routes, and polar bears struggle to find food. The loss of ice also affects global sea levels, as melting ice increases the number of water molecules in the ocean, significantly raising sea levels.
Ozone Depletion and Rising Global Temperatures
Ozone molecules act as a shield to protect us from harmful ultraviolet rays. As global temperatures rise, the release of long-term ozone-depleting substances (ODS) is increasing, leading to a decrease in the number of ozone molecules present in our atmosphere. This puts us at risk for sunburns and skin cancer, and can have a wide range of other effects on the environment and human health.
Conclusion
Rising global temperatures have far-reaching effects on the environment and human civilization. The loss of sea ice, increase in wildfires, depletion of ozone, and destruction of habitats all play a part in the consequences of climate change. As a global society, we need to take action now in order to halt and mitigate the effects of these changes.