This year, the environment has experienced rapid changes that are unprecedented in their severity and scope. From droughts to devastating hurricanes and floods – along with melting glaciers and rising sea levels – our world is experiencing an unprecedented level of devastation brought on by climate change.
In recent years, we have witnessed record-breaking temperatures across continents, from scorching heat waves in India to polar ice caps melting away at alarming speeds. From coral reefs dying off to animals becoming extinct – each instance is all too real a reminder of what global warming can do!
Despite its prevalence in the media and scientific literature, many remain unconvinced about the reality of climate change. Some may even be under the impression that it’s merely a liberal hoax intended to vilify oil companies; after all – if someone wants to create such an elaborate deception then perhaps they should start with a less obvious way of doing so!
Fortified with a sense of clarity, let’s take a look at how climate change is affecting our planet right now.
The repercussions of climate change are all too clear: the planet is slowly being stripped bare as rising temperatures cause irrevocable harm. This has resulted in sensitive ecosystems becoming ravaged by invasive species, while others – like forests – have been reduced to barren wastelands.
Scientists have determined that without urgent action taken now, temperatures may reach an unprecedented 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within this century – resulting in devastating effects on our planet’s ecosystem; such as further erosion of arable land or even desertification!
With global warming and its climatic consequences becoming increasingly alarming, it is critical for individuals across the world to take action. Educating oneself about climate change can be a daunting task, but through engaging with media sources such as articles or documentaries deciphering scientific data can shed light on current events. Ultimately, it’s essential for everyone to become more knowledgeable about what we can do to tackle these issues head-on!
1. Oceans Becoming More and More Acidic
The pH of the oceans has significantly lowered over time; this may prove to be a major hindrance in terms of oceanic preservation.
As humans continue polluting the atmosphere, our planet begins to emit gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide – leading to greater acidity within its waters.
In fact, at present rates of CO2 emissions from human activity and land use changes, we could see an average pH decrease of 0.06 units by 2100!
2. Increasing Forest Fires
In addition to causing extensive wildfires, rising temperatures are also intensifying drought conditions. As such, forest fires frequently break out across the globe – a phenomenon that has not only devastated forests but also caused widespread destruction’
In 2017 alone, over 10 million acres of land were scorched by wildfires in California and other states in the western U.S., leaving behind both human lives and priceless property. As an example of just how devastating these occurrences can be!
Unsurprisingly, surrounding regions are struggling to regain their equilibrium after years of drought. With no rainfall on record in its central region as recently as July 2018, it seems likely that more wildfires may be loitering within the vicinity.
3. Growing Occurrence of Extreme Storms
As Mother Nature continues to warm, the frequency of severe weather events is increasing with it. The devastation wrought by hurricanes such as Harvey and Irma demonstrates just how dangerous these phenomena can be.
In 2018 alone, there have already been three major hurricanes impacting both the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico – Katia, Ophelia and Helene; all occurring within a single calendar year. This astonishing incidence is not only unprecedented in recent memory; it represents an 80% increase over the levels seen in recent years – a trend that could be seen continuing into the near future if left unchecked!
