Our world is changing rapidly. Every year we are witnessing ever more changes close to home including devastating natural disasters and the loss of habitats.
Since the 1800s, scientists have identified humans as the main cause of the alarming rate at which global warming is increasing. Decades of burning fossil fuels have released large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has had a negative impact on the global climate..
Increase of severe weather
Countries around the world are continually surpassing their records for both heat and rainfall year on year, with extreme weather conditions becoming increasingly common.
A study of 355 extreme weather events carried out by Carbon Brief, found that 69% had become more severe because of climate change.
At the beginning of 2020, Australia was overcome by bush fires that tore across the county claiming the lives of 27 people, 2,000 homes and countless animals.
In the UK, Storm Ciara, Storm Denis, and Storm Jorge put an immense strain on the environmental authorities and emergency services across England. The widespread flooding and 90mph winds caused major flooding and left thousands of people without homes.
Then last year, Typhoon Hagibis (the equivalent of a category five hurricane) overwhelmed Tokyo – and became the most devastating storm to hit Japan in decades.
All three events have caused significant destruction to the lives of those affected, and sadly we will begin to witness more of these drastic weather disasters in years to come.
Destruction of habitats
As the weather becomes more unpredictable, our warming climate is having a significant impact on wildlife and eco-systems. To survive, wildlife depends on healthy habitats and the correct temperature to thrive. With climate change altering key habitat elements it has begun creating rippling effects.
Ocean biodiversity now is under huge threat from acidification caused by the rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Once absorbed by the seawater, it causes chemical reactions to occur that saturates important calcium carbonate minerals, meaning that coral reefs are struggling to survive.
For many other species, the threat of extinction is becoming more of a reality. In 2019, the Bramble Cay Melomys were the first mammal to be declared extinct as a result of climate change.
As reported by National Geographic, “The destructive effects of extreme water levels resulting from severe meteorological events are compounded by the impacts from anthropogenic climate change-driven sea-level rise.”
The 2019 Global Assessment also found that the current rate of global species extinction is tens to hundreds of times higher when compared to over the last 10 million years, and the rate is accelerating.
Our reality
But what if climate change was closer to home? Due to erratic weather patterns, flooding, and droughts we will eventually begin to encounter food shortages and safe supply of drinking water becoming scarce.
With unpredictable weather, disjointed seasons and frequent drought, entire food systems are at risk of disappearing from our shelves. Products like coffee, wine, and avocados are among the foodstuff subject to change from the warming planet.
Within 30 years we could see UK coastal towns entirely submerged by rising sea levels, and major cities like London be affected by waterways like the River Thames.
Time to make a change…
So now you know what climate change means for us and the world around us, how do you want to make a meaningful change?
Individual changes within our lifestyle are not enough, it is time to take bigger action in slowing doing climate change. Climate Wise can help you offset your carbon footprint into life-changing projects that can make that difference.
Collectively we can become part of the solution. Find out how you can join our mission: https://climate-wise.com/offset-now/