These Five Irreversible Effects Are Proof That Climate Change is Real

Climate change is a perpetual issue that continues to haunt our planet. Based on data from the World Meteorological Organization, greenhouse gas concentration continued to intensify between 2015 and 2019, reflecting the worsening environmental challenges we face today. In this article, we’ll discuss the long-term effects of climate change and how it’s affecting our homes.

Decrease in Sea Ice

The frozen seawater that forms in the Arctic and Antarctic oceans during the winter is called sea ice. Due to climate change, the sea ice does not completely melt even during the summer season, thereby impacting the polar ecosystem, regional climate, and ocean circulation.

The layer of sea ice prevents the wind and waves to reach the coastlines in order to alleviate coastal erosion and keep ice shelves intact.

The sea ice cover has reached its summer minimum extent last September 15, 2020, with the Arctic ocean having a sea ice concentration of only 15%. If the ice continues to dissolve, many animals such as arctic foxes, penguins, polar bears, and seals will lose their habitat. 

Increase in Permafrost Thawing

Permafrost is a permanently frozen ground that has a consistent temperature of 32°F (0°C) or colder for at least two years straight. It is commonly found in the regions near the North and South Poles.

Several scientific studies found that the Arctic continues to warm faster in the past years, leading to thawing permafrost and a high volume of climate-warming emissions.

Based on a 2017 study, when global temperatures reach up to 1.5˚C above 1861 levels, the thawing permafrost can release 68 to 508 gigatons of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere (excluding carbon-inducing human activities).

Moreover, high concentrations of carbon dioxide can be harmful to people and animals and become the source of diseases and viruses like Anthrax spores, Spanish flu, smallpox, and the plague.

Increase in Heat Waves 

Extreme heat is one of the long-term effects of climate change. This occurs when the warm temperature reaches or exceeds 90°F that may last for several days or even weeks.

Here are the potential future effects of an extreme heatwave if the intense humidity continues:

• The majority of coral reefs in the world will be destroyed
• Forests and vegetation will dry out
• Rapid spread of extreme wildfires
• Limited human work productivity

Heavy Precipitation

The long-term effects of climate change include extreme precipitation, a phenomenon experienced in the Midwest and Northeast parts of the U.S. According to scientific experts, this event would persist as the Earth continues to have warmer air.

To further explain, the air’s capacity for water should reach up to 7% only and anything more than that can produce more moisture, which then triggers heavy precipitation. The unfortunate events brought by extreme rainfall are flooding in urban areas, contaminated drinking water, and damaged aquatic ecosystems.

An effective way to limit heavy rains is to stop or limit greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities.

Decreased Water Resources in Semi-arid Regions

The risk of water scarcity in semi-arid areas is also an implication of climate change. Aside from the decrease in water resources, the disrupted weather patterns may drastically affect the quality of our water. Contaminated freshwater sources may also contain deadly pathogens.

Water is a basic commodity for everyone. If we won’t act now, there is a risk of extremely high water stress by 2040. Remember to use water efficiently and if possible, try to transition to solar-powered water systems to reduce greenhouse gases in the future.