Why Climate Change Matters

The evidence is clear that the burning of fossil fuels traps heat in the atmosphere and causes climate change. Climate change due to increasing temperatures, humidity, rising sea levels, droughts, extreme weather events, and wildfires has had a devastating effect on our planet. Climate change also has had a significant impact on ecosystems, economies, and communities around the globe. The most serious impacts of climate change are freshwater resources, food supplies, and devastation to communities. Research shows that the consequences of climate change are shortages of food, access to freshwater, and global conflicts for resources. 

One of the most immediate effects of climate change is the increase in temperatures. Glaciers provide a major source of freshwater, shrinking glaciers due to increased temperatures reduce the availability to access freshwater. Increased runoff due to heavy flooding drives pollutants into rivers and streams affecting water supplies. Many important economic activities such as agriculture, growing crops for food, to raising livestock require water. The availability of water for these food supplies will be reduced as temperatures rise and competition for water resources increases. The impacts of climate change influence ecosystem functioning and biodiversity of plants and animals creating challenges to many species.  Warmer temperatures increase soil evaporation leading to droughts killing vegetation and wildlife in many areas. Rising sea destroy coastal communities and push saltwater inland.  Climate change and extreme weather events have caused damage to many communities and loss of human life.

As climate change increases the competition and conflict for resources will also increase leading to global conflicts for resources particularly in poorer regions of the world. Overall, greenhouse gas emissions must be decreased to prevent any further damage from climate change. We need to find an alternative way to make our planet sustainable for us and future generations before it is too late.