Climate Change

Climate Change 

What is climate change?

According to NASA (2021), "climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates." 

Anthropogenic Causes of Climate Change 

The leading reason for the Earth's rapidly changing climate is the greenhouse gas emissions humans produce. Although greenhouse gases are essential in maintaining the planet warm enough to inhabit it, the amount in our environment has skyrocketed in recent years. In the last 800,000 years, the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides have increased to unprecedented levels. Carbon dioxide, which is "the planet's chief climate change contributor," has increased by 40% since preindustrial times (Denchak, 2017). 

The second major cause is deforestation. Up to 20% of global carbon emissions are contributed by "logging, clear-cutting, fires, and other forms of forest degradation" (Denchak, 2017). 

Other causes are: 

• Fertilizer use, which is the main source of nitrous oxide emissions. 
• Livestock production, such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats; which are major methane emitters.
• Industrial processes, equipment, and products, which release fluorinated gases. 

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide 

This graph shows that globally, the average atmospheric carbon dioxide in 2019 was 409.8 parts per million (ppm), which illustrates that the carbon dioxide levels are higher than ever in the past 800,000 years. The concentration of carbon dioxide is rising mainly due to fossil fuel burning that people burn for energy.

According to Rebacca Lindsey (2020), "the annual rate of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 60 years is about 100 times faster than previous natural increases." Between 2017-2019, the global atmospheric carbon dioxide increased by 2.5 plus or minus 0.1 ppm each year. In addition, between 2009-2018, the growth rate of global atmospheric carbon dioxide was 2.3 ppm each year; however, in the 1960s, the rate was roughly 0.6 plus or minus 0.1 ppm each year. Thus the rate of global atmospheric carbon dioxide is increasing. 

The Effects of Global Climate Change 

Climate change effects on the environment are already observable, such as: 

• The shrinking glaciers 
• The ice on rivers and lakes are breaking up earlier
• Trees are flowering sooner 
• loss of sea ice
• accelerated sea-level rise
• Heatwaves are more prolonged and more intense

The temperature has risen and will continue to rise. NASA (2021) states that the average surface temperature on Earth has risen about 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. The increased carbon dioxide emissions have primarily caused this. Our Earth's temperatures will continue to rise due to greenhouse gases created by human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that the temperature will rise about 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. 

Since the Industrial Revolution's commencement, ocean acidification has increased by approximately 30% (NASA, 2021). This is due to humans emitting more significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and then being absorbed into the ocean. 

The Future Effects of Climate Change 

According to NASA (2021), the Third and Fourth National Climate Assessment Reports, say some of the long-term effects of global climate change in the U.S. are:

• The temperature will continue to rise 
• The lengthening of frost-free and growing seasons
• Changes in precipitation patterns 
• More droughts and heatwaves 
• Hurricanes will become stronger and most intense 
• Sea level will rise 1 to 8 feet by 2100
• The Arctic Ocean is likely to become ice-free 

Why is this issue relevant to me?

This social issue directly affects me because it impacts my health and future, and it matters because climate change affects me, my family, and everyone. For example, since I live in the San Fernando Valley, I constantly see fires. This affects everyone's health, including mine, because when fires occur, the air quality is terrible, and we are breathing it in. In addition, as the temperature rises, many people, including me, will be using the air conditioner more often, which can cause blackouts. I am also allergic to pollen; thus, when warmer temperatures cause the pollen season to be more extended, this will affect my health. Climate change will also affect my future generation. I choose this social issue because I believe it is crucial for people to take care of our planet, health, and future. I believe it is essential for people to know how we affect our planet and what we can do about climate change. 

What can we do? 

• Switch to green power 
• Save energy 
• Optimize your diet
• Reduce the amount of meat and dairy products you consume and eat more plant-based foods
• Cut Down on Plastic 
• Protect the forests 
• Plant more trees
• Walk or bike instead of driving
• Make our voice heard 

References 

Denchak, M. (2017, February 23). Global climate Change: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-climate-change-what-you-need-know

Lindsey, R. (2020, August 14). Climate change: Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide. Retrieved from https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide#:~:text=The%20global%20average%20atmospheric%20carbon,least%20the%20past%20800%2C000%20years.

NASA. (2021, April 5). Climate change evidence: How do we know? Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

NASA. (2021, April 5). Overview: Weather, global warming, and climate change. Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/resources/global-warming-vs-climate-change/