Effects of Global Warming & Climate Change: Overview

Effects of Global Warming & Climate Change: Overview

Recently, the effects of global warming and climate change have become even more apparent. New storms and environmental anomalies occur all over the globe every day. Climate change can be largely attributed to our socio-economic dependence on oil, and the burning of more fossil fuels drives the immediate effects of global warming and the greenhouse effect. One recent and significant impact was the snowstorm in Texas. 

Climate change affects Texas significantly, as rainstorms become more frequent and intense. The sea is rising almost two inches per decade. With the addition of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the oceans are becoming more acidic. This is because carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid. 

Additionally, the Arctic has been pummeled by the effects of global warming. In fact, the Arctic plays a crucial role as regulator of global temperatures. As the Arctic gets warmer, more ice melts, leading to warmer temperatures around the world, which causes more ice to melt—and the deadly cycle continues. Due to melting ice, the sea levels are rising rapidly, and the global average sea level has increased four to eight inches over the past century. By 2100, scientists predict, the oceans will rise as much as twenty-three feet. Immediate effects involve the flooding of major coastal cities and the submergence of small island countries.

One way we can combat the damages of climate change is to stop major companies from drilling for oil. As individual citizens, we can help combat climate change by using renewable energy, reducing water waste, and investing in energy-efficient appliances.

 

*Image from https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2499/polar-bears-across-the-arctic-face-shorter-sea-ice-season/