What is Climate Change?
The state of the atmosphere including its humidity, temperature, rainfall and wind is called weather. Climate change refers to changes in weather and other related changes in oceans and lands.
The main culprit behind climate change is global warming, which results in several negative consequences on biological, physical and human systems.
Facts about Climate Change
Global climate fluctuates naturally over time. However, the changes may require years or even decades to take place. Such natural variations generally originate through 2 ways: From external influences, such as variations in the energy received from the sun and through internal fluctuations that exchange water, energy, and carbon between the land, ice and atmosphere.
Human activities have a major role in climate change. The emission of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere modify the concentrations of aerosols and affects the reflectivity of the Earth’s surface.
Myths about Climate Change
- Solar and wind farms are expensive. They are not as efficient as coal, nuclear or oil.
- Our environment will adapt to climate change.
- Carbon dioxide is a green gas which plants and trees need to grow.
- The term ‘Global Warming’ was invented to make money.
Naturally, all such claims are nothing but misconceptions that have no scientific proof. In fact, a few myths are so absurd that scientists choose to ignore them and do not offer any clarification.
Impact of Climate Change on Natural Disasters
Climate change has also resulted in extreme weather events. Every year, the annual temperature records are being broken and there seems to be no end. One thing is for sure. The present scenario is getting serious for politicians and scientists as today’s top industries have massive challenges to overcome.
Measures are taken to stop the negative environmental impacts and eco-friendly businesses are striving hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to nurture a safe and healthy environment.
Climate Change and Hurricanes
Hurricanes are large rotating storms that have deadly outcomes. Last year, almost 3,000 people died in Puerto Rico due to a Category 5 Hurricane Maria. Maria damaged almost 95% of Dominica’s building structures.
Category 5 hurricanes are rare, but brutal hurricanes. We’ve already witnessed three in the past decade. While scientists are working to make more discoveries, there is ample data to believe that this sudden increase in storms and hurricanes could be attributed to climate change.
Oceans all across the globe continue to warm at a faster rate every year. This means that we are at the risk of experiencing more storms and hurricanes in the future.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable waste management is also a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for our future generations. Choosing renewable energy sources also cuts down carbon emissions.
Global industries and production companies must adapt eco-friendly operations so as not to damage the environment any more. In case our climate keeps warming, we are sure to experience intense and more destructive hurricanes.
