Natural disasters cause climate controversy

Post date: Jan 29, 2018 4:17:41 PM

Published 1/26/18

By Ibrahim Munir, '19

Wild fires and hurricanes are two examples of the effects that climate change has had on the environment. There are many ways that students can help cut down on these effects, including participating in club activities like those of the Bio-Eco Club, or making lifestyle changes like using more eco-friendly materials at home.

Throughout the past few months, multiple natural disasters have been occurring back-to-back around the world; from hurricanes in Florida and Puerto Rico to flooding and wildfires in California, it almost seems that Mother Nature has developed a personal grudge against the Earth.

Many believe that these disasters are connected to Climate Change, and the discussion about Global Warming and the planet’s needs are becoming a growing priority for Americans and the world.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will probably boost temperatures over most land surfaces, though the exact change varies per region. Possible outcomes of this rise in temperature include an increased risk of droughts and increased intensity of storms, including tropical cyclones. Many claim that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma became much stronger because of a warmer, harsher climate, calling them “climate change disasters,” not natural disasters.

In the U.S. government’s recent Climate Science Special Report, assembled through the work of hundreds of scientists around the world, claimed that hurricanes will only get stronger in the future.

An average increase in global temperature will also to lead to higher extremes in both hot and cold temperatures. It will become more likely to see record hot temperatures, as well as cold.

These record temperatures could lead to more intense and damaging natural weather disasters.

In addition, 97 percent of actively publishing climate scientists believe that Global Warming will also cause rising sea levels, making coastal flooding more common and dangerous during storms.

Countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria have been devastated by floods, killing hundreds.

In the wake of all these disasters, it is important to stay mindful of the ways we use energy and how to help stop climate change. Simple things such as switching to LED light bulbs, contacting your local politicians and supporting environmentally-aware candidates, flying less and using more energy-friendly ways of transportation are all ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint.

Another way of helping out the environment is possible right within WHHS. Many clubs such as Sustainability Club, Bio-Eco Club and Green Club all work within and outside the school to create a more environmentally-friendly world. They have many volunteer and service opportunities to offer students as well. Read more about them in the adjacent column.