Causes of Climate Change

Teens and young adults typically take a modern perspective on what  happens in the world. “Being young is a great advantage, since we see the world from a new perspective and we are not afraid to make radical changes,”as stated by Greta Thunburg, a 21 year old activist.  Thunberg is wise beyond her years; she understands the importance of change, and one of the greatest changes is the climate. Animals are endangered and air is unsafe to breathe in. For years climate change has been doubted; however environmentalists are investigating the causes, outcomes, and how to combat this. Innovative strides are made every day to change how the climate is affected from wind turbine plants to water energy to COP28.

The temperature of Earth depends on the entry and exit of energy. As sunlight hits Earth's outer layer, it is either absorbed or reflected. When absorbed, it warms the earth, then  releases energy. Another cause is the many different greenhouse gasses which include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and f-gasses. Greenhouse gasses absorb energy which prevent the loss of heat from an area. They make the earth warmer because of the heat being trapped in the area.  These gasses come from human and natural activities. An article written by the EPA states, "Fossil fuels for heat and energy, clearing forests, fertilizing crops, storing waste in landfills, raising livestock, and producing some kinds of industrial products." Greenhouse gasses absorb energy which prevents the loss of heat from an area. Causing the earth to warm because of the trapped heat. As gasses build in the atmosphere, the climate on Earth has slowly begun to change due to different human activities. This can be dangerous for not only humans but ecosystems as well.

Outcomes

Habitats are beginning to shrink, shift, and melt.  "Around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction,” according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). There are at least 10,967 species affected and about 18% of all species are facing the risk of extinction. Insects and pollinators are facing higher risks, with 30 % (International). Several animals are threatened with the rising sea levels, droughts, and increasing temperatures. All are the signs of climate change. Sharks, bees, corals, elephants, and turtles are afflicted along with others. If changes are not adapted, Earth’s average temperature will increase and precipitation will be influenced. There will be a reduction of ice and snow cover, a raise in sea level and the acidity of the ocean. Additionally, extreme events such as hurricanes or tornadoes would increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. Human health will be at risk as food supply, water resources, and infrastructure are affected (Future of Climate Change). The different effects of climate change on people could include stress, chronic disease, mental health, injury, loss of functions, and death. These depend on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Exposure will depend on a persons time and outdoor frequncy. Sensitivities such as asthma make it difficult to breathe with the different pollutants in the air. Adaptability, how an individual is able to respond to the changes, can depend on location, income, access to healthcare, and age (Climate Change and Human Health).

How to Combat 

Change is necessary. There needs to be changes made otherwise the future will be at risk. Innovations such as wind turbines, and water energy are steps towards change. Wind turbines benefit the climate as they do not pollute air and water, and  reduce energy generated from fossil fuels (Wind). Water energy is also reducing the need for fossil fuels. Through this, if emissions stopped increasing, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations would continue to increase and remain elevated for hundreds of years.” Moreover, if we stabilized concentrations and the composition of today's atmosphere remained steady, surface air temperatures would continue to warm” (Future). To undo the effects of climate change is a difficult task but there has been progress. The COP28 conference in Dubai is a cotillion of different countries trying to make a difference. The changes proposed include reducing methane emissions, creating more sustainable foods, along with protecting the forests. One of the main goals is to create a national climate plan. The meeting was the first step at transitioning away from fossil fuels (Warskow). These steps toward change will work to revive the environment that has been taken advantage of.

Without a change to the environment, there will be negative consequences to the earth, all societies, and people. The earth has been affected. There needs to be a change and those of this generation will be able to slow the process of change. This change is imperative to the survival of the human race along with many species that we take action. While there have been doubts, extensive research has been conducted on climate change, including its causes, outcomes, and strategies for mitigation. This generation has the opportunity and responsibility to slow down environmental degradation and mitigate the effects of climate change. Failure to respond could lead to catastrophic consequences for ecosystems and human societies alike.