The Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change affects us in negative ways. I2024 was the hottest year on record on the planet. Since the 1980s, the temperature has been increasing, and higher temperatures increase heat-related illnesses and make working outdoors more difficult. Climate change leads to longer and more intense heat waves and droughts, making vegetation drier and more flammable, which can lead to wildfires. Wildfires destroy vegetation and habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity and creating an environment where invasive species can live and thrive. 

Since smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, it can impact air quality. Which negatively affects people and the environment. The global sea level has already risen around 8 inches since record-keeping began. By 2100, scientists predict that it will rise at least another foot, but it could even rise 6.6 feet more. The sea level has been rising because of added water from melting land ice, and the expansion of sea water as it gets warmer. Lastly, the Arctic is in danger of having little to no ice. Sea ice and colder temperatures in the Arctic Ocean and colder areas are expected to continue to decrease, and the Arctic Ocean will very likely become ice-free in late summer if current projections hold. This change is expected to occur before mid-century. If these changes happen, the animals will not be able to survive. Some animals live in cold places because they have special physical and behavioral adaptations. If the warm temperatures continue to increase in the colder areas, then the animals won’t be able to survive since they adapted to those weather conditions and cannot survive without a food source. This is how climate change affects us in negative ways. (UN, NASA, Google)