Addressing environmental changes is enormously important for the future of earth and life on earth. We have witnessed a rapid change in the environment in last few decades and if it continues for more 70 years, human survival will be affected greatly. Life cycle on earth will be destroyed which will result in a shortage of basic materials required for the life on earth. Globalisation, Urbanisation and Industrialisation are the main culprits of the environmental changes. The world is riding on a Rollercoaster and doesn't have enough time to look at and think about.
Climate change is a steady process. But humanity influences climate and causes anthropogenic effects. From the mid of 20th century, we are aware of the drastic changes taking place in our environment. We are concerned about these changes and discuss the matter every year in Paris climate change conference, but doing nothing. No country is willing to accept the Paris climate Treaty, as it affects their overall development. But the question to be asked to himself, can we sacrifice the environment for the development? The answer should be no. Because the developments are for the betterment of human life. The importance of development is as long as there is no threat to the development of human civilization.
Causes
The two main causes of such Rapid environmental change is greenhouse effect and deforestation. Geological evidence suggests that we have entered into a period of unnatural warming. The industrial development has resulted in the emission of large amounts of greenhouse gases like CO2(carbon dioxide), N2O(nitrous oxide) CH4(Methane) and CFCs(chlorofluorocarbons). The greenhouse effect is the cycle by which these gases become trapped in the atmosphere and heat the planet. The radiation received from the sun is trapped by greenhouse gases in some amount every day, slowly increasing the overall Earth's temperature. Vaporization of drinking water and Agriculture are intimately related to climate change.
Deforestation is also among the biggest factors that contributes to the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. With the increasing population of the world, we are in search of new habitats which come at the cost of cutting down trees and destroying forests. It creates an ecological imbalance which results in increased temperature and loss of rain in the area.
Effects by 2088
We will witness a drastic change in the environment by 2088, if the problem is not addressed properly and sincerely. We will have to face severe consequences in the near future. The changes that will occur and consequences that we will have to face maybe predicted.
- Ice melting : One of the most evident consequences is ice melting. The portions of the Earth's surface, where water is in solid form including ice caps and glaciers will melt. According to predictions, Arctic ice could completely melt during the hottest Period of the year by the end of the century. Fragile ecosystems like oceans, mountains and wetlands could be damaged permanently. Sea level May rise to 90 cm by 2088 and large land area will be merged underwater.
- Ocean acidification: Increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will also lead to Ocean acidification causing irreparable damage to the underwater ecosystem.
- Desertification and heat waves: Desertification will increase due to rise in sea level, increased temperature, less rain and deforestation, causing severe damage to agriculture. Heat waves will make life more complex.
- Natural disasters: Events like El Nino will cause significant changes in climate including Hurricanes, Storms and flooding. These will be more frequent and intense by 2088 causing casualties and economic loss. This could lead to outburst of various diseases.
- Biodiversity loss: Earth is also facing mass extinction resulting in a significant drop in Earth's biodiversity by 2088. Half of living species could become extinct. Biodiversity loss will have far-reaching implications for human well-being.
- Threats to human health: As the sea level and the average Earth's temperature rises, will lead to new diseases. Some diseases may get out of control due to supportive environmental and climatic conditions.
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