Ocean Heat Wave Prediction
Heat waves in the ocean can adversely impact humans and wildlife by disrupting the food web. However, in her article “Today’s seasonal climate models can predict ocean heat waves months in advance”, Lindsey explains something that people can do to protect people and ocean life. The North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) experts developed the model that people can use to predict ocean heat wave. They used previous forecasts ad compared them with sea temperatures they observed. The models that can facilitate immediate ocean heat wave prediction are six distributed in different institutions such as NOAA. The forecasts generated by these models have up to one year’s lead time. Therefore, resource managers can have a considerable opportunity to develop flexible response frameworks that match their unique situations. While developing a responsive framework, the factors to consider are forecasted heat waves intensity, the lead time needed to act, and risk tolerance. Engaging the population whose livelihoods depend on resources from the ocean to generate possible solutions can be an effective approach to protecting humans and wildlife.
Global Warming
There are various frequent questions that people ask about global warming. One of the most interesting questions is whether humans contribute to global warming. The answer to this question is yes because human activities increase the rate at which greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere. The human activities that lead to global warming include using fossil fuels in goods manufacturing and power generation, cutting down trees, powering buildings, and transportation (Herring and Lindsey). These human activities cause the emission of heat-trapping gases that include carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrous oxide, methane, and other different chlorofluorocarbons. According to Herring and Lindsey, fossil fuel burning and deforestation lead to accumulation of about 9.5 billion and 1.5 billion metric tons of carbon every year. Vegetation and the ocean absorb approximately 5.7 billion metric tons of the total emissions, and the rest remain in the atmosphere. The question is interesting because it can help think of approaches to minimize the emission of heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.
Climate Change and Mental Health
Climate change is associated with various health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases worldwide. However, studies about climate change and mental health have been given little attention. The article by Hayes et al. evaluates mental health risks, impacts, and priority actions associated with climate change. Hayes et al. indicate that extreme weather events such as high temperatures and floods caused by climate change can significantly trigger various mental health conditions. Possible mental health disorders linked with climate change include major depressive disorder, vicarious trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, complicated grief, depression, anxiety, and survivor guilt. Hayes et al. note that extreme weather conditions trigger behavioral disorders such as schizophrenia. Additionally, 20-47.7% of victims of hurricanes suffer from different forms of mental health issues (Hayes et al. 6). They also indicate that the marginalized populations are disproportionately impacted by climate change. They further recommend transformative priority actions that are focused on addressing health inequities, demonstrating active hope to the vulnerable populations, and mobilizing and supporting the latter to develop adaptive psychological measures.
Impacts of Climate Change on Health
Human activities that involve fossil fuel and land use are the contributors to climate change. The article “What Impacts does Climate Change have on our Health?” by Thomas evaluates how climate change influences well-being. Some of the factors with potential adverse impacts on health that are highlighted in this article include heat waves, air pollution, weather events, vector and water-borne diseases, and rising sea level. Thomas indicates that heat waves worsen cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. High temperatures increase mental and emotional instability. Air pollution causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung damage, heart disease, and triggers allergies. Weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts jeopardize people’s well-being. Climate change is associated with a high rate of dengue, Zika virus, malaria, filariasis, and water-borne pathogens in different parts of the world. The increase in ground-level ozone due to climate change leads to warm and stagnant air, causing respiratory problems such as lung damage and airway inflammation. These negative health impacts disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged nations because they have underdeveloped healthcare systems.
Findings and Personal Belief
Climate change and global warming are significant issues with negative impacts on all aspects of human life. Climate change disrupts the food web, hurting both humans and wildlife. Additionally, climate change is one of the main factors contributing to the rise of various health problems globally. For instance, high temperatures and other extreme weather events cause mental health problems such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. Equally, heat waves and air pollution increase the risks of and worsening respiratory and heart diseases. Human activities are the main causes of climate change and global warming. I believe that the rate of climate change and global warming and their adverse impacts can be alleviated if all people work together to minimize greenhouse gas emissions by using alternative energy sources such as solar.
Works Cited
Hayes, Katie et al. “Climate Change and Mental Health: Risks, Impacts and Priority Actions”. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, vol. 12, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1-12. Web.
Herring, David, and Rebecca Lindsey. “Global Warming Frequently Asked Questions”. Climate.Gov. Web.
Lindsey, Rebecca. “Today’s Seasonal Climate Models Can Predict Ocean Heat Waves Months In Advance”. Climate.Gov, 2022. Web.
Thomas, Dr. Liji. “What Impact Does Climate Change Have On Our Health?” News-Medical.Net, 2022. Web.