Introduction
Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution, global temperatures have risen by approximately 1°C, making the planet’s future sustainability uncertain. The most significant contributor to the increase in temperature has been the increased use of fossil oil, resulting in high CO2, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions (“GlobalChange,” 2018). The increase in temperature has sparked a debate on the role humans play in climate change and the most effective measures to mitigate it.
The Paris Agreement is one of the most widely adopted measures to address climate change, although studies show that most countries have yet to meet the 1.5-2°C targets (Chan et al., 2019; UCL, 2019). This paper will examine the realities and risks that humanity faces regarding climate change, as well as the impact of people on the oceans, species, polar ice caps, and specific ecosystems. By educating the public on the various effects of climate change and methods to address it, humanity can move towards a more sustainable future.
Background of the Study
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our generation, affecting everyone regardless of their socioeconomic background. The potential impacts of climate change are diverse and catastrophic, ranging from rising sea levels to frequent disasters to severe food shortages. There is extensive literature on climate change, yet many people remain unaware of its significance.
The purpose of this study is to explore the realities and risks associated with climate change and determine the extent to which humans are responsible. First, the study will examine the myths and misconceptions surrounding climate change and its impact on our planet. The study will also examine the melting of Arctic ice and its impact on coastal regions. Additionally, the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and specific species, such as coral reefs, polar bears, whales, and penguins, will be assessed. Ultimately, the study shall analyze whether humans are responsible for these climatic changes.
Misconceptions Surrounding Climate Change
Climate Change Is a Government Fabrication
One of the most persistent myths surrounding climate change is the claim that it is not real but a fabrication by governments to achieve their self-serving goals. This belief is incorrect, as a broad consensus among scientists indicates that human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are significant contributors to increased Earth temperatures (Maibach et al., 1970). Indeed, the evidence supporting the abovementioned claim is robust and conclusive.
Various climate data sources indicate that global temperatures have been increasing, that the ice caps are melting, that sea levels are rising, and that the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing (Griggs & Reguero, 2021; NASA, 2023). While it is acknowledged that natural phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions and solar radiation, have contributed to global warming, they are not the primary causes. An extensive analysis of coral reefs, ocean ice, soil pollution, and air composition reveals evidence that humans are the primary contributors to the increased CO2 released into the atmosphere (NASA, 2023; Nilsen, 2023). An increase in CO2 levels causes global warming, leading to the adverse climatic conditions the Earth has been experiencing recently.
Climate Change Is a Hoax Created to Serve Political or Economic Agendas
Some critics who argue against climate change say it is just a hoax initiated by governmental institutions to achieve specific goals. However, no scientific evidence exists to prove that climate change is a hoax created by governments. At the same time, there is strong consensus among researchers that human activities have been the primary drivers of climate change over the past century (Cavicchioli et al., 2019; Yin et al., 2020). These independent studies have been supported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has found sufficient evidence that human activities have been the most dominant contributor to climate change since the mid-20th century (IPCC, 2022). The idea that climate change is a hoax is likely to have been started by organizations that have their own interests and wish to maintain the status quo, such as fossil oil companies.
Climate Change Is Merely Part of Earth’s Natural Climatic Cycles
Another common misconception that negatively affects the campaign against climate change is the belief that it is just part of Earth’s natural cycle and has been occurring for millions of years. While climate change is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple factors, including natural processes, the current global warming trend is unprecedented in both speed and severity. Additionally, the degree of global temperature increase has been directly proportional to the volume of CO2 released into the atmosphere, indicating that human activities are significantly influential. Furthermore, researchers have observed that the current rate of global temperature increase is ten times the average for the last 65 million years (Santamouris, 2019; Scotese et al., 2021). This is sufficient proof that climate change is not just a usual trend but a factor catalyzed by human activities, notably the burning of fuels and deforestation.
Global Warming Is Not a Serious or Immediate Threat
A group of people also argues that global warming is not a significant concern and that its effects will not be noticeable in the foreseeable future. The myth and misconception that global warming is not a big deal to make anyone scared have been circulating for years, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence and research that shows otherwise. People and organizations who perpetuate this myth are often short-term-oriented and wishful thinkers. Indeed, this group overlooks the apparent fact that global warming is currently affecting the world’s ecosystems, economies, and human health.
Moreover, visible impacts demonstrate the catastrophic effects of climate change, particularly global warming. Recent disasters, including more frequent and severe droughts, rising sea levels, increased storm activity, hurricanes, and forest fires, underscore the seriousness of global Warming (Bonneuil et al., 2021). The changes in climate have made it hard for many people to maintain their everyday lives, and many are displaced from their homes. Perpetuating the myth that global warming is not a significant issue may lead people to fail to take appropriate action to prevent irreversible damage to the planet.
Human Activities Do Not Contribute Significantly to Climate Change
Many argue that climate change is not caused by humans, citing other factors such as volcanic activity, Earth’s revolutions, and solar activity. However, the belief that human activities cannot change the Earth’s climate has been disproven by various scientific studies and is now considered a myth. Evidence from various studies shows that humans already have a significant impact on Earth’s environment through the release of greenhouse gases, including nitrous oxide and methane. These gases then trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the planet’s temperature to rise.
Furthermore, reports from the IPCC, endorsed by various independent scholars, show sufficient evidence that human activities significantly contribute to global warming. The 47% increase in CO2 volumes resulting from the burning of fossil fuels has led to an average global temperature rise of 1.1 °C since the mid-20th century, the highest in the last 800,000 years (IPCC, 2022; NASA, 2023). Therefore, people need to be educated about the dangers of climate change through evidence-based practices so that they can all take appropriate measures to reduce its spread.
Climate Change Only Does Not Affect the Entire World
Some people believe in the myth that climate change will only affect certain regions and that the regions they reside in are immune to the changes. While some regions, such as polar and coastal areas, may be more affected, the effects of climate change will be felt worldwide. For instance, frequent weather patterns, rising sea levels, eroding coral reefs, and ecosystem changes will lead to biodiversity losses and, consequently, food insecurity.
Although the impact will initially be felt in specific regions, the global nature of the world economic system will result in other regions being affected through ripple effects. Furthermore, the emission of poisonous gases and liquids at a single point may result in adverse health impacts in regions farther away due to the circular flow of water and gases across the continent. Therefore, everyone needs to be educated that climate change is a global issue that affects everyone and that they could be personally affected by environmental degradation in the world’s far reaches.
Climate Change Will Only Affect Future Generations
Ultimately, some people believe that climate change is a gradual process that will only affect future generations. This myth is also incorrect, as humanity is experiencing climate change catastrophes, including an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts and hurricanes, which threaten the lives and livelihoods of humans and other species. Along with others, these myths downplay the seriousness of climate change and need to be dispelled at the local, national, and international levels.
Climate Change Risks
Loss of Biodiversity
Climate change will result in the loss of microorganisms, both known and unknown to humans, that support the planet’s biodiversity, thus putting humanity and other life forms at significant risk. Projections indicate that global temperatures are expected to rise between 1.5°C and 4.5°C, depending on the level of greenhouse gas emissions (Zhang et al., 2021). As global temperatures continue to rise, wildlife across ecosystems must adapt to these changes or risk extinction. Ice melting at the North and South Poles is particularly concerning. This melt puts species in Arctic and Antarctic regions, such as seals, penguins, and polar bears, at significant risk of extinction. Furthermore, the emission of CO2 could lead to the oceans absorbing the gas, thereby putting marine life at considerable risk.
Disruption of Coastal Life
As global warming continues and sea levels rise, people living on the coast may be displaced. Projections indicate that the number of people who may be displaced will be approximately 10% of the Earth’s population, or around 680 million people, who reside in coastal regions (Toimil et al., 2020). Rising sea levels will significantly impact this region, forcing civilizations to abandon their well-established infrastructure and relocate to higher elevations.
Furthermore, the risk to the affected regions has led to reduced infrastructure development, thereby limiting the growth of coastal cities. The coast is also more susceptible to flooding, erosion, and storms, putting populations at great risk. These unexpected surges and precipitations will have substantial negative impacts, including destroying property, disrupting transport systems, and damaging habitats.
As global warming continues to impact the world, humanity has already been seeing extreme weather events, and their risk is expected to increase. If humanity does not take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, heatwaves, tornadoes, and floods will continue to become more frequent, posing a significant threat to human life, development, and the environment. People most likely to be affected by extreme weather events are vulnerable communities and people living in developing nations.
Rising Sea Levels
Global warming will cause excessive melting of polar ice, leading to rising sea levels and loss of life and property. Moreover, rising sea levels will lead to the loss of extensive coastal land and damage to infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and ports built along the coastline. The rise in sea levels will also reduce the volume of freshwater available to people and other animal species, as it will contaminate rivers and lakes (van Vliet et al., 2021). Studies have also shown that increased ocean volume will lead to more frequent and severe storms. Therefore, humanity must take the necessary measures to prevent global warming, which results in rising sea levels.
Agriculture
Climate change will disrupt agricultural patterns by altering the distribution, timing, intensity, and amount of rainfall across different regions worldwide. Furthermore, studies have found that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and storms (Ebi et al., 2021). These changes are projected to reduce crop yields, leading to food shortages and price hikes, and may potentially cause social unrest. This climatic risk change factor is likely to be severe in developing nations that rely on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood (Varma, 2003). Therefore, this risk should be mitigated by reducing carbon emissions or by providing farmers with the necessary resources to adapt to the changes.
Health
Climatic changes pose a significant risk to human health by exacerbating the spread of infections and diseases, increasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses, and contributing to respiratory problems caused by air pollution. For instance, studies have confirmed that climate change, particularly global warming, has created a suitable environment for diseases such as Lyme disease, malaria, and dengue fever to flourish (Wilke et al., 2019). The rising global temperatures are also known to increase the rate at which heat-related diseases such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion occur. In addition to heat-related problems, air pollution from increased wildfires may increase the likelihood of asthma attacks and cardiovascular challenges.
Effects of Climate Change on Specific Ecosystems and Species
Coral Reefs
Of all marine ecosystems, coral reefs are the most affected by climate change due to their high diversity and sensitivity. The effects of climate change on coral reefs are complex and multifaceted, requiring careful study and analysis. One of the changes that significantly affects the reefs is a shift in seawater temperature.
When sea water temperatures exceed a specific threshold, coral bleaching occurs, leading to the death of coral reefs. When coral bleaches and the symbiotic algae living inside the coral reef are exposed, the reef becomes more susceptible to disease and, in most cases, dies. The death of a coral reef typically has a profoundly negative impact on all the ecosystems that rely on it.
Coral reefs are also highly affected by ocean acidification, a phenomenon caused by climate change. As the levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, they are absorbed by seawater through various mechanisms, resulting in a decrease in the Ocean’s pH levels. When polluted seawater comes into contact with coral reefs, it becomes difficult for them to maintain their calcium carbonate structures, making them more vulnerable to erosion and damage.
Ocean acidification also affects the plant species living within corals, thereby altering their interactions with coral reefs. Thus, ocean acidification makes corals more susceptible to stressors and kills plant species on which corals rely. Eventually, this could lead to the demise of the coral reef, impacting all the plants and animals that rely on it for breeding and sustenance.
Although climate change affects all ecosystems and species, some are more affected. First, the biodiversity of marine life is significantly influenced by coral bleaching, which is caused by increasing temperatures. The bleaching of coral reefs, caused by changes in temperature and seawater composition, affects the majority of marine species that rely on the reefs for food, shelter, and breeding (Pink, 2018). Various plant species, such as mangroves and seagrass beds, are also primarily affected by climate change, particularly temperature increases. The extinction of seagrass and other grasses puts other commercially valuable animal species, such as crustaceans and fish, at risk of extinction, thereby affecting the lives of those who rely on fishing as a primary economic activity.
Polar Bears
Climate change will also decrease the number of polar bears, as it will affect their habitats. Polar bears are the most popular animals in the Arctic, and most people are fascinated by their ability to survive in harsh, cold environments. The polar bear is renowned for its white fur and attracts many tourists.
However, climatic changes, particularly global warming, are driving a significant shift in Arctic climate, with profound impacts on this animal species. Studies have shown that the Arctic region is melting faster than other regions, and this warming is causing sea ice there to melt more rapidly. Sea ice is essential to the bears’ survival, as they use it for mating, reproducing, raising their offspring, and hunting. Without an extensive sea ice cover, bears may be forced to travel long distances in search of suitable habitats, making their journeys hazardous.
The decrease in sea ice levels, caused by melting, has forced polar bears to spend more time on land, limiting their food sources. The bears primarily rely on seals as their main food source, but melting sea ice has made it difficult for them to hunt efficiently (Pink, 2018). Therefore, a high number of polar bears end up malnourished or compete with other bears for food and reproductive opportunities. It could reduce their population when polar bears become malnourished and lack sufficient places to reproduce and raise their young.
In addition to polar bears lacking a suitable habitat for food and breeding, climate change is directly affecting their health. As the Arctic region has been melting, toxic permafrost has been released, potentially entering the polar bear food chain and negatively impacting their overall health. Toxins from permafrost have been hypothesized to suppress immune function in animals, limit reproductive capacity, and cause developmental abnormalities (Doloisio & Vanderlinden, 2020).
Climate change has also caused all the ice on the land where polar bears live to melt, forcing them to move north into the Arctic as they seek a more favorable habitat. This creates congestion among polar bears and other animals, such as walruses, which is dangerous for both parties. Polar bears will likely go extinct if humans do not take action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Arctic Marine Animals
Climate change will affect all marine mammals, particularly those living in polar regions. As previously stated, penguins, walruses, and whales are directly affected by the temperature changes and ice melting in the Arctic and Antarctic regions where they reside. These animal species rely on the ice for survival and reproduction, and once the ice melts, the risk of many of them dying increases.
Walruses
Currently, ice volumes in the polar regions have decreased, leading to overcrowding among walruses and, consequently, higher mortality rates. Walruses rely on sea ice in various ways, including as resting platforms, foraging grounds, and breeding areas. As sea ice has continued to diminish due to global warming, Walruses have been forced to crowd together, increasing the risk of stampedes. Additionally, climate change has led to a decline in clams and other invertebrates that walruses feed on, resulting in starvation for these animals.
Whales
All whales have been affected by climate change, but the impact has been particularly severe for whales found in Arctic regions, such as the beluga whale. Like walruses and polar bears, Arctic whales rely on the ice to get food, reproduce, and rest. Changes in Arctic ice volume and rising sea temperatures have forced these whales to migrate to new regions. Since whales feed on a greater variety of proteins compared to most Arctic species, they are likely to be more affected by prey shortages. Moreover, the melting of sea ice puts the whales at risk of human contact, where they could be disturbed, injured, or killed.
Penguins
Like whales, penguins rely on ice for habitation, breeding, and hunting. As global warming intensifies, many penguin species, such as Adélie and Emperor penguins, have been forced to migrate farther north in search of more favorable climatic conditions. This movement and shortage of breeding space have led to a scarcity of available breeding sites, thereby reducing breeding success. Furthermore, melting the ice has reduced krill availability, the primary food source for penguins, thus negatively affecting their overall well-being and health. Understanding the effects of climate change on specific ecosystems and species is crucial for developing coordinated conservation efforts to mitigate the drivers of rapid climate change.
Human Responsibility for Climate Change
Industrial Activity
Human beings have played a significant role in accelerating climate change and, thus, the current crisis that the world is facing by releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. Scholars agree that one of humanity’s most significant contributors to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, which has increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (Taylor & Watts, 2019). Despite this knowledge, large corporations and developed first-world countries have continued to use fossil fuels to power their machinery and industries (NASA, 2022).
Burning fuels, such as coal, gas, and oil, have been the most significant contributors to climate change, affecting humanity. This is because when these fossils are burnt, they release CO2 into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global temperatures to rise. Global warming, in turn, causes the ice in the polar regions to melt and sea levels to rise, thus causing the frequent extreme weather events experienced today. By releasing excessive CO2 into the atmosphere, humanity has directly contributed to climate change.
Deforestation
Apart from CO2 emissions, humanity is also responsible for deforestation, which has reduced the planet’s ability to sequester CO2 into carbon forms that regulate its concentration in the atmosphere. It is widely agreed that trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, convert it into carbon in their biomass, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere (Shahbaz et al., 2021). When humans cut down trees and burn them, the carbon stored in their stems is released into the atmosphere, bringing about the greenhouse effect. In addition to global climate change, deforestation affects local weather patterns. Trees play a significant role in absorbing water from the soil and releasing it into the atmosphere through evaporation. Therefore, when trees are cut down, the normal water cycle is disrupted, leading to less rainfall in that region.
Unsustainable Practices
Industrial processes and modern agricultural activities, such as the use of pesticides, contribute to the release of methane (CH4) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Methane is a highly flammable gas when released into the atmosphere and has a stronger warming effect than CO2. Industrial activities carried out by humans, such as gas extraction and coal mining, typically release significant amounts of methane into the atmosphere. This intern contributes to the greenhouse effect by polluting the air and water that humans and other animals rely on for survival.
Currently, human consumption patterns follow unsustainable patterns. The system is designed to prioritize continuers and promote exponential growth, while overlooking gas emissions and resource overuse. Individual lifestyle choices that influence demand for certain products have significantly contributed to environmental degradation and pollution. Some choices that have contributed to climate change include the need for individuals to use cars, fly on airplanes, and consume meat daily. Therefore, microeconomic aspects of life should be considered alongside macroeconomic factors to address climate change habits that influence consumption.
How Humanity Can Mitigate Climate Change
Economic Strategies
Various economic, technical, social, and psychological changes and measures can mitigate or even reverse the effects of global warming. One economic measure would be carbon pricing, where the cost of releasing a particular volume of greenhouse gas could be quantified in monetary terms and fines applied accordingly. According to Nilsen (2023), most governments are not ambitious enough and lack effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure that their citizens adopt climate-friendly practices in their work. To change this, governments could promote renewable energy sources by cutting their taxes and offering incentives to organizations that use environmentally friendly energy sources. Moreover, governments could encourage sustainable agricultural practices, such as planting trees, as they reduce the carbon footprint in the atmosphere.
Technological Measures
The world needs to use technological advancements to mitigate and minimize climate change. Environmental conservation institutions should conduct research and development to manufacture a carbon-capturing instrument that absorbs the CO2 released by industries and stores it either underground or in a safe location. Corporate institutions must prioritize, and governments must force them to use sustainable energy sources such as LED lighting. Moreover, transportation has to be made more sustainable, with electric vehicles (EVs) being prioritized over fossil-fuelled cars.
Social Change
One of the most effective ways to mitigate climate change is by promoting socially and culturally responsible behaviors. For instance, people should be encouraged to limit meat consumption, use public transportation systems, and utilize energy efficiently. Additionally, customers should be aware of organizations that use sustainable production methods and consider purchasing from them.
Conclusion
Humanity and all other species on Earth face various risks and realities associated with climate change. These risks are contributed to by a range of factors, including misconceptions about climate change among the general public. Some believe it does not exist, and others believe it is a natural phenomenon. In contrast, others argue that it is prolonged and less likely to impact the current or foreseeable future generations. However, studies show that climatic changes pose a real risk, with evidence showing an annual increase of 1°C every year and rising CO2 levels.
Furthermore, the impacts and threats of climate change are real, with many polar species, such as the polar bear, seals, and penguins, experiencing continuous declines. Humanity is primarily to blame for the lack of urgency and ambition in addressing the current climate change situation, which may have adverse impacts on future generations. Therefore, governments and other stakeholders must promote awareness about the reality and severity of climate change and give guidelines for its mitigation.
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