The Adverse Effects of Climate Change

Ø Rising sea level

As temperature rises, glaciers melt and sea water expands. Due to continuous large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, by 2050 ice will disappear in arctic regions; by 2100, sea level will rise by 26-81 cm. As a result, billions of people will lose their homelands.

Ø Decreasing food production

Climate change will have a profound influence on the social system, especially on agricultural development. It is estimated that by 2030, the production of three major crops: wheat, rice, and corn will fall by 5% to 10%. Changes in agriculture layout and structure and more plant diseases and pests lead to higher costs in agriculture production.

Ø  Shortage in portable water

Climate change will lead to a more acute shortage in portable water. Statistics show that when there is an increase of temperature of 1 degree, over 3 billion people will face water shortages.

Ø Extreme weather

In the last hundred years, rainfall distribution has also changed a lot. Extreme weather, such as El Nino, drought, floods, lightening, hail, tropical cyclones, storms, and scorching weather and sandstorms have become more and more frequent, which has caused great damage.

Ø  Threat to human health

Climate change has had a huge negative impact on human health and welfare. In recent years, more and more people have died from being hit by heatwaves. In 2003, the Europe summer heat wave cost 30,000 lives. In addition, some infectious diseases, such as, malaria, and dengue have become more easily communicated due to the changes of temperature and rainfall, threatening more and more regions and countries.

Ø Damage to biological diversity

Climate changes has caused oxygen deficits in many oceanic regions, turning these regions into “dead seas” where creatures cannot survive. If we do not take measures to deal with global warming, one sixth of species will have become extinct by 2100.

Ø Aggravated desertification

According to Science, if the current speed of global warming continues, the Mediterranean area will be surrounded by desert. The situation of southern Europe is similar to that of southwest America, i.e., higher temperature leading to frequent drought.

Ø Influence on World Heritage

According to UNESCO’s research on 31 natural and cultural heritages from 29 countries, world heritages including Venice, Stonehenge, and the Galapagos islands have been influenced by glacier melting, extreme drought, and rising sea levels. These problems are growing.