Climate is a measure of the mean and variability of weather conditions in a given region over long periods of time. Climate change refers to changes in these statistics over years, decades or even centuries. Scientific research has shown that climate can change from both natural and human causes. The intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) stated(2007) that, anthropogenic causes account for most of the warming since the middle 1900s. If current trends continue, the projected increase in global temperature will result in significant impacts on humans and other species. The effects of climate change increase with subsequent increase in greenhouse gases which include carbon IV oxide, methane, nitric oxide and water vapour.

Global warming is a major effect of climate change. It entails an average increase in the earth’s temperature. According to the European environment agency (2008), global mean temperature has increased by presently 0.8 degrees Celsius compared with pre-industrial times for land and oceans. Projections suggest further temperature increase in Europe between 1.0-5.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21^st century. This temperature increase will intensify the danger of forest fires, thus leading to widespread destruction of natural habitats. Scientists predict that increasing temperatures will cause the level of water in the oceans to rise. This is because sea-ice, snow and glaciers are expected to melt thus adding more water to the oceans. The decline in snow cover and glaciers is expected to continue with the greatest losses in summer and spring. As a result bio-adversity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems will be affected due to destruction of natural habitats.The increase in sea level is expected to affect the densely populated coastal regions in various ways. Populations will be dislocated due to frequent flooding and natural catastrophes like tsunamis. As a result, there will be destruction of property and loss of lives.

The stress of climate change on farming may threaten food security. Crops tend to grow more quickly in higher temperatures leading to shorter growing periods and less time to produce grains. This will lead to low harvests and subsequent food shortage. Crops are also vulnerable to peak temperatures leading to damage. Growths of plants are expected to reduce due to soil erosion as a result of heavy convectional summer rainfall. Global warming is expected to intensify regional contrasts in precipitation that already exist. Dry areas are expected to get even drier and wet even wetter. This is because warmer temperatures tend to increase evaporation from oceans, lakes, plants and soils. Although enhanced evaporation provides more atmospheric moisture for rainfall id downward areas, it also dries out the land surface which exacerbates the impacts of drought in some regions.

The risks to human health will increase. When people are exposed to extreme heat, they can suffer from elevated body temperatures, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and sun burns which may precipitate skin cancer. Acidification of water by excessive carbon IV oxide may lead to waterborne diseases and corrosion of building structures. Respiratory diseases and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents are also expected to increase.

Human-inducedclimate change is happening now and impacts are already apparent. Greater impacts are projected if amount of greenhouse gases continue increasing. To combat these, all stakeholders should be involved and extensive scientific knowledge and analyses are a crucial foundation for making informed choices.

References

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