We’re sure you’ve heard the warning: climate change will come for you and the consequences will be heavy.
You’ve probably heard from one of the United Nations (UN), or any of the climate change activist organisations.
Humans everywhere contribute to climate change—even the non-consequential breathing out of carbon, a greenhouse gas, that contributes to global warming. But that’s on a small scale. We’ll all get a slap on the wrist for that.
Yet, what about the bigger ones? The car fumes that pump into the air; the coal that burns up when we cook or process coal for electricity; or the burning of greenhouse gasses during oil processing and refining. These activities cause global warming, which contributes to the effects of climate change we’ve started seeing. Human activities contribute more than 80% to climate change.
But how does climate change even affect you as a person? Let’s explore.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change science is very clear: human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, discriminate refuse dumping, and deforestation (loss of forests), are responsible for the rapid rise in Earth temperatures.
Similarly, as temperatures increase, so do the impacts on everything from agriculture to health and infrastructure.
But climate change is also an opportunity for good change, motivating individuals, communities, and governments to reconsider their ways and opt for better ways of living.
The Positive Influence of Climate Change
Though many people view climate change as very bad news, it has brought about some good changes in society.
Individuals and businesses, with growing knowledge about climate change, are changing the way they consume. Here are some ways climate change has helped improve lifestyle choices:
1. Conserve resources, minimise waste
Without a doubt, one of the most visible effects of climate change has been in increased sustainable consumption.
More people are using eco-friendly products, have reduced their use of single-use plastics, and are turning to renewable resources.
Conscious consumerism is on the rise with more informed consumers now aware of the environmental footprint of what they buy.
For instance, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles is a direct consequence of the need to decrease emissions of greenhouse gasses; brands like Tesla have made electric cars desirable and accessible.
Advantage: This move to sustainability reduces waste and personal carbon footprints. With energy-saving appliances, organic food, and renewable energy purchased, one can really lower his or her impact on the environment.
2. Dietary Changes
Most people in today’s society are quite aware of the changes in climate, and it really has affected eating habits.
Production of meat, especially beef and lamb, really contributes much to greenhouse gasses due to the livestock’s methane emissions. Because of this, a lot of people are now resorting to plant-based diets or reducing the quantity of meat consumption.
This change is driven by concern about animal welfare and the damage done by animal farming to the environment.
Advantage: More plants or less meat are good for the health of the Earth and tend to improve health. Studies have proven that a plant-based diet lowers the chances of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes; therefore, bringing good things for both health and the environment.
3. Adoption of Renewable Energy
More people have been using renewable sources of energy, like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The change is happening not only in big companies and governments but also in the homes of people.
Many people are now buying solar panels for their houses, choosing green energy providers, and getting energy-efficient appliances to use less energy and have a lesser carbon footprint.
The advantage of using renewable energy is that it helps to fight climate change and reduces the need for fossil fuels, thus lowering the money issues linked to energy markets. In the long run, this could save homeowners a lot of money.
Climate Change and Its Bad Effects on Everyday Life
We’ve talked about the inherently “good side” of climate change. It’s only fair we talk about the worse that it brings out in society.
Here are some of the main negative impacts:
1. Extreme Weather Events
Climate change brings along more frequent and powerful weather-related occurrences—hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding.
In October, the United States experienced devastating hurricanes that swept homes and displaced many people from their places of shelter.
All these events give everyday life a big blow, causing damage to buildings, roads, and communities. The year 2020 has been one of record natural disasters—from Australia to California’s terrible wildfires, and extremely severe flooding in some parts of Asia and Europe.
Disadvantage: More frequent and severe events put a lot of pressure on local economies, force people to leave their homes, and cause health problems for the public. Communities in weak areas are often affected the most, facing the loss of homes, jobs, and important services.
2. Health Effects
Climate change has implications for the health of the public. Increases in temperature and air pollution contribute to respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis.
Similarly, heatwaves contribute to heatstroke and dehydration. The distribution of diseases like malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease is on the increase, as warmer temperatures allow mosquitoes and other carriers to live in more places.
Disadvantage: A higher incidence of such health threats would place increased demand on treatment within healthcare systems, especially in places not ready for these changes. That only means increased costs in healthcare and increased social inequality because the weak usually do not get access to needed resources.
3. Food and Water Security
Climate change can also impact food production through changing rainfall patterns, leading to droughts and alterations in growing seasons. For example, crops like wheat, rice, and corn are becoming less sure because of changing temperatures and unpredictable weather.
Droughts in places already having water shortages exacerbate their problems related to the availability and quality of water.
Disadvantage: This will impinge on food security, especially for developing countries where farming systems are not well developed. The rise in food prices and lack of access to reliable water supply can cause hunger, poor nutrition, or social problems.
Remedies to Address Negative Climate Change Effects
Here are some solutions that can help reduce the negative impacts:
1. Infrastructure Reinforcement and Preparing for Disasters
This will require an investment in infrastructure that will be better able to withstand the impacts of severe weather events.
The use of flood barriers, fire-resistant building materials, and improved city planning can lessen the damage from storms and heat waves.
Similarly, effective disaster response systems can be created to save lives and reduce the economic impacts of climate-related disasters.
2. Health Adaptation Strategies
Public health campaigns will also educate communities on the dangers of extreme heat, air pollution, and diseases carried by insects, which are effects associated with climate change.
The availability of clean water and good sanitation is also very important, especially for areas hit by drought, to stop the spread of waterborne diseases.
3. Climate Justice Promotion
Since climate change tends to hit low-income and marginalized communities the hardest, there is a strong case to be made for promoting climate justice.
Governments and organisations must ensure that in the efforts to address climate change, vulnerable groups do not fall through the cracks.
It will involve supporting displaced communities with access to health care and ensuring fair access to green technologies and job opportunities in a green economy.
Wrapping Up
Many important people have spoken about the risks of climate change and the need for quick action.
Former US President Barack Obama has been a big supporter of taking action on climate change, as well as well-known social change activists all over the world.
Climate change is changing our daily lives, whether in the way we use products or how we connect with nature. As huge as the problems are, they mean opportunities for good changes—toward more sustainable ways of living and creative solutions.
Businesses have built their pitch around providing social change to marginalised communities.
It is through accepting these changes that climate change brings—both personally and as a group—and through the bad effects being dealt with through intelligent action, that we could mitigate the worst impacts of climate change to ensure a better future for posterity.
