Understanding the Causes and Impacts of Climate Change
Causes
Climate change is being caused by greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Agriculture, fossil fuels, and deforestation are the three biggest contributors.
Here’s an overview of how each cause climate change:
- Agriculture:
Agricultural activities, particularly livestock production, are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, produce methane during digestion, which has a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide over shorter time frames.
Rice cultivation can lead to methane production through anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in soil, while the use of synthetic fertilisers in agriculture contributes to nitrous oxide emissions. Bothe methane and nitrous oxide have a significantly higher global warming potential than CO2.
Lastly, converting forests and grasslands into agricultural lands releases carbon stored in vegetation and soil back into the atmosphere, which contributes to CO2 emissions.
2. Fossil Fuels:
The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas for energy production and transportation is the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon that has been stored naturally underground for millions of years is rapidly released back into the atmosphere.
Industrial activities, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. These processes often involve the use of fossil fuels as an energy source and release CO2 as a byproduct.
3. Deforestation:
Forest clearing for agriculture, timber harvesting, and infrastructure development, massively contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Trees and forests act as “carbon sinks” by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When forests are cleared, the carbon stored in trees and vegetation is released into the atmosphere as CO2 (like with the burning of fossil fuels mentioned above).
Meanwhile, the decomposition and burning of felled trees and vegetation further contribute to CO2 emissions. When organic matter decomposes or burns, the carbon stored in it is released back into the atmosphere.
There are also indirect impacts of deforestation such as reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, and disrupting natural ecosystems and their ability to regulate greenhouse gas concentrations.
Effects on Environment
The World Wildlife Trust has a great overview of the environmental impacts of climate change, but they can be roughly split into two camps, Habitat Destruction and Increased Weather Severity, both of which massively disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity, altering species distributions, and generally increasing stress on plant and animal populations.
Habitat Destruction:
- Biodiversity Loss:
Habitat destruction, such as deforestation, urbanization, and conversion of natural areas for agriculture, leads to the loss and fragmentation of habitats. This loss of habitat directly impacts biodiversity by reducing the available living space for various plant and animal species. It can result in species extinction, disrupt ecological interactions, and reduce overall biodiversity.
2. Ecosystem Disruption:
Habitats provide essential resources and services to ecosystems, including food, shelter, and breeding grounds. When habitats are destroyed, ecosystems become imbalanced, and the functions they provide may be compromised. This can lead to a decline in ecosystem resilience, affecting nutrient cycling, water regulation, and overall ecosystem stability.
3. Displacement of Species:
Habitat destruction forces many species to leave their natural habitats, leading to population declines or the migration of species to new areas. This displacement can result in increased competition for resources, conflicts with human activities, and the potential spread of invasive species.
Increased Weather Severity:
- Disruption of Ecosystems:
Extreme weather events can lead to the destruction or alteration of habitats, including forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and coastal areas. This disruption can result in the loss of biodiversity, reduced ecosystem productivity, and changes in ecological dynamics. Ecosystems that are already vulnerable or degraded are often less able to recover from such severe events.
2. Threats to Species:
Increased weather severity poses risks to the survival of many species- including humans. For example, intense storms and flooding can destroy nesting sites, breeding grounds, and food sources, negatively impacting populations. Species with specific habitat requirements or limited geographical ranges are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather events.
Effects on Humans
Increased weather severity can also have direct consequences for human communities. It can lead to property damage, loss of livelihoods, food scarcity, water stress, and displacement of people. These effects can exacerbate social and economic inequalities and pose significant challenges for human well-being and sustainable development.
- Illnesses:
Rising temperatures and heatwaves associated with climate change can lead to an increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions, are particularly at risk.
There are also Vector-borne Diseases generally spread by blood sucking insects such as denge, malaria, and zeeka, generally spread by blood sucking insects. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can affect the habitat and behavior of disease-carrying mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors, potentially expanding their ranges and increasing disease transmission.
Ambient air pollution caused by emissions and fuel combustion, as well as that from increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, dust storms, and pollution-related weather events, can cause respiratory issues like lung cancer, exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Changes in precipitation patterns, including increased rainfall intensity and periods of drought, can impact water quality and increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrheal diseases. Flooding events can contaminate water sources with pathogens and pollutants, compromising access to safe drinking water.
You may have already seen our article on youth anxiety, but the psychological toll of climate change affects both individuals and communities regardless of age. Climate disasters, loss of livelihoods, and forced migration have profound mental health consequences, including increased stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2. Migration:
Environmental degradation, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and agricultural disruptions will lead to population displacement and forced migration. This includes both internal migration within countries and cross-border movement of people seeking safety, resources, and better living conditions.
Migration inevitably causes social and economic challenges, including hostility from host communities, overcrowding in refugee camps, strained resources, and competition for jobs and services. These factors can lead to social tensions and exacerbate existing inequalities, potentially fueling conflicts.
3. Conflict:
Climate change can exacerbate resource scarcity, particularly water and arable land, as changing precipitation patterns and temperature shifts affect agricultural productivity and water availability. These scarcities can lead to increased competition and tensions among communities, potentially triggering conflicts over resources.
Displacement and Social Disruption: Climate-induced migration and displacement can strain social structures, disrupt traditional livelihoods, and increase competition for resources in host communities. These social disruptions can heighten the risk of conflicts and contribute to social instability.
4. Direct Physical Harm:
Climate change intensifies extreme weather events (hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires) which can cause direct physical harm, including injuries and fatalities, property damage, and destruction of infrastructure. Vulnerable populations in disaster-prone areas are particularly at risk. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, and increased coastal erosion, inundation, and storm surges can lead to property damage, loss of infrastructure, and displacement of communities.
