Global warming, or climate change, is the gradual increase of the Earth’s temperature; a shift in weather patterns. There are several causes of climate change, including the “Greenhouse Effect” (warming of the planet’s surface), electricity use, burning of fossil fuels, carbon pollution, and deforestation. All of which share one common influence: humans.

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Anthropogenic, or man-made, global warming is one of the top threats the world faces today- and it is quickly on the rise. The myths that are constantly being spread about the sun causing the shift in temperature, or that global warming simply does not exist, must stop. Climate change is real, it is severe, and it will inevitably become deadly if something is not done to stop this disaster continues.

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2017 was the hottest year on record without an El Niño. In other words, in all recorded history, the world has never seen such temperatures while omitting the El Niño. This heat causes, and will continue to cause, numerous problems in all aspects of life; humans, animals, and nature alike.

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Humanity is not immune to the effects of

global warming, and if we have any sense

at all we will realize this and act- before

it is too late.Global warming will cause

catastrophic disasters, such as droughts and

floods which will in turn cause massive food

shortages for the global population. This

means that humanity will inevitably encounter

a worldwide famine if climate change is left

untreated. Climate change will also displace

the oceans. The seas will rise as the ice caps melt, and the waters will consume nations that are near sea level, potentially killing millions.

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Animals will suffer immensely at the hands of human induced global warming. Polar bears, for example, rely heavily on the Arctic ice, which has been subject to major destruction. At this rapid rate of melting, the world may see a nearly ice-free Arctic during the summer months in the mid-century. If adaptation for these animals does not act soon enough, polar bears and other Arctic animals dependent on icy terrain will become extinct. Even those animals who thrive in water will suffer the consequences. In 2003, rivers in Scotland became too warm for salmon to live in them, and saw massive numbers die. The rivers are believed to have become warmer due to climate change. This was 15 years ago; we are now 15 years deeper into this calamity.

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Although the future may seem bleak, there is hope. This hope can only thrive if we all take the steps. Though reversing the damage will take lifetimes, preventing harm can start today, and with you. 

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Renewable energy can avert more than half of pollution caused by electricity use. Many utility companies are Green-e Energy certified, meaning that at least half of their power is generated by reusable sources, such as wind and solar. Using natural processes ensures that there will always be a way to renew the energy, while also avoiding pollution. Furthermore, you can cut down on energy use altogether by pulling the plug when any devices are being unused. 

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Another way to evade increasing temperatures is to simply reduce. Reduce the amount of water you use, which requires energy to pump and heat. Carpooling reduces the number of cars on the road and prevents them from releasing carbon and other gasses into the air. A reduction in food waste can also hinder rising temperatures, as processing and packaging is a heavy user of electricity.

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The fatality of climate change is an avoidable expense, and one we must do everything in our power to deter. By banding together, discontinuing the allowance of passing global warming off as a hoax, and reducing our carbon footprints, the world will not have to endure the extreme and unpredictable consequences of global warming.