| Introduction: Give brief statement about what is climate change and its causes Body: Address the main issue regarding its effects on society, economic and environment Conclusion: Give a brief conclusion on the future course of action to deal climate change. |
Recently World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its latest The State of the Global Climate 2022 annual report highlighting the effects of climate change on planet Earth. Climate change is the phrase used to describe long-term changes in Earth’s temperature and weather patterns that are mostly caused by human activity, especially the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas causes the atmosphere to be filled with greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the main cause of climate change. Some of the recent events have caused new debates regarding the increase of climate change and its effect on communities.
What are the socio-economic implications of this global temperature rise?
- Drought and other extreme events: There has been below-average rainfall in Eastern Africa which has led to crop failures and people facing acute food insecurity. Extreme heatwaves have affected mainland Europe and China leading to excess deaths and extreme dry conditions. On the other hand, Pakistan witnessed heavy rainfall impacting livelihood and agriculture.
- Food insecurity: As of 2021, 2.3 billion people faced food insecurity, of which 924 million people faced severe food insecurity with the majority of these living in Asia and Africa. Heatwaves in 2022 have impacted crop yield in both India and Pakistan causing economic distress and reducing crop yield.
- Health and well-being: Climate change events have led to the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever impacting the overall well-being of the individual.
- Displacement and Migration: Climate change has led to forced migration and displacement of communities who have relied on farming and animal husbandry which are impacted adversely due to continuous drought and extreme rainfall. This has led to social tensions, refugee crises, and conflicts over resources.
- Environment: climate change has led to the melting of glaciers in high mountains and has impacted the availability and quality of water resources coming from natural springs from the Himalayas. This leads to adverse impacts on agriculture, industry, and human health. Climate change has also affected events like the migration of birds and the blooming of trees.
Conclusion:
The world must come together to act against climate change, cutting Green House gas emissions to limit global temperature rise to 1° Celsius. There is a need for urgent support from developed nations to increase investment and technology transfer to developing countries to help them adapt and mitigate the impact of climate change.
