Climate Change

Anoushka Satoskar, Staff Writer|December 12, 2017

Climate change is an essential issue in today’s day and age. In recent years there has been lots of indication towards rapid climate change. Scientists have been able to gather lots of information regarding the effects of climate change on Earth through the use of advanced technology such as satellites revolving the earth. Because of human activity, there has been an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased by more than over a third. These greenhouse gases caused the temperature of the earth to rise in recent years. Some of these gases include water vapor-which is the most common greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Water vapor acts as a feedback mechanism; the accumulation of moisture in the atmosphere causes an increase in precipitation and formation of clouds. Human actions release carbon dioxide through deforestation and burning of fossil fuels. Organic fertilizers and fossil fuel combustion release nitrous oxide. Methane is discharged through the decomposition of materials in landfills and the cultivation of different crops. Industrialization has caused a significant increase in greenhouse gas emission.
There are many indicators of climate change. Evidence of climate change is seen through global temperature increase, warming of the oceans, shrinking of polar ice sheets, rising in sea level, an increase of rainfall (hurricanes), and ocean acidification. The primary effect of climate change is the increase in earth’s temperature. The rise in temperature will not be uniform over the years. Global warming indicates that the “frost-free” season or the growing season will increase. Warmer temperatures will carry for more extended periods during the year. There will be an increase in droughts and heat waves in locations such as the Southwestern United States. As the moisture of the soil in these places reduces, due to the rise in temperature, heat waves became more probable. As the heat waves become more intense over the United States, the waves of colder temperature will become less severe. Due to the increase in moisture from the accumulation of water vapor, hurricanes will become more frequent and forceful. The sea level will continue to rise because of the increase in precipitation. In polar regions, the ice will begin to melt. In addition, this can affect the habitats of polar bears and other Arctic animals. Because of the emission of carbon dioxide, the acidity of the surface layer of oceans has increased. This harms the animals that live near the surface as well as contributes to the bleaching of coral reefs.

Climate Change Infographic by Anoushka Satoskar


There are many ways that individuals can help stop climate change. It all begins with leading “greener” lives. By recycling and using things made from recycled materials, the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill decreases. This could be as easy as using paper bags instead of plastic bags at the grocery store or recycling paper, plastic, and glass items. Processing food expends lots of energy, so buying local organic food is also helpful. Another way to decrease the amount of gases emitted is through the use of clean energy and reduce the amount of energy expenditure. This could be a simple task of turning off lights when leaving a room or could be more complicated by using solar energy. Reducing the amount of water used is very important. Decreasing the amount of time in the shower or completely turning off faucets to avoid dripping are easy ways to reduce the water consumption. Car emission is one of the primary producers of carbon dioxide emission. Using public transportation, carpooling, riding a bicycle, or walking are all ways to cut down the release of carbon dioxide in daily living. Airplanes are a prominent source of air pollution. Using a train for internal transportation is a much greener option.
Although there are many indications of climate change, some people do not believe that climate change exists. Many people think that climate change is not a big deal; that it is a natural cycle of the earth. They say that the data and the models are unreliable. People who don’t believe in climate change think that humans do not have the ability to cause such a significant effect on the environment. They believe that the reason for the increase in temperature is due to a cycle and it is because of the sun. Due to this belief, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, is proposing to cut the budget for the Environmental Protection Agency by over a third. This not only causes many government employees to lose jobs but affects the protection of the environment against pollution. Climate change is a fundamental issue in today’s society. By taking necessary measures, everyone can work to reduce their carbon footprint and help restore the earth.