Climate change: Scientists, environmentalists concerned about future problems

MEKENZIE MCCANN H/S Editor

“Climate change refers to longterm shifts in temperatures and weather patterns,” according to The United Nations. “Since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.” fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity.” ribute 68 percent,” according to The United Nations. material had entered the waterways after the burn and killed fish but reiterated that drinking water is safe and air contaminant levels are not currently cause for concern.”

On the train, there were highly flammable hazardous materials including, “vinyl chloride, used to create a polymer that forms a popular plastic. Worried that the materials could explode, sending deadly shrapnel flying up to a mile through the air, officials conducted a ‘controlled release’ of the chemicals and burnt them, sending a toxic cloud of a black smoke into the air.”

Even though the animal deaths alarmed the residents, now there are more reports that human health issues are starting to appear.

Along with Calland, junior Aidan Cordner says, “I feel very safe in Maryland because of how the governor runs things.” He also explains “I feel bad for them because they were probably very sad since the chemicals ruined their land and home. It destroyed everything and caused them to lose things they love, they are most likely going through a hard time.”

The website continues that burning fossil fuels generates “greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.”

Greenhouse gas emissions have caused issues such as carbon dioxide and methane. The United Nations says that “these come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building, for example. Clearing land and forests can also release carbon dioxide. Landfills for garbage are a major source of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use are among the main emitters.”

“Climate change can affect our health, ability to grow food, housing, safety, and work,” according to The United Nations. People living on small islands are at a higher risk of climate change, due to conditions such as sea-level rises and saltwater droughts putting those people at risk.

Emissions come from everywhere in the world, but they

Science teacher Mrs. Laura O’Leary comments, “the facts are clear, that we are in the midst of climate changes, global warming. These are a result of human actions. We have to do something about them. We have the technology. We just do not have the political willpower, and the science is clear.”

Climate change solutions can improve our lives and protect the environment. Global frameworks and agreements to guide progress include “the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement.” The three organizations are taking action on “cutting emissions, adapting to climate impacts and financing required adjustments,” respectively, states The United Nations.

The map above shows the temperature change in the last 50 years. If nothing is done about climate change, extinction will eventually occur.

PHOTO CREDIT: Wikepedia

Over the years, the number of emissions has risen, as the Earth is about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, according to The United Nations.

As the website states, “the consequences of climate change now include, among others, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe affect everyone. Some countries produce more emissions than others, according to The United Nations

“The 100 least-emitting countries generate three percent of total emissions. The ten countries with the largest emissions cont-

“Switching energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables like solar or wind will reduce the emissions driving climate change,” says The United Nations.

The United Nations finishes, “adapting to climate consequences protects people, homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems.”

”Adoption will be required everywhere, but must be prioritized now for the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with climate hazards.”