The Enduring Effects of Climate Change
Story by Joslynn Rivera. Photo courtesy of ISOC Foundation.
Natural disasters are increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change, a critical reality we must acknowledge. Climate change represents a long-term shift in global weather patterns and temperatures, and it is directly influencing the rise in natural disasters. This is a consequence of human actions. Deforestation, agricultural practices, and carbon emissions are all human effects of climate change
Climate change influences the frequency, intensity, and patterns of natural disasters. Some examples of natural disasters are tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Because of climate change, the frequency of these natural disasters are becoming dangerous and powerful. For example, hurricanes are growing more powerful as global temperatures rise because their storms draw their energy from warm ocean water. Have you ever thought about how this affects human kind?
Climate change increases the number of natural disasters that occur, which, of course, affects humans. Humans cause climate change, and the cycle unfortunately continues. According to NASA, many natural disasters have physical, emotional, and economic consequences. All of these can affect humans in many ways. According to Science.org, “Hurricane Helene delivered $250 billion in damages, while Hurricane Milton caused an additional $50 billion. Combined, these storms killed at least 259 people.” All this information tells us that natural disasters have enduring effects on the world and the people who are in it.
There are several important steps we can take to protect our planet. We can spread awareness, lower the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, and encourage international teamwork to address environmental issues. On a local level, people can help by picking up litter and keeping waste out of natural areas. If we fail to act now, we risk leaving behind a damaged and unlivable world for future generations.
We need to take responsibility today—the smallest actions count toward a cleaner, safer, and healthier Earth.
Joslynn Rivera is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.