THE PROBLEM
WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?
Climate change is a change in the conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, in a place over a long period of time. Climate change causes sea levels to rise, mountain glaciers to shrink, and much, much more.
CAUSES
Climate change is caused by the "greenhouse effect." Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere, blocking it from escaping. Chlorofluorocarbons, CFCs, which come from refrigerants, air-conditioners, and aerosols, are also greenhouse gases.
EFFECTS
The ocean absorbs a great deal of carbon dioxide, about 29% of it, globally. After dissolving in saltwater, CO2 forms carbonic acid. This acid causes more hydrogen ions and less carbonate ions. Clams, mussels, crabs, and other animals rely on carbonate ions to form their shells and skeletons, and without it, it is harder for them to survive.
As greenhouse gases trap heat in the lower atmosphere, it is sometimes absorbed by the ocean. The ocean gets warmer, and can face deoxygenation. For animals, this mean higher mortality rates and breeding ground loss. This also adds into coral bleaching.
When the ocean heats up, ice starts to melt. Glaciers move more quickly, losing ice. As Antarctica dumps more ice into the ocean, the sea level rises. This could pose a threat to costal regions around the world.
By 2100, the sea level could go by two meters. Cities such as New York, Miami, and Mumbai could be permanently flooded. 187 million people would be displaced and 1.8 million square kilometers of land would be flooded.
Because of climate change, wet areas are becoming wetter and dry areas are becoming drier. Heatwaves, droughts, and heavy downpours are becoming more frequent.
As ocean waters get warmer, aquatic animals are choosing to either go northward or deeper into the water. They have moved about 20 feet deeper, and multiple species have been found going north. Coastal birds are also in danger of losing their habitats.
Making plastic produces carbon, and more carbon is produced when plastic breaks down. When exposed to sunlight, plastic releases ethylene and methane.
The climate crisis affects farming, recreation, hunting, and tourism, as well. Sea level rise contributes to homes being taken away. In addition, people are experiencing more stress and anxiety because of climate change.