INTRODUCTION
The Earth is witnessing a tough period where heatwaves and wildfires are occurring frequently. Floods are killing people and cattle and are also damaging the lands and properties. The extreme weather events are turning violent in intensity. The recurrent natural hazards are turning more catastrophic.
WHAT DO THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS THINK THE EARTH WILL LOOK LIKE AFTER 50 YEARS?
Our world is experiencing numerous environmental issues. Viewing all these scenarios what Earth’s environment might look like after 50 years?
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE
Scientists and experts have predicted a 1.5 to 2 °C rise in temperature around the globe during this century. Paris agreement in 2016 was signed by various nations to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that would in return help prevent the projected rise in temperature. For detailed information, read: Global Warming – Causes, Effects, and Solutions.
Human-induced climate change is already causing extensive destruction in the world. Poor nations are already suffering the most due to the ongoing climate crises. Now imagine a 2 2 °C rise in the average temperature! It may not sound like a lot but this is enough to destroy entire ecosystems!
DRINKING WATER SCARCITY
Where ice caps are melting, glaciers are retreating, and floods are common, then in the future, the damage would be manifold. There are already many parts of the world that have no access to water. Due to projected events, a large population might not have access to drinking water. Imagine very little drinking water and wars over water!
Check out: Climate Change Is Increasing Water Scarcity Around The World
FOOD INSECURITY
Climate change along with rising temperature might cause global food insecurity. Wealthy countries are generating huge quantities of food waste yet many people are dying due to hunger. Climate change is affecting land fertility and less crop production would cause food insecurity. Read: Top 15 Countries with Highest Percentage of Food Waste and Climate Change Is Increasing Food Shortage Around The World. Plus water scarcity will lead to food shortage, so along with wars on water, imagine wars on food!
FAUNA AND FLORA
Many species of flora and fauna have gone extinct either due to human activities such as killing, hunting, poaching, or due to heat sensitivity. Extreme weather events and wildfires are killing off both plants and animals in thousands, leading to biodiversity loss. Plant saplings get burnt due to scorching heat, while rising temperatures are causing coral bleaching which is resulting in loss of coral reefs. Humans are dependent on plants and animals for food and other facilities. In future the hunger might prevail on a global level. People might not find a tree shelter to sit under. Entire ecosystems are endangered due to Climate Change. For more information: Wildlife Is Already Coping With Effects of Climate Change.
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
Recently wildfires have brought massive ecological and economic disasters for countries. Amazon forest is burning. Many parts of Turkey, Australia, Greece, and California were or still are burning due to wildfires. In the future due to continuous emission of greenhouse gases might make extreme weather events aggressive. Europe Floods 2021 is another example of an extreme weather event. More such wildfires, floods and hurricanes are expected if we look at the projected estimates.
Read: 2019-2021 The Years of Wildfires – Causes and Effects
ICE CAPS AND SEAWATER RISE
Ice caps are melting which is another catastrophic event. The sea water level is rising and in the future, the projected seawater rise would cause huge ecological destruction. The common consequences of ice gaps and seawater rise might include habitat loss for species, economic losses, and property damages. Loss of human lives is certain in such circumstances. Groundwater reserves might become polluted due to seawater rise and leading to salinity and waterlogging. Many of the coastal areas of the world are expected to be submerged in sea water if current trends continue.
You might also like to read: Third Pole Is Melting – Himalaya-HinduKush-Karakoram Glacier
GLACIERS RETREAT
Glacier retreat is expected to take place around the world with terrible consequences like floods etc. Himalayan Glaciers Retreat might bring devastating consequences to the surrounding countries such as Pakistan, China, and India. Glaciers are melting due to the rising temperature of the Earth’s surface. What would happen? There might be more catastrophic events in the following countries including massive landslides, floods, avalanches, etc. Read: Climate Change and Himalayan Glacier Hazard. Researchers have predicted that in the future the current situation might lead to water-related issues and water scarcity for the population. Need more info? Read: Glacier Melting and Glacial Retreat – Causes, Effects, Solutions.
NATURAL DISASTERS
In previous times there were occasional incidents of natural disasters. Now there the cases of natural disasters have grown in numbers. If we foresee the future there might be frequent episodes of earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, etc. People might not have recovered from the previous events but new disasters would await them. For more info: Increasing Natural Disasters due to Climate Change.
Also check out: What Is Causing Sudden Increase In Sinkholes Around The World?
CONCLUSION
Human activities have caused massive destruction on the Earth and the process is ongoing. But we should not lose hope. There is still time to save the Earth. The climate crisis could still be reversed. Wealthy countries should restrict fossil fuel combustion and opt for eco-friendly technology. The world leaders must take immediate measures. The extent of damage caused by climate change can still be avoided if the world commits to preventing releasing greenhouse gases. If we do so we can surely delay the negative consequences of climate change and come up with fresh and more sustainable Earth-saving options.
You might also like to read: What is Climate Change Adaptation? – Importance and Methods and Climate Change Adaptation Methods and Mitigation Strategies.
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