We all have read numerous articles, and seen organisations and magazines talking about climate change. But why is it important, and why does climate change matter? Climate change is a problem the whole globe is facing. Climate change is a change in the average conditions such as temperature and rainfall in a region over a long period of time. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Water Levels

Water levels are expected to change dramatically due to climate change. Not having enough water can be incredibly dangerous, but so can having too much. Flooding has affected more people than any other weather-related disaster in the past 20 years. As well as direct deaths, floods can destroy buildings, cause landslides and worsen the effects of diseases which spread through the water. Climate change will make dry places dryer and wet places wetter. The number of people affected by floods from 1995 to 2015 is more than 2.3 billion. Floods decrease the water supply through the destruction of supply points, as well as sewage tanks and pipes. They can also mix clean water with dirty water or seawater, making it unsafe to drink. 

Agriculture

Climate change will affect crop growth in different ways around the world, based on the local climate and types of crop grown there. As well as directly impacting drinking habits, reduced access to water puts increased pressure on farmers through their ability to water crops. Droughts and heatwaves have reduced cereal crop yields by 9-10% over the past few decades. It is predicted that the growth of seven main crop types in Europe will rise by 8% on average by 2050 due to climate change. Countries already suffering from high levels of hunger will suffer the greatest food losses, another example of the unequal and unfair effects of climate change. If we don’t stop climate change, millions more people will be at risk of hunger by 2050. 

We all need to unite and work together to save our planet – and stop these effects that impact the environment and society. While big corporations need to be held responsible, individuals should also take small steps to help, such as minimising the use of plastics and opting to take public transportation.

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