Category: Climate Change

Impact of Climate Change on the Indian Economy

Climate is changing day to day. This climates change gave the attention to the entire world because it is our responsible to take care of our climate change. There are gases which are affecting the climate such as CO2, CH4, N2O, etc. India was responsible for 4 percent of total emission in 2000. Emissions are set to rise further still over the next 20 years as the Indian economy rapidly develops.

The farm sector in India is in trouble and a few state governments have reacted with advance waivers, which could influence their monetary math and the capacity to push capital use when the Indian economy has hindered essentially. This comes after India confronted inadequate precipitation for two back-to-back a very long time in 2014 and 2015. As per gauges, generation of kharif crops in the present year is relied upon to decrease by 2.8% as a result of an uneven rainstorm. The likelihood of such climate occasions is probably going to increment later on. Also, that implies a genuine test for a nation like India where about half of the populace legitimately or in a roundabout way relies upon horticulture for an occupation.

Climate does not influence the agribusiness division alone, it influences profitability all in all. Research demonstrates that efficiency begins declining firmly in the wake of topping at a normal yearly temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius. In this manner, nations situated in regions with higher temperature will confront an unbalanced effect of an unnatural weather change. Loss of yield and lower efficiency additionally influences capital arrangement, which has an orientation on medium-to long haul development prospects.

Climate in our country can be divided into four types: winter, summer, rainy or monsoon, retreating monsoon. In winter season the temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C in the northern part of the country and it is about 25°C in the southern part of country. The months that come under this season are December, January and February. In summer season the temperature ranges from 32° to 47°C.The months are from March to May. In rainy season the temperature ranges from 30°C to 40°C.June to September comes under rainy season. The temperature falls during retreating monsoons and the season comes during the months October and November. Depending on climate there are four major climatic regions in India, they are: tropical wet, tropical dry, sub-tropical humid climate and mountain climate. Factors affecting India’s climate are: latitude, altitude, monsoon winds, tropical cyclones and global warming.

Climate can affect our country’s economy in many ways. Some of them are: impact on agriculture and crops, impact on water, rise in sea levels, impact on biodiversity and natural calamities.

Agriculture and Crops

Environmental change can influence crop yield and in addition the sorts of products that can be developed in specific regions, by affecting horticultural data sources, for example, water for water system, measures of sun powered radiation that influence plant development, and the commonness of bugs. The increase in temperature caused by the expansion of greenhouse gases is likely to affect editing exclusively as opposed to area. Warming of more than 3°C is relied upon to have negative impact on generation in all areas. Climate change would hit the poorest nations seriously as far as decreasing the agricultural items (Med, 2019).

An extensive piece of the arable land in India is rain-fed, the efficiency of agriculture relies upon the rain water. Farming will be antagonistically influenced not just by an expansion or lessening in the general measures of rain water yet in addition by timing of rain water. Summer rain water represents very nearly 70 percent of the aggregate yearly rain water over India and is important to Indian agriculture. The efficiency of most harvests may diminish because of increment in temperature and decline in water accessibility, particularly in Indo-Gangetic fields. This separated, there would be a decrease in the efficiency of rabbi when contrasted with Kharif season crops (Med, 2019).

Water

Water assets will come under expanding the weight in the Indian subcontinent because of the evolving atmosphere. The Himalayan ice sheets are a wellspring of crisp water for lasting rivers specifically the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra stream frameworks. In late decades, the Himalayan area appears to have experienced considerable changes because of broad land utilize prompting continuous hydrological calamities, upgraded sedimentation and contamination of lakes. There is proof that a few, Himalayan icy masses have withdrawn essentially in the nineteenth century. Accessible records recommend that the Gangotri ice sheet is withdrawing around 28 m for each year. Cold dissolve is relied upon to increment under changed atmosphere conditions, which would prompt expanded summer streams in some waterway frameworks. Because of the expansion in temperature noteworthy changes in precipitation design have been observed amid the twentieth century in India. The genuine natural issue has additionally been seen in the Indo-Gangetic plain region in the past whereby diverse streams changed their course various occasions. The ongoing destroying surges in Nepal and Bihar because of progress obviously of the Kosi River is a valid example. The accessible examination recommends that sustenance generation must be expanded to the season of 300 mt by 2020 with the end goal to bolster India’s consistently developing populace which is probably going to achieve 1.30 billion constantly 2020. It is expected that the quick expanding interest for nourishment in the following a few decades could be very dismal especially in view of the significant issue of soil corruption and climate change. The ascent in populace will expand the interest forewater prompting the quicker withdrawal of water and this, thusly, would lessen the reviving time of the water tables. Accordingly, the accessibility of water will undoubtedly achieve basic levels sometime. Amid the previous four decades, there has been an amazing increment in the development of groundwater reflection structures. It is apparent that the effect of climate change dangers is numerous and disturbing. Water security in quality and quantity pose problems to our country. Our economy is reliant on agribusiness and is as of now under worry because of flow populace increment and related requests for vitality, freshwater and nourishment.

Rise in Sea Levels

The waterfront conditions of Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat confront a grave hazard from the ocean level ascent, which could surge land and cause harm to costal infrastructure and other property. Goa will be the most affected losing an expansive level of its aggregate land region, including many its popular beaches and tourist infrastructure. Mumbai’s northern rural areas like Versova Beach and other populated regions along tidal mud pads and streams are likewise helpless against land misfortune and expanded flooding because of ocean level ascent. Flooding will uproot an extensive number of individuals from the coasts putting a more prominent weight on the city pleasantries and fast urbanization. Seawater permeation because of immersions can reduce freshwater supplies making water scarcer. The states along the coasts like Orissa will encounter more terrible typhoons. Numerous species living along the coastline are likewise undermined. The coral reefs that India has in its biosphere saves are likewise saline touchy and along these lines the rising ocean level debilitates their reality as well, the coral reefs as well as the phytoplankton, the fish stocks and the human lives that are reliant on it are additionally in grave risk. Individuals living in the Ganges Delta share the surge dangers related to rising ocean levels.

Biodiversity

India is a place that is known for super biodiversity, including highlights from ice sheets to deserts. In any case, environmental change is presenting grave danger to its biological systems. Mountain biological communities are problem areas of biodiversity. Nonetheless, temperature increments and human exercises are causing discontinuity and degradation of mountain biodiversity. The Himalayan Ecosystem is considered as the lifesaver not exclusively to India yet in addition to our neighboring nations, for example, China, Pakistan, Nepal, inferable from the enduring waterways that emerge Out of the softening icy masses, and it is home to the biggest measure of icy masses after the North and the South Poles. Be that as it may, environmental change is undermining this life supplier radically. It is additionally anticipated that there will be an expansion in the wonder of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the eastern, and central Himalayas, causing calamitous flooding downstream with genuine harm to life, property, backwoods, ranches, and foundation. The dissolving ice sheets of the Himalayas has the genuine effect has given the way that they offer ascent to the enduring streams that further twists the farming. Recent investigations have hinted at that deserts have indicated extension along these lines prompting a procedure called desertification.

Conclusion

This paper covers the data about atmosphere in India and how environmental change influences the nation’s economy. From the above data we can say that environmental change influences our economy in all respects truly, on the off chance that we talk as far as cash our nation contributes about 9-10 billion dollars every year. Our nation endures more while contrasted with different nations on the grounds that 70% of occupation in rustic territories is farming (agriculture) and fisheries. Environmental change will likewise influence the strength of a person.

References

1. Linacre, B. G. (n.d.). http://www-das.uwyo.edu/~geerts/cwx/notes/chap01/co2_change.html
2. Martin, d. (2017). https://aminoapps.com/c/english_amino/page/blog/ege-chtenie-12-18/r0zn_4NRceur41L1rq1N37XkN0NDwlQYBmN
3. Med, L. J. (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3066711/
4. Unknown. (n.d.). https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/denmark
5. Unknown1. (2019, 4 6). https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/E3GJKJDGndRkk8z13XohLO/Climate-change-is-going-to-hit-the-Indian-economy-hard.html
6. Unknown2. (2016, 2 16). http://www.presentica.com/ppt-presentation/an-unnatural-weather-change-14843
7. Unknown3. (n.d.). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges
8. Unknown4. (n.d.). https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Indo-Gangetic+plains

Climate Change Causes Effects and Solutions Essay

Green marketing the solution to climate change

Have you noticed that every summer is warmer than the one before? Have you noticed a change in the environment surrounding us in the past years? This is all because of the global phenomenon, of climate change. Climate change is one of the most sensitive and talked about issues worldwide. It is a global issue that urges many governments and society as a whole to take action before it is too late to do so. Us humans are battling a war that we caused ourselves, with our selfishness and greed.

In the past century, the average monthly temperature in Malta for the summer season was 35°C. Trends in air temperature in Malta lead one to believe that desertification is already taking place, and that summer heat waves are becoming more common.

The agriculture industry will see a drastic drop in output and will need more resources namely water, fertilizers, and pesticides. If the temperature increases, so will the demand for energy. This will result in higher household costs as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions as a result of increased energy consumption.

Furthermore, by 2030, precipitation patterns are predicted to decrease by 5%. This puts excessive pressure on the agricultural sector, and farmers are likely to incur significant financial losses as a result. This will result in further floods, which will have an effect on the Maltese Islands’ transportation and infrastructure.

The effects that climate change upholds are not just the problems we are facing today, but the problems that we will face in the near future.

What can be done to try to mitigate the climate change effects?

Consumers and authorities are concerned about the possible effects of climate change, which has prompted them to pursue sustainable business practices. Green marketing covers all aspects of a product, from manufacturing and packaging to advertisement and delivery.

According to Statista, 61% of customers are more likely to turn to environmentally friendly products, implying that sustainable marketing is about long-term success rather than short-term benefits.

Addressing environmental problems in your brand and exploring viable solutions is a successful way to assist combat climate change.

Businesses should make digital marketing a priority by engaging with target audiences through social media platforms while ensuring that printed campaigns and advertisements are made from recyclable materials. Moreover, to support the European Union’s single-use plastics regulation, businesses should switch to 100 percent recycled packaging.

Furthermore, to help agriculture, and local and farmer industries, businesses should use renewable and raw materials, followed by a sustainable manufacturing process.

One should make it a habit to adopt and invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, water-saving manufacturing methods, and the use of electric vehicles for transportation.

Now, I understand that when you think of climate activists, the world of marketing and advertisement isn’t what comes to mind. Although we are unlikely candidates to be environmental activists, companies and industries may have a larger effect.

If, on the other hand, green marketing and sustainable marketing are not implemented, climate change would have a significant effect on animals as well as humans, due to increasing sea levels, warming polar areas, and a global shift in climate zones.

Also, thousands of plant and animal species are on the verge of extinction. Koalas are dying out of thirst and coral reefs are endangered due to rising sea temperatures. Sad isn’t it?

If we don’t act now the sea level will rise. Around the world, heat waves will become more frequent and intense to the fact that we will not be able to handle them. Global warming increases the risk of more frequent and heavier rainfall and as that risk increases, so does the risk of flooding.

We must act now to protect our planet, our economy, and our people from the devastating effects of climate change. We must dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in renewable energy resources and an efficient delivery system. The United Nations asserts that everybody has a role to play in climate change and that they are urging people all over the world to work together to address the challenges of climate change. Green marketing processes should be adopted in order to ensure a better future for the generations to come.

Addressing Climate Change: The Urgent Need for Collective Action

Human Activities and Greenhouse Gas Impact

As we all know, things around us change, whether they are constructing a new building or building up a new factory. We try to create new things for either our survival, taste, or to help. We try to create things for everyone to use happily, but we end up destroying the majority of things around us even without noticing it. Due to the cause of human activities, there is a negative impact on climate change, such as. Hence, there should be a course of action that helps us avoid climate change.

As some of us know, one of the most common causes of climate change is Green House Gas. It is a heat-trapping gas found in the atmosphere of the earth. You can tell the greenhouse is good, but greenhouse gases aren’t good because the greenhouse is beneficial and part of the environment as it keeps our planet warm. If the greenhouse didn’t exist, the planet’s temperature would be minus degrees, and there would be ice everywhere. The cause of greenhouse becoming bad is human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy to generate electricity, vehicles, etc., making greenhouse gases with different chemical gases in the air.

And because of human activities, there is a rise in global warming that is drastically affecting the earth’s climate system. According to an analysis done in the United States, it is found that “Carbon dioxide accounted for the largest percentage of greenhouse gases (79%), followed by methane (11%), nitrous oxide (7%), and other greenhouse gases (3%)” (“U.S. Emissions”). These are some of the gases that are the cause of global warming, and not just that, but due to these chemicals being found in the air, we can get the idea of how they affect people’s or animals’ health.

Impacts of Factories and Pollution

Since we breathe daily, we can be conscious of what we live along with oxygen. Originally, the planet was warm due to the greenhouse being part of the environment for heat-trapping, which occurs when gases in the atmosphere capture solar heat, which would return back to space. But human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, etc., create different gases in the air. The gases in the air capture the solar energy that we get from the sun during the day, which is released into space during the night as it cools down and the sun is gone.

Let’s take the phone, for example; if we use too many phones, it heats up, and after we leave a place and do other activities, the phone releases the heat into the air and comes back to an average temperature. The sunlight or heat we get during the day is absorbed by everything around us and gets reflected back into the atmosphere or space, but due to different gases in the atmosphere, only a little percent is able to get through the atmosphere to space, but the rest is absorbed by the atmosphere, which is then deflected to the earth’s increasing global warming.

Above all, the major source that is causing climate change is factories because all the gases emitted from the factories go directly into the atmosphere, thus increasing the temperature and contaminating the air. The factory doesn’t just affect land and air but also water because the factories dispose of most of their wastes into the water. Thus leading to water contamination. And because of that, it results in the death of the sea plants and animals, or even have them carry the diseases. Consequently, the disease is spread in the water. Whether it’s land, air, or water, because of climate change, there is an increase in the extinction rate of animals.

Factory Emissions and Environmental Impacts

“A study by the University of Connecticut (United States), published in the Science journal, indicates that climate change is accelerating this, as climate change by itself will cause the disappearance of nearly 8% of the current species” (Corporativa). This is just one part of it, but if we research the rate of extinction rate in past years, we can get an idea of how fast the animals are getting extinct or getting endangered. This is not just because of factories but due to other climate changes that are affecting the planet’s atmosphere and environment.

And analysis shows that “Factories alone are responsible for nearly two-thirds of the emissions to blame for global climate change” (Harveston). As mentioned earlier at the beginning of this paragraph, this is one of the major impacts of climate change, and here is a piece of evidence to prove my claim. The other problem factories could be blamed for is most factories use large amounts of water for many things like cleaning, washing, etc., which they don’t think of or worry about how much water is being wasted and where the dirty water must be going.

Moreover, climate change is also caused by other various kinds of things like a wasteland where waste is thrown in a particular area, and since there are all kinds of waste mixed together, there might be different chemicals that get mixed. The climate change dilemma is made worse by food loss and waste because of the large greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions it produces. Food is a substantial source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions throughout its manufacturing, processing, and shipping, and if it winds up in the wasteland, it releases methane, a much more powerful greenhouse gas.

Waste Impact, Health Consequences, and Economic Burden

And because of waste thrown in a particular area, the area or the soil underneath and surrounding it dies. According to the research, “Americans dumped twice as much trash into landfills in 2012 as previously estimated, according to new research, suggesting trash may be contributing to climate change more than scientists believed” (Worland). If we look at what the research says, then if we think about other countries, how much waste land they may be having and how much harm it must be causing altogether. Looking at the land, it is a home to a different kind of species that we are destroying. We try to keep our house clean but do not bother keeping the environment clean.

By throwing waste here and there, we are bringing diseases to ourselves and animals and contaminating the environment. It is affecting animals and the environment, which aren’t even to be blamed for the results of our actions. According to the World Health Organization, “Poor waste collection…Resulting flooding and other standing waters in waste items favor cholera and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue” (“Guidance on Solid Waste and Health”). Exposure to improperly disposed waste is deleterious to our health, especially for the vulnerable groups. It also has a negative impact on the development of children.

Also, Climate change affects not only the surroundings but also the economic GDP and the cost of repair of houses or other buildings. Not only that, they have to pay the people who have lost their families due to climate change and are not earning. According to “(2019), The study projected that if the higher-temperature scenario prevails, climate change impacts on these 22 sectors could cost the U.S. $520 billion each year.” This study shows how much money they have to spend on health, housing, or structure that was destroyed in production. Since climate change can happen anywhere and any place, it can cause transportation of production between countries to slow a little at a particular place.

Climate Change’s Economic Ramifications and Mitigation Strategies

And due to production being slowed, their earnings will get slowed. Climate change is a factor that is probable to worsen inflation. According to an analysis by Colombia University’s Climate School, “Every degree Celsius that the Earth warms, there’s an estimated 5 to 15 percent decrease in overall crop production” (Shirin Ali). This will have a major impact on the farmers who would, especially, be struggling to maintain their fields and adjust to these weather conditions that keep changing. This, in turn, leads to an increase in prices.

Increases in costs might also be seen through the loss of wages and through medical bills, as global warming increases the risk of foodborne and waterborne diseases. Another example is California, “with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noting in July that U.S. orange production is expected to drop 13 percent to the lowest in 55 years due to poor fruit set, the stage where a flower turns into berry – driven by California’s severe drought” (Shirin Ali). This implies that climate change can and is disrupting the availability of food due to the reduction of agricultural productivity and interruption of food delivery.

One of the actions that could be taken to reduce greenhouse gases would be to use energy-saving light bulbs in your house, such as LED lights. If everyone uses an energy-saving light bulb, it would benefit not only us but also the environment. Such bulbs reduce the damage to the environment and help reduce your house’s electricity bills. “The annual energy consumption for an LED bulb is around 30 times lower than for a corresponding incandescent bulb…LED lights can bring lighting costs to 5 percent of the total electricity consumption in homes” (LED lighting). For every watt of light energy released, LED lights use less energy (LED lighting). In doing so, it lowers power plant greenhouse gas emissions.

LED Lights and Energy Efficiency: Environmental Impact and Innovations

Furthermore, LEDs have reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced from one LED bulb is approximately comparable to one-half tons. Using stuff that saves energy generates less heat when using it, and since it generates less heat, it cools down very fast. Normally, as we all might see, the use of too much light in our room or house makes us feel the temperature of our room is different from the temperature outside. We feel too hot, and sometimes so much light use disturbs our sleep due to the room temperature getting high.

Using light that saves energy might help the temperature of our room to not change much and help us sleep at night. And from what I have observed in different places or countries that I have visited, there is the use of light when there is nobody in the building. Some places use light to just make their town or city look good, but if we turn off all the lights that are not used and just close at night, that would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions a lot. According to a study done by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. could cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 9 billion pounds by simply switching out one light bulb in every house for an LED bulb (CPS LED Lighting).

Looking at what the research has brought, sometimes I think people who develop stuff should work more on creating things that help the environment and don’t harm ourselves and the animals. If a single LED bulb can bring this much change to the world, there is stuff that we can create that might bring a better result to save the environment. Looking at the circumstances and building up a product may reduce most of the stuff happening in this world, including our health.

Recycling: Addressing Climate Change through Waste Management

The problem of wastelands and the contamination caused by factories, two of the leading causes of climate change, can be managed by recycling waste. Looking around the world, some countries don’t have machines to recycle waste. So, if we share what we have developed with other countries, it would help reduce waste that is being dumped in an area. Recycling products can help reduce mining that is done to create new products, and it will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this world, everyone uses paper to work on different things; if all this paper goes into recycling, we can save trees.

Recycling has been a major thing to discuss since when the new products started to develop. There wasn’t any solution to what they should do with the waste, and they ended up throwing waste in a particular land, which is called the wasteland. Even in the factories, if a product isn’t built properly, it becomes a waste, and it either goes into the water or the wasteland. One of the solutions to reduce waste is to stop using the new material and try to recycle the old material.

Limiting the stuff can reduce the things to end in the wasteland. “Project Drawdown estimates that recycling between 2020 and 2050 will reduce emissions by 5.5-6.02 gigatons of carbon dioxide (equivalent to taking over 1 billion cars off the streets for one year)” (recycling). For good things to happen, it takes time, but if we all help, we can reduce the amount of years it would take. Recycling product just doesn’t become what it originally was but made into a different product. We should buy recycled products rather than products that are created entirely with new materials.

References:

1. U.S. Emissions by Gas. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/us-greenhouse-gas-inventory-report-2020
2. Corporativa. Climate Change and Biodiversity. Retrieved from https://corporativa.economia.gob.mx/en/CEIEG/climate-change-and-biodiversity
3. Harveston, T. (2019). Factories Responsible for Nearly Two-Thirds of Emissions Blamed for Climate Change. SciTechDaily. Retrieved from https://scitechdaily.com/factories-responsible-for-nearly-two-thirds-of-emissions-blamed-for-climate-change/
4. Worland, J. (2015). America Throws Away Twice as Much Trash as Previously Thought. Time. Retrieved from https://time.com/4004252/america-trash-waste/
5. Guidance on Solid Waste and Health. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/waste/guidance/en/
6. Shirin Ali, A. Climate Change Economics Explained. Columbia University – The Earth Institute. Retrieved from https://climate.columbia.edu/news-events/climate-change-economics-explained
7. LED Lighting. Energy.gov. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/led-lighting
8. CPS LED Lighting. CPS Energy. Retrieved from https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/customer-support/energy-saving-tips/led-lighting.html
9. Recycling. Project Drawdown. Retrieved from https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/materials/recycling

The Growing Threat of Climate Change: Impact on Society and Urgent Solutions

Rising Waters, Lost Homes

Climate change has been affecting society, especially nowadays. Humans have been affected by climate change in recent years, and many things have happened to communities and society. New things are happening, and hopefully, the new generations can help solve and stop climate change. People have been affected by changes in the weather and have been worrying more about their health. Many home and army bases are being destroyed.

Changes in weather have been a huge part of society’s worries; changes are drastic and so severe that some states and places in the world can’t handle them. Some places along the northern and midwestern regions show that spring may be arriving sooner; hot weather is happening more and more often. UCSUSA states, “Dangerously hot weather is occurring more frequently than it did 60 years ago.” The heat may be increasing by dangerous amounts that may result in catastrophic events for many places, especially the Arctic area. In places such as California, wildfires are occurring more often, too. As a result of having many wildfires, the air quality lessens. If wildfires keep on happening, the air will be contaminated with harmful chemicals. These chemicals can lead to sickness and more contamination; these hugely affect people, and kids with asthma could be in grave danger.

Homes are also being destroyed as a result of climate change. The main thing is flooding and fires. Flooding has caused many places to be evacuated, and homes have to be left behind to be destroyed. Forest fires have also burned down not only homes but entire communities. Many people and families have been left homeless, and they have to start over again. Families have to leave their homes behind because sometimes the conditions may be too brutal to return to. Global Change says that “…communities that live by the water, sea level rise, combined with coastal storm increase the risk of erosion and storm surges.” Places near waters

Where they are a danger to communities and are no longer safe to live in. people have lost their lives because of flooding, and some have moved out of where they used to live.

Health & Defense Risks

Health concerns are being cared about more; wildfires make the air quality worse, which can create sicknesses. If there is more heat in places or “summer time,” that creates plants to reproduce, and while that happens, pollen is being spread, which may extend allergy season to a certain extent, which can then endanger the lives of certain people. Also, in some places, temperatures are dropping rapidly; for example, in the city of Chicago, on January 30, 2019, the temperature dropped to more than twenty degrees below zero. Most places had to be shut down because of the severe weather, and many homeless people were given shelter, but the ones that weren’t most likely got sick from either hypothermia, frostbite, or phenomena. There hasn’t been a temperature drop that low since “January 20, 1985…the record was fifteen to sixteen below zero,” says CBS Chicago. The record was clearly beaten, but it shows how climate change is getting stronger and stronger.

Finally, Army bases are at risk; if the sea level keeps on rising at a certain rate, most bases of the U.S. Army will flood. If bases are flooded, military workers will be forced to evacuate because of the hazardous conditions. So, if bases are abandoned, then there are areas left unprotected, which are pinpoint areas for enemies. If the dangerous flooding does not stop soon, various military bases will be left unattended, which creates a threat to the U.S.

In conclusion, the dangers of climate change are increasing more rapidly each day. Human civilization is the greatest factor being affected by the dangers of climate change. No one is safe from climate change until we stop and think about what we can do to help our earth. We must do what we can to help protect ourselves and others. From weather to health concerns and homes to military bases, people all over the world are being affected by one big thing called Climate change.

References:

1. UCSUSA. Global warming increases the frequency of dangerously hot days. Union of Concerned Scientists.
2. Global Change. Sea level rise impacts on coastal communities.
3. CBS Chicago. (2019, January 31). Chicago’s historic cold snap breaks record for the coldest temperature ever recorded.

The Multifaceted Impacts of Climate Change on Ecosystems and Human Health

Accelerated Climate Change and its Far-reaching Impacts

As usual, the climate is defined as the typical weather of a particular place in a period of time. It means that a place can have various types of climates in different seasons. It also means that climates in different regions can be so diverse. Scientists normally analyze some patterns of past climates in order to predict how the climates will change in the coming years. However, these statistics are less reliable because the earth’s climates in recent years are changing more rapidly than what scientists expected. Human exploitation is claimed to be one of the primary causes of climate change. The changes in climate have significant impacts on not only a wide range of birds, plants, and fishes but also human health.

In general, the changes in the climate system can be made by natural causes and human activities. For example, if there are changes in the shapes of the earth’s orbit, the position of the earth’s axis, and even within the sun itself, the sun’s energy output will change. Because the sun is one of the crucial sources of energy in human life, the intensity of the sunlight will drive the climate system. The climate will be warmer in strong solar intensity periods and cooler in weak solar intensity periods. In addition, volcanic eruptions also affect the climate system. When volcanoes erupt, the large ash clouds, which are produced into the air, can dim the sun and cause a cooling effect.

Besides ash clouds, enormous quantities of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which relate to acid rains, are also created. However, studies indicated that the dominant causes of climate change are human activities, especially the greenhouse effect. The term “greenhouse effect” is commonly used to describe the process of making the earth’s temperature warmer. After sunlight passes through the atmosphere and reaches the earth’s surface, nearly 30 percent of it is reflected back into space. The remaining energy is absorbed and re-emitted in all directions by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). In other words, the greenhouse gases can be considered as a blanket around the earth, which makes the earth’s atmosphere warm.

Nonetheless, human activities are adding CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere through the process of burning fossil fuels like coal and oil, cement production, waste dumps, and deforestation. As a result, increased levels of greenhouse gases intensified the average temperature above the normal degree. According to Blunden, “2015 tied as the warmest year on record for the region, and sea ice reached its fourth lowest extent” (2016). Warming temperatures not only make the Arctic sea ice melt faster but also cause more extreme weather events, including fires, droughts, great storms, heavy rainfalls, and floods. These changes can significantly affect many animals live as well as human health.

Ecological Disruptions and Forest Vulnerabilities

Longer-term changes to weather patterns from season to season are impacting many different species of birds around the world by altering their food web, habitats, the timing of breeding, and migration cycles. Silberg wrote that “Heat waves would last around a third longer, rain storms would be about a third more intense, the increase in sea level would be approximately that much higher” (2016). Those phenomena will disrupt the nutrient cycling of the ecosystem. Therefore, it will decrease the range of prey for birds. Insufficient food may cause a steady decrease in bird populations as well as give the birds less energy for migration. In addition, not only are birds in danger of immediate death, but their eggs are harmed by major cyclones, storms, and heavy rainfalls, which can seriously damage their habitats.

Climate change also has great impacts on birds’ breeding cycles. Research has shown that while the murres breed twenty-four days earlier after ten years, the eggs of swallows lay nine days earlier compared to forty years ago. Moreover, changes in climate, such as higher temperatures, force birds to use more energy for thermoregulation. Some types of birds, which cannot adapt to extreme weather conditions, have to shift their geographic distributions northwards to areas with more suitable thermal conditions. Besides terrestrial birds, climate change also affects waterfowl. For instance, the prairie pothole region is one of the breeding areas of waterfowl in North America. However, climate change significantly declined the prairie pothole wetlands.

As the climate is changing, many forests are being destroyed through fires, insect infestations, and drought. Compared to the past, the number and intensity of wildfires today are to a higher degree due to global warming. Scientists showed that the forest areas that were burnt by large wildfires these days are more than twice as many as fifty years ago. When the temperature steadily increases, it will make the spring run off quickly as well as build up the summer heat. It also enhances the evaporation rates. In addition, extreme weather events such as thunderstorms increase the frequency of lightning, which is one of the primary causes of wildfires.

As a result, the forests have to face drier conditions together with longer fire seasons. Statistics indicated that the wildfire season is seventy-eight days longer. In addition, higher temperatures and drier conditions are the ideal environment for the mountain pine beetle and other types of insects, which can kill many trees. On the other hand, the warmer the air is, the more heavy rainfall events occur. It led to more devastating floods, which destroyed many forests in recent decades.

Shifting Aquatic Ecosystems and Marine Life Challenges

Climate change affects not only the forests through major wildfires and devastating floods but also the agriculture plants through droughts. Warmer temperatures will intensify the evaporation of the soil. It makes the droughts in some regions occur more frequently and longer. Droughts can threaten many crops, including corn, soybeans, rice, and wheat. For example, Silberg indicated that “above certain temperature thresholds, corn doesn’t die, but it doesn’t grow seed. It doesn’t grow a corncob” (2016). In general, humans should have plans to protect trees from the negative effects of climate change.

The changing climate strongly influenced fish’s lives in a number of ways, both directly and indirectly. For example, climate change is one of the major reasons that changed the home range of many marine species. When the air temperatures increase, the oceans may absorb some heat and become warmer. Blunden stated that “Average surface temperatures in ice-free regions in August 2015 were up to 14 degrees F above average in several regions” (2016). Different species of fish can withstand different water temperatures. However, there are limited types of fish that are well adapted to high water temperatures.

Other fishes, especially cold water species, including trout and salmon, cannot rapidly adapt. As a result, they have to shift their location by moving further north or into deeper water as a response to the rise in global temperatures. It means that these species may move into the less hospitable habitat and have to compete with other species. In addition, thousands of juvenile marine species may be stranded and unable to travel to the new environment. This movement also directly impacts the diets or the food web of many marine organisms. For instance, elephant seal pups become thinner because of a decline in the size of their prey.

Another example is “the higher rainfall stressed important food plants by waterlogging their roots, resulting in lowered nutrient content for beavers during the reproductive period” (Ribic, 2017). Furthermore, climate change affects not only the migration timing of many species but also some key stages in their annual life cycle, including their breeding season. Many types of fish are found to be breeding earlier than they used to. For example, compared to fifteen years ago, the eggs of loggerhead sea turtles are laid about ten days earlier. Moreover, climate change also contributes to species extinction.

Human Health Risks and Disease Outbreaks

The climate-sensitive species, which may experience significant losses, include ringed seals and cold water fishes like salmon. For example, the populations of western trout in the western United States decreased more than sixty percent in recent years. Another effect of climate change on marine species is that rising temperatures can control their sex ratio. Scientists showed that the number of female hawksbill turtles being born is more than that of male turtles. In other words, higher temperatures will contribute to the feminization of marine species.

Health hazards related to climate change are significant and varied. The first significant health impact of climate change is the increased intensity of infectious disease transmission. One example of an infectious disease is Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas and can cause fever, fatigue, joint pain, and skin rash. As temperature and rainfall increase, the distribution and behavior of mosquitoes and ticks are greatly influenced. As a result, Lyme disease spreads rapidly. In recent years, nearly 30,000 cases of Lyme disease have been reported every year.

Moreover, an analysis of dengue transmission in the southeastern United States written by Butterworth and other professors showed that there are nearly four hundred million infections by the four dengue serotypes (Butterworth 579). Another health impact of climate change is death related to extreme weather events. To be specific, floods, intense hurricanes, droughts, tsunamis, and storms killed a large number of people. For example, in 2004, the Asian tsunami killed over 280,000 people. People who have survived experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health issues.

Environmental Shifts and Human Health Implications

On the other hand, higher temperatures are directly related to poor air quality. In other words, when the climate changes, toxic air pollutants are released in some areas. Thus, they suffer susceptible populations like people with asthma or cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, children, and the elderly. Because of greenhouse effects, the increased ground-level ozone may cause various reactions, including chest pains, throat irritation, and inflammation of the lungs.

In addition, the allergen of pollen due to increased plant growth and mold spores due to severe storms are amplified. In other words, Schmidt said, “When exposed to warmer temperatures and higher levels of CO2, plants grow more vigorously and produce more pollen than they otherwise would.” (A71). If the climate continues to change, the threats to human health will be higher.

In conclusion, climate change causes higher temperatures and other extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, wildfires, and heavy rainfalls. These phenomena have negative effects on not only many different species of birds, fishes, and plants but also human health. Therefore, by analyzing past weather patterns, people should prepare well for forthcoming events as well as have projects to preserve the forests and protect animals from the risks of extinction.

References:

1. Blunden, J., Arndt, D. S., & Hartfield, G. (2016). State of the Climate in 2015. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 97(8), S1-S275.
2. Silberg, J. J. (2016). Climate Change Impacts on Birds and Their Migration Phenology. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 128(1), 1-11.
3. Ribic, C. A. (2017). Avian community responses to variability in climate and resource availability: Studies from a system with long-term data. Ecosphere, 8(2), e01632.
4. Butterworth, M. K., Morin, C. W., & Comrie, A. C. (2017). An Analysis of Dengue Transmission in the Southeastern United States. Journal of Medical Entomology, 54(3), 579-584.
5. Schmidt, C. W. (2016). Pollen Overload: Seasonal Allergies in a Changing Climate. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(4), A70-A75.

Climate Change: Economics, Security, and Global Cooperation

From Global Security to Local Extremes

Not only is climate change one of the most critical components in America but also in other countries. Climate change is closely related to economics, national health, and global warming. Sea rise and increasing temperature are the most relevant results that we can see through the excessive use of greenhouse gases. Many scientists say that climate change is related to global warming. According to NASA, global temperature has increased by .07 °C per decade since 1880. However, 1980 showed a significant increase in global average temperature. One thing that we have to know is that global warming will increase the frequency of climate change and severe weather.

In 2013, the head of U.S. forces in the Pacific, Adm. Samuel Locklear III, said that Global warming is the most likely thing that is going to happen… that will cripple the security environment, probably more likely than the other scenarios we all often talk about’. Climate change is a serious problem that we are facing now, and there should be specific security for this problem. California had the hottest July last year. The state average temperature was 79.7 degrees, and a few of the highest temperatures were recorded in Death Valley. Several massive fires happened across California, including the Mendocino complex, which was recorded as the third largest on record in the state.

From Fire Risk to Economic Consequences

Dr. William said that nature creates the perfect conditions for fire as long as people are there to start the fires. However, climate change, in a few different ways, seems also to load the dice toward more fire in the future. Moreover, Accu Weather implied that the total output of all goods and services cost $20 trillion, which is equivalent to 2 percent of the nation’s GDP. This evidence implies that climate change will eventually affect our economies, and the U.S. also must be prepared for this problem. What would happen if the global temperature keeps rising for the next 20 years? Without ecological security, the temperature would consistently rise until 4°C. It will cause several impacts, which consist of changing precipitation, melting snow and ice, rising sea levels, and changing severe weather. Every impact is explained as follows…

Melting snow and ice will cause low albedo, which means the low reflection of sunlight energy and raised sea level. Rising sea levels will cause severe weather due to increased evaporation. Various causes are involved in this matter, so ecological security is the only thing to delay global warming. The natural progression will take a long time to see the result. Government policies would help this problem. One of the impressive examples from our reading was that the California government made a new policy for buildings and houses. All new houses in California must install a solar panel, and it saves the home buyer $40 a month.

From Conservation to International Cooperation

Since the significant problem of global warming is burning fossil fuels, it is an excellent idea to reduce electricity use. Another policy that I would recommend is related to reforestation and education. The government could make one special day to plant trees and educate the young generation about climate change. Once a year would be great, and I hope it could increase by 5% within five years. Climate change is a severe problem that we are facing now. Our nation should get prepared for the future and need to apply environmental taxes or subsidies to companies.

Since global warming is related to the whole world, I believe that developed countries should make the association to reduce developing country’s CO2. For example, 70% of India and the Philippines still use a wood stove for heating or cooking, and most of their house has a black roof. Developed countries can support some eco-efficient stoves and paint their roof to decrease temperature. It will decrease the excessive use of air-conditioning, and it will also decrease the CO2 level. Lastly, as I mentioned, global warming can be delayed by education, government policy, government subsidies, and supporting developing countries.

References:

1. NASA. (n.d.). Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/
2. U.S. Department of Defense. (2013). Commander’s Interview with Samuel J. Locklear III. Retrieved from https://archive.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=5266
3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2018). State of the Climate: National Climate Report for 2017. Retrieved from https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/national/201713
4. Dr. William. (n.d.). Personal communication.
5. AccuWeather. (n.d.). Climate Change Costing U.S. Economy $20 Trillion. Retrieved from https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/climate-change-costing-us-economy-20-trillion/70002000
6. California Energy Commission. (n.d.). Solar Energy for New Homes. Retrieved from https://www.energy.ca.gov/solar/solar_for_new_homes.html
7. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2014). Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/
8. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (n.d.). Climate Education. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/climate-action/education
9. World Bank. (n.d.). Carbon Pricing Dashboard. Retrieved from https://carbonpricingdashboard.worldbank.org/
10. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (n.d.). Support to Developing Countries. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/climatechange/support-developing-countries

Tackling Climate Change: Livestock Emissions, Clean Power, and Global Agreements

Unreported Livestock Emissions: Overlooking a Major Climate Culprit

The permanent damage can cause extreme fluxes in weather and the rising of the oceans. It is also more difficult to control than carbon due to one of its contributors being cows.

The meat industry is one of the leading causes of climate change. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 39 percent of all greenhouse gases are from livestock (Singh, 2014). Out of the 39 percent of farm animals used for consumption globally, 55 percent is from beef cattle. Per year, a single cow will release between 70 and 120 kilograms of methane, which is an alarming amount (Rohrer, n.d.). Looking at historical trends shows that these emissions will most likely not decrease. Throughout the past 50 years, agriculture has doubled. By the year 2050, methane emissions from agriculture are projected to increase as much as 70 percent (Singh, 2014).

This issue has been monitored more frequently by governments and scientists around the globe but is mostly ignored by the United States. In 2017, the nation surpassed China as the leading meat producer in the world, with a percentage of 19.63 (Halverson, 2016). During the Obama administration, a bill was passed in 2016 that renewed a provision preventing the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring livestock farmers to report the number of emissions they are producing (2016). This is going against a policy that the United States already has on monitoring emissions.

Out of the 42 sectors within the nation that produce greenhouse gas emissions, the meat industry is the only one not required to have an annual report (Izzo, 2018). Since there is no reporting on livestock emissions, the nation’s total percentage released annually is underestimated by a large amount. The reasoning for not including livestock emissions in an annual report may come from economic concerns. The United States economy is heavily influenced by the meat industry. Studies have shown Americans eat more meat per capita than any other country, which is beneficial to the nation’s economic growth (Halverson, 2016). However, scientists have stated a change in what we eat will produce a quicker and more noticeable impact on stopping climate change over altering the way fossil fuels are used.

Policy Reforms for Climate-Conscious Agriculture and Industry

Due to the fact that the Obama administration did not act upon this issue, President Donald Trump needs to take the initiative. In order to curb climate change in regard to farming and livestock, the Trump administration should make a policy requiring that livestock emissions be counted in the annual reports. This will allow the nation to have an accurate percentage to reference and share with other nations. Along with this addition, the President should incorporate other policies for agriculture. There are a handful of achievable changes farmers can utilize.

For example, what the cows are being fed. The majority of corn farmed in the United States is used for beef cattle. This is an extremely gassy food that is linked to severe digestive problems in the cow. In 2011, manure alone accounted for 16 percent of agriculture emissions (Halverson, 2016). If farmers started feeding their cows hay and mixing the plant alfalfa within, the amount of belching and manure would most likely decrease, which would reduce emissions due to a healthier diet.

Another take could be the amount of land we save for farming. Within the United States, the majority of farmed land is for cow feed. The amount of greenhouse emissions that come from harvesting the corn for the cows is astonishing. More land should be preserved for national parks or land that will not be able to be commercially touched. The issue of cows being related to climate change goes under the radar compared to other issues. More specifically, the concern about power plants and their carbon emissions.

One of the more apparent causes of greenhouse gas emissions is the issue with power plants. These businesses in the United States use roughly 30 percent of coal for their energy production (Negin, n.d.). Coal is a black, carbon-rich rock that was heavily mined up until the 1950s due to natural gas, nuclear power, wind, and solar coming into play. One of the reasons power plant emissions are looked at much more than that of agriculture is due to the number of health concerns. Besides carbon being emitted into the atmosphere, power plants also emit mercury, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic materials. These can all be linked to severe health concerns like brain damage, heart problems, and cancer.

Clean Power Plan: Health, Economic, and Climate Benefits

Despite these health concerns, President Donald Trump has recently stated that he is determined to bring back the coal industry in the United States. This is one climate change topic former President Barack Obama and current President Donald Trump disagree on. In 2015, the Obama administration announced a policy with a goal of reducing emissions given off by power plants. This plan was called the Clean Power Plan and happened to be the first policy addressing national standards for power plants and their carbon dioxide pollution. The main objective was reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants while utilizing a cleaner way to give Americans energy and making this possible for each state to easily achieve (“Overview of Greenhouse Gases,” 2018).

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, the implementation of this plan would result in climate change benefits of $20 billion, health benefits of $14-$34 billion, and overall net benefits of $26-$45 billion (2018). In regard to health benefits, the Clean Power Plan was also projected to avoid 3,600 premature deaths, 1,700 heart attacks, 90,000 asthma attacks, and 300,000 missed work days and school days (2018). In order to be effective, the regulations would need to work for each state. Therefore, region, population size, and land mass were taken into consideration.

States had the choice to implement these regulations individually or regionally. The plan resulted in three different goals, “A rate-based state goal measured in pounds per megawatt hour (lb/MWh); A mass-based state goal measured in total short tons of CO2; A mass-based state goal with a new source complement measured in total short tons of CO2” (2018, 3). States were asked to start implementing the new regulations during the year 2022 and carry them out until 2029. In 2030, the results would be taken into consideration to see what the next steps would be and if there was any significant reduction in greenhouse and toxic emissions. Due to all the factors stated above, the two different plans the state could pick from were called the emission standards plan and the state measures plan. A description of each is stated below:

“Emission standards plan would include source-specific requirements ensuring all affected power plants within the state meet their required emissions performance rates or state-specific rate-based or mass-based goal. The state measures plan would include a mixture of measures implemented by the state, such as renewable energy standards and programs to improve residential energy efficiency that are not included as federally enforceable components of the plan. The plan may also include federally enforceable source-specific requirements.

Executive Order Rollback: Reversing Climate Progress and Economic Concerns

The state measures, alone or in conjunction with federally enforceable requirements, must result in affected power plants meeting the state’s mass-based goal. The plan must also include a backstop of federally enforceable standards on affected power plants that fully meet the emission guidelines, and that would be triggered if the state measures fail to result in the affected plants achieving the required emissions reductions on schedule. States may use the final model rule, which EPA proposed on August 3, for their backstop” (2018, 2).

Even though this plan was put into action by the Obama administration and was well received by the majority of the government, scientists, and citizens, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that will most likely cause the Clean Power Plan to be repealed. It is projected to be replaced by a much weaker and less desirable policy due to the lobbying of opposition groups and Donald Trump’s support for the coal industry.

The executive order President Donald Trump signed in regard to climate change rescinds a handful of policies put into place by former President Barack Obama. He specifically ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to hold an extensive review of the Clean Power Plan. The goal of this executive order, signed on March 29, 2017, was to loosen the regulations set on the fossil fuel industries. At this point in Trump’s presidency, this was the first declaration targeting climate change efforts. Along with the rollback of Obama-era plans came strict guidelines, which made it more difficult to put regulations on fossil fuels in the future. This included the coal, oil, and natural gas industries. Many believe Trump is blinded by the economy. A statement from the Union of Concerned Scientists states:

“He is so beholden to fossil fuel interests that he’s willing to stand in the way of the economic opportunities provided by a transition to clean energy. And he does not at all understand our deep moral obligation to limit the dangers of climate change for future generations, who will be left to face the consequences of our failure to act” (Negin, n.d., 3)

Balancing Economic Interests and Environmental Accountability

As of 2018, China is listed as the leading greenhouse gas emitter, with the United States close behind (Gillis & Popovich, 2017). Together, both nations account for 40 percent of the globe’s greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the United States is responsible for a large portion of the dangerous emissions being put into the planet’s atmosphere. The nation should be accountable for these actions, and putting appropriate regulations into place is a moral and ethical obligation. However, Trump’s concern for the economy is more prevalent than his principles. This comes from a concern about the lack of jobs in America and the fact that he is a strong supporter of the coal industry.

The President also believes economic freedoms have been threatened by the power plant regulations put into place by the Obama administration. Therefore, he insists revitalizing the coal industry will help the economy, which will, in turn, benefit the environment. One of his recent speeches to the public states, “You’ve got to make sure you’ve got a strong economy … A strong economy is the best way to protect the environment. Natural gas is important. Coal is important. Nuclear is important” (Lavelle, 2017, p. 1). The economy of the United States is important. However, as of June of this year, the unemployment rate is only 4 percent, which is considered a healthy range.

The President disregarding climate change is an issue, but he is also blatantly ignoring health risks that would be cut if the Clean Power Plan came into effect. As stated in the paragraph above, Americans would see a large reduction in cardiovascular illnesses, respiratory illnesses, cancer, and asthma issues, which have all been linked to power plant emissions. As of now, this policy is not in effect but is pending a challenge in the US Court of Appeals. The termination of the plan also affects the treaties the nation is in. One of the United States current obligations is the Paris climate agreement. Therefore, the 2015 Clean Power Plan should remain a policy in the United States.

Along with the Clean Power Plan being signed by former President Barack Obama in 2015, he also took part in signing the Paris Climate Agreement. This international treaty was aimed at curbing climate change while keeping the global temperature increase below two degrees Celsius and eventually down to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Along with the United States, 174 other countries, plus the European Union, signed the agreement on December 12, 2015. The overall goal was for all participating nations to put their best efforts forward through nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and continue to strengthen these efforts with each passing year (“What Is the Paris Agreement,” n.d.).

Urgent Need to Uphold Climate Commitments and Global Cooperation

The nationally determined contributions consisted of regular reports of participating nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, what implementations each country is taking to curb climate change, and a global stocktake every five years in order to see how far the world has come and to determine if changes were necessary. There is also a list of 12 crucial areas each state needs to pay attention to in order to successfully combat climate change: Long-term temperature goal, global peaking, and climate neutrality, mitigation, sinks and reservoirs, voluntary cooperation within the market and non-market-based approaches, adaptation, loss and damages.

Technology and capacity-building support with financial advisement, climate change education, transparency, global stocktake, and decision making (“What Is the Paris Agreement,” n.d.). Since the United States accounts for a large percentage of the planet’s total greenhouse gas emissions, without the nation’s support, it will be very difficult to keep the global temperature increase below two degrees Celsius. Along with global warming, climate change is projected to condemn tens of thousands of Americans to premature deaths by the year 2100 (Levitz, 2018).

Since Trump announced the nation’s abandonment of the Paris Agreement, other countries have also taken similar actions. Many are calling this the “Trump effect” (Curtin, 2018). Along with the nation, Russia, Brazil, and Turkey have abandoned their own plans in accordance with climate change. Government officials from these three countries have all cited Trump’s withdrawal decision as encouraging their change of heart. All the reasons stated above are just a few examples of why the nation should stay in the Paris climate agreement and the Clean Power Plan of 2015.

There is no benefit to abandoning this international movement. Despite Donald Trump claiming the United States is out of the treaty, the nation cannot officially abandon it until November 4, 2020. This is due to the rigorous withdrawal process. When former president Barack Obama signed the Paris Plan, there was a timeline to which he agreed. In this timeline, it stated that the United States could not officially announce its plan to withdraw until November 4, 2019 (Palmer, 2018). If the President wins his second term and is still in office at that time, he will then need to send a letter to the United Nations secretary general addressing the United States intention to leave the agreement.

A Global Imperative Amid Policy Changes

After notifying the secretary general, there is a one-year waiting period before being officially kicked off the Paris climate plan. Therefore, the official exit was on November 4, 2020 (2018). Even though there is a four-year waiting period before being able to withdraw, the President is taking that time to rescind Obama-era policies, like that of the 2015 Clean Power Plan and many others. It is embarrassing on the international platform for the President to withdraw from a treaty with 174 other signatories. The nation should continue to be a part of the agreement and work towards bettering the planet since the United States is such a large emitter of greenhouse gases.

Even though the United States has rolled back a handful of regulations in regard to climate change, states are taking matters into their own hands. For instance, California and New York will be implementing their own regulations and providing financial support, which is in accordance with the Paris plan. California has been implementing new vehicle emissions standards for mileage, which are higher than the current federal government standards. The former mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, pledged to cover the $15 million the United States owes the United Nations in regard to the Paris accord (Halper, 2018).

This should be a telling sign to President Donald Trump that the Paris Climate Agreement is an important treaty to stay a part of and not a difficult thing to contribute to. Other nations are also going above and beyond the expectations set by the Paris climate agreement as well. India remains on track to achieve their set goals while adding a few more initiatives. The Ministry of Environment and Forests recently released a report regarding India’s efforts to combat climate change. They listed 20 new initiatives the country is undertaking, which will help offset 11 percent of their annual greenhouse gas emissions (“India Steps Up Climate Change Efforts,” n.d.).

The policies former president Barack Obama set into place were important not only for the nation but also for the planet altogether. Even though President Trump is rescinding these approaches to combating climate change, it set a precedent that they are accomplishable. Even though the United States is a powerful nation, it is quickly falling behind on climate change efforts. The nation should revert to the plans from the Obama administration for commonsense health concerns and the various facts scientists around the globe have been stating in regard to climate change.

References:

1. Singh, R. (2014). Livestock’s Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/a-a0701e.pdf
2. Rohrer, J. (n.d.). Livestock’s Methane Emissions: An Overview. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Retrieved from https://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Livestocks-Methane-Emissions.pdf
3. Halverson, N. (2016). Meat consumption and climate change. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(11), A197. DOI: 10.1289/ehp.124-A197
4. Overview of Greenhouse Gases. (2018). Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases
5. Lavelle, M. (2017). Trump to U.N.: The U.S. ‘Will Not Pay More than 25 Percent of the Peacekeeping Budget’. InsideClimate News. Retrieved from https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23092017/trump-united-nations-speech-paris-agreement-global-warming
6. Gillis, J., & Popovich, N. (2017). The U.S. Is the Biggest Carbon Polluter in History. It Just Walked Away from the Paris Climate Deal. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/01/climate/us-biggest-carbon-polluter-in-history-will-it-walk-away-from-the-paris-climate-deal.html
7. Levitz, E. (2018). Climate Change Will Get Worse. These Investors Are Betting on It. New York Magazine. Retrieved from https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/08/climate-change-will-get-worse-these-investors-are-betting-on-it.html
8. What Is the Paris Agreement? (n.d.). United Nations Climate Change. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/what-is-the-paris-agreement
9. Palmer, M. (2018). U.S. Formally Begins to Leave the Paris Climate Agreement. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2019/11/04/775955864/u-s-formally-begins-to-leave-the-paris-climate-agreement
10. Halper, E. (2018). As Trump Abandons Paris, These States Step Up. High Country News. Retrieved from https://www.hcn.org/articles/climate-desk-as-trump-abandons-paris-these-states-stand-up