Climate Change and Extreme Weather Conditions

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Climate change has been widely discussed in all aspects. In this regard, the latest global heat wave rekindled the debate on climate change. Proponents of climate change argue that human activities are to be blamed for the current global climate change. Essentially, human activities are cited as the major cause of global warming.

The Intergovernmental Panel’s on Climate Change (IPCC) recent reports indicates close links between human activities and changes in the global climate (Burke 2). The relationships between human activities and global warming are yet to be ascertained though the symptoms are obvious. In fact, extreme weather conditions experienced around the world are attributed to human actions.

The current heat wave is one of the extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change due to human activities. Even though critics argue against the link between extreme weather conditions and climate change, scientific evidence clearly indicate a strong correlation between the global warming and the extreme weather conditions.

However, researchers in this field have been cautious when drawing conclusions directly linking extreme weather conditions to climate change (Burke 2). The opponents question the validity and reliability of current data basing their arguments on the history of world climate. Historically, the world has experienced calamitous heat waves, floods as well as other extreme weather conditions without human activities involved.

In the recent past, scientists have continued to draw in data linking the two variables. The agreement across the board is that human activities such as emissions of the greenhouse gases have contributed to global warming. As such, there should be sustained measures to limit the greenhouse gas emissions (Thurber 2). Unless such measures are undertaken, dangerous heat waves as well as floods are likely to re-occur. In addition, prolonged draughts as well as coastal flooding have increased chances of extreme weather conditions occurrence.

Nonconformist scientists and politicians often dispute about the predictions, yet the number of disasters arising from extreme weather conditions is undoubtedly escalating. In addition, similar data from various sources cannot be disputed on the ground of validity and reliability (Thurber 2). In fact, data from climate agencies indicate similar results with slight variations.

For instance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Climate Data Center (NCDC) indicate that the last thirteen years have experienced the hottest periods within 132 years. Precisely, the hottest period ever recorded since 1895 occurred from 2001 to 2013. The IPCC, which has been involved in various researches around the world, predicts more extreme weather conditions in the coming decade (Zaelke and Veerabhadran 2).

Moreover, the IPCC reports that the frequencies of extreme weather conditions have increased. Previously, the heat waves occurred once in 20 years. Currently, the heat waves occur two times in one decade. The prediction is that continuous emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere leads to reoccurrences of global warming within two years.

Heat waves are not the only extreme weather conditions that are expected to occur but also flooding, hurricanes, prolonged drought, coastal flooding as well as ice storms are expected in the next decade. The IPCC, which is concerned with the climate studies, normally has accurate predictions and warn associates against premature judgments (Zaelke and Veerabhadran 2). The panel depends on clear evidence to make conclusive predictions.

The reason is that many factors that tend to explain the variations in world temperatures are not directly linked. In other words, there is disconnection between the current causes of extreme weather conditions and the similar past climate situations. The explanations provide facts used by critics to argue their case. In addition, the conclusions drawn from the data taken within 132 years cannot be linked with the similar data from another century.

Consistent with the recent report released by the IPCC and the UN panel, human actions contribute immensely to climate change. The reports follow the studies undertaken to determine the relationship between climate change and human activities. In fact, the reports indicate that typhoons, hurricanes and coastal flooding are likely to increase in this decade (Shank 1). The recent reports concur with previous information on climate change and extreme weather conditions.

In addition, the studies indicate that greenhouse gas emissions are the major cause of climate change (Zaelke and Veerabhadran 2). Some of the effects of greenhouse gas are the extremely high and low atmospheric temperatures. The cyclic global temperatures are prone to intense weather conditions. The data is supported by basic atmospheric science arguing that warmer air causes intense drought and heat waves. The result also explains the cause of the recent heat waves.

According to the reports, the extreme temperatures are also likely to cause increased frequency of precipitation associated with typhoons, cyclones, hurricanes as well as coastal floods. In addition, available data indicate that heavy rains are expected to rise in many parts of the world within this century due to increased atmospheric pressure and temperature (Shank 1).

Even though recent statistics are almost similar to the previous information, the accuracy of data collection and analysis improves the reliability of the conclusions drawn. In other words, the two agencies are majorly concerned with accuracy of the data to draw plausible correlations between the human activities and the global warming.

The IPCC and the UN also found out increasing human susceptibility to extreme weather conditions. While carbon emissions continue to be unabated, human vulnerability to the extreme weather conditions persistently increases (Leonhardt 1).

Flawed decisions on climate change by governments and industrialists together with continued increasing populations are exposing the majority of people to the harms of extreme weather conditions.

Human activities including land use, rapid urbanization, unchecked coastal developments and growth of megacities have led to the increased vulnerability of rural and urban communities to the tribulations resulting from extreme weather conditions. The reports argue that necessary measures have to be taken to avert extreme weather related problems.

Global warming related problems have been cited to vary from social to economic aspects. In other words, climate change significantly influences the political and socio-economic trends around the globe. In particular, the global climate changes have affected the trends of global economic growth.

For instance, the Colorado floods and Yosemite Rim Fire are examples of the devastating effects of climate change. In addition, the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) argued that over fifty percent of extreme weather events in 2012 were influenced by changes in climate (Leonhardt 1). The consequences of the calamities ranged from crippling of tourism to loss of homes and livelihoods.

Further, the weather events posed risks to the economic growth. Moreover, a research by the US Department of Energy (USDE) asserted that energy infrastructure is gradually more susceptible to extreme weather events emanating from climate change. For example, the wildfire that occurred in close proximity to Yosemite National Park in San Francisco led to the declaration of state of emergency due to the threats the wildfire posed to the city’s electricity supply plant.

According to Yale Project on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC), most American citizens are prepared to engage in peaceful civil defiance against organizations promoting global warming in operations. The government’s lack of environmental policy change initiatives is increasingly perturbing the public.

For instance, the Keystone XL pipeline project is facing mass opposition from the public due to the venture’s environmental implications (Shank 1). Through such protests, the government has initiated climate bill, carbon tax as well as having set up the strict limits of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Moreover, companies have been on the forefront in ensuring paradigm shifts towards carbon reductions and major ventures in renewable sources of energy (Gillis 1). Studies also indicate that abrupt changes experienced on the planet including melting, acidifying, flooding and warming have led to a completely different globe. In other words, higher amounts of black carbon in the atmosphere heat up the Earth.

Consequently, extreme weather events characterized by heat waves, heavy rains and violent storms occur. Such weather conditions adversely affect vegetation and animals. Scientists link such extreme weather conditions to climate change. The assessment of climate science by the IPCC indicates that the continuous warming of the atmosphere, sea level rise, alterations in the global water cycle and diminishing snow levels are the results of the human influence.

The panel has achieved remarkable successes through endorsement of the carbon budget for humanity. In reality, the regulation of the amount of carbon and greenhouse gases by industries and clearing of forests have led to burning up of approximately a trillion metric tons of carbon and the reduction of planetary warming to about two degrees above the sea level (Shank 1).

However, climate-cynic organizations contend that the report by the IPCC is hysterical and exaggerated. For instance, the Heartland Institute argues that anticipated global warming would be insignificant to be transformed into climatic calamity. In essence, the critics argue that due to the slow rates of global warming experienced over the last decade, rapid reductions in global warming are imminent (Gillis 1).

The administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have put forward the necessary steps that the government should implement to counter the rising climate alterations nationally and at the global level. As the world experiences continuous warming with highest levels of humidity occurrence over the last ten years, the deficiency of actions to curb climate change has negatively influenced the ambiance.

As such, governments are embracing market-based models in reduction of greenhouse gas discharges by imposing carbon taxes on power plants releasing higher amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Augmented ventures in clean energy expertise are also critical in spurring firm economic inclination along with habitable atmosphere.

Most importantly, the amendment of Montreal Protocol (MP) of 1989 will be significant in solving the ozone problems by phasing out warming chemicals including the hydro-fluorocarbons. In reality, the presence of common sense conservative principles based on protecting health, utilization of superior expertise available and innovativeness in economy to obtain solutions have been instrumental in solving climate concerns such as depletion of the ozone layer, pollution of rivers and problems caused by acid rain.

The US citizens have increased calls for the adoption of hydraulic fracturing process in the extraction of natural gas to prevent the emission of carbon in the atmosphere. The use of hydraulic fracturing process will also reduce threats to drinking water and the environment (Gordon 2).

Further, the government is encouraging the utilization of alternative energy sources including wind and solar power. Moreover, increased investments in research, innovative-generation of energy such as use of nuclear plants and experimental expertise are significant in ensuring low-carbon presence in the atmosphere.

Environmental experts have come up with diverse strategies aimed at ensuring a habitable atmosphere. For instance, the actions taken by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under the Clean Air Act (CLA) have restricted the discharge of effluents from power plants.

In fact, the EPA has stringent discharge standards for the stationary sources leading to virtual elimination of coal-fired plants. However, significant steps put forward at the United Nations climate caucus produce positive impacts on promoting political goodwill to climate change.

In this regard, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) projects focusing on reducing of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon, methane, lower-level ozone and hydro-fluorocarbons, will reduce global warming by 40%. In addition, the diminution in global warming is capable of preventing over three million demises resulting from the contamination of the environment.

As it can be observed, climate scientists have continuously forecasted and warned about the increased global temperatures that lead to extreme weather conditions, such as severe droughts, intense flooding as well as ferocious storms. Reports by the United Nations and other climate change agencies indicate that human activities are to be blamed for the extreme weather situations as well as climate changes experienced all over the globe today.

In addition, the scientists warn that weather extremes are projected to worsen in the coming years. In essence, the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities augment heat and coastal floods as well as increase levels of precipitation (Bordessa 1). The UN report stated that higher temperatures triggered such disasters as floods, heat waves and snowstorms.

As such, the UN has moved to establish the maximum frontier on greenhouse gas emissions. The scientists warn that if humans continue disgorging the greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through their activities, irreversible climate changes are eminent. Actually, the utilization of economical natural gases and current fuel principles as well as rules regulating mercury have led to the reduction of greenhouse gas discharge into the atmosphere by seventeen percent

Additionally, the utilization of filters on automobiles and the use of low-sulfur diesel fuels have benefited California by cutting the level of warming effect caused by diesel by over fifty percent. Further, many countries in the developing world are embracing resourceful biomass stoves, solar lamps and modern brick kilns as opposed to conventional mud stoves and utilization of kerosene lamps leading to reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Moreover, several initiatives include reduction of leaks from gas pipes, capturing methane from waste dumps and water treatment plants as well as reducing discharges from rice paddies. In essence, the elimination of such temporary climate noxious wastes is significant in slowing the pace of global warming.

Works Cited

Bordessa, Kris. “Global Climate Change Linked to Extreme Weather?” Wired 11 February 2012: 1. Web.

Burke, Marshall. “Weather and Violence.” The New York Times 30 August 2013: 2. Web.

Gillis, Justin. “U.N. Panel Finds Climate Change Behind Some Extreme Weather Events.” The New York Times 18 November 2011: 1. Web.

Gordon, Kate. “Let’s Upgrade Our Insurance Policy on Climate-Change Risk.” The Wall Street Journal 25 September 2013: 2. Web.

Leonhardt, David. “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” The New York Times 9 February 2013: 1. Web.

Shank, Michael. “Fed Up With Climate Change Apathy.” US News 19 September 2013: 1. Web.

Thurber, Mark. “Carbon Pricing Is the Best First Step to Address Global Warming.” The Wall Street Journal 25 September 2013: 2. Web.

Zaelke, Durwood and Veerabhadran Ramanathan. “Going Beyond Carbon Dioxide.” The New York Times 6 December 2012: 2. Web.

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Climate Change and Extreme Weather Conditions

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