Cacophony in Ecosystem - Climate Change 

Cacophony in Ecosystem - Climate Change 

Climate change is a reality that’s reshaping our world. 

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities since the 1800s, are causing profound effects on our planet.  

The continuously changing rainfall patterns, weather delays, and temperature increases are various impacts of climate alteration. The blooming of flowers and crop growing patterns now seem very different as environmental conditions aren’t the same.  This global emergency is alarming as it is affecting our daily lives on a large scale. 

Causes of climate change

Emissions from machines, factories, and industries cause climate change. These emissions blanket the earth and trap the sun’s heat. This leads to an increase in the temperature of the earth, ultimately leading to a change in the climate. 

Generating electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels is a leading cause of global emissions. Only about a quarter comes from wind, solar, and other renewable sources. 

The industrial practices of generating electricity from burning fuels seem very small but harm the globe on a large scale. 

Impact of climate change 

Rising global temperature and changes in the climate have severe ramifications, extending far beyond the changes in the environment.

Edibles on the verge of extinction  

Numerous scientific studies have highlighted the alarming disappearance of certain foods due to climate change. The foods currently threatened to go extinct are coffee, chocolate, avocados, bananas, and maple syrup, which need specific climatic conditions to grow. The oceans are being affected by these changes, and the availability of seafood is also being impacted.  

Animals on thin ice

The Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the global average, causing the ice that polar bears depend on to melt away. Loss of sea ice also threatens their main prey, seals, which need the ice to raise their young ones. 

2024 Poised to beat heat records

Climate scientists forecast that 2024 may be a year of extreme heat and warn of the looming threat of El Niño,  a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with warming ocean surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

These conditions increase global temperatures a year after they develop. The effect of this heat wave has many implications for the planet. These events might cause water scarcity issues due to increased temperature. The record-breaking temperatures can disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Initiatives to Combat Climate Change

Eyes on Ice

It is a NASA backed initiative that looks to document river ice conditions worldwide. Environmental enthusiasts throughout the world can contribute to this project.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is primarily behind the Fresh Eyes on Ice initiative. The support from NASA’s Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program took the project to a whole new level, as it facilitated partnerships with world-level programs.

The Fresh Eyes on Ice project aims to expand the capacity for app-based photo observation of ice conditions to support river ice safety, flood forecasting, a better understanding of the impacts of climate change, and long-term research on changing ice conditions.

Intel from animals

As the climate rapidly changes, we need more weather data than ever to form accurate predictions. Animals equipped with sensors can collect weather information as they go about life, and we can in turn learn how to save ourselves from a dramatically changing climate.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, do visit our website Coffee Table Science, for informative articles!

Until next time,

Ameya