By Aneesa Khawaja, Staff Writer
Climate change has become a rising issue worldwide, affecting people politically, economically, and physically. Scientists have been observing changes in the Earth’s climate for decades. This is presently the largest threat to humans and the environment. Unfortunately, climate change may become even worse as the new year approaches.
Extreme weather events are becoming more and more common within the United States. The National Climate Assessment reports farmers across the Great Plains suffering from droughts and utility advisors try to manage electricity flow during heat waves. In Maryland, temperatures have already risen by about 2.5°F, and the number of extreme warm days (days with a maximum temperature over 95°F) has increased.
The most extreme climate change zones are where the greatest ecological sensitivity and biome changes are anticipated to occur this century. Senior Elaine Webker shares how she feels about climate change, “ If we don’t take action right now it could greatly impact our basic necessities like, air, water, and food.”
Climate change is leaving a huge impact on coastal habitats due to destructive erosion. Either expanding or decreasing the habitats and timings of seasons. This has taken a huge toll on species forcing them to relocate which some are not able to do. Sophomore Odile Kayisavera says “If we don’t solve this issue it will just get worse and worse, we will end up needing more resources to get it fixed.”
Milder winters and colder summers are making the seasons less distinct, and the sea level is rising. Health of people, ecology, agriculture, and social structures are all under risk from climate change. Senior Joleen Nguyen says, “recent weather has been incredibly unforeseen. It has been extremely cold, but there have also been alarmingly unexpected rainstorms”. More and more coastal areas are slowly being swallowed by water. Residents are forced to abandon their homes or consider moving. Sea levels are expected to rise around 10-12 inches in the next 30 years. As sea levels rise, underground aquifers, where many get their main supply of water, start to absorb the saltwater. This may contaminate the water that residents drink. The effects of this were already seen this October Florida’s waterways were contaminated with saltwater from the oceans. Due to overflowing sewers, Orlando warned residents to decrease the amount of water used in their homes.