11 of 15

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

UK because very much of Central Asia is land-locked.

Increasing temperatures across continents is the least of the world's worries, because it is the catalyst for the other potential changes. As temperatures rise, we are likely to see an increase in rainfall and rises in sea levels, which could lead to higher occurrences of floods. The possible melting of glaciers in the Antarctic will also cause sea levels to rise by 5-6m. And how about the wildlife that share the Earth with us? What of the agricultural practices that we have gotten used to over time? And how will our health be affected? By the way, records show that temperatures of 11 of the last 12 years were among the 12 warmest on record worldwide.

Let's look at what hits home most- how these changes could and would impact us, humans. The events caused by climate change that would impact humans can be summarized by 3 characteristics. These impacts would be extreme in loss of life and property. They are difficult to foresee because they do not follow the "traditional" climate cycle. And are repetitive which would lead to social and economic impacts difficult for poor countries to afford. If all of the above comes to fruition, the bigger impact will be on the poor communities, which are most vulnerable. Developing countries will also exacerbate their vulnerabilities because of their economic reliance on climate-sensitive industries like agriculture and fishing, and because of their limited ability to anticipate and respond to the effects of climate change. Extreme weather events would also possibly set back development for decades to come. Tropical and sub-tropical areas, like Singapore and Hawaii, are more vulnerable to these changes because of the surrounding waters.

Through faced with a literally gloomy future, scientists believe there may be ways to reduce the effects of the climate changes. For example, if a certain forcing (e.g. solar variation) acts to change the climate, there should, it is believed, be a counter-force to nullify its effect.

However, that is the counter-reaction of nature. What can we do, as humans, to at the very least, slow down these changes? Who should foot the bill for climate change?

History points the finger for the current state of the atmosphere at the now-developed countries, despite the fastest growing emitters of greenhouse gases being currently in the developing world. Inevitably, all countries should reduce emissions to protect our environment, but the debate is whether developed or developing nations should bear the cost of protecting the global environment. Should the poor countries who are still trying to develop their infrastructure be penalized? But the richer nations are the generally those who have created the extra greenhouse gases, and it is generally agreed that the richer nations should be the ones to tackle the problem, to allow the developing nations to continue development.

There have been many policies made to counter the drastic changes that would happen such as the Delhi Declaration, the United Nations Convention On Climate Change and perhaps the more well-known of these policies, the Kyoto Protocol.

The climate of the Earth is, and has always been changing. In the past it has changed as a result of natural causes, where the climate changed humans. Now, the earth will change as a result of humans rather than that of nature. Now, we seem to be changing the global climate. The list of things with which we need to think about with regards to climate change is endless.

Is it too late now?

Learn more about this author, Gerald Koh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Effects of climate change on society and the environment?
We want to hear your view. Write now!