Effects

In its fourth assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) a group of 1,300 independent scientific experts from countries all over the world under the auspices of the United Nations, concluded there is more than 90% probability that human activities over the past 50 years have warmed our planet. The Panel also concluded that there is a 90% probability that humans produced greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have caused much of the observed increase in earth temperature over the past 50 years.

Change, they say is good right? Surely not “Climate Change”. The impact, consequences and potential future effects of global climate is evident enough and cannot be overlooked. Many global issues are climate-related including basic need such as food, water, health and shelter. Changes in climate may threaten these needs with increased temperatures, sea level rise, changes in precipitation, and more frequent or intense extreme event. Climate change will affect individual and groups differently. The elderly, infirm, children, native and tribal groups and low income populations are particularly sensitive to climate change. Although climate change is an inherently global issue, the impact will not be felt equally across the planet. Impact is likely to differ in both magnitude and rate of change in different continent, countries and regions. Some nations will likely experience more adverse effects than others. The capacity to adapt to climate change can influence how climate change affect individuals, communities, countries and the global populations.

Changes in climate could have significant impact on food production around the world. Heat stress, droughts and flooding events may lead to reduction in crop yields and livestock productivity areas that are already affected by droughts such as Australia and the Sahel in Africa will likely experience reduction in water available for irrigation. In some African countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture and drought areas could decline as much as 50% by 2020. Water quality is important for ecosystems, human health, sanitation, agriculture and other purposes. Increases in temperature, changes in precipitation, sea level rise and extreme event could diminish water quality in many regions. Increasing water temperatures potentially increase bacterial and water bodies. These impact may require communities to begin treating their water in other to provide safe water resources.

In addition, the risk of Climate-sensitive diseases and health impact can be high in poor countries that have little capacity to prevent and treat illness. Sustained increase in temperature are linked to more frequent and severe heat stress. Also the reduction in air quality that often accompanies the heat wave can lead to breathing problems and worsen respiratory diseases.

By 2050, between 350 and 600 million people in Africa are projected to experience increased water stress due to climate change.

In conclusion we can agree that climate change is real and here with us. We must not sit ideal and watch because in years to come we could be in danger. It is in this regard that, all nations must support the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) to help save our world.