How Climate
Change is Having a Negative Impact on Our Ecosystem.
This term's topic for our blog is Biodiversity. More
specifically species biodiversity, genetic biodiversity, and
ecosystem biodiversity. When researching ecosystem biodiversity one
of the main issues within that topic was climate change. I feel as
though climate change is a topic that has been talked about for
years. You may be thinking; “Yes I have heard this all before. The
shrinking of land, the possibility of having to redesign the world
map, and the extinction of polar bears. Always remember to turn out
the lights when you leave a room.”
However there are many factors
within the climate change issue that I feel many people may not be
fully aware of.
For example, a drastic change in weather could play a
major role in a person's health. The increase in extreme weather
events, such as storms could heighten the chance of flooding, and
high winds. That in and of itself could be dangerous for not only
people, but their property as well.
On the other end of the spectrum warmer water
temperatures could increase the chance of unhealthy air and water
toxins. Changes in things like temperature, precipitation patterns,
and extreme events could help the spread of diseases. Some of these
diseases include salmonella, as well as other food poisonous
bacteria. These bacterias grow much more quickly in warmer weather.
Diseases such as these can cause gastrointestinal problems and in
severe cases even death. Other diseases that could become a problem
are water borne diseases that stem from flooding or heavy rainfall.
The heavy rains can cause overflows from sewage treatment plants into
fresh water systems. Not only will that contaminate the water we may
drink, but it can also cause contamination to specific food crops,
because of the pathogen-containing feces.
While you read this you may be thinking, “This is all
very important, but I am no genie, how can I control the weather?”
Well, the answers to your questions may be things you are already
familiar with, or find yourself doing.
Some of these efforts include, reducing car emissions,
by car pooling with co-workers, using public transportation, and
driving slowly and steadily. Another way you could help is by
installing a water-saving shower head, thus taking shorter showers.
Also drying your clothes on the line, instead of using a clothes
dryer. Now, I am aware that we all live in different areas of the
world, and using some of these helpful tips could be harder for some.
I for example, live in the city and there is no where for me to even
hang my clothes outside. However, there are plenty of helpful tips
that lend themselves to those in urban areas as well as rural areas.
I personally, do not have access to a car in the city. As a result, I
find myself walking, or using inexpensive means of public
transportation.
So while there are certain areas in which some of these
tips are not as useful as others don't be discouraged, everyone has
the ability to contribute in one way or another. In conclusion, it is important to remember that when we take on these tasks in an effort to try and stop climate change in its tracks, we are not just "trying to help the polar bears" or cut down on our electric bill, we are also trying to greatly benefit ourselves as well, because although we may not consider ourselves to be a part of an ecosystem, we are. The negative impacts of climate change do not just put other animal species at risk, but us as well.
Here are some of the resources used in this blog
post:
Photo Credit: blogs.plos.org
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