6 Ways Climate Change Is Definitely Affecting Your Life, According To Science
Climate change is something receives quite a lot of discussion -- even by those who deny that it's actually happening.
What causes it, exactly?
According to the National Resource Defense Council, "global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants and greenhouse gases collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off the earth's surface."
To put that just a little more simply, global warming basically makes the world's temperature a lot hotter in a completely unnatural way, because of what human beings are doing to the planet.
And those ecosystems -- the ones that human beings rely on for literally everything -- are totally deteriorating because of those actions.
There seems to be a real disconnect, however, between the reality of global warming, and the actions human beings take during the day to respect the environment.
Might it be because most people don't think climate change affects them at all?
While you may think it's unlikely that the sea is going to rise to chaotic levels during your lifetime (FYI, Miami is already contending with this issue), believe me when I say every single person will eventually feel the heat of this dire situation.
Here are just a few ways climate change is affecting your life.
1. To State The Obvious, The Weather
That warmest February ever thing wasn't just in your head -- that was absolutely real AF.
Researchers believe it was a direct result of man-made global warming, and many say this is only expected to happen more frequently.
And, yeah, the snow ice is still melting, which is particularly bad because that helps regulate global temperatures, but it can't really do that very well if human beings continue trapping heat in the atmosphere with pollution and trash.
Good times!!!
2. Lyme Disease
Here's one for the hikers.
Lyme disease is no joke.
And it's on the rise, especially in the northeast US (where I happen to live, and I've seen at least three of my own friends affected by it, as well as my brother's beloved dog).
What does this have to do with the climate, you may ask?
Because of the increase in greenhouse gases, it's getting more and more humid outside.
This is great news for ticks, who can survive longer in higher relative humidity, but of course, it's pretty bad news for people, who can easily get sick from the diseases they carry.
3. You Can Say Goodbye To Your Morning Cup Of Coffee
The effects of global warming could very well destroy half of Ethiopia's coffee crops, as rising temperatures make it easier for fungus to thrive and kill coffee plants.
While Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and where some of the finest beans in the world come from, it isn't the only source coffee that will be affected by the climate.
Moving crops potentially means worse coffee, and at higher prices.
4. Natural Disasters Are Getting Worse
Tornados -- which are pretty much one of the scariest things on Earth -- are increasing in both their intensity and ability to cause widespread destruction due to wind shear.
Top wind speeds are affecting the severity of all kinds of natural disasters, partially because of the increase in heat and energy hanging around in the atmosphere, all just patiently waiting to reek havoc on the world.
5. Vacations Are Rapidly Becoming Less Beautiful
All of the national parks you know and love are affected by these drastic changes in the weather.
The Sequoias, for example, are negatively affected by rising heat, dry seasons, and a decrease in snowpack.
6. The Land Is Literally Burning
Oh yeah, more fires, too.
Drier climates increase the destruction caused by wildfire season. Lightning occurs more frequently, and an increase in dead plants and trees means more to burn.
Perhaps you should think twice before throwing away another iced coffee container, or driving your car literally everywhere when you know fully well you could go for a stroll.
This time on Earth is limited, people. It's time you realized it.
