The climate crisis is only accelerating due to human activity and global emissions of greenhouse gases. According to a United Nations report released Monday, there may still be time to avoid catastrophic warming expected for the future of our planet, but only if every nation on Earth cuts out fossil fuels immediately.
The Effects of the Global Climate Crisis in the United States
Climate warming, ultimately, is a major threat towards the future of human life on this planet. Every year, climate catastrophes such as fires, heat waves, hurricanes, and floods are disrupting and taking lives around the world.
In the state of California, wildfires ran rampant in the year 2020. The total acreage burned from last year's fire reports is estimated to be around 4.2 million—the worst year on record in the history of the Golden state.
California Sierra Wildfire, Sep 2020. Image via The New York Times.
"Wildfires are burning with unprecedented frequency and intensity, including in places that used to rarely burn. Smoke and smog are choking people in cities and towns from Asia to the Arctic. Ocean heat waves are threatening entire ecosystems and supercharging hurricanes and typhoons." according to an article released Monday by NPR.
Climate change is not only creating brand new extreme weather catastrophes, but exacerbates the risks we see today. For example, hurricane seasons are now stronger, less predictable, and are far more deadly in states such as Florida. Florida is by far the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S., with more than 120 total hurricanes and 37 emergency events. 40% of all hurricanes affecting the U.S. occur in Florida, as their elongated coastline makes the Sunshine state the most ideal target.
Image via Florida Insider.
With so much at stake, humans cannot afford to disregard the Climate Crisis anymore.
According to The World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is responsible for at least 150,000 deaths per year; furthermore, by 2030, this number is expected to double. The effects of global warming will cause dire health consequences if we do not act immediately to reduce our impact on the planet and cut out burning dangerous fossil fuels.
We can no longer turn a blind eye to the inevitable effects of climate change and warming. The science is clear: we must act now.
To read more about the UN major report, click here.