Until now you must have heard a lot on global warming. You are aware that global warming brings out changes in the climatic conditions. But are you aware of its ill effects on your health? For the first time ever, let us discuss the hazards of the change in climatic conditions on your health. Until now you must have just heard and read about the ill-effects of global warming on the climate, but its time enough that you roll up your sleeves and gear up to battle against global warming.
'Global Warming' is increase in the average temperature that gradually warms the earth's atmosphere. It is a phenomenon that has been on the rise, and in the last century, the increase in the levels has been alarming.
The average temperature of the atmosphere has risen by 0.74 - 0.18 °C in the last century, which has been caused mainly due to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations as per the research studies. Further increase in the temperature will cause climatic changes and extreme weather conditions such as rising sea level, above average rainfall, melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, storms and cyclones. There will be droughts and flooding, coral reef bleaching, forest fires and many such disasters to worsen the environmental condition.
Other expected effects include water scarcity in some regions and increased precipitation in the others. This will in turn also affect the yield of crops as well as plants and animals leading to extinction of different species. Increased atmospheric carbondioxide (CO2) increases the amount of CO2 dissolved in the oceans, which will react with water to form carbonic acid resulting in ocean acidification. This will lower the pH, and thus, this will lead to further species extinction, which could disrupt food webs.
Global warming will also increase the spread of diseases. Warmer temperature has created a congenial atmosphere for the breeding of various viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms that cause infectious diseases. Thus, the chances of malaria, diarrhea, cholera, dengue, encephalitis and other diseases will increase.
The seasonal distribution of few species of allergenic pollen has been changed. Droughts, heat and cold wave, storm, flood, fire will increase injuries, diseases and death tolls. There will be constant raise in the mortality rate due to ground level ozone related diseases as well as high cardio respiratory morbidity. Malnutrition and other developmental disorders will also be on a rise.
It is very difficult to achieve anything with out the active participation and cooperation of everyone for the protection of the environment. One step taken today will save us and our future generation from the calamities that the altered environment will bring along with it. Remember: 'Your Planet Needs You! Unite to Combat Climate Change.'