The Effects of Climate Change on Animals and People Climate change has been a problem for many years. In recent years, our planet has been noticing the changes and outcomes of climate change. Plants in the Amazon and subarctic forests are trying to grow more towards the polar caps in search for cooler areas. Fish are moving up stream and changing breeding patterns due to the water warming up. Even animals are changing their migration patterns looking for cooler, more habitable areas to live. People don’t know who to blame for global warming or climate change, but scientist are on the search for the cause. Studies show if people don’t do anything to stop climate change, about ¼ of the migrating animal population will become extinct by 2050. ( Nature Conservancy 1). Climate change has been going on for a long time now and people re just now noticing the negative effects of it. There’s only so much the human race can do now to help stop climate change. “Many scientists believe greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide emissions from human activities are to blame for global warming” (Ker Than 1). People also can’t forget about taking a huge toll on destroying animal habitats, now with the temperatures rising, climate change seems like it has just begun. People use cars and factories that release tons of carbon dioxide into the air. Climate change is the rising levels of carbon dioxide and other heat trapping gasses in the atmosphere that have warmed the Earth, causing wide-range impacts. The more people release carbon dioxide into the air, the warmer the Earth will become. People don’t seem to come and realize, as we are killing off the animal population, we’re also killing off the human population. Climate change isn’t just a problem for humans, it’s also a problem for animals, birds, insects, plants, water and the land itself. Humans have a higher risk of obtaining heat related diseases like, heat strokes, heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat cramps. Not only do people have to watch out for the heat related diseases but they also have to keep an eye out for waterborne illnesses like cholera. The water is on the rise since all of the glacier are melting from the rising temperatures. As the water rises, coastal areas are being flooded out and ruining homes for people and animals. Along with the coastal areas, coral reefs are being bleached and destroyed. Other plant areas, like subarctic forests, are moving more towards the polar icecaps in search for cooler areas. Another plant area that is being highly affected by climate change is the Amazon. Plants in the Amazon cannot survive in the extreme temperatures that are at a continuous rise, and all of the moisture in the ground is being absorbed into the air because the air is so humid and hot. Some Amazonian plants have become extinct or are endangered due to climate change. Whenever the plants move in search for more habitable weather, the animals also move. Freshwater sources are becoming scarce due to the rising water, and animals are losing their habitats to dry, hot areas and others to flooding. Wildlife depend on healthy habitats, freshwater, food sources, temperature and a place to raise their young, and at the rate climate change is going, majority of animals will not have a suitable habitat. In some areas around the world, animal migration has completely stopped. Animals believe that the temperature has become suitable year round in certain areas, so
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People could save energy, recycle, use hydro power, solar panels, windmills and using public transportation or carpooling. Some coastal areas have reduced tourism on the ocean, lakes and rivers. Work facilities should reduce and try not to have any runoff into the water or even on the land. Pollution is helping kill the Earth slowly too. Invasive species also take a toll on the environment and the animal population. Animals on the land and in the water are both taking the hit from what humans do. The little Things that people do, could save an entire species. Even in the long run, people could be saving the human race
People could save energy, recycle, use hydro power, solar panels, windmills and using public transportation or carpooling. Some coastal areas have reduced tourism on the ocean, lakes and rivers. Work facilities should reduce and try not to have any runoff into the water or even on the land. Pollution is helping kill the Earth slowly too. Invasive species also take a toll on the environment and the animal population. Animals on the land and in the water are both taking the hit from what humans do. The little Things that people do, could save an entire species. Even in the long run, people could be saving the human race