Global warming is largely defined as the increase in the atmospheric temperature of the earth, and its oceans, which some scientists believe has happened abruptly over the course of the century. Moreover, it is thought to permanently alter the climate of the earth.
The unprecedented warming of the earth’s climate has an effect over ecosystems and on the human environment as well. Man made cities are not immune from climate change. Due this phenomena, scientists are expecting and currently seeing the melting of the Antarctic Ice. The loss of the ice deprives animals such as polar bears of their habitat, forcing them to hunt in farther areas, thus increasing their rate of starvation.
Meanwhile, in urban areas, tornados are becoming more common as a result of climate change. European cities such as Venice are also increasingly becoming flooded. This is in contrast to the finding in 2000 that the city’s sinking has subsided. Previously, the sinking of Venice was attributed to the pumping of groundwater, which was then stopped. However, new research shows that the city has been increasingly been immersed in floodwater throughout the year.
Not only is climate change threatening our environment, but food sources as well. Scientists from the University of British Columbia pointed to extreme weather changes as damaging agricultural production by at least 8% annually. Moreover, they point to the increased sensitivity of developed countries who really mainly on monoculture. With climate change, not only are our homes literally in danger of being hit by violent floods, but we are in danger of being starved as well, should agricultural sources be badly hit.
Russia, which is a large mass of land with areas located in the Arctic is very much affected by climate change. The WWF Federation on Global Climate Change cites an increase in catastrophic floods is expected due to the earlier break up of the ice in the river and of the onslaught of more torrential rains. Ecosystems meanwhile which are above permafrost or those which are partially exposed to the atmosphere and not completely submerged in ice are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, with the increase in temperature, the incidence of peatland fires in Russia is also expected to climb. In 2005, the peat based production of oil in Russia contributed to 8% of the total oil production.
Most scientists are alarmed with the disastrous effects of climate change. Initially, it seemed as if climate change was overemphasized. However, with the global shift in the earth’s climate which have been felt through more catastrophic floods and stronger tornadoes, climate change has indeed hit home. The phenomena is undeniably relevant to each and every human being.
Russia on one hand has more reasons to be alarmed due to its proximity to the tundra, or the ice covered areas. Not only are animals at the expense of being extinct due to being eased out of their ecosystems. Russian cities risk being inundated, and so is Russia’s smaller agricultural areas, further endangering food security
References
Becker, Rachel. "How to Track a Brutal Cereal Killer: Extreme Weather." The Plate How to Track a Brutal Cereal Killer Extreme Weather Comments. The National Geographic, 12 Jan. 2016. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.
"Climate Change Impacts in the Russian Federation." Climate Change Impacts in the Russian Federation. World Wide Fund. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.
