“The weather seems unusual these days here in Hong Kong, and there is a 3 degree increase in the temperature as compared to the temperature in the same period a few years ago. I can feel how hot this autumn wind is blowing on my face It is too hot for me to go outdoors; I rather stay at home with my air-conditioner. I wonder what would happen if one day the land is not covered with ice and snow anymore in Christmas. Can you imagine how terrible it is? Would it still be Christmas?” This is what I wrote about Hong Kong weather in my journal last year as I realized the huge change in the temperature since my last visit. With the weather becoming intermittent and the temperature becoming hotter, I started realizing as to the gravity of the issue known today as climate change. The resulting impact of man’s continuous development and unawareness to the consequences of his actions can be attributed to the changing climate. While many still are skeptic as to the main cause of climate change, it is visible that climate change influences intensity of natural disasters and the movement of man. The growing temperatures caused by continuous emissions, urbanization and land conversion triggers climate change, which then influences the cycle of natural disasters that causes immense displacement and living and health dangers to humans may they be from developed or developing countries.
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, the climate is the “average weather patterns” experienced in a region. These weather patterns include annual temperature changes, rain or snow precipitation, humidity, wind velocity and seasons. These climate patterns play a key role in the area’s ecosystems, which would then determine the nature of the human culture and economies that would reside in the area. However, as the years progress, these climate patterns have shifted due to several factors that now distorts the ecosystems and human living. These changes in the climate patterns are now referred as climate change, covering the changes at a global, continental, regional, and local level. What makes climate change different from global warming is the fact that climate change records specific changes in climates in different regions given the varying ecosystems. The Department also stated that “So many systems are tied to climate, a change in climate can affect many related aspects of where and how people, plants and animals live, such as food production, availability and use of water, and health risks”
Although people are reluctant to accept that there is indeed climate change, the threat it has to the world is very visible. In their 2007 report, the International Panel on Climate Change predicted that the continuous melting of the glaciers and the warming of the oceans would cause a 7 to 23 inches increase in sea levels, which has the capacity to displace those who live in low lying areas. Coastal communities and infrastructure would not be able to withstand these increase in sea water and may affect the integrity of these communities against storms and flash floods. The shoreline is also expected to recede inland by 2100, leaving the people to lose living areas. In addition to these changes, it is also assessed that temperature increases, torrential rainfall, extreme droughts and intense weather would be experienced unless something is done to stop the rising temperatures. Floods are expected to occur much more often as compared to 100 or 500 years occurrences it had in the past. In the case of Washington State, the changes had already been seen in the Chehalis River as it now recorded four “100-year” floods and one “500 year” floods that had cost the state millions of dollars’ worth of repairs and damages. Locally, there is also the damages in terms of agriculture, food and water supplies, human health, energy demand and infrastructure that would be reported unless something is done. Scientists have also stated that climate change is slowly progressing in a pace much faster than the previous studies .
There are several causes as to why climate change or global warming persists and it has been debated upon by experts for the past few decades. Letcher (2009) cited that the climate change is possible because of the natural changes happening around the globe and outside the universe. The first possible factor that causes global warming is the cosmic weather and solar ray capacities that influence the earth’s rotation, causing it rotate closer to the sun. According to the study done by astronomy William Herschel, there is a relationship as to wheat prices in England and the sunspots recorded in harvest seasons. In his study, he deduced that the region only gets less rains when it is facing the region that has a few sunspots. Scientists Eigil Friis-Christensen and Knud Lassen supported Herschel’s study in their 1991 study as discovered that solar activity has a considerable impact to the average temperatures of the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere is mostly unaffected by the solar activity, however, it is affected by the irradiance of the sun and the cosmic radiation that enters the atmosphere and influences the weather. Volcanic activity also has the capacity to cause climate change as eruptions releases compounds such as volcanic ash and sulfur gases towards the lower stratosphere, which often remains for 2-3 years. As these aerosols cool down for the three year period, it results to the warming of the lower stratosphere, causing it to absorb infrared rays coming in and out of the globe .
While natural causes indeed have leverage in terms of causing climate change, many available literature today argues that anthropogenic causes or man-made factors are the ones to blame for climate change. Signs of anthropogenic climate change had already been discovered according to Johansen (2002) since the 17th century. Carbon emissions coming from automobiles, engines, and machinery are identified as the main culprit for anthropogenic climate change and despite the discovery of its impacts had already been cited, the damage has already been done. The first notable studies that have raised the debate in the changing temperatures caused by carbon emissions were done by Swedish scientists Arvid Hogborn and Svante Arrhenius. Both had argued that the rise in the atmospheric carbon dioxide has the capacity to cause an increase in the overall temperatures that may cause further changes in the climate. In support of his thesis, Arrhenius had released in 1896 a paper entitled ‘On the Influence of Carbonic Acid in the Air upon the Temperature of the Ground’ detailing his computations as to how the greenhouse effect occurs, especially as to how much change in carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere would bring to the Earth’s total heat capacity and supply. With the available sources they had in the period, Arrhenius also showed that there is a possible increase in Arctic temperatures up to 8 to 9 degrees Celsius if the carbon dioxide rates increase 3 times higher than its current state.
While Arrhenius’ study had indeed showcased evidences that carbon emissions coming from man had already caused immense changes in the climate in the period, he was forced to stay silent as many had not agreed with the conclusions he had reached in his thesis . However, other experts have picked up the studies done by Arrhenius as stated by Pittock (2009) as there are groups who are convinced that the human’s contribution when it comes to carbon emissions continue to impact the climate thus the need to resolve the issue. The studies done by Roger Revelle and Charles Keeling in the 1950s strengthened Arrhenius’ hypothesis and stated that carbon dioxide rates continues to increase and advances in dangerous rates due to continuous anthropogenic carbon emissions. The World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Program, and the International Council of Scientific Unions had also supported the study in the period, prompting the media to also call for awareness as to the impact of man’s continuous carbon emissions because an increase of these emissions would further accelerate the severe impact of climate change .
The continuous changes in the climate has resulting impact in several sectors, but it is mostly prominent in instances of natural disasters. Lusted (2011) stated that natural disasters have long occurred since the creation of the Earth billions of years ago. Scientists have even long speculated that it is possible that it was these natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and floods that shaped the world as it is seen today. These disasters can be divided into two: geologic and meteorologic. Geologic disasters are mostly difficult to predict as it would be determined by the earth’s movements. Examples of these disasters are earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunamis and they often cause a domino effect to trigger another disaster. Meteorologic disasters are the most common natural disasters and they can be very easy to predict through weather pattern changes, varying in regions. Examples of these meteorologic forces are tornadoes, floods and snow/ice storms.
Throughout ancient history, natural disasters such as volcano eruptions like Vesuvius in year 79, Pompeii, Krakatau and Tambora in 1815 are just some of the eruptions that had caused both climate change and human movements as these eruptions had killed thousands of residents and disrupted the ecosystem surrounding the area. The Tambora eruption had a long-lasting effect on the planet’s climate and weather according to studies. It was recorded that it had spewed ash almost around the globe, creating a veil of dust that blocked light and heat from penetrating to the Northern Hemisphere. The immediate impact it had to the area destroyed crops in Canada and New England, causing starvation and malnutrition. Switzerland and the rest of the European countries had also declared a national emergency due to the impact of the explosion. Hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis had also been reported in early history that has changed the course of the planet in the period.
However, while these natural calamities in the past had been destructive and are rare in occurrence, the situation at the present is very different as it has now enmeshed itself to both history and current events and are severe as compared to the past known occurrences of these disasters. One of the most recent modern natural disaster is the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Indonesia on December 26, 2004, claiming the lives of tourists who were unaware as to the incoming 50 feet high water wall that was going to crash in the beach. The tsunami had been triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and stretched to 600 miles long. Many claim that it was the largest earthquake felt in the region for almost 40 years, affecting 11 countries as far as Africa. It was also one of the most destructive tsunamis in history as it had killed 225, 000 people and caused a $10 billion damage. The developing country of China had also its fair share of natural disasters like in 2008 when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan province, killing 70,000 people. The earthquake is believed to be caused by the construction of a reservoir near the fault line in the area and the water that the reservoir contained also caused the earthquake. Haiti’s earthquake in 2010 had also been one of the rarest and deadliest modern natural disasters that have occurred after years .
Looking at the difference in the ancient natural disasters and the modern natural disasters recorded in history, it is visible that the natural calamities at the modern period are more destructive and frequent as compared to the ones that has happened in the ancient period. In each natural calamity that happens today, the public comments that climate change has added the firepower of these natural calamities. While some are in disbelief over this hypothesis, experts argue that there is indeed a relationship between the two events. How exactly does climate change affect or connect with natural disasters? Farrar and Mastrandrea (2007) stated that given the factors that cause climate change, mostly anthropogenic factors, it would change the overall structure and cycle of both ecosystem and human communities. With the increase of temperatures, weather patterns would be affected as warmer temperatures trigger the onset of typhoons, hurricanes and storms even if it is not on season. The changing weather would also shift seasons, causing an offset on natural habitats and growth . Dawson and Spannagle (2009) also argued that with the altered ecosystems and climates around the globe, it is likely that higher regions would find themselves experiencing hotter climates. As a result of these changes, there is a reduced chance of rain in these areas and once it rains, there is a high chance of flooding. Some areas would even find themselves experiencing drought and tropical storms despite the fact there is no recorded instance of such weather condition in the region .
In the analysis of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, climate change does not have a direct role in the skyrocketing cost of current natural disasters but it is expected that it may impact next catastrophes. Climate change can influence storm formations through the decrease in temperature differences from the North and South Poles and to the equator. Although there are studies that show that the warmer temperatures may decrease the number of storms to develop, climate change may cause the creation of stronger storms to occur. With the temperatures becoming hotter each year, it causes more water vapor to reach the atmosphere and serve as fuel for these storms. Aside from storms, droughts and floods would also be strengthened by climate change. Once increased land temperature is combined with decreased equator-versus-pole temperature and increased humidity; the possibilities of intense droughts and floods can occur especially in regions that receives precipitation in huge quantities. The warmer and wetter atmosphere would also influence hurricanes or tropical storms as it would heat the ocean waters where most of these natural disasters develop. The warmer temperatures would also make these hurricanes or storms intense as they would be provided enough fuel by the atmosphere that can increase wind speeds. The increasing sea levels due to the melting of the glaciers in the North and South Poles would also generate stronger coastal flooding and tsunamis once the area is hit by storms or hurricanes .
Recently, McKie (2009) reported that a team of scientists have provided evidence that climate change and natural calamities are interrelated, therefore making these disasters occur frequently. The Director of the Benfield Hazard Research Centre of the University College London Bill McGuire had stated "Not only are the oceans and atmosphere conspiring against us, bringing baking temperatures, more powerful storms and floods, but the crust beneath our feet seems likely to join in too." Like the analysis of NASA, the scientists argued that the rising temperatures caused by increased carbon emissions from people would set off stronger natural calamities. Melting glaciers would power avalanches, floods and mud flows in high regions such as the Alps, killing many communities below its mountain ranges. The increasing rainfall in areas like the United Kingdom would foster widespread erosion that would make the country vulnerable to tsunamis and high floods. In terms of volcanic activity, the scientists have discovered that with the dwindling ice caps and glaciers in many areas in the globe, it would cause high volcanic activity and increase eruptions as there would be no more buffer that would sustain the planet’s overall temperature to keep it cool. Earthquakes are also triggered by lessening glaciers, fostering tsunamis to occur in regions such as Chile, New Zealand and Canada; and it is expected that Britain would also find itself sieged by immense earthquakes and tsunamis .
The impact of these climate change-strengthened natural disasters to humans is very severe. Karl, Melillo, Peterson and Hassol (2009) identified that health is one of the most immediate areas that would feel the strain of these changes. As man continues to use chemicals in the atmosphere, the changing weathers would bring these chemicals back to the environment (through the rain or winds) adding to the strain people would have to endure. In the United States alone, climate change has caused 12% of the population to show signs of vulnerability as the composition of the air, water, and food systems are poisoned by bacteria and chemicals that had been spoilt through these changing natural disasters. Reports have stated that 300,000 deaths have occurred due to climate change and natural calamities that occurred for the past few years .
In the report of the United Nations as recorded by Vidal (2009), the changing climate and the natural disasters that occur would affect 300 million people around the globe, with 500,000 deaths expected to be recorded in 2030 if no action is done. Almost $600 billion would be recorded for infrastructure damages and health complications. Most of the population for both developed and developing countries would also record a high rate of poverty, hunger, and thirst since natural calamities would influence their food production and resources. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations even commented that if politicians remained stubborn to implementing environment friendly policies to lessen the strain of climate change, climate change would destroy man’s means to survive. While there is active action to impose programs to fight climate change, especially the causes of the issue; there are still nations reluctant to support policy and programs due to their contribution to climate change and the possible costs it would bring their economies .
The changing environment should already be seen as a sign of warning by the people as the destruction these changes bring to the community is severe if nothing is done to prevent or prepare for it. Climate change is affecting us and we must not deny that it is indeed real because all of the evidences is visible around us. It is crucial for everyone to take action in implementing programs and actions that would at least lessen the burden on the planet even if we continue to develop and increase. While it is true that we would need to continue using the Earth’s resources to sustain development and our living, the people could utilize alternative strategies to at least lessen the dependency of these resources. One must not be contented with just a one-sided give and take relationship with the environment because once the environment becomes sick due to climate change, recovery may take centuries to return to full health. We must act now to save the environment and lessen factors that would cause climate change because if we do not do something, it is likely that the future generation would no longer be able to enjoy a peaceful environment due to the growing occurrences of climate change-induced natural disasters.
Works Cited
Dawson, Brian and Matt Spannagle. The Complete Guide to Climate Change. Oxon: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.
Farrar, Amy and Michael Mastrandrea. Global Warming. Edina: ABDO Publishing Company, 2007. Print.
Johansen, B. The Global Warming Desk Reference. Westport: Greenwood Publishing, 2002. Print.
Karl, Thomas, et al. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Print.
Letcher, Trevor. Climate Change: Observed Impacts on Planet Earth. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2009. Print.
Lusted, Marcia Amidon. Natural Disasters. Edina: ABDO Publishing, 2011. Print.
McKie, Robin. "Climate change: melting ice will trigger wave of natural disasters." 6 September 2009. The Guardian. Web. 1 December 2013. <http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/sep/06/global-warming-natural-disasters-conference>.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. "The Impact of Climate Change on Natural Disasters." n.d. NASA Earth Observatory. Web. 3 December 2013. <http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/RisingCost/rising_cost5.php>.
Pittock, Barrie. Climate change: the science, impacts and solutions. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing, 2009. Print.
Vidal, John. "Global warming causes 300,000 deaths a year says Kofi Annan thinktank." 29 May 2009. Guardian UK. Web. 1 December 2013. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/29/1>.
