Tuvalu Under Threat From Climate Change

 

Climate change is becoming a security risk for nations of Oceania and the Pacific Ocean region. Tuvalu's concern relates to the increase in water levels. Tuvalu seeing the increase water levels of the Pacific Ocean means certain islands could go under. Flooding become a danger to people, property, and the economic conditions of the country. Realizing climate change is not slowing down, one solution involved an agreement with Australia. A climate change visa has been proposed. This allows Tuvaluans  to relocate to Australia due to environmental challenges. The climate change visa is not a permanent method to address climate induced disasters. Residence of Tuvalu might not want to move to another country. Australia cannot be expected to take all people from various Pacific Ocean states. Environmental protection needs to be a priority for governments across the world. The dependence on fossil fuel undermines efforts to address climate concerns. Rising sea levels are also going to effect Australia. Those living on the coast or close by the ocean makes it unsafe for residence. The climate change related visa is the first of its kind. Some Tuvaluans  applied for the new visa. Adjusting to a new country can be difficult. Australians might not want to see more  immigration . Tuvalu's population is smaller than Australia's. According to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tuvalu's population is 11,204 people. Tuvalu gained independence in 1978 and since has strived for economic development. Tuvalu has tourism potential, yet climate change remains a hinderance. Tuvalu and other members of the Pacific Islands Forum must develop new innovations to combat the effects of climate change.      

The World's Glaciers Are Melting At A Faster Rate

 

The glaciers of the world are melting at a faster rate. This has been noted by the data examining mountain glaciers. If the frozen rivers of ice melt constantly, then sea levels rise. The result would mean flooding. Costal areas and islands are going to be effected. The world could be seeing a massive glacier loss. Scientists are using glaciers as a means of documenting climate change. The status of glaciers indicate that climate change has reached a perilous condition. The rate of change is more intense in certain areas of the world. Central Europe has experienced the effects of the shift in glacier melting. The use of satellites provides most of the data. This is an indirect measurement, so it might not be as precise. The world has over 200,000 glaciers. The question remains is the development reversible. At some stage, the melting of glaciers cannot be stopped. Using more fossil fuel only adds to the greenhouse effect. If this continues for a number of centuries, certain areas might not be habitable. Natural disasters such as flooding are going to be more intense. Seasonal meltwater does provide freshwater to populations around the globe. More meltwater does help in resistance to drought. Too much melting of glaciers becomes an environmental hazard. 

Iceberg A23a Is Moving

 

The world's largest iceberg is moving. The direction it is going appears to going to the Southern Ocean. Iceberg A23a's movements have been tracked since 1986. Ocean currents are an explanation for the recent movements. There is speculation about climate change and  the relation to iceberg movement. Increased temperature could be causing certain icebergs to break off. Icebergs moving is not harmful. The concern is if large icebergs melt along with an increase  in sea levels. The benefit of the erosion can  contribute to ecosystems in which the iceberg travels. Iceberg A23a could have lifeforms on it. Samples of water from Iceberg A23a need to be examined to confirm this. New knowledge regarding icebergs could revolutionize understanding about the world's coldest regions. Prior to this move Iceberg A23a was spinning in one location. Stuck in the Weddel Sea, is was part of the Filchner- Ronne ice Shelf. The examination of icebergs could be an indirect means of monitoring climate. Icebergs breaking or coming loose is an indication that temperatures are melting some ice. Icebergs of a certain size could be a threat when they melt. Going to warmer waters can result in flooding. If 10,000 A23a sized icebergs were moving, South Africa , Argentina, and Chile would have flooding. The rate in which Iceberg A23a melts gives a proxy measurement of  the rate of climate change. 

India's Heatwave

 

India is experiencing an extreme heatwave. This follows a pattern that has been observed by climate scientists. The heatwave become even more precarious with water shortages. The heatwave can be explained by climate change and India's growing urbanization. The human environment interaction in cities contributes to an increase in temperatures. India needs a level of industry and urbanization to become a developed nation. The need to regulate industries and to have fossil fuel free alternatives must be put into motion. heatwaves pose a serious threat to public health and a danger to workers. Pakistan is also having challenges with the 2024 heatwave. If the climate models are correct, India's temperature will continue to increase. Efforts must be made to reduce emissions. The desire to develop the country should not come at the expense of the environment or the Indian citizen. At some point, no amount of environmental policy or regulation can reverse rapid climate change. The population is not only effected, but also India's wildlife. Certain animals might not be able to survive under such temperatures. That will result in changes in the ecosystem, which will directly impact farmers. With high temperatures comes the risk of forest fires. Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing forest fires. Heatwaves and water shortages could in the future determine how India votes. Indians are being harmed by the heatwaves, with deaths being reported in the last five days.  

The Rise of Global Flooding

 

Flooding has become more lethal in various nations. Libya, Brazil, Greece, and China saw major floods. The disaster in Libya was of concern seeing as it was a country with low flood risk. Climate change does not just create heatwaves. It can make heavy rains more powerful. Combined with rising sea levels coastal arears will be effected the most. Derna Libya was vulnerable because the storm known as Daniel moved in from the Mediterranean Sea. The dams and infrastructure has fallen into a poor condition since the civil war. Turkey was also struck by heavy rainstorms. Many countries have not modeled emergency preparedness in relation to climate change. Various cities do not have the infrastructure needed to protect against such storms and flooding. The refusal to explore alternative energy or  end the use of fossil fuels means flooding will be more frequent. The aftermath of such natural disasters is homelessness, loss of life, and  financial efforts to repair the damaged properties. Government and corporations are not going to change policy on fossil fuel use and climate policy. The only result will be social and political problems that come with flooding. At some point it might force people to leave their countries. Weather warning systems and infrastructure have to be updated frequently. Otherwise, there could be populations that are refugees as a result of climate change. More data must be collect to analyze patterns and see were other floods could occur next.    

The Global Heatwave And Concerns About Public Health

 

The world is experiencing a rise in temperature. More potent heatwaves are going to be common as years pass by. The environmental concerns related to flooding and damage to ecosystems tends to be the focus. What is forgotten is the impact on public health. People are going to be at risk for heat exhaustion and poor air quality. It becomes lethal for the elderly and those with respiratory diseases. The people who are in good health could see it decline with exposure to high amounts of particulate matter. Temperatures are going to continue to increase according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Norway, Sweden, and Japan have seen a drastic change in temperature. There is no single factor that explains the global  heatwave. Many countries have experienced heatwaves. The difference in 2023 is that they are occurring simultaneously. Other countries are seeing a reverse. Span, Portugal, Northern Russia, Southern Chile and Argentina are seeing colder temperatures. It remains a mystery if the heatwaves will follow a consistent pattern or fluctuate at random. Numerous countries must make adjustments for global heatwaves. Cooling centers and access to clean drinking water should be a priority. Seeing as it effects most nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America cooperation is required. Environmental protection should be taken seriously, rather than a cause of just a few organizations. Examining the risks and dangers  in the context of public health would motivate  leaders to act. Global heatwaves eventually could become bigger threats if no policy is developed to combat them.   

Canada's Wildfires

 

Canada is experiencing a more powerful series of wildfires. The result of this is that the smoke has spread to the United States. Air quality has been poor with haze visible in America. The particulate matter present could be a public health risk. New fires are emerging and firefighters scramble to extinguish them. Canada has a policy of letting fires in remote areas burn out on their own. The problem with that is it still could negatively impact ecosystems. Wildlife living in those habitats might not recover. Currently, there is a total of 584 fires. The total number might not be precise. Analysts assert this is one of the worst fire seasons in Canada's history. Climate change is the culprit in the environmental disaster in Canada. A combination of drought and high temperatures make wildfires more likely. Rain would aid in putting out some of the fires, but the weather forecast does not predict this. Dry and hot weather conditions are going to remain and the government has limited resources. Each province of Canada has to fight fires within its own borders. This is an inefficient and dangerous emergency response plan. A nation wide federal force should be established to handle environmental emergencies. The cause of wildfires include industrial activity, lightening, or some form of human environment interaction. Climate change can no longer be ignored in this equation. Canada must take a different approach to emergency preparation and environmental protection. Other nations have come to assist in fighting the fires. South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France, Span, Costa Rica, Mexico, the United States, and Portugal have sent firefighters.    

Climate Change Is Effecting Developing Nations

 

Climate change is going to impact public health, the economy, and well being of nations. According to the UN's World Meteorological Organization, weather disasters have surged between 1970 to 2021. The majority of deaths have occurred in developing countries. The data showed that it accounted for 90%. The data was extrapolated from a study of 11, 778 weather disasters. Floods, cyclones, hurricanes, and heatwaves are going to become more powerful. While the focus was on developing counties, least developed countries are going to be at risk. Early warning systems and disaster management is not going to stop the increase in climate change related  incidents. More laws are needed for environmental protection and reducing global emissions. Corporations that are part of the fuel industry have to account for the damages. The burning of coal and the drilling of oil  need to replaced with alternative energy sources. Funding research into new technologies, such a carbon capture plants should be the task of governments and the United Nations. The biggest obstacle is that fossil fuel companies have influence over governments in the EU and North America. These countries continue to exploit and extract the natural resources of the Global South. The West will not be completely shielded from the dramatic shift in climate. Too many extreme climate incidents could negative impact their economies. The UN early warning system will not be effective unless practical solutions are made to address the growing climate crisis. Without a large international climate and environmentalist movement, pressure will not be present for change on a global scale. The evidence is being more visible with higher temperatures and an increase in sea levels.  

Flooding On The Rise In Sudan

 

Seasonal floods have occurred in Sudan. This has been common with the rising waters that come from Nile River. The concern is the growing intensity  of the floods. Rain fall and water levels are being altered by climate change. The increase in sea levels means flooding in costal areas. Sudan is not the only African country to struggle with floods. Uganda has seen some damage from rising waters. If too much rainfall happens this can cause landslides. When flooding stops, there are also devastating consequences. Homelessness and damage to infrastructure are major challenges. The death from flooding becomes more disturbing as governments show they have limited ability to save lives. Practical solutions do exist. Ditches, canals, and culverts must be expanded in Sudan. Infrastructure and other buildings should be as far away from  at risk areas. An emergency evacuation plan should be established to ensure public safety. A climate change management policy must be developed b the African Union to ensure the preservation of East Africa. The intensification of floods also comes at a time when drought is happening in certain areas of the region. 

Wildfires Spread Across Europe And North Africa

 

A large heatwave has cased wildfires across Europe and North Africa. Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and France are attempting to extinguish them with little success. Heatwaves are indications that climate change has gotten worse, Temperatures have reached up to 113 F. Wildfires have increased in terms of intensity. Every year there is a recurring pattern. The heatwaves  in 2021 were a cause for concern, but 2022 holds more peril. Evacuations are underway as firefighters try to stop the disaster. When the wildfires are put out the damage can last fa beyond property destruction. Deaths, homelessness, and environmental damage can not be reversed. Planting trees or rebuilding could take decades to complete. The costs would be immense. The heatwaves are becoming stronger. Combined with a longer duration wildfires will be more powerful. Climate change cannot be ignored, because it is inducing more natural disasters. Denial is not based around ignorance, rather an attempt to protect fossil fuel corporations. The increase in global temperatures puts public health in danger. Water can become limited under such conditions. Morocco has reported it is experiencing drought. Loss of water is more devastating  for North African countries based on their mostly desert based physical geography. The wildfires in Europe and North Africa demonstrate a need for an unified international strategy to fight climate change.   

Warnings From The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

 

The IPCC report has issued a warning about climate change. The report noted that across the world's regions the climate system has been altered. The Earth's  temperature is rising and there is a link between carbon dioxide emissions. The result is the exacerbation of the green house effect. This will effect the polar ice caps. The gradual melting will result in rising sea levels. Floods could be more prevalent in the UK, India, South Africa, and the Pacific  region. The IPCC report indicated that the world could reach the 1.5 degree Celsius level. If the temperature goes beyond that then the damage may not be reversible. The new extremes of heat have the the potential to be a public health risk. Too much heat can have a negative impact on agriculture. The water cycle has been effected with not only more floods, but drought in certain parts of the world. The ecosystems of the ocean are going to be harmed. Coastal areas have to consider measures adjusting to rising sea levels. The IPCC report is more mere conjecture. Data was accumulated examining temperature changes from the past to present. The changes in human environment interaction between 1850 and 1900  altered the climate. The use of fossil fuels and the corporations that profit from them are culpable. Governments refuse to challenge this business elite, even when they are contributing to a major environmental crisis. The burning of coal and the emissions from automobiles create higher temperatures. Climate change has occurred without human interference, but economic activity exacerbates a fragile situation. The changes in rainfall patterns could harm basic food security. The constant release of various air pollutants and added methane cause deleterious effects to the environment that could last centuries. More reports are being produced examining paleoclimate compared to the current conditions  and possible solutions. 

International Climate Change Protests

There were climate change protests in over 150 countries with people demanding world leaders to take action against a threat to the world environment. Climate change has become too damaging to ignore with rising sea levels, more powerful hurricanes, and lethal heatwaves. The polar ice caps are gradually melting putting island nations at risk. The nations of the Pacific are particularly vulnerable. Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia will face a disproportionate amount of challenge from the temperature changes and increase in sea levels. Japan, the UK, South Africa, Pakistan, and India are at risk for intensified flooding. The general lack of concern has causing young people to become more active in environmentalist causes. Greta Thunberg has become a symbol of a new generation of activists who are attempting to force governments to change policy in relation to environmental protection. While there is plenty of enthusiasm, what must be contemplated is backlash from the fossil fuel industry and their political allies.  There are still many who deny that global warming actually happens. The green house effect is a natural occurrence,but human activity has exacerbated its function. If this continues it could have a devastating impact on public health. People who suffer from respiratory or circulatory system conditions may be at risk. Governments may not have enough resources to deal with the natural disasters that are the result of climate change. Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America must collaborate on forming a global environmental protection policy to reduce the dangers that come from climate change.