This year, Asia experienced sweltering heat waves, particularly from April to June. It impacted these societies, both community-wise and individually. In the island of Geojedo, South Korea, the temperatures caused the sea to boil to a point in which the clams and mussels died. This wave isn’t just limited to Asia, it’s something worldwide. Besides environmental concerns, there have also been heat-related deaths, such as in Thailand. So what exactly caused this?
Climate Change
Well, the first answer that usually pops up is global warming and climate change. The global temperature has risen due to human activities that produce fossil fuels, and so forth, so it’s not surprising that a factor for this heat wave is due to climate change. The greenhouse gas emissions are able to trap heat within the atmosphere, which would evidently lead to an increase in heat. This problem isn’t new; it’s a global issue that has been tackled, debated, and discussed in almost all nations of the world. However, with each passing year, the effects of climate change and global warming are only growing more and more severe.
The Heat Wave
“Earth is already roasting.” That’s a statement that Nasa made on the temperatures during the summer season of this year. From their analysis, Nasa noted that the northern hemisphere was “...running 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.9 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal…” Though a degree or two might not necessarily seem like much, this change is enormous in terms of its impact. When the global average shifted around a degree higher, coral reefs around the world started whitening, a process called bleaching, in which they’re more prone to death. In terms of weather-related deaths, heat is the leading cause, and this heat wave is only exacerbating that. According to Climate Central, over 60% of the world’s population was impacted by the heat during June. In India, over 400,000 people suffered heat stroke, with a hundred dying.
What does this mean?
The issue of climate change must be addressed as soon as possible, on large-scale fronts. Without fixing our problem of pollution, there will be no end to the environmental disasters this entails, or to our human society. In the meanwhile, it’s best to do your part to help the planet, whether it’s by recycling diligently, turning off the faucet when you’re done, or buying eco-friendly products, all acts matter, whether it’s small or big.
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