Climate change has been an ongoing environmental issue which our world is currently undergoing. Unfortunately, it is the development of our lifestyles which has been the ultimate cause of this issue. Due to our greed and lack of awareness, we have caused our own planet and the species in it to suffer.
Climate change has certainly negatively impacted our biodiversity. It has affected our ecosystems, species’ ability to adapt to their environment and us. The rapid shift in climate has caused the reduction in coverage and thickness of ice in the Artic and Antarctic region. Examples would include the thinning of Artic ice and the diminishing of Greenland glaciers. The melting of ice has altered the salinity and temperature of the ocean water, the ocean circulation which affects biodiversity beyond the Artic, and the productivity of planktons, birds, fishes and marine mammals. Furthermore, climate change has jeopardized human well-being. It is predicted that if climate change were to continue, food shortages due to change in agricultural production, changes in water sources, and increased death rates due to disease and extreme weather conditions, would occur.
 |
| Greenland's melting ice |
 |
| World's dead aquatic zones due to climate change. |
On the other hand, while humans have done much damage to our planet, we have also realized that to better the future of our planet, we must take initiative to develop a “greener” environment. An international organization recognized as Greenpeace, whose purpose is to inform governments and industries of global environmental issues and its causes, seek to protect biodiversity, to prevent pollution, to end nuclear threats and to promote peace. Greenpeace Canada has created “How to Save the Climate”, a guide which gives details on what we can do to protect the climate. The organization has also developed a campaign known as “Energy [R]evolution” with the intention to reduce carbon emissions while attaining economic growth through the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy. In addition, this campaign offers benefits such as independence from world market fuel prices, energy security and efficiency, and the creation of new green jobs. It is already predicted that 12.5 million jobs would be created by 2015 and that the carbon emissions in 1990 would be lower than 80% by 2050.
 |
| One of Greenpeace's logo |
 |
| Predicted carbon emissions per capita from 2007-2050 |
I certainly consider this organization to bring a positive impact to our society. Not only does it bring awareness and educate us of the environmental issues that our world deals with on a day-to-day basis, but it encourages us to better our world for the future generations. Greenpeace Canada has given us the opportunity to get involved in this important cause through campaigns, volunteer and donations. If you are interested in doing so, please visit http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/ and always remember that you are only one click away to a healthier and greener planet!
WORK'S CITED LIST:
1. "The Energy [R]evolution." Greenpeace Canada 14 Oct. 2010 .< http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/energyrevolution/ >.
2. "Climate Change Is Already Impacting Biodiversity." BirdLife International. N.p., 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2010 . < http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/sowb/pressure/46.html >.
3. "Biodiversity and Climate Change 2000: Changing Oceans - Effects on Biodiversity." United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010 . < http://www.unep-wcmc.org/climate/oceans/biodiv.aspx >. 4. "Climate Change Affects Biodiversity ." Global Issues: Social, Political, Economic, and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All . N.p., 2010. Web. 15 Oct. 2010.
< http://www.globalissues.org/article/172/climate-change-affects-biodiversity >.
5. "Climate Change: Health and Environmental Effects." United States Environmental Protection Agency. N.p., 15 Oct. 2009 . Web. 14 Oct. 2010 . < http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/eco_animals.html >.
COMMENTED BLOGS:
I completely agree with your points about the severity of climate change and the way it negatively affects humans as well as plants, animals, and even the glaciers. I like how you stated that climate change alters the way animals and plants adapt to their environment. This alarms me, because it proves that climate change seriously affects biodiversity. One of the important advantages of having a diverse Earth is that there is a good chance the species can withstand and adapt to a changing environment. But seeing that animals and plants are slowly dying out predicts that even these diverse species can’t keep up with the changing climate. I agree that something needs to be done to prevent it before humans and even more animals are in jeopardy.
ReplyDelete:)