As the planet warms and the human population increases, it is becoming easier on the planet to see the changes that are taking place. Fires that accompany intense and prolonged droughts, lakes and seas that dry up, meteorological phenomena such as hurricanes or increasingly devastating tornadoes ...
But many times we think that these are just words; that do not have to affect us. However, thinking that is wrong, because we all live on the same globe, and all, sooner or later, will see the effects of global warming in our area. Meanwhile, we leave you with six photos taken by NASA that show the stark reality.
Arctic
Image - NASA
In this image you can see that the area covered by young ice, that is, recently appeared, has decreased from 1.860.000 km2 in September 1984 to 110.000 km2 in September 2016. This type of ice is very vulnerable to global warming, as it is thinner and melts more easily and quickly. The impact of these changes in the Arctic may be related to problems such as climate change affecting pregnant women.
Greenland
Image - NASA
In the specific case of Greenland, it is normal for streams, rivers, and lakes to form on the surface of the ice sheet every spring or early summer. However, the melting of the ice began very early in 2016, indicating that melting in this part of the world is becoming a serious problem. This phenomenon could be linked to the effects of climate change in Germany.
Colorado (United States)
Image - NASA
Since 1898, the Arapaho Glacier in Colorado has shrunk by at least 40 meters, according to scientists. This loss of ice mass reflects the reality of the global warming that threatens cities.
Lake Poopó, in Bolivia
Image - NASA
Lake Poopó in Bolivia is one of the most exploited lakes by humans, whose waters have been used for irrigation. Drought is also one of its problems, so it's unknown whether it will ever recover. Unfortunately, this situation is a clear example of this. deserts threatened by global warming.
Aral Sea, Central Asia
Image - NASA
The Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world, is now… nothing. A desert area where water once stood, used to irrigate cotton and other crops. This environmental tragedy is indicative of how the Climate change can alter entire ecosystems.
Lake Powell, in the United States
Image - NASA
The intense and prolonged drought in Arizona and Utah (United States), as well as water withdrawals, have caused a dramatic drop in the lake's water level. In May 2014, the lake was at 42% of its capacity. This situation reaffirms the need to invest in green infrastructure to better adapt to climate change.
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