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 we often think these are just words; that they don't necessarily have to affect us. However, thinking that is wrong, because we all live on the same planet, and sooner or later, we will all see the effects of global warming in our own areas. In the meantime, 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 formed ice, 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 because 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 ice began melting very early in 2016, indicating that the 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 global warming, which threatens cities.
Lake Poopó, in Bolivia
Image - NASA
Lake Poopó in Bolivia is one of the most heavily exploited lakes by humans, who have used its waters for irrigation. Drought is also one of its problems, so it's uncertain whether it will be able to recover. Unfortunately, this situation is a clear example of 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 flowed, irrigating cotton and other crops. This environmental tragedy is indicative of how climate change can disrupt entire ecosystems.
Lake Powell, in the United States
Image - NASA
The intense and prolonged drought in Arizona and Utah (United States), along with water withdrawals, has caused a dramatic drop in the water level of this lake. In May 2014, the lake was at 42% of its capacity. This situation reinforces the need to invest in green infrastructure to better adapt to climate change.
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