The United States could experience a rise of 2 degrees Celsius or more a few years before the rest of the planet, making it in the first country where the consequences of climate change will be noticed beforeThis phenomenon is in line with what has been studied in the fight against climate change.
This is revealed by a study published in the journal PLOS One, conducted by Raymond Bradley and Ambarish Karmalkar, from the University of Amherst, who warn that A total of 48 states will exceed the two-degree Celsius barrier by 2050..
The computer simulation, which has taken into account the temperatures that were recorded in the month of December of last year, predicts that the areas from New York to Boston, which are the most populated in the northeast part of the country, could register values of 3 degrees if the global average temperature increased 2ºCTwo degrees Celsius is the threshold leaders pledged to cross when they signed the Paris Agreement, but if things continue this way, they're likely to be surpassed.
The global temperature map that researchers have used as a reference detected excessive overheating in some areas of the planet, especially in cold areas such as the Arctic. There, last autumn temperatures of more than 20ºC above normal were registered. Although they were not the only ones who had a warmer season than would be normal.
The eastern United States and Canada, southern Australia, and parts of China and Mongolia are also experiencing significant temperature increases. Researchers warn that the difference in temperatures between the land mass and the oceans will lead to several regions of the northern hemisphere to experience a warming greater than in the whole planet. This has been investigated in relation to Allergies in Catalonia.
The Earth is already 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than it was at the end of the 2th century, and this trend is projected to continue. The recent measurement of a temperature increase of more than XNUMX degrees Celsius highlights the urgent need to address the climate crisis, especially given projections indicating that this increase could be even greater without effective action.
The Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015, sets a clear objective: limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, ideally limiting any increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, rising temperatures in the United States are an indication that the country may be experiencing more drastic and rapid changes than those internationally agreed upon.
The effects of climate change in the United States
In the United States, the effects of climate change are already evident, threatening the environment, public health, and the economy. Among the most worrisome effects are:
- Rising sea levels: Global sea level has risen about 8 inches (20 cm) since 1880, and is projected to rise as much as 2100 feet (6.6 meters) by 2 if emissions continue at their current rate.
- Forest fires: Forest fires have become more frequent and severe, especially in the west of the country, where it is estimated that the area affected by fires could increase two to six times by 2050, a situation that can be compared to the deserts threatened by global warming.
- temperature rise: The intensity and frequency of heat waves across the United States is expected to increase, especially in areas not previously prone to these extreme conditions.
- Altered precipitation patterns: Projections indicate that some places will experience more intense rainfall, while others will face prolonged droughts, affecting the farming and water supply, as discussed in the technological needs of farmers.
The difference in temperature increase between land and ocean regions is critical to understanding why some areas are experiencing more drastic changes. As oceans warm, their ability to regulate Earth's climate decreases, resulting in more extreme weather events.
Impacts on biodiversity
The United States' ecosystems are also suffering from global warming. Species' habitats are being altered, causing migrations and displacements that affect both fauna and flora. This can lead to a Domino effect, where a change in one species affects the entire food chain.
With rising temperatures, many animal species such as reindeer are being forced to adapt more quickly than their life cycles allow. This can lead to local extinction of species that cannot adapt to environmental changes, a phenomenon that also affects other parts of the world from the Mediterranean to the Arctic.
Furthermore, melting ice in regions like the Arctic threatens iconic species like polar bears and seals, which depend on marine habitats that are disappearing. The loss of sea ice not only affects these species but will also alter the balance of the entire marine ecosystem, a problem that has also been addressed in the vulnerability of the Mediterranean.
Measures against climate change
World leaders and scientists are working to mitigate the effects of climate change and have issued urgent calls for decisive action. Proposed strategies include:
- Emission reduction: At the global level, countries must reduce their Emissions of greenhouse gases by 45% by 2030 if the increase is to be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Transition to renewable energy: Investment in clean energy such as solar and wind power is being promoted, which are essential to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. This is particularly relevant in the context of New York and its energy transition.
- Adaptation of infrastructure: Cities must adapt to the effects of climate change by improving their infrastructure to withstand floods, droughts, and heat waves. It has been proven that the use of resistant seeds may be part of the solution.
- Education and awareness: Promoting greater climate change education at all levels is vital to preparing future generations for the climate crisis.
The role of the international community is crucial in the fight against climate change. Through conferences such as the COP28, countries have the opportunity to review their commitments and take concrete actions that can positively impact the future of the planet.
It's crucial to remember that every fraction of a degree counts. A warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to 2 degrees Celsius may seem insignificant at first glance, but the differences in real are enormous. Therefore, action is needed now to prevent a warmer and more dangerous future.
The social consequences of climate change
Beyond the environmental effects, climate change has significant social and economic repercussions. As communities face severe weather conditions, tensions can arise over resources, leading to conflict and displacement. Vulnerable populations, including Indigenous communities and those in small island nations, are the most affected by these environmental realities.
Droughts and rising sea levels have caused many people to lose their homes and livelihoods. Forced migration will become a critical issue in the coming years, with an expected increase in the number of climate refugees, a phenomenon that has been analyzed in recent articles on climate refugees in 2050Nations must work together to develop policies that not only mitigate climate change, but also protect people forced from their homes by the climate crisis.
Furthermore, the impact on agriculture will be profound, as farmers face increasing challenges due to climate change, including changes in rainfall patterns and increased pests. A concerted effort is required to adapt agricultural practices and ensure food production in a changing climate, as can be seen in the adaptation of plants to climate change.
Adaptive capacity varies considerably across regions and communities, and policies must address these inequalities to ensure no one is left behind in the response to climate change.
How to move forward in the fight against climate change
To advance the fight against climate change, an integrated approach combining local, national, and international efforts is necessary. Actions must be based on science and consider the specific needs of each community. It is also important to encourage innovation and the use of new technologies that help reduce emissions. emissions and improve climate resilience. The importance of these innovations can be seen in many recent studies.
Collaboration between governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and citizens is essential to creating a sustainable future. Policies must ensure climate justice and prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
In this context, the role of education and awareness-raising about the climate crisis cannot be underestimated. Public awareness campaigns can help motivate changes in individual and collective behavior, encouraging people to adopt more sustainable practices and actively participate in the fight against climate change.
Finally, it is essential that every country and every individual realize the urgency of the situation and make a serious and effective commitment to implementing measures to curb global warming and protect our planet for future generations.
