Global warming is a climate phenomenon manifested through rising average global temperatures. This phenomenon, driven primarily by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has disparate effects in different regions of the planet. In Colombia, the impacts of global warming are particularly alarming and vary across the country's different regions. Furthermore, it is crucial to understand the origin and causes of global warming to adequately address the problem.
In this context, the following was published in Colombia: Third National Communication on Climate Change, which presents a comprehensive report on how climate change will affect various areas of the country over the next 100 years. This report is essential for understanding the projections and designing appropriate policies to mitigate these adverse effects.
Global temperature rise
Data reveals that by the end of the 21st century, it is estimated that the temperature in Colombia could increase by around 2.4°CThis increase in temperature would not only cause the melting of the country's glaciers and snow-capped mountains, but also an increase in sea level, which could result in coastal flooding and the degradation of marine ecosystems. In addition, a significant reduction in agricultural production is anticipated, an increase in desertification soil degradation and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. For more information on desertification, see the article on differences between climate change and global warming.
Between the period of 1971 and 2015, average temperatures in Colombia have increased by 0.8°C, currently averaging 22.2°C. Projections suggest that the national average temperature could rise further. 2.4°C towards the end of the century.
Almost all municipalities in the country are at high risk due to rising temperatures. The report identifies that 59% of the emissions of greenhouse gases come from ten departments: Antioquia, Meta, Caquetá, Valle del Cauca, Santander, Cundinamarca, Casanare, Boyacá, Guaviare and Bogotá. By sectors, it is highlighted that the 62% of emissions come from the agricultural sector, mainly due to changes in land use, while the transport and manufacturing sectors contribute a 11% each.
Consequences of climate change
The report also details the impact that climate change will have on Colombia's future. Although the country is only responsible for 0.42% Of global emissions, it is ranked 40th worldwide and fifth in Latin America in terms of contributions to emissions. To learn more about the global effects, you can review the article on the effects of global warming.
One of the most worrying impacts is the increase in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods, which threaten agriculture, food security, and water resources. For example, essential crops such as coffee, corn, and rice could be severely affected, putting the food and economy of millions of Colombians at risk. This is related to the fact that they are diverse and significant, as detailed in the analysis of Forest soils and their contribution to climate change.
Public health will also be compromised. Rising temperatures will increase the proliferation of enfermedades vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Water stress is also expected to affect water quality, which could lead to an increase in pollution-related diseases. This makes it necessary to assess the consequences of global warming, since both concepts have health implications.
Coastal communities will face serious challenges due to rising sea levels, which could lead to habitat loss and impact urban infrastructure. In this regard, it is estimated that marine and coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves, will be at risk of destruction, as is happening elsewhere on the planet and has been documented in the article on the risks of global warming in various ecosystems.
Another critical aspect is the disappearance of Colombian glaciers. According to IDEAM, it is predicted that by 2050, most of the glaciers in the Colombian Andes could disappear, thus affecting critical water sources for the rural and urban population. This highlights the urgency of understanding the implications of global warming in Colombia and the need to closely monitor the situation of the glaciers. glaciers in various regions.
Future scenarios and necessary policies
To address climate change, Colombia needs to implement policies that prioritize adaptation and mitigation. The implementation of conservation, forest restoration, and sustainable development projects is crucial to protecting the country's biodiversity and ecosystems. These programs must be integrated into local and national development plans, taking into account regional specificities.
In addition, awareness and participation of the population in the adoption of sustainable practices, as well as investment in Clean technologies and renewable energy. Collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential to ensure a multidimensional approach that boosts climate resilience in the country. This is where the importance of understanding how global warming affects us can be highlighted.
On the other hand, the report highlights the importance of international cooperation and Colombia's participation in global initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, which establishes commitments to reduce gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The most recent version of the Agreement that has been validated seeks to ensure that all countries adopt more ambitious measures to limit the increase in global temperature to less than 1.5 degrees centigrade.
Rising temperatures will also impact public health, increasing morbidity and mortality associated with heat-related illnesses. According to recent studies, rising temperatures could lead to an increase of up to 44 million people to extreme poverty by 2030. This phenomenon is related to the fact that the Climate change could seriously impact health and the economy.
Economic and public health challenges
The impact of climate change on public health in Colombia is significant. Extreme temperatures not only pose a risk to human life but also increase the country's economic burden. Projections suggest that the costs associated with climate change could reach up to 1.6% of Colombia's GDP by 2050, which emphasizes the need to adopt effective measures from public management.
Meanwhile, it is crucial that public health policies include prevention and mitigation measures against the effects of climate change, as well as the adaptation of the health system to address the risks associated with extreme weather events. A public health approach that integrates climate change is essential to safeguarding population health, including strategies for disease monitoring and training professionals in natural disaster management.
The sectors most vulnerable to these changes, such as those dependent on agriculture, fishing, and mining, need immediate support to adapt to the new realities. This includes training in resilient agricultural practices, as well as a regulatory framework that facilitates the transition to less polluting economies, and investment in infrastructure that can withstand the effects of severe climate events.
Economic and social resilience to climate change is a challenge for the country, but also an opportunity to develop a sustainable development model that benefits all sectors of society. The search for resources to finance adaptation and mitigation must include an analysis of public and private investments, as well as facilitate greater community participation in the design and implementation of climate policies.
As a country rich in biodiversity and natural resources, Colombia must harness its potential to lead in sustainable and climate-resilient solutions. This could include reforestation initiatives, biodiversity conservation, and innovative strategies for water and soil management, as discussed in the article.
With the commitment of all sectors, it is possible to turn the challenges of climate change into opportunities for a more sustainable and just future for present and future generations. Environmental education and training are essential for developing citizens who understand and respond to this global crisis.
Colombia faces significant challenges, but also has significant opportunities to adapt and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on its communities and biodiversity.
