The good effects of climate change have outweighed the bad, and it is expected to continue doing so for most of this century. This isn’t some kind of lunatic right-wing fantasy; it’s a consensus among the experts. But few people are aware of it.
Climate change is something that affects everyone. In the past few years, many people have been looking for ways to help save the environment. To do this, we must address climate change and begin making changes in our daily lives.
To help you better understand its importance, we’ve put together a list of 15 reasons why climate change is important.
15 Benefits Of Climate Change That Help Sustain The Environment
There are many arguments about its effects, however, climate change is inevitable. And there is no denying that it impacts our Earth too. Climate change can regulate the seasons and weather conditions. It also impacts the livelihood and food present for all the species that inhabit the Earth. Hence it works as a component of the ecosystem.
1. Climate Change Balances The Ecosystem
Maintaining a balance in the ecosystem is essential to life on Earth. Climate change plays an important role in this as it encourages living things to adapt and migrate. If they do not, then it could lead to their extinction as conditions become too harsh for them.
As temperatures rise, species adjust to the new habitat. Changing conditions allow species to survive in habitats they couldn’t have adapted to before climate change.
2. Climate Change Impacts Food Chain
We find seasonal fruits and vegetables due to the climate that changes throughout the year. An example would be strawberries, which grow in the warm season and stop growing during the colder seasons of the year.
Climate change also impacts food production for humans – a drop in global temperature would increase world wheat yields by 10% by 2050. Reduced precipitation may affect agriculture, but a rise in temperatures may lead to an overall increase in the area suitable for crops.
As the climate changes, so do weather conditions. Farmers are working to adapt their crops to stay afloat in new environments. But this change also impacts food distribution and prices.
3. Climate Change Affects The Migration Of Animals
Migration is an instinct that animals have developed over time. The changes in their environment mean that they must constantly adapt to survive – and climate change plays its part too.
With the coming of climate change, animals are forced to migrate in search of food. Many animals like polar bears or tigers are constantly on the move.
Climate change is one of the factors that affect the migration of wildebeest in Africa. It was found that there were unusually low numbers, and it’s believed climate change has changed the location of their food supply.
4. Climate Change Enriches Biodiversity
The extinction of species is a part of evolution – the organisms that cannot adapt become extinct and new ones evolve.
Animals also adapt to their changing environment, which brings about more biodiversity in the world and helps maintain balance within the ecosystem.
Related Video – What People Get Wrong About Climate Change:
5. Climate Change Is Good For Agriculture
Climate change can benefit agriculture in some parts of the world. Changes in the environment can affect plants – and even at a cellular level.
Increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere benefits plants, and there is more land available for farming because of melting glaciers and permafrost.
Many plants have special seeds that lie dormant until the right conditions arise – which then give them a better chance of survival.
6. Climate Change Impacts Available Resources
The availability of resources is directly influenced by the development of climate change.
With a rise in temperatures, some areas that were once cold are becoming more susceptible to drought or famine. And with this, it could mean that they have less food available for the population there.
This will lead to an increased dependency on imports from other countries which can impact the environment because of transportation.
7. Climate Change Reduces Water Scarcity
As the ice caps melt, freshwater supplies in certain parts of the world increase, increasing water levels with it.
This leads to a decrease in droughts and an increased lifespan of lakes and rivers that run through countries with abundant rainfall. The natural water cycle of rainfall, evaporation, and condensation means that more rain is likely to fall as a result.
Hence we can combat water scarcity through climate change.
8. Climate Change Can Lower Energy Costs
If we make more use of alternative energy sources, it can lead to a decrease in our energy costs.
The use of renewable energy sources is increasingly becoming a popular choice for some countries. It’s cheaper and it helps regulate the temperature of our planet while making sure that there are no harmful emissions into the air.
In the future, temperate zone regions are likely to see an increase in electricity consumption for cooling in the summer and a decrease in power, natural gas, heating oil, and wood usage for heating in the winter as a result of climate change.
9. Climate Change Can Increase Tourism
With a better quality of life that comes about, people may end up spending more time, money, and effort on traveling around the world.
Climate change will increase the number of tourists who are interested to explore different places around the world. With a rise in temperatures, extreme weather conditions are also expected to decline – making it safer for tourists visiting different countries to enjoy their stay.
10. Climate Change Can Create Better Living Conditions
As a direct result of climate change, some areas have become very conducive to farming and even housing.
Some areas will experience more rain than usual, flooding the land and making it fertile ground for agriculture. We can expect to see an increase in crop yields which means better living conditions for the local population.
As the temperatures decrease, humans and animals alike will be able to settle in these climates without having to worry about extreme weather conditions.
11. Climate Change Helps Establish New Business Opportunities
Climate change also has a significant impact on the economy and business ventures will have to keep pace with these changes if they wish to remain competitive. Hence climate change is an opportunity.
Some countries can be cut off from other resource-rich areas when the weather becomes too harsh. This will lead to an equalization of resources and a more even distribution around the globe.
12. Climate Change Can Boost The Economy
The economy can benefit from climate change in many ways. It will lead to the discovery of new resources, increased confidence in national security, increased global trade and improved infrastructure.
With everyone on board for this initiative, it allows countries to build up their economies without having to worry about environmental factors that may affect them adversely.
13. Climate Change Can Help With Global Equity
Global equity is the notion that everyone in the world has equal opportunities for growth, development, and well-being.
The climate change agenda can help create a sense of community between people all over the globe – it allows us to take part in a positive cause that will benefit us all.
14. Climate Change Can Promote Political Stability
The need for some countries to stand up and take action against the destruction of our planet can lead to a period of political stability.
When everyone is involved in a global effort that benefits many, there’s bound to be some form of cooperation that leads to a stronger political system.
15. Climate Change Is A Component Of Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are the benefits that people gain from nature. This includes food, clean water, and clean air.
Climate change contributes to the changing of an ecosystem which in turn affects how humans live on the planet. Ecosystems provide several services that we all depend on and climate change affects them. It can restore the ecosystem too.
The Importance Of Climate Change – Conclusion
Climate change is real and it is happening. There’s just no getting around that fact.
The effects of climate change are not limited to environmental factors but can also mean a better quality of life for everyone on Earth – hence addressing the bright side of climate change may be the best way forward.
References
- https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/11/9/1845/pdf
- https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/11-arctic-species-affected-climate-change
- https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-energy_.html
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/opinion/2016/01/13/climate-change-is-a-threat—and-an-opportunity—for-the-private-sector
A sophomore in engineering, I’m a budding writer and an adventure enthusiast. My passion leads me on to try my hands on different things. I enjoy music, food, and good company. Making my way through life in my own ways, you’ll find me holding a camera and capturing what this world has to offer.