For some, the climate crisis is being regarded as an “emergency” and thousands have taken over the streets all over the world to ask for action. While others do not really see it as the biggest issue. Some even deny that it exists at all.
Below are a few specific things which would happen if the global temperatures rise by 2˚ Celsius. Keep in mind that each of the specificities below come with a chain effect as a threat on the food, water, shelter, energy grid and health of humans.
- Heatwaves would last around a third longer; in some places approximately three months.
2. Rainstorms would be about a third more intense.
3. The increase in sea level would be three times higher, therefore destroy homes and cities. About 40 percent of the world’s population lives within 62 miles (100 kilometers) of the coast.
4. The Mediterranean area is forecast to have about 18% less fresh water available.
5. Within 85 years, one-third of the planet will be without fresh water.
6. The production of soy is forecast to increase because warming is favorable for its farming in higher latitudes.
7. Corn doesn’t die but it doesn’t grow seed. It doesn’t grow a corncob.
8. Oysters, crabs and corals, will not be able to form their protective shells, which in turn disrupts the food web (remember that we get about 20 percent of our dietary protein from the oceans).
9. 99% of coral reefs will be irreversibly damaged (therefore ecosystem of over 9 million species will be disrupted).
10. The Middle East and the American West may become inhabitable to humans because of extreme temperatures and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
11. Warmer soil will kill vegetation and release more carbon.
12. Hot and dry conditions increase the likelihood that wildfires will be more intense and long-burning.
Sources: NASA, VOX, Live Science
