The issue of climate change has become a major highlight throughout the world, threatening lives, the environment and the economy. The latest impacts of climate change show an increase in the intensity of natural disasters, changes in weather patterns, and rising global temperatures. One of the most visible impacts is the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Based on the latest reports, tropical storms and cyclones are getting stronger. For example, Hurricane Ian which hit Florida in 2022 caused losses of more than 60 billion US dollars. Additionally, floods in Pakistan last year saw record rainfall, submerging a third of the country and resulting in more than 1,700 deaths. Climate change also affects ecosystems. In the Arctic region, melting ice creates a serious threat to species that depend on ice habitats, such as polar bears. This melting is causing the oceans to rise, potentially raising sea levels and exacerbating problems for global coastal cities, such as Jakarta and Miami, which face the threat of drowning. Agriculture faces major risks amid the impacts of climate change. Declines in crop yields have occurred in several countries, especially in developing countries. For example, research shows that climate disruption can reduce rice yields by up to 25%. This impact is not only about food security, but also has a negative impact on the local economy and population migration to urban areas. Air quality is also affected, with pollution increasing in urban areas. Rising temperatures worsen public health conditions, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that more than 4 million deaths were caused by air pollution each year, with many of these related to global warming. The energy sector is also on a path of change. Dependence on fossil fuels is increasingly being questioned as awareness of its environmental impact increases. The transition to renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is increasingly urgent. Countries such as Germany and Denmark have demonstrated a strong commitment by achieving more than 50% of their energy from renewable sources. This transformation requires global collaboration. The Paris Agreement is an important milestone in climate change mitigation efforts. However, several countries have still not achieved the set emission reduction targets. At the local level, initiatives such as urban greening and reducing plastic waste are increasingly being implemented to address environmental problems. Overall, the impacts of climate change are very serious and require a comprehensive approach. Collective efforts from individuals, communities, organizations and governments are the key to facing growing challenges. Knowledge about this issue is very important to build awareness and motivate real action to protect the earth for future generations.
About the Author
