Climate Change and Natural Disasters: The Hot Topic

As humanity burned fossil fuels to actuate the Industrial Revolution, our planet's temperature began to rise due to the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Scientists today warn that the rate of this climate change is unprecedented; and along with this, so is the alarming slew of natural disasters observed all around the world.

July 2021 saw floods of epic proportions devastate Europe- severe storms made rivers break their banks into neighboring districts. The catastrophe bore 242 deaths, with Germany (196) and Belgium (42) being the worst hit. The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel commented “we must get faster in the battle against climate change” after visiting the affected areas whose inhabitants lost their homes and livelihoods.

By contrast, an extreme heatwave ravaged the idyllic Mediterranean region during August 2021 that resulted in hundreds of wildfires which ravaged the coastal areas of Turkey and 400 square miles of Greek farmlands and forests. Experts fear that industries that depend on these agricultural resources (i.e, wood, paper, etc.) may suffer in the long run, thereby challenging the employment statuses of thousands between the two countries. In response, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism mobilised a range of support to these nations, including the deployment of around 1300 firefighters to tame the furious flames.

Most recently, the Category 4 tropical storm Hurricane Ida barreled through Louisiana, USA, conveying Mother Nature’s sentiments on the 16th anniversary of the calamitous Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The death toll has risen to 26 in New Orleans as the city grapples with the severe ramifications of the extraordinarily powerful 240 km/h winds and rainfall. Hundreds of thousands of residents are still stranded without power and water, with a staggering 250,000 children unable to return to school. Also, the hurricane accelerated to the Northeastern states, inflicting similar widespread damage. In fact, a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) linked the intensification of the hurricane to an increase of water evaporation into the atmosphere, brought on by climate change and which resulted in substantial devastation to the affected areas.

Now, the predominant topic occupying apprehensive observers around the world is on the course of action to be undertaken to combat climate change. US President Joe Biden recently announced an ambitious plan to have solar energy provide nearly half of the nation’s electricity by 2050. At a time when a global pandemic continues to hinder normalcy, the impact of these phenomena on communities worldwide is exacerbating. Hence, it is in our power to increase our climate awareness and push our governments to implement policy to combat this crisis. So, should we be complacent in this crisis; or should we move to force a change for a better future?

Desiree Menezes (12D)