Spotlight: Global Warming

The spotlight is currently on global warming. This is possibly one the most talked about issues at late, for it involves the increase in the earths average temperatures. It all started back in the mid 20th century, and is projected to continue till God knows when. Some people may say that a small increase in the earths temperature doesn't really matter but what they do not realize that even the slightest change in the earths temperature can bring about magnanimous effects. I bet we are all aware of the melting of polar ice caps in the Arctic and Antarctic region due to an increase in the earths average temperature. What even more worrying is that the ice caps are melting even faster than predicted. This terrifying truth makes movies such as 'Water world' likely to manifest itself in the coming 100 years or so. Sadly, I may not be alive to see such happening; for I'd probably be reduced to bones. Many scientist say that the rise of the sea level by 3 feet or so is imminent in the coming years. If such happens, then many species of flora and fauna will be greatly affected. Animals that depend on a delicate balance of saltwater and freshwater will be the ones facing greater impairment. These sort of animals are usually found at estuaries where freshwater and saltwater mixes with each other.

In this sort of ecosystem, mangrove trees are usually found growing at the river banks, providing the perfect shelter and home for certain species; for instance the American crocodile, the Manatees, the Giant Land crabs and many more. Aside from that, human beings will also find the increase in sea levels to be troublesome. Areas such as New Orleans will be underwater if such were to happen. These sort of unavoidable consequences will force many who currently reside in low lying areas to evacuate their present residential homes in search of new ones which are located in much higher land. If these people fail in accomplishing such, then they will perish. The reality of having innocent souls dying for no real good reason is really unpleasant to hear of. But what can we do? This is a cruel world and as said on National Geographic, only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Hence my dear readers, this is what according to the many scientists is bound to happen. But if you look at the present, the signs of sea level rise as a result of global warming are already exhibiting itself in the form of floods that usually hit areas that are below sea level.

Apart from the destruction of properties and other forms of material, flooding can also bring about deadly diseases. Cholera is one of the many diseases that is brought by the floods once it subsides. Cholera which is caused by the bacterium, Vibrio Cholerae, usually affects the small intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea and severe vomiting which can lead to dehydration. If water is not replenished, then death may follow. What a cruel way to end your life right? But I'm afraid that's reality. This is due to the mixing of drain water and septic water with the rising flood water. Other than that, global warming has also caused the melting of glaciers. Before I proceed, didn't you know that 70% of the worlds freshwater supply is locked in ice? If you ask me, that's a lot of freshwater. So, where does this ice normally originate from? Glaciers of course; plus they call it glacier ice. Well, basically glaciers are the main reason for the continuation of the existence of many species of flora and fauna. This is because, glaciers provide the various species of flora and fauna with much needed freshwater. However, global warming has decreased the size of the many glaciers in the world at late.

The streams that flow from glaciers as a result of the melting of glacier ice generates a unique ecosystem around it. Imagine, what will become of the plants and animals that depend on the glaciers for their much needed water supply, once all the glacier ice has melted completely? Total eradication if you ask me as the whole ecosystem will perish together with its supplier. All these are some of the mere examples of the sort of destruction that global warming is going to bring in the not too distant future. Indirectly, we are the ones who should be blamed for such that is happening and will happen.