The lack of snowfall, unexpected hot days, and the dryness in the air have not gone unnoticed. These changes that the earth is experiencing, may be the consequences of such weather that could threaten our agriculture and, ultimately, our entire world.
Climate change refers to effective and enduring alterations in the typical weather patterns of the Earth, predominantly driven by human actions such as the burning of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
As greenhouse gases (the cause of climate change) continue to build up in the atmosphere, the coldest areas of the planet will experience increased warming, leading to rising sea levels, changes in ocean currents, and disruptions in global weather patterns. These changes are already producing significant impacts near the equator, including the alteration of shorelines and negatively affecting the production of valuable crops.
And rising temperatures are resulting in more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow. Recent studies (CCL) indicate that international snow coverage has diminished since the 1980s, particularly in the United States. In the Southwest and Northeast regions, the snow has declined by 10% to 20% each decade.
This issue extends beyond mere weather patterns. If winters transition to being milder and warmer, it could have significant consequences not only for human beings but also for our wildlife, and overall agriculture.
AP Bio teacher Jed Doyle explained that temperature changes can disrupt animal migration patterns and breeding seasons, leading to potential declines in certain species. “You’re going to start to see changes in the food webs and the major populations of animals… Sometimes they’re very able to respond and change, but sometimes they’ll go extinct and never seen again,” he said.
Additionally, agriculture also faces challenges such as altered growing seasons, lack of water, and crop failures, which can threaten food security. According to the National Geographic article “Less water will impact farmers and create a rift between those relying on agriculture for their livelihoods and communities who need this water to live. There could be mass migration, too.”
While it may be impossible to completely prevent climate change from causing winters to become milder, it’s important to stay informed about the issue and understand its potential impacts. Being knowledgeable about climate change allows better navigation from its challenges and adapt to the evolving conditions faced in the future. National Geographic in fact states, “Ultimately, we have to stop burning fossil fuels—gas, oil, and coal—and become much more reliant on sustainable energy, transport, food, and ways of living”.
