Effects of Climate Change
As the global levels of greenhouse gas rise, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible in the world around us.
Understandably, its impacts can invoke eco-anxiety, making it difficult for us to process these events that are interlinked to the bigger picture that we call ‘the climate crisis.’
So, let’s break it down. How is climate change developing? And what can we expect?
Climate Change over the Centuries
Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere have always varied and temperatures across the earth have also changed over time. This is clearly represented by the Ice Ages.
Click ‘Learn more’ above to see how this has developed over time.
Glossary of Effects
The rising temperatures due to increased CO2 levels have been taking place for some time but have been hidden by absorption within the oceans, making it hard to measure the capacity the oceans have left to protect us.
Click ‘Learn more’ above to read about the likely effects of climate change.
The Impacts: Now and in the Future
How are Climate Effects differing across the world?
It is not yet certain how this will play out, but there have already been some high variations in temperatures. For instance, highs of 14°C in the polar region of Russia, and very high temperatures of 49.6°C seen in Northwest Canada in 2021.
Why are the Effects of Climate Change so variable?
The earth’s climate is a complex system that is becoming unbalanced by human actions and the feedback loops that occur because of those actions. This is resulting in unexpected changes, and an increase in natural phenomena such as hurricanes and tornados, combined with many of the issues mentioned above.
What are the likely implications for the Meadows?
The good news for the Meadows is that we are in one of the places least likely to see the severest effects of climate change. Like everywhere else, we will likely suffer the potential for high summer temperatures, large sudden downpours, excessive flooding, issues with growing food and the need to share what we have with refugees from countries that become uninhabitable.
