Japan experienced its second-hottest September on record, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels in some regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributes this extreme heat to the northward movement of the subtropical jet stream and the Pacific high-pressure system. The agency also points to the long-term effects of global warming as a significant factor. This comes amidst a year that is projected to be the warmest in human history. The average global temperature in August reached 16.82C, surpassing the crucial threshold of 1.5C above the pre-industrial average. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions continue to fuel climate change, leading to more frequent and intense weather events. Global warming is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention to mitigate its disastrous consequences. Climate change poses a significant threat to our planet’s health and biodiversity.
Great Lakes Mapping: A Voyage of Discovery
The Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario — are a marvel of North America. Together, the lakes hold roughly 20% of the world’s fresh surface water and have been central to the ecological and economic health of that part of North America. It may then come as rather stunning that we know so little about their interiors.
So scientists are floating the idea for an audacious project in which sonar and underwater lasers would be used to map the bottom of these lakes. This type of mapping may uncover some less shiny hidden gems, such as:
Storytelling wreck sites
- Unique underwater landscapes
- A new world of species and ecosystems
If we learned more about what was happening in the lakes, this could help us protect and use them better. They could, for instance, enable ships to plot more accurate and safer courses.
Alas, this project remains fraught with peril. It is costly — an estimated $200-million endeavor. But I am finding government approval and support harder to come by. Now comes the hard part—convincing lawmakers that money spent on living laboratories in Lake Erie has value for the environment, economy, and as more expansive experiments with these critical water bodies.
Warming Glaciers Signal Alarms in Switzerland
In Switzerland, across the Atlantic, copious amounts of water bring a different kind of despair. These thousands-year-old glaciers of the country are melting at an alarming rate.
Swiss glaciers have shrunk by 2.5% in volume this year alone. It may not seem large, but at this rate, it is billions of tons of ice melting every year. Some factors that can contribute to this fast meltoff are
Global warming, which increases temperatures
- Less snowfall in winter
- Saharan dust Darkens the ice and causes it to absorb more heat.
The problem of glacier melting is not only for Switzerland. This is indicative of global climate change and can have serious implications for more than just where you live. Many parts of the world depend on glaciers for fresh water. Although they are melting, they are giving more water early on and less later which means a reduction of supply that could result in water scarcity.
In addition, melting glaciers themselves contribute to sea level rise around the world, endangering habitats and coastal communities.
Other Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is a global problem but talk to me while we still have water sources. Japan — for instance, people are struggling with the increasing temperatures:
Diminished Harvests: Farmers Grapple w/ Drought-parched Fields, Stressed Crops & Shriveled Yields Worsened from Heat
Heat-related illnesses can sicken more people
In and around Sydney, over 1 million households have signed up for a voluntary energy-saving program that involves remotely switching off air conditioners and pool pumps in brief bursts.
Tourism industries are being affected by these extreme heat waves causing changes in travel patterns.
These examples illustrate the wide-ranging effects of climate change can have on food and health, energy, and the economy.
What Can We Do?
While it may seem daunting to address these challenges, there are countless ways that we can help. So what can we do to help?
Conserve energy: Be conscious of the amount you use by selecting and operating products for your needs efficiently; turn off lights when not needed at night; take public transportation whenever possible.
Promote the adoption of solar, and wind energy.
Be aware: Understand the science of climate change. Tell your friends, and family what you learn.
Advocate environmental policies VOTE for environmentally conscious leaders or laws that address climate change.
Go Green: Avoid littering, recycle, and use fewer products.
Defending and preserving Nature: Back volunteering to plant trees, cleaning up writes, or revive swamps in your region.
Remember every effort counts. A single person tinkering at the fringes may appear to accomplish very little, but if a million citizens do so, together it can become something quite substantial.
Why It Matters
Life on Earth is impossible without water. Water is so much more than our everyday need to drink and hydrate, it is essential for agriculture, energy production, transport, and countless ecosystems. Protecting our lakes and glaziers ensures benefits for us, as with so many other species into the future.
Climate change is a complex problem, many of which are local and the more that are global. From the dark depths of the Great Lakes to melting glaciers and thinning Arctic ice, signs of global warming are everywhere. And we are also witnessing others gather to comprehend these changes and work on solutions.
We all can make a difference by working together – scientists, policymakers, and regular citizens. From exploring uncharted waters to defending thawing ice and even taking minimal actions in our daily routines, every little bit adds up in the fight against climate change.
We should not forget today, That our actions of Today, Will be the world of tomorrow Michael Brune is the Executive Director of the Sierra ClubProtecting our waters and climate helps create a better future for us and future generations.
