What Our Planet Is Facing
Global warming isn’t just a distant problem, but one that's happening right now, all around us, with each ticking second. From melting ice caps to record-breaking temperatures, the signs of climate change are impossible to ignore, and it's changing our planet as we know it. Here are five sad but important facts about global warming and why they matter more than ever.
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1. Over 1 Million Species Face Extinction
One of the saddest facts about global warming is that many species are going extinct every day. The normal rate is usually around five species per year, but with climate change on the rise, that rate has shot up drastically—about 100 times the normal rate.
2. Could Be Irreversible by 2030
Without any action and consistent efforts to make a change in our habits, climate change could be irreversible by 2030. Temperatures have only continued rising, and eventually, we may see a further increase in widespread drought, flooding, heat waves, and poverty.
3. Our Oceans Are Suffering
Our planet is 71% water, and yet, our oceans are dying due to the millions of tons of plastic waste we dump every year into the sea. This has poisoned the habitats of marine species and the coral reefs. Glaciers and ice caps are also melting at an alarming rate.
4. Creating a Refugee Crisis
Because of the extreme fluctuations in weather, millions of people are forced to leave their homes due to extreme flooding, heat, and storms. The International Organization on Migration, for example, estimates that by 2050, up to 200 million people could be displaced because of climate change.
5. Wildlife Is Losing Its Habitats
Due to the waste we dump into the ocean and rising temperatures melting glaciers, countless species are also losing their homes. And without a safe place to live, these species will only end up becoming extinct as climate change continues to wreak havoc.
