To the public, it is now apparent that the planet is in a state of environmental distress, but to what extent will this harm affect our produce, surroundings and wildlife? As the global population increases along with greenhouse gas emissions, the surface temperatures are reaching a dangerous height, leading to an increase in natural disasters, crop failures, sickness, and decline in biodiversity across ecosystems worldwide.

As anthropocentrism-the belief that humans are the most valuable species, continues to engulf our generation, it is vital to remember the ethical responsibility we hold towards Earth. Many continue to believe that humans are superior to other species, despite the reality that we are an extension of nature. To maintain the idea that we are above nature is not only nonsense but treacherous. Addressing the issues of global warming may not only improve the quality of life for both humans and animals but restore ecosystems, and bring favorable outcomes for our food systems and health.

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

With a planet populated with billions of individuals, each small action contributes to a larger environmental impact. With the daily use of electricity and transportation visible through most of the human population, it creates enormous emissions rates. The production of electricity is generated by burning coal, oil or gas, in which it releases carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, both of which are powerful greenhouse gases. These gases blanket the Earth by absorbing and trapping in the heat radiated off the sun, causing the Earth’s temperature to go warmer than its natural range. Similarly, in cars, trucks and other forms of transportation, which run on fossil fuels, like gas, get burned, and release methane into the atmosphere. These gases create an unnecessary increase in global temperatures that lead to massive consequences. While the quantity may sound small, based on the NASA Science Editorial Team, a half-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures is significant enough to cause crop damage, harm ecosystems and cause extreme weather conditions.

Polar Bears

The Arctic serves as an area where these changes have had the most drastic effects. Polar bears as well as various other species rely on sea ice as an essential item for their survival. These blocks of ice allow for them to hunt, rest and most importantly reproduce to keep their species alive. However, with the increasing temperatures, the ice has been degrading since the 1980s in extent and thickness (Tandon and Pidcock). As this sea ice begins to disintegrate, as many as 19 subpopulations of polar bears are forced to move to inland glacial ice to search for a different diet, one that does not largely rely on the accessibility sea ice provides. Without this tool, their usual diet is not in effect, it will cause conflict in the food chain, as polar bears are at the top of the arctic triangle, thus when the natural diet is not occurring then it will create a chain disruption in the entire food pyramid. 

Beyond the disadvantage it brings for the polar bears, these slabs of sea ice, as well as inland glacial ice are millions of years old. Scientists have made various warnings that the melts could possibly contain bacteria and viruses, that of which have not yet been introduced into the Earth atmosphere. The melting of these ice slabs leads to a probable occurrence of putting the human race at risk for yet another pandemic.

Overall, these polar bears, and all their subpopulations face a major threat due to the degradation of sea ice. This decline leads them to compete for food sources that aren't naturally theirs. If we do nothing to stop and decrease the global temperature then this apex predator that regulates the food chain will be extinct and symbolize the consequences humans face when given an issue that “wont harm anyone”, up until it does. 

Farms, Food and Air Pollution

Climate change doesn’t only put wildlife at danger, but our lives as well, as it works its way through the food we eat and air we breathe. With this heat stress it will increase water scarcity in the globe, as well as droughts, all of which lead to agricultural droughts that threaten communities with water issues and lead to underwatered grasslands and fields used for grazing. This limited water will cause the crops and lands to have lower yields and reduce the nutritional value of the produce. Not only may the quality of our organic produce be ruined but the livestock suffer as well. With the poor grazing conditions it will result in weaker animals and thus lower food quality for the consumer. All of this while both plants and livestock are absorbing the polluted air, making a plant grow slower, gain a weaker sensitivity to diseases, and reduce photosynthesis. All, through the air and soil the plants take in, through the meat we eat and take in, through every aspect we are becoming exposed to and becoming more vulnerable to diseases and weaker food quality. 

Change

Since the advancements and industrialization from the 1980s, greenhouse gas emissions have skyrocketed. As a part of nature we must restore the damaged environment we have gained and unify with nations. We must protect these valuable species at risk for extinction, stabilize the global temperature for better quality of life and globe, then reform our acts. It serves no use to fix a hole in the wall when you're slowly going to hit and jab at it until it's fully open again. We must have a better mind when living our lives, recycle, reuse, avoid consumerism, never waste anything, and do the best for plants and animals.