Climate change is a global phenomenon that is increasingly urgent and has a major impact on human life. The main contributing factor is greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities such as industry, agriculture and transportation. The resulting global warming is changing weather patterns, causing natural disasters to occur more frequently, and affecting many aspects of human life. One of the most obvious impacts of climate change is an increase in the earth’s average temperature. This increase in temperature causes extreme heat waves, potentially endangering human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this condition increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration and stroke. In addition, vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, are more easily affected. Climate change also has an impact on the availability of clean water. As temperatures increase, water evaporation from lakes and rivers increases, while rainfall is uneven. Areas that are usually fertile experience drought, while certain areas experience flooding. This decline in the quality of clean water triggers health problems, because access to clean water is a basic right of every human being. Besides that, climate change has an impact on global food security. Research projects show that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns significantly affect agricultural yields. Certain climate-dependent crops can fail to harvest, potentially sending food prices soaring and causing famine in some parts of the world. Farmers who are unable to adapt to these changes risk experiencing major losses. Ecosystems are also threatened by the effects of climate change. Many animal and plant species cannot adapt quickly to changes in temperature and habitat, so they are threatened with extinction. Disturbed ecosystem balance contributes to further changes that have a direct impact on humans, such as the increased spread of disease via vectors which is amplified by changes in environmental conditions. Human migration is another phenomenon driven by climate change. Areas affected by natural disasters or declining resources often see waves of migration of people looking for safer places. This phenomenon can trigger social tensions and conflicts in migrant receiving areas, which various organizations have predicted to become a major problem in the future. With such widespread impacts, action to mitigate climate change is critical. Countries around the world are trying to implement more environmentally friendly policies, such as using renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving forests. This initiative aims to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future for future generations. At the individual level, awareness and small actions also contribute. Minimizing plastic use, reducing energy consumption, and supporting local products can help reduce one’s carbon footprint. Every collective action, even if it seems small, has the potential to have a big impact if carried out consistently and simultaneously by the wider community. The right decisions and commitments now will determine how sustainable human life on earth will be in the coming decades. Overall, the impact of climate change on human life reflects a challenge that requires collaboration from various sectors to find joint solutions for a better future.
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