By Claudia Ionita
Everybody has heard of them. The heartbreaking photographs and videos of nature burning. For months now, the Australian fires have spread throughout the country and our newsfeeds. While the immediate consequences of such devastating fires are quite obvious (loss of wildlife, destruction of homes for many), there are some side-effects which will make themselves known only in the years to come: a worsening of the global climate.
The wildfires currently ravaging Australia most likely stem from the country’s dry climate. It is not unusual for Australians to face fires during this time of the year. However, what is unusual is the unprecedented magnitude of these fires and the problems that the authorities have been facing in regard to stopping them. The almost apocalyptic red and orange skies are arguably not an image that any inhabitants have previously experienced during their lifetime. It is difficult not to spot a connection between the increasing rate and magnitude of these fires (across North and South America as well) and climate change. The planet’s weather is becoming hotter and the results are already here.
Even more infuriating is the fact that these fires will undoubtedly worsen the already deteriorating climate of our planet and affect many who do not currently live in Australia as well. Indeed, where there is a fire there is always also smoke. And these grand clouds of smoke can travel fast to other countries as well. This means that a great amount of pollutants and carbon dioxide has been released into the atmosphere and will travel to certain sensitive areas rather soon. The first effects of this can be seen in the case of New Zealand’s glaciers. At a distance of 2000 kilometers from the bushfire sits the Franz Josef glacier, which has already been affected by the toxic smoke. As can be seen in the picture below, its snow has turned from pristine white to a caramelised, unnatural beige in merely one day after being reached by the smoke. Furthermore, if the ash within the resulting smoke gets into contact with the glaciers, it can further increase the melting process’ speed, to as much as 30% faster than usual. In the last decade the Franz Josef glacier has already shrunk dramatically, losing hundreds of meters of ice.
This is a prime example of the dangers of climate change. Climate change is akin to a domino game. Increase in air pollution leads to fires, fires affect glaciers and in turn they melt, rising sea levels. These all take their toll on humans as well. Rising global sea levels mean that many from all around the world now find themselves in danger of losing their homes and lands. We might soon face a new problem: an increasing number of refugees who are displaced not necessarily due to armed conflict within their country but due to lack of food and housing. Climate change is intrinsically linked with human rights. If the land where a population lives is affected by changes in temperature and man-caused natural disasters, it becomes highly probable that they will be put in sensitive situations. Loss of human habitat translates into temporary, if not permanent loss of home, education and crops. More effort needs to be made in order to stop climate change, if we do not wish the rest of the world, not just Australia, to suffer.
Comments