Six consequences of climate change
EXTREME weather conditions and the extinction (see Word of the Week) of certain animals and plant species are some of the most visible effects of climate change. But did you know that it can show in other ways as well?
Here are some of the most surprising effects of global warming.
TURBULENCE INCREASES
Climate change is leading to more turbulence on flights as air currents shift. When it gets warmer, like on a very sunny day, the wind can blow stronger and in different directions. Scientists think that warmer temperatures change the wind speed and direction, leading to more turbulence.
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
According to a study published earlier this year, people lose 44 hours of sleep every year due to high nighttime temperatures caused by global warming. Scientists predict that this number will increase to 58 hours by the year 2100. This is because people’s bodies need to cool every night as they fall asleep, but this is harder when it is warmer.
DOGS GET VICIOUS
If you’ve ever felt your blood boiling as the mercury climbs, you’re not alone. Studies show that dogs tend to bite more people when it’s warmer. Experts reckon that the high temperatures increase dogs' heart rate, blood pressure and sweating, which contributes to heightened feelings of stress.
ALLERGIES GET WORSE
When exposed to warmer temperatures, plants grow faster and release more pollen. This increased pollen makes life harder for people with allergies like hay fever because once the pollen is dispersed in the air, it can trigger symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion.
TREES GROW FASTER, BUT WEAKER
Global warming and high carbondioxide emissions are making trees grow faster. However, at the same time, studies show they die before the slowgrowing ones.
‘WE ARE IN DANGER OF DESTROYING OURSELVES’ – STEPHEN HAWKING
MORE LIGHTNING
More and more lightning strikes are taking place around the world. With every 1°C that the Earth gets warmer, lightning is predicted to become 10% more common. By the end of the century, lightning will become 40% more common, according to forecasts. Lightning is the major cause of natural wildfires worldwide.