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Showing posts with the label changing ecosystems

Adapt or Perish in Climate Change: Water Scarcity and Climate Stress

  Water Scarcity and Climate Stress Dried and dying lake Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges exacerbated by climate change. As global temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, freshwater resources become increasingly scarce, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and human livelihoods. Water stress is particularly severe in arid and semi-arid regions, where water demand often exceeds supply, and climate change intensifies existing vulnerabilities. This section examines the drivers of water scarcity, the role of climate change, and its socio-economic and environmental consequences. The Growing Demand for Water and Declining Freshwater Resources The global demand for freshwater has been rising steadily due to population growth, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. Agriculture alone accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, driven by the need to irrigate crops and support livestock (World Bank, 2021). Industrial activities and dome...

Adapt or Perish in Climate Change: Social and Economic Impacts

  The Human Toll: Social and Economic Impacts of Climate Change Climate change impacts the economy, environment, and health of all living things We can all agree that the human dimension of climate change includes various challenges (and opportunities), such as health issues, economic disruptions, migration crises , agriculture and food production, and increased social inequalities . While discussions more often focus on the environmental impacts of climate change , the consequences for human societies are also very disruptive and extensive. This section discusses how rising temperatures, extreme weather events , and changing ecosystems affect human lives and livelihoods, stressing the interconnected nature of climate and society. Public Health Implications Climate change breeds a significant public health crisis, aggravating pre-existing health challenges and generating novel health issues. The alterations in environmental conditions brought about by climate change — such...