Discuss the difference between anthropogenic and natural causes attributed to climate change. Discuss whether or not you classify climate change as the major environmental health challenge of the 21st century. Explain your reasoning and provide evidence to support your claim.
Please answer with a minimum of 300 words. Please cite any and references used.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Climate change is a global phenomenon that affects every aspect of life on Earth. The causes of climate change can be classified into two categories: anthropogenic and natural. Anthropogenic causes of climate change are primarily the result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Natural causes of climate change include volcanic eruptions and changes in solar radiation. In this response, I will discuss the difference between anthropogenic and natural causes attributed to climate change and provide my opinion on whether or not climate change is the major environmental health challenge of the 21st century.
Answer:
Anthropogenic causes of climate change are often directly related to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. These gases are primarily released through the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation, as well as deforestation and industrial processes such as manufacturing and mining.
Natural causes of climate change are often related to natural earth cycles, such as the Earth’s orbit around the sun, volcanic eruptions, and changes in solar radiation. These natural cycles can cause changes in the Earth’s climate that can last for centuries.
In my opinion, climate change is the major environmental health challenge of the 21st century. The impact of global warming on public health is vast and far-reaching, affecting everything from air quality to infectious disease transmission. The burning of fossil fuels and its resulting greenhouse gas emissions is directly linked to increased rates of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Climate change is also driving changes in the distribution and emergence of infectious diseases, leading to increased rates of malaria, dengue fever, and other vector-borne illnesses.
Over the next few decades, climate change is projected to become an even greater threat to public health. It is important that we take action now to address the root causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. In doing so, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the health of future generations.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Climate Effects on Health. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/default.htm
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. IPCC.
