Climate Change Effects On Society

Climate change in recent years has been discussed and its implications for social development. Climate change is real and its’ impacts are being felt across different sectors ranging from economic to social domain. Climate change is not just a scientific issue it is just as much a social issue. Most of the effects of climate change consist of elements that are hazardous to human life and environment. Increasing frequency of extreme weather events and sea level rise, as well as changes in temperature and rainfall will bring about social problems as revealed in this paper. This paper briefly discusses climate change effects on society and social development.

Food systems

Impacts such as rising temperatures and increased frequency of extreme

Drought events have been recorded in places like China, Brazil, and Kenya as well as floods in Pakistan, Australia, and Columbia. Water is intimately tied to other resource and social issues such as food supply, health and transportation. As temperatures rise, people and animals need more water to maintain their health and thrive. Many important economic activities like energy production at power plants and agriculture also require water. The amount of water available for these activities may be reduced as earth warms and if competition for water resources increases. Rise in sea level due to glacial melting is one of the signs of the impacts of climate change. Glaciers hold snow in the winter and release water when it 's most needed, during hot, dry summers and periods of drought. Their melting due to increased warmer atmosphere would have negative impacts on costal habitats meaning they would be displaced to find safer regions to settle. Additionally, a great number of people have been faced by freshwater shortages due to contamination during heavy rains and floods causing sewerage breakages increasing the risk that people will be exposed to contaminants. Sea-level rise can lead to saltwater intrusion into groundwater drinking supplies, especially in low lying and sloping areas To add, heavy rains can increase the amount of runoff into rivers and lakes, washing sediment, nutrients, pollutants and animal waste into

Generally, these direct and indirect exposures can cause death, disability and suffering. Ill-health increases vulnerability and reduces the capacity of individuals and groups to adapt to climate change. Climatic change influences geographical range of diseases spread by vectors such as malaria. People in developing countries may be the most vulnerable to health risks globally such as water borne diseases, malnutrition, but climate change poses significant threats to health even in wealthy nations such as the United States. Certain populations, such as children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with low incomes, face increased risks. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stroke and dehydration, as well as cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular disease. Heat waves are also often accompanied by periods of stagnant air, leading to increases in air pollution and associated health effects. People can become ill if exposed to contaminated drinking or recreational water. Climate change increases the risk of illness through increasing temperature, more frequent heavy rains and runoff, and the effects of storms. Health impacts may include gastrointestinal illness like diarrhoea, effects on the body 's nervous and respiratory systems, or liver and kidney damage.