Climate change is undeniably affecting the Earth. But how will those changes affect us and our neighbors near and far? We asked our experts: What are the anticipated implications of rising temperatures for human societies?
Rising oceans put lives and economies in peril
— Elizabeth Phillips
Today we can see that rising sea levels are negatively affecting coastal ecosystems and communities, ushering in a wave of unprecedented challenges.
Over the past century, sea levels around the world have risen on average 23 centimeters, and this number is increasing every year. Research published in February 2022 shows that sea level rise is accelerating and projected to rise by 30 centimeters by 2050.
Sea level is controlled by both water temperature (thermal expansion) and melting ice caps and glaciers. Due to climate change, the oceans as well as the atmosphere are getting warmer.
In the past century, the oceans have become about 0.1 degree Celsius warmer. This does not sound like a lot, but warmer, expanding oceans caused about half of the rise in sea level in the past century. The other half can be attributed to melting ice caps and glaciers.
Elizabeth Phillips
Elizabeth Phillips is an environmental Consultant with GHD Global Pty Ltd. with industry experience in Canada and consulting experience in South Africa. She holds a B.Sc. from the University of Calgary.
The global ocean covers close to three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, and around 40 percent of the world’s population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. Densely populated cities like Shanghai, Jakarta and Hanoi are in danger of flooding from even a small rise in sea levels. If the flooding is too much, vulnerable populations may be displaced temporarily or permanently.
Higher sea levels are eroding coastlines, resulting in the loss of land and habitat for plants, animals and people. Coastal erosion also causes loss of infrastructure, including homes, roads, agricultural land, ports, airports and power plants or at least making them more susceptible to damage and disruption.
Some of the world’s most visited beaches are suffering coastal erosion. It happens faster when supercharged storms repetitively hit beaches, chipping away at the coastline. Over recent years, we have seen increased frequency and severity of storm surges during hurricanes and tropical storms, leading to more severe flooding in these coastal regions.
As sea levels rise, salt water will contaminate freshwater sources, the water we drink. It will also make things more difficult for farmers, plants and animals and will have a huge economic impact on coastal areas. Many ocean species are in decline because of pollution and warming seas. Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves here in Abu Dhabi and coral reefs, suffer significantly due to submersion and habitat degradation.
The economic consequences and global implications are huge. Coastal economies, especially those dependent on tourism and fisheries, may suffer from the loss of infrastructure and the decline in natural resources.
Displaced people and disrupted economies can have global effects, influencing trade, food supply chains and international relations.
Addressing the multifaceted impacts of rising sea levels demands a comprehensive global response. Sustainable coastal development, adaptation measures and efforts to mitigate climate change are essential to helping our coastal communities and the planet.
Here’s how agriculture weathers new challenges
— Tarek Kapiel
Rising temperatures have a number of anticipated implications for human societies, but one of the most critical for the UAE and other Arab nations is their effect on food security.
The agricultural systems of Arab nations, with their arid and semi-arid climates, are vulnerable to disruption in several ways.
Changes in precipitation patterns: Rising temperatures can alter rainfall patterns. In some regions, this may result in more frequent and severe droughts, negatively impacting soil moisture levels and crop growth. In other cases, intense rainfall can cause soil erosion and waterlogging, further affecting agricultural productivity.
Tarek Kapiel
Tarek Kapiel is assistant professor of plant biotechnology, botany and microbiology at Cairo University.
Droughts: Higher temperatures can exacerbate drought conditions by increasing evaporation rates, reducing soil-moisture content and intensifying water scarcity. Droughts can lead to decreased crop yields, reduced livestock productivity and increased competition for water resources. Such disruptions in agricultural production can result in food shortages, price increases and economic instability, with potential implications for social unrest.
Increased pest activity: Insects, fungi and other pests thrive in warmer conditions, leading to increased infestations and crop damage. This can further reduce crop yields and necessitate the use of more pesticides, which may have environmental and health consequences.
The implications of rising temperatures for food security vary across the UAE and other Arab nations due to differences in climate, geography and agricultural practices.
In arid regions, such as the Arabian Peninsula, water scarcity is already a significant challenge, and rising temperatures can compound this issue. Coastal areas face additional risks due to the potential for sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands.
Fortunately, there are potential solutions. These include:
- Improving water-management practices, including increased water efficiency, desalination and wastewater reuse.
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision farming, organic farming and agroforestry, to enhance resilience to climate change.
- Investing in research and development to develop drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties suitable for the local climate.
- Enhancing agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities and transportation networks, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
In the meantime, the implications of rising temperatures on food security have sparked ongoing policy debates in the UAE and other Arab nations.
These debates revolve around issues such as balancing agricultural development with environmental sustainability; promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation measures; encouraging international cooperation and knowledge sharing to address common challenges; and integrating traditional knowledge and local practices with modern technologies and innovations.
Understanding the regional variations, exploring potential solutions and engaging in ongoing policy debates are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
By adopting sustainable practices, investing in research and development and fostering international collaboration, the UAE and other Arab nations can enhance their resilience and ensure food security for their populations in the face of rising temperatures.
There’s a human cost to a warming world
— Maryam Saad
Throughout Earth’s history, only creatures capable of adapting to environmental shifts have survived. to enhance resilience to climate change. This principle presents a stark challenge as we face the escalating threat of global warming.
As the planet heats up, we must confront its myriad implications on human health.
Scientists have dedicated immense effort to studying these complexities, revealing a range of potential health risks. These include heat-related illnesses, compromised water and air quality, rising rates of vector-borne diseases, and threats to food safety and nutrition.
Maryam Saad
Maryam Saad holds an M.Sc. degree in biochemistry from Alexandria University, Egypt.
In global climate action at COP 27, parties renewed commitment to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report assessed the impacts of a 1.5 – 2 degrees Celsius increase above pre-industrial levels and the potential consequences if we fall short of maintaining the global average temperature increase of less than 1.5°C.
One of the direct risks is increased heat-related illnesses and diseases, particularly to vulnerable populations like the elderly, pregnant women, children and urban residents.
Cardiovascular diseases top the list of heatwave-related fatalities, followed by dehydration, hypertension and respiratory and cerebrovascular issues. A chilling estimate suggests that a 2 degrees Celsius increase could make heatwaves, such as the one that struck Pakistan in 2015, frequent occurrences.
Another threat is an escalation of infection with vector-borne diseases, especially in tropical regions like Africa. Increased heat could lead to an increase in mosquito populations, thus escalating the risk of malaria, dengue and other vector-borne infections.
Warmer temperatures would also cause a shift in flowering time pollen initiation in allergenic plant species, and continuous exposure can worsen allergic responses in predisposed individuals. Those health risks will exert extra pressure on the health-care system.
Embracing climate mitigation and adaptation strategies is crucial to protect human health. Transitioning to a low-carbon future presents an opportunity for both sustainability and economic growth. By acknowledging the threats and taking decisive action, we can forge a healthier, more secure future for all.
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