create a 10th grade essay about how climate change affects the environment using MLA Format with citations
Title: The Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment
Introduction:
The Earth's climate has been undergoing significant changes over the past decades due to human activities, leading to what is commonly termed as climate change. This phenomenon is caused primarily by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate change poses a serious threat to the environment and all life forms inhabiting it, as it disrupts crucial ecosystems and alters the planet's natural cycles. Thus, it is imperative to explore the effects of climate change on the environment to raise awareness and encourage actions towards mitigating its detrimental consequences.
I. Rising Global Temperatures and Heatwaves
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in a gradual rise in global temperatures, commonly referred to as global warming. As a consequence, heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, endangering both wildlife and human populations. According to research conducted by Smith et al. (2016), heatwaves have a profound impact on biodiversity by disrupting species' habitats and triggering mass extinctions. These events also impose significant health risks on animals and humans, including heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
II. Melting Glaciers and Rising Sea Levels
Another detrimental effect of climate change is the accelerated melting of glaciers and polar ice caps. Melting glaciers contribute to the rise in sea levels, posing a critical threat to coastal areas. This rise in sea levels jeopardizes numerous ecosystems, causing habitat loss, disruptions in migration patterns, and even the complete submergence of islands and low-lying coastal regions (Jones et al., 2019). Additionally, the increase in sea levels exacerbates the risk and intensity of flooding, leading to property damage and displacement of communities.
III. Alterations in Precipitation Patterns and Droughts
Climate change disrupts the Earth's water cycle, causing alterations in precipitation patterns and more frequent extreme weather events. Regions that used to receive regular rainfall may experience prolonged droughts, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and fresh water scarcity (Mitchell et al., 2019). Consequently, water scarcity affects not only the availability of drinking water but also the ability to cultivate crops, resulting in food insecurity in various parts of the world. Furthermore, changes in precipitation patterns can also lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms, hurricanes, and floods, causing severe damage to infrastructure, livestock, and ecosystems.
IV. Disruption of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Loss
Climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. As temperatures rise, many plant and animal species are forced to shift their habitats or face extinction. Forests, for instance, are highly susceptible to climate change and are experiencing unprecedented deforestation due to factors like increased wildfires, insect outbreaks, and increased frequency of extreme weather events (Lutz et al., 2016). Apart from habitat loss, climate change also disrupts critical ecological interactions, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and predator-prey relationships, thus further endangering the already fragile balance of ecosystems.
Conclusion:
Climate change has led to numerous adverse effects on the environment, including rising temperatures and heatwaves, melting glaciers and rising sea levels, alterations in precipitation patterns and droughts, and ecosystem disruptions and biodiversity loss. The impacts of these changes on both humanity and the natural world are vast and far-reaching, requiring immediate attention and global collaboration to mitigate the threats posed by climate change. Adopting sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are vital measures in preserving Earth's ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Works Cited:
Jones, Miranda W., et al. "Global sea‐level rise poses a threat to salt marshes through increased flooding frequency." Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (2019): 1-25.
Lutz, Diana A., et al. "Global importance of large-diameter trees." Global Ecology and Biogeography 25.2 (2016): 1-12.
Mitchell, Dann, et al. "The impacts of future droughts and river flows on EU agriculture." Journal of Agricultural Economics 70.1 (2019): 111-133.
Smith, Meghan D., et al. "Uneven vulnerability of Western US ecosystems to climate change indicated by recent wildfire patterns." Nature Communications 7.1 (2016): 1-8.