Climate Change Impact: Kathleen Maxwell has lived in Phoenix for over 20 years, a long time. But this summer was unlike the others. The temperature was above 110 degrees for 31 consecutive days, very hot. Kathleen, 50, felt fear for the first time due to the intense heat.
“Phoenix has always been hot,” Kathleen said, “but this summer was unique. It was unlike anything I’d ever done or seen. I was scared. I wondered, “What if this never ends?” What if this is the current situation?
Not just Kathleen but others felt the same. A recent study by The Associated Press-NORC Center reveals growing belief among Americans that climate change impacts them directly.
A poll found that 87% of Americans think they have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the last five years. Some examples include droughts, wildfires, storms, floods, and hot weather. A few months ago, in April, this was 79%.
It’s not just bad weather but also understanding its connection to climate change. Approximately 64% of Americans believe climate change is partly responsible for recent extreme weather. It was 54% in April, so this is an increase. About 65% of Americans believe climate change will significantly affect their lives.
The summer heat changed people’s perspectives. Approximately 74% of Americans experienced extreme heat or heatwaves in the past five years. This is up from 55% in April. Most things on this list occurred recently.
According to climate services and organizations, this summer was the hottest ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere. Many Americans were affected by Canada’s severe wildfire season, with smoke reaching parts of the United States.
This year, millions globally are affected by extreme weather, rain, floods, and wildfires. Scientists say climate change is causing more frequent and severe occurrences.
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Anthony Leiserowitz of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication noted that public perceptions linking climate change to extreme weather began shifting in 2016. Every year, this trend grows.
There are still people like 76-year-old Bruce Alvord from Maryland who don’t believe human actions impact the climate. Alvord, a retired government worker, believes officials and pressure groups pursue their interests.
But some, like Kathleen Maxwell, learned a lot this summer. She believes climate change is worsening. She wants more Americans to recognize and support efforts to combat climate change.
“It’s clear to me with the weather, hurricanes, and floods,” Kathleen said. I can’t think of a reason why people wouldn’t.
People have varying views on climate change, but as extreme weather events increase, more people consider its impact on their lives. As people learn more about how significant climate change is, they hope to work together on it.
Our Reader’s Queries
What are the 5 effects of climate change?
Rising greenhouse gas levels lead to hotter global temperatures. This can cause more intense storms, prolonged droughts, and a rise in sea levels. With the changing climate, we also see a loss of biodiversity, food shortages, and increased health hazards. Additionally, many people face poverty and displacement due to the effects of climate change.
What is the 7 impact of climate change?
We can see the signs of climate change everywhere: severe weather, shrinking sea ice, years of record heat, drought, fires, and strain on ecosystems. These effects will bring difficulties for people.
How climate change is affecting the world?
Human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are causing significant shifts in Earth’s climate, leading to widespread environmental impacts. Glaciers and ice sheets are decreasing in size, while river and lake ice is melting sooner than before. The geographic ranges of plants and animals are changing, and plants and trees are flowering at different times. These changes are a result of increased human activity and its effects on the natural world.
What are 3 impacts of climate change on the country?
Climate change will disrupt the systems we rely on for life, work, and health. It will affect global food security, damage infrastructure and jobs, and harm human health. Different countries will face varying levels of risk from these impacts.