Wildfires

In the western United States, wildfires have become a frequent occurrence, exacerbated by climate change. The wildfire season now extends several months longer than it did decades ago, with a significant increase in the area burned each year. Hotter temperatures lead to increased evaporation, altered weather patterns result in reduced rainfall, and earlier snowmelt contributes to prolonged dry spells, all of which create ideal conditions for larger wildfires.

The toll of these fires is significant. While some individuals die directly in the flames—last year's wildfires claimed several lives—many more suffer long-term health effects from inhaling smoke and ash. A Stanford study indicated that alongside those who perished in the fires, thousands more likely succumbed to health issues linked to poor air quality.

Extreme Weather Events

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change. This shift has resulted in an increase in the intensity and occurrence of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts, disproportionately affecting developing nations that contribute the least to climate change.

Even wealthy nations are struggling to cope with the consequences. For instance, Hurricane Maria caused over 4,000 fatalities in Puerto Rico. Moreover, catastrophic flooding can strike even affluent urban areas. In July, heavy rains in Henan, China, resulted in over 20 deaths, primarily due to individuals being trapped in a subway station. Similarly, severe rainfall in Germany caused over 160 fatalities. Our infrastructure, even in well-off countries, is often ill-equipped to handle the extreme weather that lies ahead.

Rising Temperatures

Although the average global temperature has only increased by about one degree Celsius since preindustrial times, heat waves are growing both more frequent and more severe. The annual number of heat waves in the U.S. has tripled since the 1960s, extending the heatwave season to over two months. Conditions that previously had a 0.1% chance of occurring are now 200 times more likely. Furthermore, shifts in global weather patterns are making areas that were once cool more susceptible to heat events.

This summer, for example, the Pacific Northwest, known for its mild climate, experienced a series of extreme heat events that resulted in around 200 deaths in Washington and Oregon. If this trend continues, the potential for fatalities rises dramatically. A heatwave in Europe in 2003 claimed 70,000 lives, while one in Russia in 2010 resulted in 55,000 deaths.

Air Pollution

While poor air quality might not lead to immediate deaths, its long-term effects are equally deadly. Climate change prolongs allergy seasons and increases ground-level ozone and smog. Wildfires contribute to this pollution, which can affect air quality far from the fire’s origin. For example, smoke from western wildfires degraded air quality in New York City this past July. Such factors can exacerbate respiratory issues for millions worldwide.

Air pollution claims more than 3 million lives annually—accounting for one in every eight deaths globally. It even reduces the average life expectancy by two years, surpassing the impacts of smoking, alcohol, drugs, and war. Climate change will further worsen air quality, leading to countless preventable deaths.

Disease Spread

Disruption of animal habitats due to climate change increases the chances of diseases jumping from animals to humans. As environments shift, species relocate, often coming into contact with humans for the first time, which can introduce new viruses to populations lacking immunity.

This phenomenon can lead to pandemics, as seen recently, when a novel virus crossed into the human population. Furthermore, climate change expands the habitats of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, which already account for half a million deaths annually. Cholera, responsible for 100,000 deaths each year, is also exacerbated by climate change, as flooding and warming waters facilitate the spread of bacteria.

Social Unrest and Conflict

The challenges posed by climate change could exacerbate global inequalities, both within and between nations. Millions of people are already fleeing climate-related hardships, and these migrations can spark conflicts. As resource scarcity increases, the potential for civil and international wars rises. Historical analysis indicates that even minor climate fluctuations have fueled some of the deadliest conflicts in history.

Moreover, research shows that higher temperatures can impair decision-making and impulse control, potentially leading to increased crime rates. In the U.S., climate change could result in an additional 2-3 million violent crimes over the next 80 years. Rising temperatures may also contribute to a rise in suicide rates, with projections suggesting an additional 21,000 suicides in the U.S. by 2050.

Ignoring the reality of climate change is not an option. The belief that we can simply adjust our air conditioning and continue with life as usual is a dangerous misinterpretation of our current situation. Everyone, including those in affluent nations, is at risk from the deadly impacts of climate change.

This situation bears resemblance to the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where many dismissed early warnings. It happened elsewhere, but it can—and did—happen here. If we fail to act swiftly to combat climate change, it could claim your life or the life of someone you care about.