Five Dangers of Climate Change
- Rise in sea levels: According to various projections, it is expected that sea level would register a rise of between 20 and 90 centimetres during the 21st century, partly due to the mass loss of glaciers and ice caps.
- Land mudslides: The increase in the intensity, scale and frequency of rainfall is caused by periodic flooding in low-lying areas and regions, as well as mudslides in geologically unstable areas that are usually identified with the location of vulnerable illegal settlements. The areas built near rivers or in areas in river beds will be subject to additional flooding.
- Reduction of the quality and quantity of water: Flooding of urban areas tend to affect water treatment plants, wells, toilets and septic tanks. The water treatment systems and garbage will also be affected thereby contaminating drinking water resources.
- Warming, cold waves and droughts: Urban systems are severely affected by intense episodes of thermal variability, such as hot and cold waves that impose extra energy consumption for the use of air conditioners and heaters, as well disrupting daily urban activities.
- Hazards to health: The socio-economic impacts of climate change in urban areas include increasing effects of urban heat islands, an increase in pollutants, especially during the warm seasons, and investment in thermal stations during winter, causing an increase in disease and death.
Read more about this topic: Adaptation To Global Warming In Australia
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