Global warming and its impacts by Dr Sheeba Chenoli, Universiti Malaya

Summary

The world is aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C, but with current warming already at 1.2°C, the effects are being felt worldwide. Exceeding this limit could lead to severe impacts, including extreme heat, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, faces significant threats from warming, with risks to health, agriculture, and coastal communities. Urgent climate action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage. This mini-lecture highlights the pressing need to take action now to protect our planet and future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The world has agreed to limit global warming to 1.5°C to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.
• 😀 A 1.5°C increase in temperature may seem small, but it has significant effects, particularly in polar regions and ecosystems.
• 😀 Human activities have already caused a 1.2°C increase in global temperatures, with projections to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2050.
• 😀 Exceeding the 1.5°C threshold could lead to irreversible impacts such as ecosystem loss, extreme weather, and sea level rise.
• 😀 Rising temperatures will lead to more extreme heat events, affecting health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
• 😀 At 2°C of warming, over 2.6 times more people will be exposed to extreme heat, leading to heat stress and health issues.
• 😀 Arctic summers could become ice-free, leading to sea level rise and flooding of major coastal cities like Jakarta and Shanghai.
• 😀 Warming will reduce crop yields, including rice, corn, and wheat, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
• 😀 Warmer oceans will harm marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, which are essential for fish populations.
• 😀 The geographic range of disease-carrying mosquitoes will expand, increasing the prevalence of diseases like malaria and dengue.
• 😀 Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, is at high risk, with rising temperatures, sea level rise, and agriculture suffering due to heat stress.
• 😀 Malaysia's coastal populations, reliant on marine resources, are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• 😀 Immediate action is required to keep global warming below 1.5°C and prevent devastating impacts on the environment and human society.

Q & A

Why is limiting global warming to 1.5°C so significant?

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is crucial to avoid severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. It helps reduce the risk of irreversible damage to ecosystems, human health, food production, and coastal areas, ensuring a more sustainable and livable planet.

What are some observed impacts of the 1.2°C global warming already experienced?

At 1.2°C of warming, we've already seen extreme events such as bushfires, floods, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and changes in migration patterns of species like fish. Coral bleaching and the emergence of climate refugees are also notable impacts.

How would overshooting 1.5°C affect our natural and human systems?

Overshooting 1.5°C would lead to long-lasting and possibly irreversible damage, including the loss of ecosystems, more frequent and severe heatwaves, increased sea level rise, and negative impacts on agriculture, water resources, and health.

What are the projected impacts of 2°C warming on global temperatures and precipitation?

At 2°C of warming, global temperatures will rise significantly, leading to an increased number of people exposed to extreme heat, ice-free Arctic summers, accelerated sea level rise, and disrupted precipitation patterns that could affect food security.

How would global warming at 2°C affect human health?

At 2°C of warming, the risk of heat stress-related health issues, such as heat strokes and heart problems, would increase. The rise in extreme heat events will lead to more health crises, particularly in vulnerable populations.

What are the consequences of sea level rise due to global warming?

Sea level rise caused by global warming will lead to flooding of coastal cities, submerging infrastructure and homes. It will also damage ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grasses, affecting biodiversity and livelihoods dependent on these ecosystems.

How does global warming affect agriculture and food security?

Global warming negatively impacts crop yields, with reductions in essential crops like rice, corn, and wheat. Warmer conditions also affect water quality and availability, which in turn threatens livestock health and food production.

How does climate change impact marine life and fisheries?

Warmer oceans and rising sea levels threaten marine ecosystems like coral reefs. Fisheries will decline due to changes in water temperature and habitat destruction, further exacerbating food security challenges, particularly in coastal regions.

Which regions are most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming?

Low and middle-income countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, are most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. These regions often lack the resources to adapt to climate change, facing economic, social, and environmental challenges.

What specific challenges is Malaysia facing due to global warming?

Malaysia is experiencing warmer conditions, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. The country faces increased risks of heat stress, coastal flooding, agricultural losses due to heat stress, and threats to its marine ecosystems, which are vital for food security and livelihoods.