In an effort to maximize resources for generations to come, we must consider the growing global population and make the necessary adaptations, when and if it becomes necessary.

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With increasing carbon emissions, the likelihood of irreversible climate changes has also grown. These changes could be so profound that they cannot be reversed. Perhaps we assume that if this happens, the climate can be restored to its previous state. We need to understand that some changes may be permanent and could make human life on Earth more difficult. There are often misconceptions about climate change. It’s still not taken as seriously as it should be. Let’s try to understand its consequences.

Extreme weather events and changes in rainfall patterns are already being felt. While one region is grappling with floods during the monsoon season, another is facing a drought. The duration of rainfall has decreased. Now, heavy rainfall is being observed in short periods, leading to an increase in incidents of floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. The increasing dust and pollution in the atmosphere is also causing an increase in the frequency of lightning strikes. These natural disasters are causing severe loss of life and property.

Deforestation and the increase in human-made structures have led to a massive loss of biodiversity. Many species are on the verge of extinction. These species are crucial for maintaining balance in the biosphere. Artificial light has affected the navigation abilities of insects. Bees are insects that play a special role in pollination. If bee species become extinct, it might not be possible to grow crops on Earth.

These are the consequences of climate change that most people are aware of, but there are some that are extremely serious in nature. With increasing pollution, crop productivity will decrease, and soil fertility degradation will make it even more severe. This will not only create a shortage of food for humans but will also affect the entire food chain, leading to a decline in the number of animals. If someone thinks they can survive on meat if grains run out, the bad news is that disruption in the food chain will also affect other animals and reduce their numbers. Food scarcity can lead to conflicts among communities, which can give rise to war-like situations. We are already experiencing a shortage of resources; if this shortage becomes severe in the future, civil wars cannot be ruled out. Wars always lead to destruction, regardless of who wins. Displacement and migration will exacerbate these problems. In such a situation, it will not be possible for everyone to survive.

The scarcity of potable water will further exacerbate the problem. Contaminated water will pose a significant health risk. Overexploitation of groundwater will not only lead to water scarcity but also increase the likelihood of sinkholes. Sinkholes are large cavities in the ground formed when the water beneath the surface is depleted, causing the land to collapse. These can be several meters wide. The melting of glaciers will cause sea levels to rise, and coastal areas will face the consequences. The warming of the oceans will also lead to an increase in the number of cyclones.

The melting of glaciers will not only affect the water cycle but can also activate various viruses and bacteria that have been dormant under the ice. These could be entirely new to the world. Humanity will be unprepared for the infections they may cause. Currently, many fungi, viruses, and bacteria cannot survive for long in the human body due to its high temperature. However, with increasing temperatures, they may undergo mutations that enable them to survive at higher temperatures. It would be a truly terrifying scenario if the human immune system is unable to defend the body against these agents.

A fungus called Cordyceps exists in nature that infects the brains of insects and controls them. Although it cannot infect humans due to human body temperature, increasing temperatures could evolve it. Then it would have a population of 8 billion humans to infect. Not only could it infect a large population in a short time, but it could also control a human and turn them into a carrier of the infection. You’ve probably heard of zombies.

Climate change can initiate processes that will be beyond human control and could ultimately lead to the end of all life on Earth, including humanity. This highlights just how dangerous climate change and global warming can be if not addressed promptly.