Why climate matters
The climate does not consist only of fluffy snow in winter and a perfect opportunity to go sledding and skiing, or a cloudless summer with a carefree walk along the beach. The climate is, in fact, extremely important for people and the environment.
A favorable climate is particularly important for agriculture in the cultivation of crops and livestock. Drought and lack of rainfall reduce yields of cereals, fruits and vegetables and adversely affect animal nutrition. And over 80% of world agriculture relies on natural irrigation – rainfall. In Latin American countries, agriculture depends on natural irrigation up to 90%, and in some African countries – up to 95%. Therefore, the climate is extremely important for the production of food of plant and animal origin and directly affects the nutrition of the population.
The earth is home to a rich variety of animals, plants, microorganisms and ecosystems - all called by one name: biodiversity. Even in the harsh conditions of deserts or polar regions, various plant and animal species live and breed, which have managed to adapt to the gradually occurring adverse conditions over thousands and even millions of years. However, the speed with which climate change has occurred in recent decades does not allow for the adequate adaptation of thousands of plants and animals. Most of them die or are forced to leave traditionally inhabited areas.
Human health depends on the climatic conditions in the place where we live. Many diseases, such as malaria, denguedengue
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains. and a characteristic skin itching and скин расх . The disease is life-threatening. Every year about 50-100 million people get sick from dengue.
, encephalitisencephalitis
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Symptoms may include reduced or alteration in consciousness, headache, fever, confusion, a stiff neck, and vomiting. The disease mainly affects young children, but the viruses do not pass by adults.
or lyme diseaselyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected ticks. The disease affects the skin, joints, heart and nervous system. Every year in Europe, about 65,000 people get the disease., are transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects that inhabit warm, humid and rainy climates. With the relocation of these areas to new latitudes, conditions are created for an increasing incidence of these diseases. Climate change can contribute to an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, severe storms, heat waves, droughts, etc., which have a major impact on human health and life. Frequent cases of heat stroke, heart attacks or dehydration are typical examples of the growing number of health problems in recent summers.
Climate plays a big role in people's quality of life. The tourism industry, for example, is very vulnerable to climate change. Many of the most popular tourist destinations - coastal resorts, forests, wildlife habitats, mountain ski resorts and northern areas - rely on a combination of natural beauty, good weather and safe tourism conditions. Climate change will undoubtedly affect many destinations. Unusual and prolonged heat, drought, sudden floods, forest fires and exotic diseases can turn profitable tourist sites into unattractive and even dangerous places to visit and relax.
