Climate change is developing worldwide, and its effects are becoming more apparent in the United States. This article thoroughly examines the potential impacts expected by 2100, delving into the complex network of factors contributing to the upcoming issues (Ferrari, 2024). The primary issue at hand is the continuous combustion of fossil fuels, which are primarily responsible for releasing greenhouse gases that retain heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change (U.S. Global Change Research, 1970). The need to reduce these emissions is emphasized by the alarming forecasts for the U.S. outlined in the Fifth National Climate Assessment, especially if substantial reductions are not made.
Although the effects of climate change are felt by all individuals living in the United States, some demographics, such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those who do not have access to air-conditioned settings, are more susceptible to the health hazards that are presented by the intensifying heat waves (EPA, 2023). However, the most significant contributors to climate change are individuals who carry out activities that involve burning fossil fuels, which results in carbon dioxide and methane emissions into the atmosphere.
Numerous consequences of climate change are explored in the article. By 2100, U.S. inhabitants may face more severe heat waves in cities, increasing how often and how strong they are (EPA, 2023). Coastal areas are expected to see more frequent floods as sea levels rise, with a particular focus on the Southeast region. The Western United States is expected to see increased wildfire severity, endangering residential areas and natural habitats. Climate change may reduce agricultural production in places such as Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas, posing a threat to the nation’s food supply (Ferrari, 2024). In the future, the spread of diseases and possible population shifts will increase, highlighting the extensive and linked difficulties caused by climate change in the following years.
The effects of climate change are expected to continue until 2100. Current decisions on greenhouse gas emissions determine the intensity and timing of these impacts. The average U.S. surface temperature is expected to increase by 3 to 13 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century (Ferrari, 2024). The frequency of dangerously hot days is expected to grow significantly, by a factor of three to 10, even if emissions align with global climate objectives. This underscores the crucial need for prompt action to reduce emissions since the outcomes are inherently connected to present choices. It is crucial to address these concerns promptly to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the United States.
Climate change will have the most significant effects in some parts of the United States. Urban areas, especially in the Southeast, are projected to experience more severe and extended heat waves due to the heat-retaining characteristics of concrete (EPA, 2023). Coastal regions from North Carolina to Florida are in increased danger of flooding because of increasing sea levels. Wildfires are expected to increase in the Western U.S., endangering residential areas and natural habitats. Agriculture in areas like Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas will see negative impacts on agricultural harvests. Furthermore, the spread of infections will be experienced, especially in regions previously deemed inappropriate for vector-borne diseases. The regional vulnerabilities underscore the immediate need for comprehensive policies to tackle the varied problems of climate change in various nations and regions.
The primary driver of climate change is the combustion of fossil fuels, culminating in a pronounced increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The consequential accumulation of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere facilitates heat-trapping, contributing to the escalation of temperatures and a domino effect of adverse consequences (Ferrari, 2024). Urgent action is imperative, with the article emphasizing the critical need for substantial cuts in emissions to mitigate the looming specter of progressively severe climate threats. The imperative lies in acknowledging human activities’ pivotal role in this unfolding crisis and the potential for meaningful intervention through the deliberate reduction of emissions. As the clock ticks toward 2100, addressing the root cause of climate change becomes paramount to safeguarding the planet from the impending environmental challenges that threaten the well-being of ecosystems, societies, and future generations.
Climate change has diverse impacts on health, infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. Increasing temperatures are leading to more regular and severe heat waves, coastal areas are dealing with rising water levels, and the Western U.S. is seeing a spike in devastating wildfires (Ferrari, 2024). Changes in growing seasons pose issues for the agricultural sector while spreading disease vectors is affecting public health.
People are dealing with heat-related ailments, displacement from floods, agricultural insecurities, and the increase in vector-borne diseases. Some people opt to move away from disaster-prone locations, but the essay emphasizes that the displacement caused by climate change is often underestimated (Ferrari, 2024). Individuals with more wealth may have the resources to adjust and move, but disadvantaged groups may be forced to leave without the means to return home.
Ultimately, the article provides a thorough overview of the possible outcomes of climate change in the United States by the year 2100. It highlights the need to deal with greenhouse gas emissions to reduce these effects and stresses the interaction of variables influencing health, infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. The paper recommends early preparation of infrastructure and services for projected population shifts by 2100, emphasizing the significance of resilience and flexibility in addressing climate-induced difficulties. The call to action is clear – it is time to implement comprehensive measures to adjust and deal with the changing climatic situation.
EPA. (2023). https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-waves
Ferrari, O. (2024, February 5). Six big ways climate change could impact the United States by 2100. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/six-big-ways-climate-change-could-impact-the-united-states-by-2100-180983547/#:~:text=Six%20Big%20Ways%20Climate%20Change%20Could%20Impact%20the%20United%20States%20by%202100,-Climate%20change%20is&text=Climate%20change%20will%20not%20just,has%20impacted%20the%20United%20States.
U.S. Global Change Research. (1970, January 1). Fifth national climate assessment. Fifth National Climate Assessment. https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/