One of the hottest topics of contentious debate among politicians all over the world is sustainability, and the need for clean, renewable energy. Unfortunately, many areas in the world are starting to feel the negative impact of over-relying on traditional energy sources. Following, are five negative repercussions that the world will have to endure if funding is not increased for the implementation of sustainable, clean energy.
Mass Extinction Events Will Occur Amongst Entire Wildlife Populations
Unfortunately, the extinction of flora and fauna are some of the first negative repercussions which will be felt by all, if clean energy is not prioritized. Plant and animal species are already suffering, due to a change in climate and deforestation. Wildlife interactions with ordinary people are on the rise, due to the destruction of forests and other habitats, in order to make way for new businesses or communities. Unfortunately, this lack of adequate habitats has already lead to the extinction of hundreds of plant and wildlife species. Since the beginning of time, it is estimated that the Earth has endured five mass extinction events. Unfortunately, it is thought that the Earth is teetering precariously over the edge of a sixth mass extinction event if clean energy is not prioritized.
Severe Flooding and Loss of Life Events Will Start to Become More Commonplace
Severe flooding events have usually been linked to coastal communities and populations who reside in low-lying areas, such as New Orleans, Boston, Tampa, and Venice. Unfortunately, the over-reliance on traditional energy sources continues to tear away the atmosphere, causing global warming and the rapid deterioration of glaciers. As glaciers continue to melt at a rapidly accelerated pace, the seas will rise, causing massive flooding and loss of life across the world.
Regions Which Have Been Hit Hard by a Clean Water Crisis Will Continue to Suffer
While many people may not initially understand the link between the need for clean energy and the lack of adequate water supply for communities all across the world, it is heavily influenced by the overutilization of traditional energy sources. When drilling is done in order to obtain oil for gas and fuel, the pollutants and run-off materials often seep into a community’s water system. This makes traditional water sources, which would otherwise be used for drinking, unusable. Unfortunately, this is a reality that is seen by many communities across the world, especially in less affluent areas and countries. This clean water crisis has led to a mass migration of people trying to improve their situation. Unfortunately, this has also led to the deaths of thousands of vulnerable adults and children who could not find a feasible way to flee. These problems will only continue to occur on a more frequent basis if alternate clean energy sources are not prioritized.
Increased Intensity and Frequency of Hurricanes and Cyclones
Meteorologists and scientists are increasingly concerned over the implications of non-renewable energy sources causing catastrophic effects on global weather patterns. The implications of these disastrous choices made by big businesses are that they will cause the formation of extremely intense hurricanes and tropical cyclones. In fact, as global warming occurs (which is directly correlated with a lack of sustainable clean energy) it causes rapid heating of the atmosphere, making it much more likely to produce extremely intense hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, and other severe weather events.
Global Warming Will Reach a Crisis Point
As politicians continue to clash over whether or not to implement measures to increase access to clean energy, the atmosphere continues to be negatively impacted. Unfortunately, many scientists believe that the Earth is reaching its “crisis point,” and is nearing a point of no return. This means, that if people across the world do not start demanding better access to clean energy and the implementation of sustainable energy sources, the world will likely come to a point at which it is unlikely to be salvageable. This is why it is so important now more than ever for popular regions that are densely populated to switch to clean energy practices. A green city could do more for the earth than people realize. This point in time could occur in as few as ten to twenty-five years from now.
Although this information may seem quite bleak, there are some caveats to consider. Now that scientists have a better understanding of the impacts of energy sources on climate change and global warming, people now know what exactly can be done about it. By advocating for change and demanding that politicians and corporations invest in clean energy, people can be more empowered to make a difference and change the future of this planet before it’s too late.
