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13 views3 pages

assignment unit 4

Uploaded by

Mugisha Pac
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© © All Rights Reserved
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 Title: The Impact of Climate Change on Animal and Human Health

 Author: kwizera mugisha pacifique


 Institution: University of the People
 Course: English composition 2
 Instructor: Nandhu Matta
 Date: December 11, 2024

The ongoing climate crisis represents a profound and multifaceted threat to both
biodiversity and human health, highlighting the interconnectedness of animal and
human well-being within ecosystems. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures,
habitat destruction, and other forms of ecological disruption are increasingly linked
to anthropogenic climate change, posing significant risks to animal populations and
threatening human health. The term "biological annihilation" has gained attention in
scientific discourse, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the widespread decline
in vertebrate populations due to climate change and its compounded effects, such as
habitat loss, pollution, and overhunting. Recent studies indicate alarming rates of
species extinction, as many animals’ habitats become unsustainable, and their
survival rates decrease dramatically. The consequences are not limited to individual
species but have profound implications for entire ecosystems, disrupting food webs,
pollination processes, and biodiversity. This crisis calls for an urgent, holistic
approach to conservation, one that acknowledges the mutual dependencies between
human and animal life. Climate change and biodiversity loss are not isolated
phenomena but are deeply interconnected, requiring systemic solutions that address
both environmental and social dimensions.A particular area of concern is the
vulnerability of insect populations to climate change. Insects play a critical role in
ecosystems, functioning as pollinators, decomposers, and key components in food
webs. However, extreme weather events, temperature fluctuations, and habitat
disruptions threaten their survival. This results in "phenological mismatches"—a
phenomenon where the timing of biological events, such as the arrival of migratory
species or the blooming of plants, no longer aligns with the needs of the species
dependent on them. These mismatches can significantly affect the survival rates of
animal populations, as they disrupt predator-prey relationships. In addition, the
shifting ranges of insect vectors, such as ticks, are exacerbating the spread of
diseases. Research has indicated that ticks are expanding their geographic range,
bringing vector-borne diseases into new regions, which affects not only wildlife but
also domesticated animals and, in some cases, humans. For example, tick-borne
diseases in livestock, pets, and even humans are on the rise, highlighting the
interconnectedness of animal and human health. As animal populations face these
climate-related challenges, human populations also experience increased risks,
particularly in agricultural and rural communities. This shared vulnerability
underscores the importance of addressing climate change from a broader, integrated
perspective. Livestock farming is another area heavily impacted by climate change.
Rising temperatures exacerbate heat stress for animals, affecting their health,
reproduction, and overall productivity. Furthermore, increasing temperatures lead to
higher water demands for livestock while simultaneously reducing the availability of
feed, particularly in regions affected by drought or extreme heat. These disruptions
undermine food security and the livelihoods of communities that depend on animal
agriculture. The Climate Change and Land report warns that arid regions will see a
reduction in crop and livestock productivity, with cascading effects on the global
food supply. As the agricultural sector faces these challenges, there is growing
interest in genetic modifications and selective breeding to produce more resilient
livestock. However, these technological solutions alone are insufficient. Without a
fundamental shift in policy, such as promoting more sustainable farming practices
and reducing the environmental footprint of industrial agriculture, these efforts are
unlikely to address the root causes of climate change. Additionally, reducing the
reliance on animal agriculture in favor of more sustainable practices, such as
afforestation, could play a crucial role in mitigating climate change while preserving
biodiversity.

The impact of climate change is not confined to land ecosystems; it extends to


marine environments as well. Rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and
deoxygenation are posing significant risks to marine life, particularly phytoplankton,
which serve as the base of oceanic food webs. The decline of marine species due to
these environmental changes affects the entire marine ecosystem and the human
populations that depend on marine resources for food, medicine, and livelihoods.
The extinction of species such as the Bramble Cay melomys, a small rodent
displaced by rising sea levels, illustrates the severity of the crisis. Similarly, Arctic
wildlife is facing the loss of habitat as melting ice disrupts species interactions,
making animals more vulnerable to predation, disease, and food scarcity. Species
like polar bears and seals are increasingly endangered as their natural environments
disappear. The loss of biodiversity in these regions is not only detrimental to the
animals but also to human communities, particularly Indigenous peoples who rely on
these ecosystems for sustenance and cultural practices. The systemic nature of
climate breakdown calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes
of environmental degradation, such as the prioritization of short-term economic
growth over long-term ecological sustainability. Capitalism and industrial practices
have exacerbated climate change, making it essential to reform the economic
structures that perpetuate environmental harm. A concerted effort to mitigate climate
change and halt biodiversity loss requires not only scientific and technological
advancements but also profound changes in policy, economic systems, and societal
attitudes. Policies should promote sustainable land use, conservation efforts, and
reduced consumption of environmentally harmful resources. A transition toward
renewable energy, the adoption of plant-based diets, and large-scale reforestation
efforts are all necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on both animal and
human populations. Conservation efforts must be integrated into broader societal
frameworks that prioritize ecological sustainability, recognizing the interdependence
of all species, and fostering a deeper ethical consideration of all life forms, even
beyond their utilitarian value.The complexity and interconnectedness of climate
change's impacts on biodiversity and human health make it clear that we cannot
address these crises in isolation. A holistic, systemic approach to conservation,
policy reform, and societal change is essential to protect both animal and human life.
The climate crisis requires urgent, collective action to safeguard the future of all
species, ensuring the survival of ecosystems and preserving the biodiversity that
sustains life on Earth.

References
1. Climate Breakdown’s Multifaceted Impact on Animal Life and Human Health
(https://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.12696996.8)

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