Climate change is becoming a key global threat

Climate change is no longer a potential threat of the future; it is a harsh reality of the present. Every part of the world is now suffering from its direct or indirect effects. Rising temperatures, rising sea levels, floods, droughts, storms, food shortages, and even social unrest all are multidimensional manifestations of this single problem. Human civilization's relationship with climate change has therefore become not just an environmental issue, but a socio-economic, political, and moral issue.

The patterns of production and consumption of the world population since the Industrial Revolution have raised the temperature of the Earth in an unprecedented rate. The average temperature on the Earth is now approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than it was before the industrial era, and in a recent report, The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that there is a more than 70 percent chance that temperatures will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius for at least one year between 2025 and 2029.

The change is not hampering the whole world in the same. Developing and small states are most vulnerable despite being the least contributor of the overall greenhouse gas emissions. Such an imbalance has created world disagreements regarding which side will suffer most, who will pay, and who is going to be at the expense. Climate politics is not merely a scientific argument; it is central to international justice, economic policy and the balance of power.

The effects of climate change cannot be observed separately because it is the outcome of many processes which are interconnected. Global warming does not only mean a change of temperature, but it is having far reaching implications on the lifestyle, food production, health, economy and migration among people.

Around four billion people around the world experienced at least thirty days of extreme heat last year, double the number in the previous decade. Heatwaves are now frequent in parts of South Asia, Middle East and Africa practically every year. In June 2024, high temperatures in nearly 50 degrees Celsius were registered in Delhi, India, Jacobabad, Pakistan, and northern Bangladesh, which are frightening to the health of the population. Meanwhile, there was intense flooding of Europe and forest fires in the United States. Such opposite weather patterns are the evidence that now the climate system of the world entered the unstable period.

The most risked areas are food security and agricultural production. The climate change is altering the seasons of rains, making crop production periods unpredictable and increasing salinity is making coastal areas unproductive. In low-lying nations like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar or the Maldives, crop harvest becomes decreasing and new diseases are being discovered. This agricultural sector instability is not only causing food shortages; it is also posing a threat to social security and economic stability.

Moreover, the loss of biodiversity is quite alarming. The latest report made by Climate Central and Time magazine confirms that nearly 80 percent of the global coral reefs are currently under severe pressure posed by temperature and acidity. These coral reefs are not just the habitat of marine animals but also the economies of coastal countries, fisheries and tourism industries also rely on the coral reefs. The loss of coral and mangroves implies that defenses against future tsunamis and storms are undermined, and another concern is that the catastrophes to come would be more devastating.

The direct effect of the increased temperatures is also posing a threat to the human health. The extreme heat waves are associated with high chances of dehydration, heart diseases, and respiratory issues. At the same time, the diseases borne by the mosquitoes such as dengue and malaria are making infiltration to areas where they have never been experienced. An article published by the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed it in 2024 that the number of climate-related diseases has increased by 32 percent over the last decade.

The most alarming aspect is that this change is creating waves of migration. The sea levels are increasing and therefore making coastal regions inhabitable. In Bangladesh alone, around four to five hundred thousand individuals are shifting inland to urban areas yearly and this is a real image of the 'climate migration'. This migration is increasing pressure on cities, creating employment crises, and increasing social tensions.

According to the latest data, if global temperature increases continue at the current rate, the average temperature of the earth could increase by up to 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century and this is the biggest threat to the existence of our generation. This reality shows that climate change is no longer a problem of the future; it is a question of survival today.

Climate change is not just a scientific issue; it is also a political and moral debate. At the heart of this debate is the 'North-South divide'. Developed countries which have benefited from modern technological production since the Industrial Revolution are historically the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, developing countries which are far behind in industrialization are now the main victims of this warming.

This disparity has given rise to the international principle of "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities," meaning that everyone is responsible, but the level of responsibility is different. Developed countries should accept responsibility for their past emissions and provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries to adapt and reduce emissions.

Climate change is currently a struggle to save the human civilization. It is not an issue of one particular nation, but a question of world existence. However, inequality, irresponsibility and political dilemmas are the greatest challenges in this fight to survive. The developed nations are yet to play up to their historical roles, and the developing nations are struggling to make do with the little resources they have.

In this case, dialogues in new policies and equitable collaboration are required. The rich countries need not just be speaking the language of promises, but they need to actually do things. Simultaneously, the developing countries need to establish more cooperative relations between themselves.

The climate change cannot be viewed as environmental or economic issue anymore. It is a social justice issue, human rights and generation future. Our time to decide is now. Because time is running out-and this crisis will not wait any longer.