The cause and effects in three stages of rural climate change
Although a layman might define global warming as the consequences of man-made changes in the global climate, the definition would be a bit off. It is accurate, but not complete. This is how the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines climate change:
- Whether directly or indirectly, human activities alter the composition of the global atmosphere.
- Changes aggravated by human activities increase natural variations in climate changes
- The difference between man-made and natural changes in climate can be measured and applied to a comparable time frame.
The distinction between the two definitions revolves around the word “measurable.” Although the IPCC definition focuses directly on human activities, it also takes into account human activities within each segment of society. Thus, the causes, effects and solutions also differ according to location, activities and access to available technology. For rural communities in the US, the effects of climate change affect three main components of life.
- The economy and populations of the rural region.
- Changes in rural prosperity and rural livelihood methods as a result of ongoing policies and laws for mitigation and adaptation
- And the effects of mitigation and adaptation in the management of rural landscapes.
The rural economy struggles over the natural environment. From farmland to watersheds and from fisheries to grasslands, rural communities are guardians of the nation. The effects of rural climate change are both positive and negative. Increased carbon dioxide levels promote faster and stronger plant growth. However, changes in atmospheric precipitation patterns promote water-related complications such as droughts, floods, and increased risk of extreme storms in all areas.
Rural climate change also increases the risks taken by climate-vulnerable people. From the elderly to children and from the poor to the destitute, many rural individuals and groups fall into a unique danger zone defined as the “climate gap,” a concept that is primarily associated with the least physically adaptable or least adaptable members economically from rural US society. Reports from various economic studies indicate that climate change may seriously reduce job opportunities in the agricultural sector of employment in the US In addition, current and future solutions to the “climate crisis” will likely increase costs related to agriculture rural and food production. Therefore, those members of society who fall into the “climate gap” may be forced to fight even harder for food and survival.
For many seniors and many of those who are too poor to pay for adequate health care, home air conditioning, and other protection from extreme weather, the “climate gap” will continue to widen both in downtown communities the city as well as in rural communities. However, according to the Ford Foundation, many current climate change policies are flawed and actually increase the vulnerability of people in rural communities. US policymakers need to keep a close eye on closing the gaps. Research, networking between organizations, and communications help level the playing field, but this aspect of the cause and effect of global warming is far from certain.
What does global warming and climate change mean for rural America?
Rural communities are responsible for a significant measure of climate change. For example: Rural agricultural emissions cause up to six percent of annual GGE disturbances in the US Lack of public transportation in rural areas amplifies the problem, and even rural residents with personal transportation tend to travel longer distances than their urban neighbors.
Furthermore, the effects of greenhouse gas mitigation in rural areas are uneven at the regional level. Large competitors in the food market produce the greatest potential to generate greenhouse gases. Regions like the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest are the least responsible for greenhouse gases. However, each group falls under certain aspects of national mitigation and adaptation policies and strategies.
The process of managing and controlling global warming requires an integrated global approach that includes:
- Policy tools
- Application of renewable energy resources
- Investment in continuous research on climate change
- Renewed attention to energy conservation
- Better management of forests, grasslands and wetlands
- Advanced methods for the prevention of complications associated with fire and erosion
- New agricultural practices dedicated to emission reductions, changes in livestock feed products, better agricultural practices and better control of rotational grazing.
Each state and local region has developed some measures to manage man-made changes to the Earth’s climate. The IPCC presented the results of the studies and projections. More policies and rules are yet to come. Understanding how climate change, global warming, and all the upcoming rules and regulations will affect rural America is still an open question. Meanwhile, rural America is already involved in the fighting.
Disclaimer:
This article and its contents do not constitute legal, financial, technical or medical advice. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of publication, the company and its employees and agents disclaim all liability to any person with respect to anything or the consequences of any action or omission . based on all or part of this article and its contents. All trademarks, logos and associated content displayed are the property of their respective owners.