Scientists claim that human activity is altering the climate and this change could have a huge impact on our lives. But is there a way to evolve as a species without causing harm to the planet — and in turn to ourselves?

According to some scientist, since the Industrial Revolution at the end of the 18th century, there has been a marked increase in the emission of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide), in proportion to industrial expansion.

However, many scientists disagree with this because they claim that global warming has been occurring from the dinosaur era. However, they all agree that the time period after the Industrial Revolution saw the earth’s atmosphere warm up tremendously.

Carbon dioxide is being dumped in the atmosphere at an alarming rate and the burning of fossil fuels is partly responsible for this.  Artificial greenhouse gases that did not exist before the Industrial Revolution, such as CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), have been produced, and are being released into the atmosphere. The effects of climate change are already being seen in many parts of the world especially in undeveloped countries.

A report released by the British government warned the country’s National Health System to expect many more deaths and complications from heat waves, malaria, and contaminated water, as global warming effects progress in the next five years.

So what does this mean for people and their health?

Disease: As temperatures increase, risks to human health also increase rapidly. One of the greatest impacts of climate change is the rise in the number of diseases. Malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever - diseases that are rare in first world countries - could suddenly emerge.

Temperature extremes: Warmer temperatures could bring increased rainfall to some regions as well as heat waves and drought. A French heat wave in 2003 caused an estimated 14,000 deaths, most of the victims being the elderly.

Drought contributes to famines and disease outbreaks in less developed countries that kill millions, while developed countries like Australia have had disastrous drought conditions too. Extreme temperature can also lead to more disastrous conditions such as skin cancer.

Natural disaster: Another impact of climate change would be a rise in global sea levels. Each year many countries, which have tropical and sub-tropical temperatures are affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, storm surges, typhoons and El Niño.

Each year these natural disasters have a devastating impact on human lives and they could definitely pose a problem for the UK as well in the near future.

Hurricane Katrina caused severe damage to life and property in New Orleans in the US. It killed thousands and left many homeless. Catastrophic events such as these may also cause increase in disease level. With the sea level rising, we could also see an increase in flooding.

Pollution: Global warming is causing depletion of the ozone layer. Air pollution and can cause chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys.  Our food supply can also be contaminated by the increase in pollution.

Tips on how to protect your health

• Educate yourself about global warming. Know what is going on in your planet and how you can protect yourself. Once you have this information, you be able to inform someone else as well.
• Plant trees - It is said that trees buffer us from carbon dioxide, provide cleaner air and save a lot of CO2 emission a year.
• Buy organic - Large agricultural sources use chemicals, which pollute water and require energy to produce. If you want to keep your body healthy, organic is the way to go. And instead of using plastic bags, go for the environmentally friendly bags.
• Drive an energy-efficient car - The average hybrid can save 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas emission) a year. Besides, think of the amount you could save in gas money!  Get rid of that nasty carbon monoxide.
• Consider fuel efficiency when buying a vehicle. Keep all vehicles well maintained.
• If you can’t afford the hybrid, then use public transportation instead of your car. You could also walk or ride your bicycle.
• Reduce energy use in your home. Learn more about alternative energy sources.
• Do not burn leaves, branches or other yard wastes.
• Ensure your water is safe to drink. Use good water filters.
• Scientist have been claiming for years there is a hole in the ozone layer and that this could be detrimental for you skin- causing skin cancer. So look for products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and that stop both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Remember, sun block products are not only used for a trip to the beach or for sunbathing. They should be used anytime you leave the house!
• Be sure you’re recycling at home. You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide a year by recycling half of the waste your household generates. Try and get everyone in your household into this practice.
• Use low energy light bulbs. They last up to 15 times longer and can reduce lighting costs by up to £100.

Photo credits: www.enviroblog.com, http://kassandraproject.wordpress.com