The consequences of climate change in the 21st century

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing society in the 21st century. Over the coming decades, climate impacts will continue to affect the global level, putting human health, natural resources and environmental sustainability at risk.

In this article we will explain some of the changes observed in recent years, climate impacts, indirect impacts and effects of global warming that may affect society.
 

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to alterations in the planet's climate over time, due to both natural and human factors. The main cause of current climate change is the massive emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from human activity, which cause global warming.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this phenomenon is occurring at a rate unprecedented in recorded history, with the global average temperature already rising by more than 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
 

Effects of climate change

Sea level rise

Sea level rise is one of the most worrying consequences of climate change. Melting ice at the poles and thermal expansion of the oceans are causing a significant rise in water levels.

According to the latest IPCC assessment report, sea levels are expected to rise by up to 1.1 metres by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate.

In addition to flooding, sea level rise has serious implications for food security and water quality in many regions, as saltwater can infiltrate freshwater sources and affect agricultural production.
 

Extreme weather events

Global climate change is intensifying extreme weather events. Forest fires , heat waves, storms and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and devastating. These extreme events affect both natural systems and humans. According to the WHO, heat waves are occurring five times more often compared to the historical average in the 20th century.

Regions such as the Mediterranean and the eastern United States are among the most vulnerable to climate change, with extreme temperatures and an increase in the frequency of natural disasters. These extreme events such as storms, wildfires and floods caused global economic losses of more than $280 billion in 2021.
 

Impacts on human health

According to the World Health Organization: it is estimated that climate change will cause 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, heat stress, malaria and water-borne diseases.

In addition, climate change also affects mental health and public health, with an increase in phenomena such as heat stress, forced displacement and economic insecurity.

It is estimated that exposure to extreme heat has increased by 125 million people. This phenomenon is particularly dangerous for the most vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Air pollution is also estimated to have been responsible for 7 million premature deaths.

Affecting water resources

Climate change also affects water resources. In many parts of the world, freshwater supplies are dwindling, increasing the risk of food insecurity and drinking water scarcity.

It is estimated that drinking water availability could be reduced by 40% by 2030 if policies for sustainable water resource management are not implemented.

Furthermore, water temperatures in rivers and lakes are rising, affecting aquatic ecosystems and reducing water quality. In addition, inadequate wastewater management exacerbates this problem.

Impact on biodiversity

Terrestrial and marine ecosystems are being affected by climate change. Melting ice and rising temperatures are causing animal species to move to new areas, modifying ecosystems. In turn, invasive species, which thrive in changing climatic conditions, are displacing native species, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

An estimated 10-30% of animal and plant species are at risk of extinction if global average temperatures rise more than 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
 

Human activity and greenhouse gas emissions

Globally, global emissions continue to rise despite efforts to reduce them. The United Nations has urged countries to step up their fight against climate change, but the continued use of fossil fuels remains a significant obstacle to limiting global temperature rise.
 

The urgency to act: Mitigation and adaptation

To address climate change, it is essential that nations take concrete steps to mitigate the effects and promote climate resilience. To this end, organisations such as the UN have developed actions such as the Agenda 2030 which includes targets to improve the transition to renewable energy, the use of clean technologies and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Other treaties, such as the Paris Agreement, suggest limiting the temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius.

It is imperative to implement climate change adaptation policies that include coastal zone protection, efficient water resource management, and urban planning in vulnerable areas. Key regulations include a ban on the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles from 2040, and the creation of sustainable urban mobility plans. In the Region of Murcia, cities such as Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca and Molina de Segura will have to reduce their emissions of polluting gases, following models such as Madrid Central.

In this context, organisations such as ENAE Business School have a key role to play in reducing the effects of climate change. Adopting the guidelines of Agenda 30 or other regulations is essential to reduce the impact on the planet and, therefore, on living beings. The Murcian business school has protocols for energy saving, efficient paper management or carries out initiatives such as waste collection in natural environments. These actions contribute to reducing the negative effects associated with economic activity. 
 

The benefits of adaptation

Adapting to climate change also has economic benefits. Companies that invest in green technologies and emissions reduction are better positioned to face climate risks and take advantage of opportunities in emerging markets.

In this sense, many Spanish companies are already implementing measures to mitigate the effects and reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to the development of a sustainable economy. The new trend towards a sustainable economy is giving rise to new employment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy and water resource management.

Thanks to innovation in this field, the improvement of human capital and research along these lines also means an improvement in agricultural productivity and technology. Technological progress is therefore one of the keys to meeting the challenges of climate change.

Investments in innovation and the adoption of sustainable technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are helping businesses and governments to better manage resources, predict extreme events and improve business management in times of climate uncertainty.

Moreover, specialised training allows professionals to become aware of these issues and, above all, to learn how to manage current and future challenges on a strategic basis and supported by new technologies. In this sense, the Master's Degree in Agribusiness Management is a highly valuable postgraduate course at this time, as businesses in the agribusiness sector are facing new and additional climate challenges. Therefore, specialising in areas such as these makes it possible to optimise resources while respecting the environment with economically viable businesses.