During this election season, one topic that is a concern on both sides is inflation. One factor that does not seem to be mentioned in contributing to higher prices is climate change. I know when problems exist, people like to pick a scapegoat. Both the past and present governmental administrations have been blamed. Let’s look at how our extreme weather has affected our economy.
Destroyed Crops
Climate change has contributed to weather outcomes that destroy crops. Extreme temperatures brought massive rainstorms, intensive heat, wildfires, and snow in areas that never experienced the winter white. There can also be droughts, which make cultivating vegetables and fruits more difficult and expensive.
Changes in climate can affect how long or short a growing season lasts. Heat and excessive wetness can determine when plants bloom and may not align with when bees and butterflies arrive to pollinate. Weather extremes have also increased the number of bugs. This compels growers to use more pesticides. This adds more costs to farmed items, not to mention more risks for laborers, livestock, and consumers. To grow organic foods without pesticides demands more care and makes this choice expensive.
Food Businesses
When there is a bad weather event, three related businesses are impacted. Foodstuff distribution calls for transport. If roads are closed because of flooding, hazardous debris, fires, or snow and ice causes delays. Spoilage equals higher prices. Transportation delivers ingredients to food manufacturers. If the flow of products is slowed, then the marketplace has less inventory and therefore costs more.
Soil Erosion
The intensive precipitation can erode the soil, which is not healthy for the crops, animals, and ocean life. With excessive rainfall, the runoff goes into lakes, oceans, and rivers. When soil erodes and combines with warming water, it loses its nutrients and depletes oxygen levels. This is called hypoxia, and can kill fish and shellfish. It makes it hard for sea life to find food and their habitat. If supplies decrease, the prices increase, contributing to inflation.
Climate Change Elsewhere
France has always been known for being one of the world’s foremost wine- growing countries. Because of the intensive heat and rain, there have been failed crops. To negotiate the problems that are caused by this changing weather, vintners have turned to more mountainous terrain. The cooler temps have made it easier to grow different varieties of grapes. In the past, producing in the mountains was unthinkable. There have been some areas that have benefited from the warmer atmosphere. England, which has been known for cool, wet weather, has become a new wine growing country. Ten years ago, this would be considered impossible.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal works by pulling ships through a lock system. With the rising temperatures in South America, the canal is struggling. The water is lower because of drought. Fewer ships are allowed in at a time, which results in delays and higher shipping costs.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in the introduction, people would like to blame Climate Change on an individual. This is an all–people concern, affecting all our environments. Most of the items we use daily come from natural resources, such as furniture, homes, clothes, and medicines. If the world does not work together to solve this problem, we will have shortages of many things and costs will soar. If there is a worldwide effort to combat Climate Change, environments can turn around. Because of the Pandemic, there was less driving and manufacturing. Even Beijing’s intensive smog was clearing. Observing this should be a teachable moment. This is a battle we all must win. To this I say Whatthehellonline.com
