While we continue to hear about the devastating impact of climate change in South Asia and Africa, the west is now experiencing the first few signs of climate change. Scientists have predicted these signs for some time now, and it seems that they are finally starting to take shape.
The recent impact on the Yellowstone is a clear example of the west starting to witness the impact of the climate crisis. After a prolonged mega drought, Yellowstone continued to receive heavy rainfall along with the quick snowfall. As a result, it led to a torrent of flash flooding damaging Yellowstone’s infrastructure.
This aspect is just the beginning of what the scientists have warned about the horrific impact of the climate crisis. Many are urging developed nations to reduce emissions and switch toward renewable energy.
Reasons for the Flash Flooding in Yellowstone
Yellowstone received extremely high rainfall, which resulted in flash flooding. The Yellowstone national park also witnessed the snow melt much faster than previous years. Therefore, it further prompted the flash flooding that caused significant damage to the infrastructure.
The mountain ranges of Beartooth and Absaroka received rainfall of around 0.8 inches to 5 inches in just three days, according to Billings in the National Weather Service. In addition, the snowmelt led to a tremendous amount of water, equivalent to the summer downpour for 8 to 12 weeks, coming into the area. Thus, these factors led to massive flash flooding in the Yellowstone region.
But the flash flooding in Yellowstone is something scientists have continued to predict over the last few years. They fear that these flash floods will become more and more common as the global temperatures continued to increase. Therefore, it is a concern for many developed nations to ramp up their efforts to deal with climate change.
According to a report by the Greater Yellowstone Climate Assessment, the climate crisis will lead to more rainfall and faster snowmelt, and both factors will contribute to more flash floods than we saw last week. The report also indicates that temperatures have increased by 2.3 °F in the last 70 years.
While the temperature is causing the river levels to drop to average levels in Yellowstone, temperatures will rise in the coming days.
Yellowstone Park Temporarily Closed
Yellowstone Park has been temporarily shut down for visitors due to flash flooding. The main entrance to the area has remain closed for the weekend, according to the park management’s press release. Due to serious damage to the park’s northern roads, they will remain closed for some time.
The communities around the Yellowstone area have also felt the effect of the recent flash flooding. The fast-running water has been damaging many bridges and roads. Some houses with weak bases have been wiped out due to flash flooding.
There have been reports of two houses collapsing, with numerous homes flooded this week. A video shows how a building in Gardiner collapsed into the river, indicating the severe impact of climate change. The rising temperatures show the vulnerability of different regions globally to severe impacts.
What Do Scientists Predict About The Climate Crisis?
The alarming rate at which the temperatures are rising is a major concern for scientists worldwide. They are now urging governments to step up and take rapid actions to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis.
While the effects of climate change are prominent in Asia and Africa, the west is also starting to feel its effects. Scientists have predicted that it will continue to get worse if governments, business corporations, and people don’t start to take serious action.
Though we are experiencing the effects of the climate crisis today, things will worsen by the end of the 21st century. If the climate continues to heat up the way it does, the world could experience:
- Stronger hurricanes and storms, which means that there can be a more devastating impact on the infrastructure
- Floods and droughts will become more and more common
- New diseases will emerge, such as the mosquito-borne malaria
- Species will continue to migrate into different ecosystems, while some others will become extinct. Many animals have started moving towards the north as the ecosystems continue to change.
- The melting of glaciers will leave less fresh water available since they store around 75% of the world’s freshwater.
- Warm temperatures have presented a breeding ground for various species. A boom in their population will mean that they will eat up more crops and trees.
- Sea levels are rising, so many cities and even countries below the sea level might sink.
These are just the effects that we can expect to see if climate change continues to occur at the current pace. If governments and individuals don’t take serious actions for a sustainable approach, then the temperatures can increase much quicker.
The Need for Changing Habits
The climate crisis is a concern for many people, and the world must come together to deal with it as quickly as possible. We are already witnessing the severe impact in various parts of the world, and scientists believe it is a glimpse of what is yet to come. Therefore, it calls for a unified approach to tackle climate change.
Government should increase its spending and focus more on the initiatives that can slow down the impact of climate change. Similarly, individuals should start incorporating sustainable approaches such as recycling and going paperless. It will cumulatively help the environment.
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