What Are the Risks for the Midwest During a Climate Change?
Climate is the prevailing condition of weather in an area over a long period, typically around 30 years or more. It means the average temperature, rainfall, and extreme weather conditions in a particular place for an extended time.
The world’s climate is changing; the world is getting warmer, extreme weather is becoming common such as floods, dry spells, and storms. But, the Midwest is becoming wetter. A more considerable part of the Midwest has higher precipitation in winter months and fall, warmer in summer, and wetter in the southern region during spring.
Cause of Climate Change
To live, we need a certain amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere; too much of it will create a problem. More than ever, there’s a higher volume of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. This indicates that more heat is absorbed than needed, leading to a warmer planet called the greenhouse effect.
Heavy Precipitation
Over the last half-century, the average annual rainfall has increased by 5 to 10 percent in some parts of the Midwest. A substantial area is expected to have heavier rain in spring and severe storms increasing during the next century. It is more likely to increase the frequency of floods also.
Floodings are one of the most common natural disasters in some parts of the Midwest. Flooding can cause substantial financial damage to the counties; it damages agricultural output, businesses, and homes.
Whenever a flood-affected your residence, it is always wise to call a local property restoration firm for water damage cleaning and restoration to prevent contacting harmful materials from floodwater.
Water-borne diseases
Most infections with water-borne bacteria can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, and stomach issues. The following are the most common bacteria identified in floodwater.
- C. parvum
- Cholera
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Shigella
A person can contact water-borne microorganisms by eating or drinking something with bacteria. It’s less likely to be airborne. Flood runoff or sewer issues might pollute water sources or food. Let professional restoration companies like PuroClean Oak Park handle any water damage; they are capable of properly cleaning and sterilizing your place and preventing cross-contamination on clean areas.
Heat Stress
One more problem that climate change brings to the Midwest States is sweltering summer times. Several ailments can arise from scorching weather. The elderly are at greater risk of the health hazards of hot weather. There are greater incidences of deaths from cardiac arrest in hotter weather. These are a few of the heat-related health concerns:
- Heat rash
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
Of course, increasingly hot summers also affect farming output. We’ll be seeing reduced yields of corn and soybeans in the years to come. Severe dry spells and floodings would hurt crop yields in general.
Conclusion
Storms and floods can disrupt electricity and can pollute the water supply. This places tension on hospitals, pharmacies, and dialysis centers that count on a steady water and electricity supply. Drought and heat waves put seniors and people with comorbidities at higher health hazards.
Every house should keep an emergency preparedness kit, recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress, check on family and friends on hot days and severe weather conditions. And minimize the carbon footprints by driving less, planting trees, and making your residence energy efficient.
