The societal regression of climate change mitigation is continuing to have monumental repercussions around the globe. While climate change was originally thought to only affect future generations, this view is a deluded misconception when millions are currently facing the impacts of climate change. In North America, the impact is horrifically vast: the melting of the permafrost, the weakening of the polar jet stream, the eradication of entire ecosystems, harsher summers and warmer winters, and more severe hurricane and tornado seasons.
As the Earth swelters, the polar jet and vortex stream are reaping the repercussions. The polar jet stream is responsible for directing and influencing major weather and temperature patterns across the globe. As the earth warms, it warps the belts of the polar vortex, which in turn further affects the jet stream. As the vortex and jet stream dip, the winter storms originally meant for the northeast, upper midwest, and the plains states reach southern states that are not infrastructurally equipped to handle these storms.
When it comes to tornado season, Tornado Alley has been shifting eastwards. The Alley has now evolved to encompass Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Kansas, and a sliver of Texas and Ohio. As a result of the shift eastward, towards more densely populated regions, there has been a significant increase in casualties.
Furthermore, the warming of the polar jet and vortex stream has led to the thawing of the permafrost. The permafrost is gradually melting, which has been resulting in land destabilization, local displacement, and the exposure of ancient microbes to the human population.
Countries should invest in renewable energy resources and commit to developing further biodiversity, promoting sustainable transportation, and designing cities to become more heat-resilient.