Climate change is an undeniable reality that demands our attention and action. To better comprehend its impact, our professors created an activity that envisioned the world’s future with temperature increases ranging from one degree to a staggering six degrees celsius. Through this hypothetical exploration, we gained a deeper understanding of the potential consequences and the urgency to address this global crisis.
Part of my assignment was to focus on the impact of the global temperature rising from four degrees to five degrees celsius. Our article listed many consequences of this single degree rise in global temperature including: remaining ice sheets are completely eliminated from both poles, rain forests have burned up and disappeared, rising sea levels have submerged coastal cities and are creeping more inland, humans are herded into shrinking “zones of habitability,” inlands see temperatures if 10 degrees more than what is seen today, higher altitudes in the north see an increase in rainfall while everywhere faces drought, deserts appear everywhere, and in the worst affected regions, 40% of all available water is lost. This activity showcased just how large of an effect a seemingly small change could have on the global scale.
Not only does temperature dictate what the world looks like at a global scale, but it also dictates what ecosystem is prevalent in the area. Slight changes in average temperature and humidity in a region dictate what ecosystem will be able to thrive in that environment including what types of plants, animals, insects, and fungi will be prevalent. Little shifts in the combination of the two, temperature and humidity, can determine whether a region is a desert or a rainforest.
We were able to witness this firsthand as we traveled through Costa Rica. Our journey began at the La Selva Biological Research Station where we were immersed in the biodiversity of the rainforest. The air was humid, the vegetation dense, and the sights and sounds of tropical creatures filled our realities. It was a delicate balance of life where every organism played a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem’s harmony.
As we journeyed towards Tortuguero, the ecosystem underwent a shift. The coastal wetlands surrounded us, showcasing an entirely different portfolio of flora and fauna. The proximity to the ocean and the changing temperature and humidity patterns painted a new landscape for us. It was a vivid reminder of how slight alterations in climate conditions can shape the ecosystem.
Arriving in La Fortuna, the rise in elevation and the volcanic activity significantly affected the surrounding environment. The lush rainforest gave way to a landscape defined by the geological forces at play as we saw the side of the volcano that had been covered in lava years ago.
Our next stop in Palo Verde revealed yet another transformation. The plains and wetlands of the region showcased a unique ecosystem adapted to harsh conditions. We saw how a small mishap of the tilapia fish escaping their farm upstream led to an explosion in the crocodile population.
Finally, we reached Monteverde. The cooler temperatures gave way to a new type of ecosystem, the cloud forest. We saw different animals be more prevalent in each of these different ecosystems based on their ecosystem make up. For example, we were told of the abundance of Kuwaits that came onto the grounds of the farm we stayed at.
Beyond the changes witnessed in the ecosystems, our journey also revealed how seemingly small changes in our lives can have a significant impact. Our decision to participate in a three-week study abroad program in Costa Rica was one such change that opened our eyes to the urgency of environmental conservation. Through immersion in different ecosystems, we discovered practical ways to reduce our ecological footprint.
At the end of our trip, we gathered to reflect upon our experiences and contemplate the lessons learned. Composting food waste and conserving water emerged as simple yet impactful practices we could adopt in our daily lives. I have always been uncomfortable wasting food and I’ve always been interested in the idea of composting my food waste. La Selva taught me its as easy as having two to three bins that each collect a different waste. Only being able to take cold showers forced me into taking quick showers that reduced my water waste. I realized the importance of conserving water in Palo Verde where even laundry was a luxury because of the scarcity of water. We recognized that even our individual actions, when multiplied, can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Beyond the serious, I also noticed how little changes affected the group’s morale and dynamics throughout the trip. As we said goodbye to some of our classmates at Monteverde, I realized how dearly their presence was missed on the bus ride to the airport. I missed hearing Biz’s laugh, Trin’s tunes, and Edwin’s one-liners. It made me realize just how much each individual can play a role in everything they do without even realizing it.
Little Change, Big Effect – these words embody both the challenges and the opportunities we face in the face of climate change. Small changes can have profound effects and it’s important to remember that we can cause positive change as well. It is up to us to ensure that the ripple of change we create today leads to a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. I will forever be grateful to have gone on this trip; it changed my life.
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