NEWZ TUBE, Asia - Several countries in Asia are experiencing extreme weather that has even claimed hundreds of lives. While China, Pakistan, and India are experiencing continuous heavy rain, scorching heat is hitting Japan and South Korea. Global climate change has led to intense extreme weather. This climate change often makes the weather unpredictable and can be dangerous. The World Meteorological Organization reports that this pattern in Asia is causing temperatures to warm almost twice as fast as the global average. Over the past three decades, it has been reported that the Asian region has suffered losses due to extreme weather totaling $2 trillion (£1.5 trillion). In Japan, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, a record high of 41.8°C (107°F) was recorded. This hottest temperature occurred in the city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture. Furthermore, Japan is said to have experienced its hottest June and July on record. Health authorities in Tokyo reported that at least 56 people are believed to have died due to the unbearable heat. The Japanese government has also suspended some train services. Despite the hot weather, it is estimated that some areas in Japan will experience up to 200 mm of rain in the next few days. This is expected to ease the ongoing heat. Meanwhile, in South Korea, nighttime temperatures can exceed 25°C. Last month, there was a surge in reports of heat-related illnesses. To mitigate the effects of the heat, government agencies and workplaces in South Korea have relaxed dress codes. Employees are expected to be more comfortable and less reliant on air conditioning during hot weather. Vietnam is also experiencing hot weather, with temperatures reaching 40°C in Hanoi on the first day of August. A stark contrast is occurring in China, which has been hit by heavy rains across much of the country. Flooding caused by the torrential rains has reportedly killed many people in recent weeks. A horrific situation occurred in the Indian state of Uttarakhand a few days ago. Sudden heavy rains caused flash floods, leaving several people dead, and hundreds more reported missing. Global average temperatures continue to rise, a phenomenon that is dramatically changing our planet. One of the most visible and dangerous consequences of this increase is the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps. This process is not simply a change in the natural landscape, but rather a warning signal that triggers a series of domino effects that threaten life on Earth.
Primary Cause: The Greenhouse Effect
Global temperature increases are driven by the concentration of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere. These gases trap the sun's heat, creating a greenhouse-like effect and causing Earth's temperature to rise. This increase is most pronounced at the poles, where temperatures are rising two to three times faster than in the rest of the Earth. As a result, glaciers, the Greenland ice sheet, and Antarctic sea ice are melting at an alarming rate.
Chain Effects That Threaten Life
The melting of polar ice caps is triggering a series of interconnected and potentially catastrophic consequences: Sea Level Rise: This is the most direct impact. As the giant ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica melt, the water flows into the ocean, causing sea levels to rise. This threatens coastal cities and small island nations with the risk of flooding, erosion, and land loss. More Extreme Climate Change: Polar ice plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate. The white surface of the ice reflects the sun's heat back into space. When the ice melts, the surface becomes dark seawater, which absorbs more heat. This process accelerates global warming, creating a vicious cycle that leads to more extreme weather, from heat waves to powerful storms. Disruption of Marine Ecosystems: Meltwater from glaciers and polar ice caps flowing into the ocean changes the salinity (salt content) and temperature of the water. These changes disrupt sensitive marine ecosystems, threatening the lives of plankton, krill, and fish, which are the foundation of the marine food chain. Iconic animals like polar bears and seals are also threatened by the loss of their natural habitats. Dangerous Gas Releases: Beneath the Antarctic ice sheet and the Arctic permafrost lie vast reserves of methane and carbon dioxide. As the ice melts, these gases are released into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and accelerating global warming.
Conclusion: More Than Just an Environmental Issue
The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is clear evidence that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but an ongoing crisis. This phenomenon directly impacts millions of people and ecosystems worldwide. Mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation efforts, such as building stronger infrastructure, are urgent. Ignoring this alarm is tantamount to ignoring the future of our planet.***
