Overview of Climate Change

 Climate change refers to long-term shifts and alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other aspects of the Earth’s climate system. While the Earth's climate has naturally varied over millions of years, the current climate change is driven primarily by human activities, especially since the Industrial Revolution.

Key Causes of Climate Change

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs)

Carbon dioxide (CO₂):From burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy, transportation, and industry.

Methane (CH₄): Emitted from agriculture (livestock), landfills, and natural gas leaks.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O):Released from fertilizers and certain industrial processes.

Deforestation 

Forests absorb CO₂, but cutting down trees reduces this capacity and releases stored carbon.

Industrial Processes

Production of cement, steel, and chemicals emits significant GHGs.

Land Use Changes

Urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation contribute to the disruption of ecosystems and GHG emissions.

How the Greenhouse Effect Works.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life. However, human activities have increased the concentration of these gases, enhancing the effect and leading to global warming.

Evidence of Climate Change

Rising Global Temperatures: The planet’s average temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.

Melting Polar Ice and Glaciers: Arctic ice is shrinking, and glaciers are retreating worldwide.

Sea-Level Rise: Expanding oceans and melting ice contribute to rising sea levels.

Extreme Weather Events: More frequent heatwaves, storms, droughts, and floods.

Why It Matters

Climate change is affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies. If left unaddressed, it could result in: 

  • More frequent natural disasters.
  • Food and water insecurity.
  • Loss of species and ecosystems.
  • Economic instability due to damaged infrastructure and agriculture.

Addressing climate change requires reducing GHG emissions and adapting to the changes already underway to protect people, ecosystems, and economies.