Causes and Effects of Global Warming

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Increased levels of CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) mainly due to human activities.
- Fossil fuel combustion (coal, oil, natural gas).
- Deforestation and land use changes.
- Agricultural practices (livestock, rice cultivation).
Industrial Processes: Emissions from manufacturing and chemical processes.
Waste Management: Landfills emit methane as organic waste decomposes.
Natural Factors: Volcanic eruptions, solar radiation changes, although significantly less impactful than anthropogenic factors.

Biodiversity Loss: Altered habitats lead to species extinction and reduced genetic diversity.
Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans affects marine life, particularly coral reefs.
Altered Weather Patterns: Changes disrupt seasonal cycles and migration patterns.
Habitat Changes: Species may shift range but are often unable to adapt quickly enough, leading to ecosystem imbalance.

Renewable Energy: Transition to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy Efficiency: Improvements in building designs, transportation, and industrial processes to use less energy.
Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees to absorb CO2 and restore habitats.
Sustainable Agriculture: Ecological farming practices reduce emissions and enhance soil health.
Policy Implementation: International agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement) to set emission reduction targets.

Health Risks: Increased respiratory illnesses, heat-related diseases, and diseases spread by vectors due to changing climates.
Food Security: Crop yields may decline, causing food shortages and price increases.
Economic Disparity: Vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries, face greater risks and challenges.
Infrastructure Damage: Extreme weather events lead to costly repairs and economic disruption.
Migration and Displacement: Rising sea levels and extreme weather can force populations to relocate, leading to social tensions.

Effectiveness: Assessment of existing policies in meeting emission reduction targets.
Funding and Investment: Availability and allocation of funds for renewable energy and adaptation measures.
Global Cooperation: Challenges in achieving consensus among nations with varying interests and responsibilities.
Equity and Justice: Consideration of how policies impact different demographics and ensure equitable solutions.
Long-term Vision: Need for policies that not only address immediate concerns but also promote sustainable practices for future generations.

Human activities are the primary driver of global warming, leading to increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Deforestation and changes in land use, such as converting forests to agricultural land, release stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Agricultural practices, particularly livestock farming and rice cultivation, contribute significant amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Industrial processes, including manufacturing and chemical production, emit a range of greenhouse gases.
Waste management, especially landfills, releases methane as organic waste decomposes.
While natural factors like volcanic eruptions and solar radiation changes contribute to climate change, their impact is significantly smaller than human-induced factors.

Global warming has profound effects on ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, altered weather patterns, and habitat changes.
Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns disrupt natural habitats, causing species extinction and reduced genetic diversity.
Increased CO2 absorption by oceans leads to ocean acidification, harming marine life, particularly coral reefs.
Climate change alters weather patterns, disrupting seasonal cycles and migration patterns of various species.
As temperatures rise and habitats change, many species struggle to adapt, forcing them to relocate or face extinction.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industrial processes helps conserve energy and reduce emissions.
Reforestation and afforestation projects plant new trees, which absorb CO2 and help restore habitats.
Implementing sustainable agricultural practices that minimise emissions and enhance soil health is crucial.
International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to set emission reduction targets and promote global cooperation in addressing climate change.

Climate change has far-reaching socioeconomic impacts, affecting human health, food security, economic opportunities, and infrastructure.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather events increase respiratory illnesses, heat-related diseases, and diseases spread by vectors.
Changes in climate conditions can disrupt agricultural production, leading to crop failures, food shortages, and price increases.
Vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries, face greater risks and challenges due to climate change.
Extreme weather events can damage infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and economic disruptions.
Rising sea levels and extreme weather force populations to relocate, leading to social tensions and displacement.

Evaluating the effectiveness of existing climate policies in meeting emission reduction goals is critical.
Adequate funding and investment are essential for developing renewable energy infrastructure and adapting to climate change.
Achieving global cooperation on climate change requires addressing the diverse interests and responsibilities of different nations.
Climate policies must consider equity and justice, ensuring that their impacts are fair and do not disproportionately burden vulnerable communities.
Long-term vision is necessary for developing policies that not only address immediate concerns but also promote sustainable practices for future generations.