Causes of Global Climate Change

Long-term changes in weather patterns like temperature, rainfall, wind, and other environmental factors occurring over decades or more.

Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor that trap heat in the atmosphere and keep Earth warm enough for life.

The process where greenhouse gases absorb energy radiated from Earth, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet.

The average temperature of Earth without greenhouse gases would be extremely low, potentially freezing all water, making life impossible.

The burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) by humans releases more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The increase in greenhouse gases due to human activity traps more heat, causing Earth's average temperature to rise.

Climate change is a long-term shift in weather patterns, while global warming refers to the specific increase in Earth's average temperature.

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and blizzards, often bring attention to the issue of climate change.

Extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts can lead to conflicts over resources like water and food.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused unrest and violence in New Orleans, demonstrating how desperate people resort to dangerous behaviour in crisis situations.

Some believe that climate change contributes to tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, as warmer and drier conditions lead to increased droughts and food shortages.

The U.S. military is concerned about the impact of climate change on its bases, particularly those situated at sea level and vulnerable to rising oceans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that 60% of the United States was facing extreme drought in 2012.

Climate change has a significant impact on national security, leading to increased demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The question of how to address climate change remains a complex one, despite a growing understanding of its causes and effects.

Government, businesses, and international organizations are working to both prevent dangerous climate change and cope with its effects.

Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas for energy releases large amounts of CO2, the primary greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.

The process of clearing forests for agriculture, urbanization, or other purposes, reducing the amount of CO2 absorbed by trees.

Industrialization in the late 1700s led to the increased use of fossil fuels like coal for energy production, replacing wood as the primary energy source.

The average global surface temperature has increased by 1.4°F over the past century, a significant change considering the impact of even smaller temperature variations.

The rate at which Earth's temperature is rising is faster than ever before, especially since 1970, causing concern among scientists about its impact.

Climate science is an ongoing process of investigation and refinement, with scientists continually updating their understanding of climate change.

Mathematical models used by scientists to simulate how human activities and the environment interact to predict future climate scenarios.

Earth's climate is a complex system with different effects in different regions, making it challenging to predict all the consequences of climate change.

Ocean temperatures and acidity have increased, glaciers are shrinking, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, further supporting the evidence of climate change.

CO2 is a vital component of life on Earth, but the rapid increase in CO2 emissions from human activities is the primary driver of global warming.

CO2 emissions from human activities, mainly from burning fossil fuels, account for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change.

The impact of humans on climate can be traced back to the beginning of agriculture, when deforestation for farming reduced the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Computer models that simulate past climate conditions using known information about climate components and how they interact.

The process of extracting ice cores from glaciers or polar ice sheets to study past climate conditions.

The increase in Earth's average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities.

A broader term encompassing changes in Earth's climate system, including temperature increases, changes in precipitation, and extreme weather events.

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

The process of absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The rise in global sea levels caused by melting ice caps and glaciers, as well as the expansion of ocean water due to warming.

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heat waves, that are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

A phenomenon where the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, becoming more acidic.

The uncertainty in climate models' projections due to factors like future greenhouse gas emissions, political decisions, and unforeseen events.

The consequences of climate change that are already being felt around the world, and the increasing risks of future impacts.

The ability to predict and prepare for potential events or challenges, even with uncertainty.

Individuals or groups forced to relocate due to sea level rise, extreme weather events, or other environmental changes.

The process of adapting to the changing climate and mitigating its negative effects.

Individuals, communities, and nations experiencing disproportionate impacts from climate change due to their vulnerability or lack of resources.

Warmer oceans due to climate change provide more energy for storms, making them stronger and more destructive.

Rising sea levels caused by climate change increase the impact of storms, leading to more widespread flooding and greater damage.

Scientists are cautious about directly attributing individual weather events to climate change. Instead, they study long-term patterns to identify how climate change affects the frequency and intensity of extreme weather.

Climate change increases heat waves and air pollution, leading to a higher risk of health problems like heat stroke, allergies, asthma, and heart disease, especially in urban areas.

Droughts caused by climate change can negatively impact access to clean water for drinking and food production, leading to health concerns.

Extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, can disrupt transportation, damage medical facilities, and cause power outages, making healthcare access more difficult.

Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can shift the ranges of disease-carrying insects, potentially spreading diseases to new areas.

Many species can adapt to changing climates, but some may have to relocate to more suitable areas to survive.

Species that cannot adapt or relocate to new habitats may face extinction due to climate change.

Climate change affects food production by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, potentially impacting crop yields both positively and negatively, but overall, negative impacts are expected to outweigh positive ones.

More frequent droughts and floods can make food production more challenging for farmers, potentially leading to changes in farming practices.

Climate change impacts fisheries by altering ocean temperatures and affecting fish populations, impacting both food supply and economies.

Climate change can contribute to political conflict and security concerns in countries around the world, especially in less wealthy countries, where governments are less equipped to respond to disasters.

Climate change can lead to mass migrations of people due to disasters and resource scarcity, potentially contributing to violence and instability.

Climate change can make governments more authoritarian in their responses to the challenges posed by disasters and resource scarcity.