Climate Change Causes and Definition

Study Notes

Definition and Causes

Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
Primary cause: Human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
- Methane (CH4) from agriculture, natural gas production, and landfills
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) from agriculture, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from refrigeration and air conditioning

Effects of Climate Change

Rising global temperatures:
- Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
- Sea-level rise
- Changes in precipitation patterns
Extreme weather events:
- Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and floods
- More intense hurricanes and wildfires
Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity:
- Changes in species distribution and extinction
- Disruption of food chains and ecosystems
- Increased risk of water scarcity and food insecurity

Consequences for Human Societies

Health impacts:
- Increased risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
- Spread of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
- Mental health impacts from climate-related disasters
Economic impacts:
- Damage to infrastructure and property
- Loss of productivity and economic growth
- Increased costs for healthcare and emergency response
Social and cultural impacts:
- Migration and displacement of communities
- Loss of cultural heritage and traditional ways of life

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro)
- Improve energy efficiency in buildings and transportation
- Electrify industries and promote sustainable land use
Adapt to the changing climate:
- Implement early warning systems and emergency preparedness plans
- Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning
- Promote climate-smart agriculture and water management practices

Definition and Causes

Climate change is the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
Human activities release greenhouse gases, such as:
- CO2 from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
- CH4 from agriculture, natural gas production, and landfills
- N2O from agriculture, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels
- CFCs and HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning

Effects of Climate Change

Rising global temperatures cause:
- Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
- Sea-level rise
- Changes in precipitation patterns
Extreme weather events increase in:
- Frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and floods
- Intensity of hurricanes and wildfires
Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity include:
- Changes in species distribution and extinction
- Disruption of food chains and ecosystems
- Increased risk of water scarcity and food insecurity

Consequences for Human Societies

Health impacts include:
- Increased risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
- Spread of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
- Mental health impacts from climate-related disasters
Economic impacts include:
- Damage to infrastructure and property
- Loss of productivity and economic growth
- Increased costs for healthcare and emergency response
Social and cultural impacts include:
- Migration and displacement of communities
- Loss of cultural heritage and traditional ways of life

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro)
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation
- Electrifying industries and promoting sustainable land use
Adapt to the changing climate by:
- Implementing early warning systems and emergency preparedness plans
- Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning
- Promoting climate-smart agriculture and water management practices

Description

Learn about the primary causes of climate change, including human activities that release greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, and N2O. Understand the long-term warming of the planet due to the increase in average global temperature.