Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Definition and Causes

• Global climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
• Main cause: human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as:
  • Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy
  • Deforestation and land-use changes
  • Agriculture and livestock production
• Natural causes:
  • Volcanic eruptions
  • Changes in Earth's orbit
  • Variations in the Sun's energy output

Effects of Climate Change

• Rising Global Temperatures:
  • Average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since 1880
  • 20 of the hottest years on record have occurred since 1981
• Extreme Weather Events:
  • Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall
  • More intense hurricanes, wildfires, and floods
• Sea-Level Rise:
  • Oceans have risen by about 15-20 cm since 1900
  • Thawing of polar ice caps and glaciers
• Impacts on Ecosystems:
  • Changes in species distribution and migration patterns
  • Disruptions to food chains and ecosystems

Consequences and Impacts

• Human Health:
  • Increased risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
  • Spread of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
• Economic Impacts:
  • Damage to infrastructure and property
  • Losses in agriculture, forestry, and tourism
• Food Security:
  • Changes in crop yields and distribution
  • Impacts on food availability and access
• Social and Cultural Impacts:
  • Displacement and migration of communities
  • Loss of cultural heritage and traditional ways of life

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
  • Transition to renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind)
  • Improve energy efficiency in buildings and transportation
• Carbon Capture and Storage:
  • Technologies to capture and store CO2 emissions
• Adaptation Measures:
  • Sea walls and coastal protection
  • Early warning systems for extreme weather events
  • Climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning