Climate Change: Definition and Causes

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.
Main causes:
- Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Human activities:
  - Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for energy and transportation.
  - Deforestation and land-use changes.
  - Agriculture and livestock production.

Effects of Climate Change

Rising global temperatures:
- Average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s.
- 2020 was the hottest year on record.
Consequences:
- More frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
- Sea-level rise:
  - Thawing of polar ice caps and glaciers.
  - Increased coastal erosion and flooding.
- Changes in precipitation patterns:
  - Droughts in some areas, heavy rainfall in others.
- Loss of biodiversity:
  - Extinction of species due to changing habitats and ecosystems.

Impacts on Human Societies

Food security:
- Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect crop yields and food production.
- Increased risk of food insecurity and malnutrition.
Human health:
- Warmer temperatures increase the spread of diseases and heat-related illnesses.
- Increased risk of water scarcity and poor air quality.
Economic impacts:
- Damage to infrastructure and property due to extreme weather events.
- Loss of productivity and economic growth.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).
- Increase energy efficiency in buildings and transportation.
- Electrify transportation and industry.
Adaptation measures:
- Develop climate-resilient infrastructure and agriculture.
- Implement early warning systems and emergency preparedness plans.
- Protect and restore natural ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands).

International Cooperation and Agreements

Paris Agreement (2015):
- Global goal to limit warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
- Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce GHG emissions.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
- International agreement to address climate change.
- Supports countries in developing climate policies and strategies.

Climate Change

Long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
Main causes:
- Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Human activities:
  - Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for energy and transportation.
  - Deforestation and land-use changes.
  - Agriculture and livestock production.

Effects of Climate Change

Rising global temperatures:
- Average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s.
- 2020 was the hottest year on record.
Consequences:
- More frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
- Sea-level rise:
  - Thawing of polar ice caps and glaciers.
  - Increased coastal erosion and flooding.
- Changes in precipitation patterns:
  - Droughts in some areas, heavy rainfall in others.
- Loss of biodiversity:
  - Extinction of species due to changing habitats and ecosystems.

Impacts on Human Societies

Food security:
- Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect crop yields and food production.
- Increased risk of food insecurity and malnutrition.
Human health:
- Warmer temperatures increase the spread of diseases and heat-related illnesses.
- Increased risk of water scarcity and poor air quality.
Economic impacts:
- Damage to infrastructure and property due to extreme weather events.
- Loss of productivity and economic growth.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).
- Increase energy efficiency in buildings and transportation.
- Electrify transportation and industry.
Adaptation measures:
- Develop climate-resilient infrastructure and agriculture.
- Implement early warning systems and emergency preparedness plans.
- Protect and restore natural ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands).

International Cooperation and Agreements

Paris Agreement (2015):
- Global goal to limit warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
- Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce GHG emissions.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
- International agreement to address climate change.
- Supports countries in developing climate policies and strategies.

Description

Understand the definition of climate change, its main causes, and the role of human activities in this global phenomenon. Learn about the greenhouse gases responsible for the increase in average global temperature.