Climate Change: Definition and Causes

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.