Climate Change Impacts

Climate Change Impacts

• Rising Global Temperatures: Average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s, and is projected to continue to rise by another 2-5°C by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase.
• More Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.
• Sea-Level Rise: Oceans have risen by about 20 cm since 1880, and are projected to rise by another 26-82 cm by 2100, threatening coastal ecosystems and human settlements.
• Water Scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures are leading to water scarcity in many regions.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change is altering ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and extinction of many species.

Environmental Activism

• Individual Actions: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; use public transport, carpool, or drive electric vehicles; use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights when not in use.
• Community Involvement: Participate in local climate initiatives, advocate for climate policies, and support organizations working on climate issues.
• Global Movements: Join global movements like Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and Climate Strikes to raise awareness and demand action from governments and corporations.
• Policy Change: Advocate for climate policies, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy targets, and green infrastructure investments.

Climate Change Facts

• Greenhouse Gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.
• Human Activities: Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture are the main human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Natural Carbon Sinks: Forests, oceans, and soil absorb about 50% of human-caused CO2 emissions, but are being overwhelmed by the increasing amount of emissions.
• Tipping Points: Climate change is reaching tipping points, such as melting Arctic sea ice and thawing permafrost, which can have irreversible and catastrophic consequences.
• Scientific Consensus: Over 97% of climate scientists agree that human activities are causing climate change.

Climate Change Impacts

• The average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s and is projected to continue to rise by another 2-5°C by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase.
• Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms due to the rising global temperature.
• Sea levels have risen by about 20 cm since 1880 and are projected to rise by another 26-82 cm by 2100, threatening coastal ecosystems and human settlements.
• Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures are leading to water scarcity in many regions.
• Climate change is altering ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and extinction of many species.

Environmental Activism

• Individual actions can make a difference, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling, using public transport, carpooling, or driving electric vehicles, and using energy-efficient appliances.
• Community involvement is crucial, including participating in local climate initiatives, advocating for climate policies, and supporting organizations working on climate issues.
• Global movements like Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and Climate Strikes are raising awareness and demanding action from governments and corporations.
• Advocating for climate policies, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy targets, and green infrastructure investments, is essential for mitigating climate change.

Climate Change Facts

• Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.
• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, are the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Natural carbon sinks, including forests, oceans, and soil, absorb about 50% of human-caused CO2 emissions, but are being overwhelmed by the increasing amount of emissions.
• Climate change is reaching tipping points, such as melting Arctic sea ice and thawing permafrost, which can have irreversible and catastrophic consequences.
• There is a scientific consensus, with over 97% of climate scientists agreeing that human activities are causing climate change.

Environmental Activism

• Environmental activism involves actions taken by individuals, organizations, and governments to protect the environment and mitigate climate change effects.
• Greta Thunberg is a prominent climate activist who has raised global awareness and sparked action.
• Extinction Rebellion is a global movement using non-violent civil disobedience to demand climate action.
• Greenpeace is an international organization using direct action to expose environmental problems.

Climate Change Impacts

• The average global temperature has increased by 1°C since 1880.
• The global temperature is projected to increase by 1.5-2°C by 2050.
• Rising temperatures cause melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, sea-level rise, and coastal flooding.
• Climate change also leads to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events and changes in precipitation patterns.
• It results in water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of food chains and ecosystems.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

• To reduce energy consumption, individuals can switch to energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights and electronics.
• Using public transport, walking, or biking reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
• Eating a plant-based diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
• Reducing, reusing, and recycling minimizes waste and pollution.
• Governments and businesses can implement carbon pricing, invest in renewable energy, and develop sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainable Living

• Sustainable living principles involve reducing consumption and waste, using renewable resources, and minimizing harm to the environment and human health.
• Buying local and seasonal products, using eco-friendly products, and reducing water consumption promote sustainable living.
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices contribute to sustainable living.
• Sustainable cities can be achieved by designing green spaces, implementing sustainable transportation, and promoting energy-efficient buildings.

Renewable Energy

• Solar energy harnesses energy from the sun.
• Wind energy harnesses energy from wind.
• Hydro energy harnesses energy from moving water.
• Geothermal energy harnesses energy from the Earth's heat.
• Renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes energy independence, and creates jobs.
• Challenges to renewable energy include intermittency, high upfront costs, and infrastructure integration.

Climate Change Facts

• CO2 levels have risen from 280 ppm pre-industrial to 415 ppm currently and are projected to reach 550 ppm by 2050.
• 2020 was the hottest year on record, and the 2010s were the hottest decade on record.
• 20 of the hottest 21 years have occurred since 2001.
• 97% of climate scientists agree on human-caused climate change, and 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Climate Change

Rising Sea Levels

• Global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches over the past century, with a projected increase of another 1-4 feet by 2100
• Melting of glaciers and ice sheets, along with thermal expansion of seawater, are the main causes of this rise
• Coastal erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources are the major consequences of rising sea levels

Extreme Weather Events

• Heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change
• The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes is projected to increase, making weather events more unpredictable and intense
• Climate change is responsible for the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, leading to loss of life, property damage, and displacement of people

Biodiversity Loss

• Climate change is altering ecosystems and disrupting species habitats, putting 1 in 6 species at risk of extinction
• Polar bears, coral reefs, and amphibians are particularly vulnerable to the changing climate
• The loss of ecosystem services, decreased food security, and decreased human well-being are the major consequences of biodiversity loss

Food Security Threats

• Climate change is projected to decrease global food production by 2-6% by 2050, leading to increased food prices and decreased food availability
• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are altering growing seasons and crop yields, putting global food security at risk
• The consequences of decreased food security include increased risk of hunger and malnutrition

Human Migration

• Climate change is projected to displace 143 million people by 2050, with sea level rise, natural disasters, and decreased food security driving migration
• The social, economic, and cultural impacts on communities, along with increased risk of conflict, are the major consequences of climate-induced migration

Climate Change Facts

• Climate change is a real and pressing issue, primarily caused by human activities
• 2019 was the hottest year on record globally, with the past decade (2010-2019) being the warmest on record
• The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has surpassed 415 parts per million (ppm), highlighting the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change

Climate Change Facts

• Climate change is the long-term warming of the planet due to a 1°C rise in average global temperature since the late 1800s.
• The main cause is the increasing levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes.
• 2020 was the hottest year on record, with the past decade being the warmest decade on record.

Sea Level Rise

• Global sea levels have risen by about 15-20 cm since 1900.
• The current rate of sea level rise is 3.2 mm per year.
• Causes of sea level rise include thermal expansion of seawater, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and changes in land water storage.
• Predictions indicate a 26 cm to 82 cm rise in sea levels by 2100, depending on the level of GHG emissions.

Food Security

• Climate change affects agricultural productivity, leading to changes in growing seasons and crop yields, shifts in suitable areas for crops, and increased frequency of extreme weather events damaging crops.
• Impacts on pollinators and pest management are also expected.
• Food security risks include decreased crop yields, changed food availability, and increased food prices.

Human Migration

• Climate change is expected to displace millions of people, mainly in low-lying coastal areas, islands, and areas with limited resources.
• Reasons for migration include sea level rise, increased flooding, drought, and decreased livelihood opportunities.
• Impacts of migration include social, economic, and cultural disruption, as well as increased pressure on urban areas and resources.

Extinction Risks

• Climate change is a major driver of biodiversity loss, with changes in species distribution and extinction risk, disruption of ecosystems and food chains, and increased risk of invasive species and disease spread.
• Predictions indicate that up to 30% of plant and animal species may be at risk of extinction by 2050.

Health Impacts

• Climate change increases the spread of diseases, heat stress, and other health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
• People living in areas with poor air quality, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to resources are also at risk.
• Health risks include increased mortality, morbidity, and mental health impacts.

Melting Glaciers

• Glaciers have lost 15% of their mass since 1850, making them sensitive indicators of climate change
• Melting glaciers contribute to sea level rise, altering ecosystems, and affecting freshwater resources

Sea Level Rise

• Global sea levels have risen by 8 inches over the past century, with a projected 1-4 feet rise by 2100
• Rising sea levels cause coastal erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, displacing human populations and damaging infrastructure

Extreme Weather Events

• Climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and intense storms
• These events have devastating impacts on human populations, infrastructure, and ecosystems

Food Insecurity

• Climate change affects agricultural productivity, reducing crop yields and food availability due to rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events
• Food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the poor, children, and the elderly

Biodiversity Loss

• Climate change is a key driver of biodiversity loss, threatening species such as polar bears, coral reefs, and amphibians
• Biodiversity loss has cascading effects on ecosystems, leading to the degradation of ecosystem services and human well-being

Climate Change Facts

• The current rate of carbon dioxide increase is unprecedented in the past 800,000 years
• 2020 was the hottest year on record, with the past decade being the warmest on record
• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, drive climate change
• The window for taking action to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is rapidly closing