Understanding Climate Change

Study Notes

Climate change is defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as any human interference with climate systems, including changes in atmospheric composition caused by burning fossil fuel, deforestation, industrial processes, agriculture, and waste disposal. It manifests itself through increases in global temperature, more frequent extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, heat waves, wildfires, sea level rise, ocean acidification, decreases in snow and ice cover, and species extinction. These phenomena are already happening today and will become even more severe if we do nothing to reduce carbon emissions.

The main causes of climate change are greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, which trap solar radiation, causing the Earth's average surface temperature to increase. Another major cause is methane gas created when animals like cows digest food, and also from coal mining and oil drilling operations, which has been increasing rapidly due to increased livestock production and oil extraction methods. Additionally, nitrous oxide, a gas emitted from fertilizers used in farming, contributes significantly to the problem. The third group of contributing factors includes water vapor, dust, smoke, soot and other airborne particles.

Climate change affects nearly every aspect of our lives and economy, from necessities like clean air and drinking water to health risks, economic losses from damages to property and infrastructure, reduced crop yields, species loss, and the potential effects on national security. In summary, it is essential for people all over the world to understand what climate change means, its effect on us all, and how each of us can play a part in mitigating this catastrophe.

Description

Learn about the definition, causes, and impacts of climate change as defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Explore how human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture contribute to global warming and extreme weather events.