Causes and Impacts of Climate Change
  • Causes and Impacts of Climate Change

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Causes and Impacts of Climate Change

Summary:

Climate change is an urgent global issue driven predominantly by human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases act as a thermal blanket around Earth, leading to an unprecedented warming trend of a 1.1°C rise in global temperatures since the late 1800s. The implications are far-reaching and multidimensional, ranging from extreme weather events to sea-level rise, affecting various aspects of human life like health, housing, and food security. Vulnerable communities in small island nations and developing countries bear a disproportionate brunt of the impacts, exacerbating existing global inequalities. While the situation is dire, actionable solutions exist. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar is critical. Adaptation measures, including disaster preparedness and early warning systems, are crucial for vulnerable populations. Despite the financial costs of these interventions, the repercussions of inaction are significantly higher. The seven largest emitters, including China and the United States, have a greater responsibility to lead these efforts as they account for approximately half of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Excerpt:

Causes and Impacts of Climate Change

Climate Change: Understanding the Causes and Impacts

Climate change is a pressing global issue that refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While natural factors such as changes in the sun’s activity and volcanic eruptions have historically influenced climate, human activities have emerged as the primary driver since the 1800s. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gas emissions, which act as a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and causing temperatures to rise—the Role of Greenhouse Gases in Climate Change.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. These gases are released through various human activities, including burning gasoline for transportation and using coal for heating. Deforestation and land clearing also contribute to CO2 emissions. Additionally, the agriculture, oil, and gas sectors are significant sources of methane emissions. The cumulative effect of these greenhouse gases is warming the planet at an unprecedented rate, surpassing any temperature changes observed in the past two thousand years