Understanding Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and
Mitigation Strategies
Introduction
Climate change is an alarming issue globally that has further consequences for the environment, economy,
and us human beings. This research aims to delve into the causes and effects of climate change while
exploring the current initiatives and policies designed to alleviate its impact and promote sustainability.
Causes of Climate Change
a. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The reason why climate change is increasing is because of the
greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O),
coming from human activities such burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
b. Deforestation: The removal of forests for agriculture, logging, and urbanization are part of the
contributor in releasing CO2 in trees and lessen the planet's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
c. Industrialization: Manufacturing activities release pollutants and greenhouse gasses into the
atmosphere, making the greenhouse effect worse and leading to global warming.
d. Agricultural Practices: Agricultural practices, such as livestock farming and excessive fertilizer
usage, releasing methane and nitrous oxide, further contributing to climate change.
Effects of Climate Change
a. Rising Temperatures: The temperature globally is increasing that leads to more frequent intense heat
waves, melting the ice caps and glaciers, and shifts in weather patterns.
b. Sea Level Rise: The rising of the sea levels are because of the melting ice and thermal expansion that
are threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
c. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change escalates extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts,
floods, and wildfires, causing broad damage and loss of life.
d. Biodiversity Loss: The cause of disruption of ecosystems are the changes in temperature and the
precipitation patterns that lead to habitat loss, species extinction and reduced biodiversity.
Initiatives and Policies for Mitigation and Sustainability
a. International Agreements: The Paris Agreement, aims to lessen global warming ranging below 2
degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to achieve efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5
degrees Celsius.
b. Renewable Energy Transition: The government and business are investing in renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and limit
greenhouse gas emissions.
c. Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests help separate carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere and ease the effects of deforestation.
d. Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and crop rotation contributes to
the soil's health, lessen greenhouse gas emissions, and amplify resilience to climate change.
e. Carbon Pricing: Execution of carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade
systems, stimulating industries to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner technologies.
Conclusion
Climate change poses a great threat to the planet, however through concerted efforts at the international,
national, and local levels, we can relieve its impact and transition to a more sustainable future. Through
understanding the causes and effects of climate change and enforcement of effective policies and
initiatives, we can protect the environment for the future generations.
Action Plan:
Level Goal Implementation Steps Potential Solutions
Challenges
Local 1. To reduce 1. Enhance Climate 1. Financial 1. Collaborati
(Philippin Greenhouse Resilience - Focus on Problem ng with the
es) Gas investing in 2. Public internation
Emissions infrastructure Participatio al
2. Increase development and n organizatio
local upgrades (e.g. flood ns and
Resilience defenses, coastal private
3. Promoting a protection). sectors for
Sustainable 2. Promote Renewable fund
Developmen Energy - Utilizing the assistance.
t use of and expanding 2. Encouragin
solar, wind, and g
hydroelectric power. partnership
3. Sustainable Urban s with local
Planning - support the communiti
green building es and civil
practices and public society for
transportation. non-biased
4. Reforestation and decision
Conservation - making.
Contribute to
community-based
projects and protected
area management.
National 1. Strengthenin 1. Climate Change 1. Execution 1. Heighten
(Philippin g the policy Adaptation and of Policy the
es) framework Mitigation Act - Make 2. Cooperatio enforceme
2. Promoting a legislation to n of nt,
Sustainable strengthen climate stakeholder Awareness,
Developmen resilience and regulate s and
t emissions. Appraisal
3. To Enhance 2. National Climate systems.
the Climate Change Action Plan - 2. Stimulatin
Resilience Create a strategy with g
across targets and timelines. collaborati
sectors 3. Capacity Building on with
and Awareness - governmen
Provide funds in t agencies,
climate education and private
training. sector, and
4. Green Finance civil
Mechanisms - Have society.
an established
incentives and
financing mechanisms.
Global 1. Reinforcing 1. Paris Agreement 1. Political 1. Campaign
International Commitments - To Commitme for
Cooperation observe and enhance nt escalation
2. Enhancing the commitments, set 2. Equity and of the
the ambitious targets, and justice political
Ambition increase financial commitme
3. To support. nt
Accelerate 2. Technology Transfer 2. Guarantee
Climate and Capacity fair,
Action building - Promoting transparent
technology transfer , and
and knowledge inclusive
sharing. policies
3. Climate Finance - and
Increase the financial financial
flow through mechanism
mechanisms like the s.
Green Climate Fund.
4. Multilateral
Collaboration - To
Fortify the
partnerships to address
cross-cutting issues.
Creative Presentation:
Reflection:
After looking at our Action Plan and Research on climate change, we noticed some really
detailed strategies. Here's what we found:
For the Philippines, the plan focuses on improving infrastructure, using more renewable energy,
and reforesting areas. This is really important, but it’s tough because it needs a lot of money and
people need to get involved.
On a national level, the plan highlights the importance of making new policies and finding ways
to finance green projects. This is crucial, but actually putting these ideas into action and getting
everyone to cooperate is a big challenge.
Globally, the plan talks about sticking to the Paris Agreement and sharing new technologies to
help fight climate change. However, getting all countries to commit politically and ensuring
fairness is a major issue.
Our research explains why climate change is happening and its effects, like greenhouse gas
emissions and extreme weather events. It also suggests solutions like using renewable energy
and putting a price on carbon emissions. Combining scientific research with practical actions
shows we need to take a broad approach to tackle climate change. But, there are big
challenges like finding enough money and getting political and public support.
These plans and research make it clear that we need to act urgently. As students, we should
understand these strategies and get involved in promoting sustainable practices and policies.
By doing so, we can help create a resilient and sustainable future.
