Climate Change Class Notes
Definition and Overview
● Climate Change: Long-term alteration in Earth’s climate patterns, especially
temperature and precipitation.
● Primarily driven by human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions.
Causes
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
○ Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from fossil fuel combustion
○ Methane (CH₄) from agriculture and waste
○ Nitrous oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers
2. Deforestation: Reduces CO₂ absorption
3. Industrial Activities: Release pollutants and gases
4. Agricultural Practices: Methane from livestock, N₂O from fertilizers
Effects
● Rising Temperatures: Global average temperature increase
● Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers and thermal expansion
● Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and severe storms, heatwaves, droughts
● Ecosystem Disruption: Habitat loss, species extinction
● Human Health: Heat stress, vector-borne diseases
Evidence
● Global temperature records
● Ice core data and paleoclimate evidence
● Shrinking ice caps and glaciers
● Rising sea levels
● Changes in weather patterns
Solutions and Mitigation
1. Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, hydro
2. Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption
3. Reforestation and Afforestation: Plant trees, restore ecosystems
4. Carbon Pricing: Carbon tax, cap-and-trade systems
5. Sustainable Agriculture: Reduce methane and fertilizer use
6. Policy and International Agreements: Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol
Adaptation Strategies
● Building flood defenses
● Developing drought-resistant crops
● Improving infrastructure for climate resilience
Key Concepts
● Carbon Footprint: Total greenhouse gas emissions by an individual or entity
● Climate Justice: Fair treatment of all people regarding climate change impacts and
solutions
● Tipping Points: Thresholds where small changes can lead to drastic shifts in the
climate system
Conclusion
Climate change is a critical global issue requiring urgent and coordinated efforts at all levels,
from individual actions to international policies.
