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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel burning, is causing significant shifts in weather patterns, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The greenhouse effect, fueled by greenhouse gases, is a major contributor to this phenomenon, while mitigation strategies like renewable energy and international agreements aim to address the crisis. Immediate and sustained action is essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes related to climate change.

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21 views2 pages

The Science of Climate Change

Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel burning, is causing significant shifts in weather patterns, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The greenhouse effect, fueled by greenhouse gases, is a major contributor to this phenomenon, while mitigation strategies like renewable energy and international agreements aim to address the crisis. Immediate and sustained action is essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes related to climate change.

Uploaded by

cfllabs.mkt
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Class Notes: Global Climate Change

Topic: The Science of Climate Change

Introduction: Climate change refers to long-term changes in the average weather patterns on Earth,
primarily driven by human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels. These changes are causing shifts
in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events.

Key Concepts:

1. The Greenhouse Effect:

o Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous
oxide (N₂O) trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to a warming climate.

2. Anthropogenic (Human-Caused) Climate Change:

o The primary source of current climate change is the excessive emission of GHGs from
burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial activities.

3. Natural Climate Change:

o While natural factors like volcanic eruptions and solar radiation fluctuations influence
Earth's climate, the current rate of change is largely attributed to human activities.

Impacts of Climate Change:

1. Rising Temperatures:

o Global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century, with
significant effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.

2. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels:

o The polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, contributing to rising
sea levels, which threaten coastal cities and small island nations.

3. Extreme Weather Events:

o Climate change leads to more frequent and intense weather events such as hurricanes,
droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Mitigation Strategies:

1. Renewable Energy:

o Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric) can
significantly reduce GHG emissions.

2. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):

o Technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it
underground could play a critical role in reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels.
3. International Agreements:

o Agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with
countries committing to reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices.

Conclusion: Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. To prevent catastrophic
outcomes, it is crucial for individuals, governments, and industries to take immediate and sustained
action.

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