Scribd
Upload
23 views2 pages

Climate Change: Causes, Impacts, Solutions

Climate change, primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, poses significant risks to ecosystems and economies, with global CO₂ emissions reaching a record 37.4 billion tons in 2024. The impacts include extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and substantial economic damages, costing $300 billion globally in 2024. Mitigation strategies such as transitioning to renewable energy and implementing policy measures are essential, but global cooperation is crucial to effectively address this urgent challenge by 2030.

Uploaded by

Zoltan Huber
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
23 views2 pages

Climate Change: Causes, Impacts, Solutions

Climate change, primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, poses significant risks to ecosystems and economies, with global CO₂ emissions reaching a record 37.4 billion tons in 2024. The impacts include extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and substantial economic damages, costing $300 billion globally in 2024. Mitigation strategies such as transitioning to renewable energy and implementing policy measures are essential, but global cooperation is crucial to effectively address this urgent challenge by 2030.

Uploaded by

Zoltan Huber
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

**Climate Change: A Global Challenge in the 21st Century**

**Abstract:** Climate change, driven by human activity, poses unprecedented risks


to ecosystems, economies, and societies. This paper examines its causes, current
impacts, and potential mitigation strategies, emphasizing the urgency of collective
action as of March 2025.

**Introduction:** Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather


patterns, primarily due to rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since the
Industrial Revolution, human reliance on fossil fuels has accelerated global warming,
with average temperatures increasing by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial
levels (IPCC, 2023). This paper synthesizes recent data to highlight the scope of the
crisis and explore pathways forward.

**Causes:** The primary driver of climate change is the emission of GHGs, such as
carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), from burning coal, oil, and gas.
Deforestation and industrial agriculture amplify this effect by reducing carbon sinks
and releasing stored CO₂. In 2024, global CO₂ emissions reached a record 37.4
billion tons (IEA, 2025), underscoring the challenge of decarbonization amid growing
energy demands.

**Impacts:** The consequences are stark and widespread. Rising temperatures


have intensified extreme weather—hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves—
displacing millions annually. The Arctic ice sheet has shrunk by 13% per decade
since 1979 (NSIDC, 2024), accelerating sea level rise and threatening coastal
regions. Biodiversity loss is rampant, with 1 million species at risk of extinction (UN,
2023). Economically, climate-related damages cost $300 billion globally in 2024
alone (Swiss Re, 2025).

**Mitigation Strategies:** Addressing climate change requires a multi-pronged


approach. Transitioning to renewable energy—solar, wind, and hydropower—could
cut emissions by 70% by 2050 (IRENA, 2024). Reforestation and sustainable land
use can enhance carbon sequestration. Policy measures, like carbon pricing and
international agreements (e.g., Paris Accord), aim to align economic incentives with
environmental goals. However, implementation lags, with only 30% of nations on
track to meet 2030 targets (UNFCCC, 2025).

**Conclusion:** Climate change is a defining issue of our time, demanding


immediate action. While technological and policy solutions exist, their success
hinges on global cooperation and public will. As of March 2025, the window to limit
warming to 1.5°C is narrowing, but not yet closed. Future research must prioritize
scalable innovations and equitable adaptation to safeguard humanity’s future.

**References:**
- IPCC (2023). *Sixth Assessment Report.*
- IEA (2025). *World Energy Outlook.*
- NSIDC (2024). *Arctic Sea Ice Report.*
- UN (2023). *Biodiversity Assessment.*
- Swiss Re (2025). *Economic Impact of Climate Risks.*
- IRENA (2024). *Renewable Energy Roadmap.*
- UNFCCC (2025). *Nationally Determined Contributions Update.*

---

You might also like