1
1. Climate
What is Climate?
Climate is the average weather in a place over a long time, usually 30 years
or more. It includes patterns of temperature, rain, wind, and other weather
conditions. While weather can change daily, climate describes what the
weather is usually like in a place over many years.
Key Points About Climate
Weather vs. Climate
● Weather is the day-to-day change in the atmosphere, like whether it’s
sunny, rainy, or windy today.
● Climate is the average weather over a long time. For example, a place
with a tropical climate is usually hot and rainy all year, while a desert
climate is hot and dry.
Climate Components
Climate is made up of four main parts:
1. Temperature: How hot or cold a place usually is. For example, a
tropical climate is always warm, while a polar climate is always cold.
2. Precipitation: How much rain, snow, or humidity a place gets. For
example, deserts get very little rain, while rainforests get a lot.
3. Wind Patterns: The direction and strength of the wind. For example,
trade winds blow steadily in tropical areas.
2
4. Seasonal Changes: How the weather changes with the seasons. For
example, temperate climates have four seasons: spring, summer,
autumn, and winter.
Examples of Climate Types
There are many types of climates around the world:
1. Tropical Climate: Hot and rainy all year. Example: The Amazon
Rainforest.
2. Desert Climate: Hot and dry with very little rain. Example: The Sahara
Desert.
3. Temperate Climate: Four distinct seasons. Example: Most of Europe
and North America.
4. Polar Climate: Cold all year with ice and snow. Example: Antarctica.
2. Definition of Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is a big and lasting change in Earth’s climate, especially the
rise in global temperatures. It happens because of natural causes and
human activities. These changes affect weather patterns, ecosystems, and
the environment over many years. While Earth’s climate has changed
naturally in the past, the changes happening now are much faster because
of human actions.
Key Points About Climate Change
3
Natural vs. Human-Induced Climate Change
● Natural Climate Change:
Happens over thousands or millions of years because of things like
volcanoes, changes in the sun’s energy, and shifts in Earth’s orbit. For
example, ice ages and warmer periods between them are natural
climate changes.
● Human-Induced Climate Change:
Happens because of human activities like burning coal, oil, and gas,
cutting down forests, and farming. These activities release gases that
trap heat, making the Earth warmer. For example, the Earth’s
temperature has risen by 1.1°C since the late 1800s because of
human actions.
Time Frame of Climate Change
● Natural climate change happens very slowly, over thousands or
millions of years.
● Human-induced climate change is happening much faster, with
temperatures rising quickly since the Industrial Revolution (around
1850).
Global Warming vs. Climate Change
● Global Warming: Refers to the increase in Earth’s average
temperature because of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide
(CO₂).
● Climate Change: Includes all the effects of global warming, like more
heatwaves, melting ice, rising sea levels, and changes in rainfall
patterns.
4
Why is Climate Change Important?
Climate change is a big problem because it affects everything on Earth. It
harms nature, animals, and people. For example:
● It causes more heatwaves, floods, and storms.
● It melts ice and raises sea levels, which can flood cities.
● It makes it harder to grow food and find clean water.
● It can make people sick and force them to leave their homes.
To protect our planet, we need to act now by reducing pollution and
preparing for the changes that are already happening.
Causes of Climate Change
Climate change is caused by both natural processes and human activities.
While natural causes have influenced Earth’s climate for millions of years,
human activities have made climate change happen much faster in recent
times. Below, we’ll explore both natural and human-induced causes in
detail.
1. Natural Causes of Climate Change
Natural causes of climate change are processes that have been happening
for millions of years, long before humans existed. These include volcanic
5
eruptions, changes in the sun’s energy, shifts in Earth’s orbit, and the natural
greenhouse effect.
a. Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of gases and tiny particles into
the atmosphere. Some of these gases, like carbon dioxide (CO₂), trap heat
and warm the Earth. The tiny particles, called aerosols, can reflect sunlight
back into space, causing a temporary cooling effect. For example, the
eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 cooled the Earth’s surface by about
0.5°C for nearly two years. Over millions of years, volcanic activity has also
released CO₂, contributing to long-term warming.
b. Earth’s Orbital Changes (Milankovitch Cycles)
Earth’s orbital changes, also known as Milankovitch Cycles, are natural
variations in Earth’s movement around the sun that occur over long periods
of time—tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years. These
changes affect the amount and distribution of solar energy Earth receives,
leading to shifts in climate. There are three main types of Milankovitch
Cycles:
1. Eccentricity:
○ Eccentricity refers to changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit
around the sun, which varies from more circular to more
elliptical over a cycle of about 100,000 years.
○ When Earth’s orbit is more elliptical, it receives more solar
energy when it is closer to the sun (perihelion) and less when it
is farther away (aphelion). This variation can influence the
intensity of seasons and contribute to ice ages.
2. Axial Tilt (Obliquity):
6
○ Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative
to its orbit around the sun. This tilt changes slightly over a cycle
of about 41,000 years, varying between 22.1 degrees and 24.5
degrees.
○ A greater tilt leads to more extreme seasons (hotter summers
and colder winters), while a smaller tilt results in milder
seasons. These changes can affect the growth and retreat of
ice sheets.
3. Precession:
○ Precession refers to the wobbling of Earth’s axis as it spins,
similar to the wobbling of a spinning top. This wobble
completes a cycle every 26,000 years.
○ Precession changes the timing of seasons relative to Earth’s
position in its orbit. For example, about 11,000 years ago, the
Northern Hemisphere was tilted toward the sun during summer,
making summers warmer. In about 13,000 years, the opposite
will occur, making summers cooler.
● Impact of Milankovitch Cycles:
These cycles are responsible for long-term climate changes, such as
the ice ages (glacial periods) and interglacial periods (warmer
periods between ice ages). For example, the last ice age ended about
11,700 years ago due to changes in Earth’s orbit, leading to the
current interglacial period.
c. Greenhouse Gases That Cause Climate Change
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat,
contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. While some
greenhouse gases occur naturally, human activities have significantly
increased their concentrations. Below are the main greenhouse gases and
their roles in climate change:
7
a. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
● Source:
CO₂ is released through natural processes like volcanic eruptions and
respiration, but human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil,
and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes have
dramatically increased its concentration.
● Impact:
CO₂ is the most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for about
76% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It remains in the
atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years, making it a
long-term driver of climate change.
● Example:
Since the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO₂ levels have
increased from about 280 parts per million (ppm) to over 420 ppm in
2023.
b. Methane (CH₄)
● Source:
Methane is released during the production and transport of coal, oil,
and natural gas. It is also emitted by livestock (cows and sheep)
during digestion, rice paddies, and the decay of organic waste in
landfills.
● Impact:
Methane is 28–34 times more effective at trapping heat than CO₂
over a 100-year period. Although it stays in the atmosphere for only
about 12 years, it has a significant short-term impact on global
warming.
● Example:
Methane accounts for about 16% of global greenhouse gas
emissions.
8
c. Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
● Source:
Nitrous oxide is released from agricultural activities (e.g., the use of
synthetic fertilizers), industrial processes, and the burning of fossil
fuels and biomass.
● Impact:
Nitrous oxide is 265 times more potent than CO₂ at trapping heat
over a 100-year period. It remains in the atmosphere for about 114
years, contributing to long-term warming.
● Example:
Nitrous oxide accounts for about 6% of global greenhouse gas
emissions.
d. Fluorinated Gases (F-gases)
● Source:
Fluorinated gases are synthetic gases used in industrial applications,
such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and electronics manufacturing.
● Impact:
These gases are thousands of times more potent than CO₂ at
trapping heat. Although they are emitted in smaller quantities, they
have a significant impact on global warming.
● Example:
Fluorinated gases account for about 2% of global greenhouse gas
emissions.
e. Water Vapor (H₂O)
● Source:
Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas and is naturally
present in the atmosphere. It increases as the atmosphere warms,
creating a feedback loop that amplifies climate change.
9
● Impact:
While water vapor is not directly emitted by human activities, it plays
a critical role in the greenhouse effect. Warmer air holds more
moisture, which traps more heat and further increases temperatures.
● Example:
Water vapor is responsible for about 50% of the natural greenhouse
effect.
2. Human-Induced Causes of Climate Change
Human activities have significantly increased the amount of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere, making the Earth warmer at a much faster rate.
These activities include burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, farming,
and producing waste.
a. Burning Fossil Fuels
Burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy releases large amounts of
carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. This is the biggest cause of
human-induced climate change. Since the Industrial Revolution (around
1850), the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere has increased by over 50%,
from about 280 parts per million (ppm) to over 420 ppm in 2023. Fossil
fuels are used for electricity, transportation, and industry, making them a
major source of emissions.
b. Deforestation
Trees absorb CO₂ from the air and store it in their leaves, branches, and
roots. When forests are cut down or burned, the stored carbon is released
back into the atmosphere as CO₂. Deforestation is responsible for about
10
10–15% of global CO₂ emissions. It also reduces the number of trees that
can absorb CO₂, making the problem worse. For example, the Amazon
Rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth,” is being cut down for
farming and logging, releasing huge amounts of CO₂.
c. Agriculture
Farming contributes to climate change in several ways:
1. Livestock Farming: Cows and sheep produce methane (CH₄) during
digestion, a process called enteric fermentation. Methane is a very
powerful greenhouse gas, trapping much more heat than CO₂.
2. Rice Paddies: Flooded rice fields produce methane under
waterlogged conditions.
3. Fertilizers: The use of synthetic fertilizers releases nitrous oxide
(N₂O), another powerful greenhouse gas.
Agriculture accounts for about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions,
making it a significant contributor to climate change.
d. Industrial Activities
Factories and industries release greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and
nitrous oxide (N₂O) during production processes. For example, oil and gas
drilling releases methane, and making fertilizers releases nitrous oxide.
These gases are much more effective at trapping heat than CO₂, even
though they are released in smaller amounts. Industrial activities are a
major source of these powerful greenhouse gases.
11
e. Waste Management
When organic waste, like food and paper, breaks down in landfills, it
produces methane (CH₄). Landfills are one of the largest sources of
methane emissions, especially in cities with poor waste management
systems. For example, landfills in big cities like New York and Mumbai
release large amounts of methane into the atmosphere.
Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change affects every part of life on Earth, from the environment
and weather to human health and economies. Below, we’ll explore the
major impacts in detail.
1. Environmental Impacts
a. Rising Global Temperatures
The Earth’s average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the late 19th
century, and the last decade (2011–2020) was the warmest on record. This
rise in temperature is causing glaciers and ice caps to melt, leading to
rising sea levels. It is also making heatwaves more frequent and intense,
which can harm both people and animals. For example, many species are
struggling to survive as their habitats become too hot or dry.
b. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels
As global temperatures rise, glaciers and polar ice sheets are melting at an
alarming rate. This melting ice is causing sea levels to rise, which has
already increased by 20 cm (8 inches) since 1900. Rising sea levels are
flooding coastal areas, eroding shorelines, and threatening communities
that live near the coast. For example, low-lying island nations like the
12
Maldives and coastal cities like Miami are at risk of being submerged.
Additionally, animals like polar bears and penguins are losing their habitats
as the ice melts.
c. Extreme Weather Events
Climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and
severe. Hurricanes and cyclones are becoming stronger, with higher wind
speeds and heavier rainfall, causing widespread destruction. Heatwaves
are becoming more intense and deadly, leading to health problems and
even deaths. Droughts and floods are also becoming more common,
disrupting agriculture and water supplies. For example, the 2022 European
heatwave caused thousands of deaths, while floods in Pakistan displaced
millions of people.
d. Ocean Acidification
The oceans absorb about 30% of the CO₂ released into the atmosphere,
which is causing the water to become more acidic. This process, called
ocean acidification, is harming marine life, especially creatures with shells
or skeletons made of calcium carbonate, like corals, oysters, and plankton.
Coral reefs, which are home to thousands of marine species, are dying
because of bleaching caused by warmer and more acidic waters. For
example, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia has experienced severe
bleaching events in recent years.
e. Loss of Biodiversity
Climate change is forcing many species to migrate, adapt, or face
extinction. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, animals and
plants are losing their habitats. For example, polar bears are struggling to
survive as Arctic ice melts, and amphibians are declining due to changing
environments. The loss of biodiversity disrupts ecosystems and food
chains, affecting both wildlife and humans.
13
2. Human Impacts
a. Health Risks
Climate change is making people sicker by increasing the frequency of
heatwaves, air pollution, and the spread of diseases. Heatwaves can cause
heatstroke and dehydration, especially among vulnerable groups like the
elderly and children. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels worsens
respiratory diseases like asthma. Warmer temperatures and changing
rainfall patterns are also expanding the range of disease-carrying insects,
such as mosquitoes, leading to outbreaks of diseases like malaria and
dengue fever.
b. Food and Water Insecurity
Changing weather patterns are disrupting agriculture and water supplies,
making it harder to grow food and find clean water. Droughts reduce crop
yields, while floods destroy farmland. For example, prolonged droughts in
East Africa have caused food shortages, and unpredictable rainfall in South
Asia has affected rice and wheat production. Water scarcity is also
increasing in arid regions like the Middle East and North Africa, where
people rely on limited freshwater resources.
c. Displacement and Migration
Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are forcing millions of people
to leave their homes, creating climate refugees. For example, coastal
communities in Bangladesh and Pacific Island nations like Tuvalu are being
displaced due to flooding and erosion. This mass migration puts pressure
on cities and resources, leading to social and economic challenges.
d. Economic Costs
14
Climate change is causing billions of dollars in damages each year. Natural
disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires destroy homes, businesses,
and infrastructure. For example, Hurricane Harvey (2017) caused an
estimated $125 billion in damages in the United States. Agriculture is also
affected, with losses due to droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather
patterns. These economic impacts strain governments and communities,
especially in developing countries.
Solutions to Climate Change
Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and local action.
Below, we’ll explore the key solutions in detail.
1. Mitigation (Reducing Emissions)
a. Transition to Renewable Energy
Replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources like solar, wind, and
hydropower is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Solar and
wind energy are becoming more affordable and efficient, making them
great alternatives to coal and oil. For example, countries like Germany and
Denmark have made significant progress in transitioning to renewable
energy, with wind and solar power accounting for a large share of their
electricity production.
b. Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and transportation can
significantly reduce emissions. This includes using energy-efficient
appliances, LED lighting, and smart thermostats. Electric vehicles (EVs) are
also a key solution, as they produce zero emissions compared to traditional
gasoline-powered cars. For example, countries like Norway are leading the
15
way in EV adoption, with electric cars making up a large percentage of new
vehicle sales.
c. Reforestation and Afforestation
Planting trees and restoring forests can absorb large amounts of CO₂ from
the atmosphere. Reforestation involves replanting trees in deforested
areas, while afforestation involves planting trees in areas that were not
previously forested. For example, the Great Green Wall project in Africa
aims to restore degraded land and combat desertification by planting trees
across the Sahel region.
d. Sustainable Agriculture
Adopting sustainable farming practices can reduce emissions and improve
soil health. This includes organic farming, crop rotation, and reducing the
use of synthetic fertilizers. Livestock farming can also be made more
sustainable by improving feed quality and managing manure to reduce
methane emissions. For example, regenerative agriculture practices in the
United States are helping to sequester carbon in soils while improving crop
yields.
2. Adaptation (Preparing for Impacts)
a. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Building infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events is crucial
for adapting to climate change. This includes flood barriers, heat-resistant
roads, and storm-proof buildings. For example, the Netherlands has built
advanced flood defense systems to protect against rising sea levels, while
Australia is developing heat-resistant roads to withstand extreme
temperatures.
16
b. Water Management
Improving water storage and distribution systems can help communities
adapt to changing rainfall patterns. This includes rainwater harvesting,
desalination plants, and efficient irrigation systems. For example, India has
implemented rainwater harvesting projects to address water scarcity, while
the Middle East is investing in desalination plants to provide freshwater.
c. Disaster Preparedness
Developing early warning systems and emergency response plans can save
lives and reduce the impacts of natural disasters. For example, Bangladesh
has implemented cyclone warning systems and evacuation plans,
significantly reducing the number of deaths from cyclones. Similarly, Japan
has built earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure to withstand
frequent earthquakes.
3. Global Cooperation
a. International Agreements
Countries must work together to reduce emissions and support vulnerable
nations. The Paris Agreement (2015) is a landmark international treaty that
aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared
to pre-industrial levels. Countries have committed to reducing their
emissions and providing financial and technological support to developing
nations.
b. Funding and Technology Transfer
Wealthy nations must provide financial and technological support to
developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies and
adapt to climate change. The Green Climate Fund is an example of
international efforts to support climate action in developing countries.
17
Additionally, solar energy projects in Africa are helping to provide clean
energy to communities without access to electricity.
4. Individual Actions
Everyone can contribute to fighting climate change by adopting sustainable
practices. This includes reducing energy use at home, using public
transportation or carpooling, reducing waste, and supporting policies and
businesses that prioritize sustainability. For example, individuals can
reduce their carbon footprint by using reusable bags, recycling, and
advocating for renewable energy policies.
