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Class Notes 1

Climate change is defined as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Evidence includes rising global temperatures, melting ice, and increased extreme weather events, leading to environmental, social, economic, and health impacts. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation strategies aim to adjust to the effects of climate change, supported by international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.

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16 views2 pages

Class Notes 1

Climate change is defined as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Evidence includes rising global temperatures, melting ice, and increased extreme weather events, leading to environmental, social, economic, and health impacts. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation strategies aim to adjust to the effects of climate change, supported by international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.

Uploaded by

jerenie
Copyright
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Class Notes – Environmental Science​

Date: May 13, 2025​


Topic: Introduction to Climate Change

Definition:

●​ Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.


●​ While natural causes (like volcanic eruptions and solar cycles) contribute, human
activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels—are now the dominant cause.

Greenhouse Effect:

●​ The Earth's atmosphere traps some of the Sun's energy to keep the planet warm enough
to sustain life.
●​ Greenhouse gases (GHGs) include:
○​ CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
○​ CH₄ (methane)
○​ N₂O (nitrous oxide)
○​ H₂O vapor
●​ Too many GHGs = Enhanced Greenhouse Effect = Global warming

Main Human Causes:

1.​ Burning fossil fuels – cars, power plants, industry


2.​ Deforestation – fewer trees to absorb CO₂
3.​ Agriculture – especially livestock (methane)
4.​ Industrial processes

Evidence of Climate Change:

●​ Rising global temperatures (Earth is ~1.1°C warmer since late 1800s)


●​ Melting glaciers & polar ice
●​ Rising sea levels
●​ Increased frequency of extreme weather (heatwaves, hurricanes, droughts)
●​ Ocean acidification
Impacts:

●​ Environmental: habitat loss, coral bleaching, changing ecosystems


●​ Social: food & water scarcity, displacement of populations
●​ Economic: damage to infrastructure, agriculture losses
●​ Health: spread of diseases, heat-related illnesses

Mitigation vs. Adaptation:

●​ Mitigation = actions to reduce GHG emissions (e.g., renewable energy, reforestation)


●​ Adaptation = adjusting to the effects (e.g., sea walls, drought-resistant crops)

International Agreements:

●​ Kyoto Protocol (1997): First major attempt, legally binding targets (developed
countries)
●​ Paris Agreement (2015): Global commitment to keep warming “well below 2°C,” ideally
1.5°C

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