Scribd
Upload
63 views2 pages

Climate Change

Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Evidence shows a rise in global temperatures, leading to environmental changes like melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and increased extreme weather events, which threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Addressing climate change requires both mitigation strategies to reduce emissions and adaptation strategies to cope with its effects, necessitating global cooperation and innovative solutions.

Uploaded by

andrie.abejo
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
63 views2 pages

Climate Change

Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Evidence shows a rise in global temperatures, leading to environmental changes like melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and increased extreme weather events, which threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Addressing climate change requires both mitigation strategies to reduce emissions and adaptation strategies to cope with its effects, necessitating global cooperation and innovative solutions.

Uploaded by

andrie.abejo
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

Earth’s climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical
weather patterns in a place. While Earth has experienced natural climate shifts over
millions of years due to factors like volcanic eruptions and changes in solar radiation,
the current phase of climate change is primarily caused by human activities. Chief
among these is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which
releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. Deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices also
contribute significantly by releasing methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), further
intensifying the greenhouse effect.

The evidence for climate change is widespread and compelling. Global temperatures
have risen by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century, leading to noticeable
environmental changes. Ice caps and glaciers are melting, contributing to rising sea
levels, while oceans are becoming warmer and more acidic due to the absorption of
CO₂. These changes are fueling more frequent and intense extreme weather events,
such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes, which pose serious risks to both
natural ecosystems and human societies.

The impacts of climate change are far-reaching. Ecosystems are being disrupted,
causing shifts in species distribution and an increase in extinction rates. Agriculture is
under pressure, particularly in vulnerable regions, as changing rainfall patterns and
extreme weather reduce crop yields and threaten food security. Human health is also at
risk due to increased exposure to heat-related illnesses, malnutrition, and the spread of
diseases. Economically, climate change leads to greater damage to infrastructure and
increased costs for disaster response and recovery. Additionally, resource scarcity
caused by climate shifts may drive migration and contribute to social and political
conflicts.

Addressing climate change requires a two-pronged approach: mitigation and


adaptation. Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the
adoption of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power;
enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry; protecting and
restoring forests; and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms. Global agreements,
such as the Paris Agreement, aim to unite nations in the goal of limiting global warming
to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Adaptation strategies are also essential to cope with the inevitable effects of climate
change. These include building climate-resilient infrastructure, improving water
management systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and preparing communities
for extreme weather events. While the challenges posed by climate change are
significant, they are not insurmountable. Through global cooperation, innovative
technologies, sound policies, and individual action, it is possible to build a more
sustainable and resilient future for all.

You might also like