Here is a 1500-word composition on “Climate Change”,

covering its causes, impacts, evidence, global and Indian

perspectives, efforts to combat it, and future outlook:

Climate Change: A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent

Action
Introduction
Climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is an
unfolding global emergency. Characterized by rising
temperatures, melting glaciers, frequent extreme
weather events, and shifting ecosystems, climate change
poses one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever
faced. Scientists, policymakers, and citizens around the
world agree: the Earth’s climate is changing rapidly, and
human activities are primarily responsible.
This essay aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of climate change, its causes,
consequences, global and national responses, and what
individuals and societies can do to mitigate its impacts.
1. What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature,
precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of the
Earth’s climate system. While the Earth’s climate has
changed naturally over geological timescales, the term
“climate change” today largely refers to man-made
(anthropogenic) changes occurring since the industrial
revolution.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
defines climate change as a statistically significant
variation in the mean state of the climate that persists
for decades or longer. The current crisis is mainly due to
an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

2. Causes of Climate Change

A. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The main driver of current climate change is the
greenhouse effect, caused by the accumulation of gases
like:
  Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – from burning fossil fuels
(coal, oil, natural gas)
 Methane (CH₄) – from agriculture, livestock, and
landfills
 Nitrous oxide (N₂O) – from fertilizers and industrial
activities
 Fluorinated gases – from industrial processes and
refrigeration
These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere,
preventing it from escaping into space.
B. Deforestation
Trees absorb carbon dioxide. Cutting down forests
reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb GHGs and also
releases stored carbon.
C. Industrialization and Urbanization
Rapid industrial growth has increased emissions, while
urban sprawl has led to habitat destruction, reduced
green cover, and heat islands.
D. Agriculture and Livestock
Agriculture contributes to emissions through methane
from cattle, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and land-use
change.

3. Evidence of Climate Change

The evidence supporting climate change is vast and
compelling:
 Global Temperature Rise: Earth's average surface
temperature has risen by about 1.1°C since the late
19th century.
 Shrinking Ice Sheets: Greenland and Antarctic ice
sheets are losing mass.
 Glacier Retreat: Glaciers around the world are
retreating rapidly.
 Sea Level Rise: Global sea levels have risen about 8
inches (20 cm) in the past century.
 Extreme Weather Events: Heatwaves, floods,
cyclones, and droughts have increased in frequency
and intensity.
  Ocean Warming and Acidification: The oceans have
absorbed much of the increased heat, and CO₂
absorption is making them more acidic, threatening
marine life.

4. Impacts of Climate Change

A. Environmental Impacts
 Loss of Biodiversity: Many species face extinction
due to habitat loss and changing ecosystems.
 Coral Bleaching: Rising ocean temperatures are
causing coral reefs to bleach and die.
 Melting Glaciers and Polar Ice: Resulting in rising sea
levels and disrupting polar ecosystems.
 Changing Weather Patterns: Unpredictable rainfall,
heatwaves, and stronger hurricanes.
B. Economic Impacts
 Agricultural Disruption: Unpredictable weather
affects crop yields, threatening food security.
  Increased Natural Disasters: Floods and droughts
damage infrastructure, reduce productivity, and
increase recovery costs.
 Energy Demands: Rising temperatures increase
demand for cooling, straining energy grids.
C. Social and Health Impacts
 Health Risks: Increased heatwaves, vector-borne
diseases (like malaria, dengue), and respiratory
problems from pollution.
 Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns affect
freshwater availability.
 Climate Refugees: People are forced to migrate due
to sea-level rise and disasters.
 Inequality: Developing countries and vulnerable
populations suffer the most, despite contributing
least to the crisis.

5. Global Response to Climate Change

A. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC)
Established in 1992, the UNFCCC provides the platform
for international climate negotiations.
B. The Paris Agreement (2015)
A landmark international treaty where 195 countries
agreed to:
 Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C,
preferably 1.5°C.
 Achieve net-zero emissions by the second half of the
century.
 Submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
to reduce emissions.
C. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The IPCC provides scientific assessments that guide
climate action. Its 6th Assessment Report warns of “code
red for humanity” if drastic actions are not taken.
D. Global Climate Movements
Movements like Fridays for Future, led by youth activist
Greta Thunberg, and global events like Earth Hour have
brought climate consciousness to the forefront.
6. India and Climate Change
A. India’s Vulnerability
India is among the most climate-vulnerable countries
due to:
 A long coastline and low-lying areas (susceptible to
sea-level rise)
 Dependence on monsoons for agriculture
 Dense population and urban stress
B. Impact on India
 Increased heatwaves, particularly in North India
 Unpredictable monsoons affecting crops
 Flooding in states like Kerala and Assam
 Water crises in cities like Chennai
 Glacial melting in the Himalayas, leading to flash
floods
C. India’s Response
 International Commitments:
 o Under the Paris Agreement, India pledged to
reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–
35% by 2030.
o Commit to 50% electricity capacity from non-
fossil sources.
o Net-zero by 2070 (announced at COP26 in
Glasgow).
 Domestic Initiatives:
o National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC): Covers solar energy, energy efficiency,
water conservation, etc.
o International Solar Alliance (ISA): Led by India
to promote solar energy globally.
o Faster adoption of electric vehicles, green
buildings, and smart cities.
o Afforestation drives, including programs like
Compensatory Afforestation.
Despite these, India faces challenges of balancing
development needs with environmental sustainability.
7. Obstacles to Climate Action
A. Economic Dependence on Fossil Fuels
Many economies, including India’s, still depend on coal,
oil, and gas for power and employment.
B. Global Inequality
Developing countries argue that developed nations have
historically caused most emissions and should bear the
greater responsibility and cost.
C. Political Will
Climate policies often clash with short-term political and
economic interests.
D. Misinformation and Denial
In some countries, climate denial still delays serious
action.
E. Lack of Public Awareness
In many places, people remain unaware of the
seriousness or connection between their actions and
climate change.
8. The Role of Individuals and Communities
While governments and industries must lead, individual
and community action is crucial.
What Can Individuals Do?
 Reduce energy consumption – use LED lights,
unplug devices, adopt solar energy
 Switch to public transport, carpool, or cycle
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – minimize waste
generation
 Eat sustainably – reduce food waste and consume
more plant-based foods
 Plant trees and protect green spaces
 Raise awareness and support climate education
 Support green policies and leaders
Climate literacy is key. An informed public can push for
stronger policies and responsible behavior.

9. The Future of Climate Action

A. Technology and Innovation
 Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
 Green hydrogen
 Smart grids and electric vehicles
 Climate-resilient crops
B. Climate Justice
Ensure that vulnerable and indigenous communities are
protected and included in planning and decision-making.
C. Youth Leadership
Young people are emerging as powerful voices for
climate action, driving innovation, activism, and change.
D. International Cooperation
Climate change doesn’t respect borders. Nations must
collaborate, share technology, and support climate
finance for poorer countries.

Conclusion
Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is
an economic, social, and ethical one. The science is clear,
the evidence is overwhelming, and the time to act is
now. Every year of delay increases risks for future
generations and makes adaptation more expensive and
difficult.
As the famous proverb goes:
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we
borrow it from our children.”
Combating climate change requires collective will,
courageous leadership, and global solidarity. If
humanity is to thrive, not merely survive, it must rise to
this defining challenge with urgency, empathy, and
responsibility.