Climate change refers to long-term alterations in the average weather patterns and temperatures on Earth. It is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, creating a "greenhouse effect" that leads to a gradual increase in global temperatures. Here are some key aspects of climate change:
Greenhouse Effect: The Earth's atmosphere naturally contains greenhouse gases that trap some of the sun's energy and keep the planet warm enough to support life. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect is causing the Earth's temperature to rise, leading to global warming.
Global Warming: The term "global warming" is often used interchangeably with climate change, but it specifically refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature. This warming can have a wide range of environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires. These events can have devastating consequences for ecosystems, communities, and economies.
Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Higher temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels. Rising sea levels can lead to coastal erosion, increased flooding, and the displacement of coastal communities.
Ocean Acidification: The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans is leading to ocean acidification, which can harm marine life, including coral reefs and shellfish.
Biodiversity Loss: Climate change can disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity as some species struggle to adapt or migrate to more suitable habitats.
Health Impacts: Climate change can also affect human health through various mechanisms, including heat-related illnesses, the spread of diseases carried by vectors like mosquitoes, and the disruption of food and water supplies.
Mitigation and Adaptation: To address climate change, efforts are being made to mitigate its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through measures like transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing policies to limit emissions. Adaptation strategies involve preparing for and coping with the changes that are already occurring or expected to occur.
International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in the fight against climate change by setting targets for emissions reduction and promoting global cooperation to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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