climate change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and average temperatures on Earth. It is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) and deforestation. These activities release large amounts of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and preventing it from escaping back into space. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. However, the excessive release of greenhouse gases from human activities has intensified the greenhouse effect, leading to a significant increase in global temperatures over the past century.

The consequences of climate change are wide-ranging and include rising global temperatures, melting ice caps and glaciers, sea-level rise, more frequent and intense extreme weather events (such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves), altered rainfall patterns, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss.

These changes have profound impacts on natural ecosystems, human societies, and economies. They can lead to food and water scarcity, displacement of populations, increased health risks, economic disruptions, and loss of biodiversity. Climate change also exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities, as vulnerable communities are often the most affected.

Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable and clean energy sources, promote sustainable land and forest management, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and foster sustainable development practices. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement are international efforts aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.