Climate Change

Quaternary period

The last 2.6 million years during which the climate has fluctuated between glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) periods.

Holocene epoch

The current geological epoch that began approximately 10,000 years ago, characterized by a warming climate.

Ice cores

Cylindrical samples from ice sheets that contain trapped gases showing historic CO₂ levels.

Tree rings

Annual growth rings in trees where wider rings indicate warmer, wetter years.

Historical records

Documents such as diaries, harvest dates, and paintings used to study past climate change.

Orbital changes

Variations in Earth's orbit (Milankovitch cycles) that affect solar radiation and climate.

Volcanic activity

Eruptions that release ash and gases, blocking sunlight and causing temporary cooling.

Solar output

Changes in sunspot activity that alter Earth's temperature.

Fossil fuels

Natural fuels such as coal, oil, and gas that release CO₂ when burned.

Agriculture

Farming practices that contribute to climate change, including methane emissions from cows and rice paddies.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests that reduces CO₂ absorption, increasing greenhouse gases.

Heatwaves

Prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that pose health risks, exemplified by the Europe 2003 heatwave.

Rising sea levels

Increases in ocean levels that lead to flooding and loss of homes, as seen in the Maldives.

Melting ice

The reduction of ice cover that results in habitat loss for polar species.

Coral bleaching

The loss of color in corals due to stress factors, leading to the destruction of marine ecosystems.

Alternative energy production

Generating energy from renewable sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Technology that removes CO₂ from emissions and stores it underground.

Planting trees

An action that increases CO₂ absorption to mitigate climate change.

International agreements

Global accords such as the Paris Agreement (2015) aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Agricultural changes

Adjustments in farming practices such as growing drought-resistant crops and changing planting dates.

Water supply management

Strategies to improve water efficiency and build reservoirs to cope with climate change.

Managing rising sea levels

Actions such as building flood defenses, relocating communities, and restoring mangroves.