CAUSE AND EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate Change Overview

  • Climate change is a significant alteration in weather patterns over a long period.

  • It is a natural phenomenon that has existed since the Earth's formation.

Definition of Climate Change

  • A change in the typical weather of a specific area or region.

Global Warming

  • Definition: Long-term increase in Earth's average temperature.

  • Describes the overall warming trend of the planet.

Causes of Global Warming

  • Primary Contributors:

    • Greenhouse effect

    • Burning of fossil fuels

    • Intensive farming practices

    • Deforestation

    • Human activities

Greenhouse Effect

  • Heat from the sun is absorbed by greenhouse gases and not reflected back into space.

  • Important greenhouse gases include:

    • Carbon dioxide (CO2)

    • Methane (CH4)

    • Nitrous oxide (N2O)

    • Water vapor

    • Fluorinated gases (synthetic)

Albedo Effect

  • Ice sheets reflect solar energy more efficiently than non-iced areas.

  • Albedo is the fraction of solar energy reflected back into space.

Carbon Footprints

  • Definition: Amount of CO2 emissions related to the actions of an individual or organization.

Ecological Footprint

  • Measures resource use against Earth's capacity for regeneration.

Specific Causes of Global Warming

  1. Burning Fossil Fuels: Releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

  2. Intensive Farming and Livestock Raising: Contributes to methane emissions.

  3. Deforestation: Reduces the planet's capacity to absorb CO2.

  4. Human Activities: Industrial processes and urbanization lead to increased emissions.

Effects of Climate Change

  • Impacts include:

    • Human health issues

    • Changes in animal habitats

    • Altered precipitation patterns

    • Melting of glaciers

    • Effects on plant life

Human Health

  • Climate change poses risks to human health through increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from air quality deterioration, and disease exposure.

Animals

  • Climate change affects animal habitats through loss of biodiversity and alteration of migratory patterns.

Plants

  • Plants face challenges due to changing climatic conditions, affecting growth and distribution.

Melting of Glaciers

  • Contributes to rising sea levels and increased coastal erosion.

Rising Sea Levels

  • Leads to storm surges and impacts coastal communities.

Changes in Precipitation Patterns

  • Altering water availability, impacting agriculture, and fresh water sources.

Conclusion

  • Climate change encompasses various interlinked phenomena requiring global cooperation and action to mitigate its effects.