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.