Overview #
Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of Earth’s climate systems, primarily caused by human activity. It encompasses rising global temperatures, shifting weather patterns, melting ice sheets, sea level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Scientists overwhelmingly agree that climate change poses one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, threatening ecosystems, economies, and human wellbeing worldwide.
Causes #
Greenhouse Gases #
Climate change is driven largely by the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, which trap heat and disrupt Earth’s natural energy balance.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Mainly from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
- Methane (CH₄): From agriculture, livestock, and fossil fuel extraction.
- Nitrous oxide (N₂O): From fertilizers and industrial processes.
- Fluorinated gases: Synthetic gases used in industry, though less abundant, are highly potent.
Human Activity #
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has dramatically accelerated emissions through:
- Energy production and consumption.
- Transportation (cars, ships, planes).
- Deforestation and land use changes.
- Industrial agriculture.
History & Scientific Consensus #
Early scientists such as Svante Arrhenius (1896) first described the greenhouse effect. By the late 20th century, data from ice cores, satellites, and climate models confirmed the link between human activity and global warming.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established in 1988, synthesizes global research and has consistently concluded that human influence is the dominant cause of recent warming. Today, over 97% of climate scientists agree on the reality and causes of climate change.
Current Trends & Data #
- Global average temperatures have risen by ~1.1°C since pre-industrial levels (1850–1900).
- The last eight years have been the hottest on record (as of 2024).
- Sea levels have risen ~20 cm since 1900, accelerating in recent decades.
- Arctic sea ice has declined by ~40% since 1979.
- Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe.
Impacts #
Environmental #
- Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem collapse.
- Ocean acidification harming coral reefs and marine life.
- Shifts in habitats and migration patterns.
Social & Economic #
- Food insecurity due to crop failures.
- Rising health risks from heatwaves, disease spread, and poor air quality.
- Damage to infrastructure and housing from extreme weather.
Climate Justice & Inequalities #
The impacts of climate change are unevenly distributed:
- Low-income communities and Global South nations face the worst consequences despite contributing the least to emissions.
- Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected.
- Climate change intersects with inequality, human rights, and migration.
Solutions & Responses #
Policy & Governance #
- Paris Agreement (2015): A global framework to limit warming to “well below 2°C” and aim for 1.5°C.
- National and regional climate laws, emissions trading schemes, and adaptation plans.
Technology & Innovation #
- Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal).
- Energy efficiency in buildings and transport.
- Emerging solutions like carbon capture, sustainable agriculture, and regenerative design.
Community & Grassroots Action #
- Local adaptation strategies (e.g., community-led reforestation).
- Climate activism and youth movements (e.g., Fridays for Future).
- Cooperative models for energy and land management.
Related Issues #
Climate change intersects with:
- Biodiversity loss (extinction and ecosystem collapse).
- Energy transitions (moving from fossil fuels to renewables).
- Inequality and human rights (climate justice, displacement).
- Public health (heat stress, disease spread, nutrition).
Further Reading #
- IPCC Assessment Reports (regular comprehensive reviews of climate science).
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Project Drawdown – catalog of climate solutions.
- Books: The Uninhabitable Earth (David Wallace-Wells), This Changes Everything (Naomi Klein), All We Can Save (Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine Wilkinson).
