Climate Change 101
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. While climate fluctuations have occurred naturally for millions of years, human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—have significantly accelerated changes in the Earth’s climate.
There is unequivocal evidence the earth is warming at an unprecedented rate. While Earth’s climate has changed throughout its history, the current warming is happening at a rate not seen in the past 10,000 years. Nearly 100 percent of climate scientists agree that the earth is warming due to human activity.
Causes of Climate Change
The primary driver of modern climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These gasses trap heat, leading to a warming planet. The key sources of GHG emissions include:
- Burning Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas release carbon dioxide (CO₂) when burned for energy.
- Deforestation: Trees absorb CO₂, and when forests are cleared, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere
- Agriculture and Livestock: Methane from cattle and rice paddies, along with nitrous oxide from fertilizers, contribute to warming.
- Industrial Processes: Manufacturing and chemical production release various heat-trapping gases.
The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate Earth’s temperature, making the planet habitable. When sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, some of it is absorbed, warming the land and oceans, while the rest is reflected back into space. Green house gases—such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide—trap some of this outgoing heat, preventing it from escaping too quickly.
As noted, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, intensifying this effect and causing global temperatures to rise.
This enhanced greenhouse effect is responsible for many of the climate changes we see today, including rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. Scientists warn that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate, the impacts of climate change will become even more severe in the coming decades.
Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change affects ecosystems, economies, and human health. Some of the most pressing consequences include:
- Rising Temperatures: Increased heat waves can cause health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Coastal cities face more frequent flooding.
- Extreme Weather: Stronger storms, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable precipitation patterns disrupt agriculture and infrastructure.
- Ecosystem Disruptions: Shifts in plant and animal habitats threaten biodiversity and food security.
- Human Health Risks: Poor air quality and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and Lyme disease.
Climate Change Indicators
The Earth's climate is changing in noticeable ways—temperatures are climbing, precipitation patterns are shifting, and extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy storms are happening more often. Scientists have found strong links between these trends and the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. By analyzing climate data from across the globe, researchers continue to track these changes and their growing impact on communities and ecosystems.
Scientists have been studying the Earth’s climate for decades, using satellite data, ice cores, and temperature records. Evidence shows that:
- Global temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C (2.2°F) since the pre-industrial era (1850-1900). (UnitedNations)
- The past decade has been the hottest on record.
- Ocean temperatures are increasing, and oceans are becoming more acidic from the excess CO2
- Sea levels are rising, threatening coastal ecosystems and communities.
- Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and intense.
- More frequent droughts threaten agriculture, wildlife, and freshwater supplies.
- Shifts in our ecosystems, such as the length and timing of growing seasons and variations in migration patterns.
What Can Be Done?
While climate change presents significant challenges, solutions exist to mitigate its effects and adapt to a changing world:
- Transition to Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
- Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption through better technology, improved infrastructure, and lifestyle changes.
- Protecting and Restoring Ecosystems: Forest conservation, reforestation, and sustainable land management absorb CO₂ and protect biodiversity.
- Sustainable Transportation: Expanding public transit, electrifying vehicles, and promoting cycling and walking can cut emissions.
- Policy and Advocacy: Governments, businesses, and individuals must push for strong climate policies, carbon pricing, and international agreements like the Paris Accord.
The Role of Individuals
Everyone can contribute to the fight against climate change by:
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling
- Donating to climate change organizations
- Volunteering for environmental groups to help spread awareness
- Shopping responsible, including using sustainable products
- Reduce your carbon footprint, including your energy use and transportation
- Eating a more plant-based diet and reducing food waste.
- Supporting climate-conscious businesses and policies.
- Getting involved in community actions and climate advocacy groups.
Conclusion
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, but solutions exist. Through collective action, innovation, and policy changes, we can work toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Educating yourself and others is the first step—let’s take action together!
For more information
Climate Change Facts from the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Videos on Climate Change by How Global Warming Works
Climate Change Indicators by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency