What is climate change, and what are its impacts?

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a long-term alteration in the Earth’s average weather patterns, usually resulting from human activities. This phenomenon involves changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climate indicators that occur over several decades or longer.

Causes of Climate Change

The primary cause of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and cause the Earth’s surface to warm up, leading to a wide range of environmental impacts.

Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change has a variety of impacts on the natural world, as well as on human societies. Some of the most significant impacts include:

• Rising sea levels, which threaten to flood coastal communities and cause erosion
• Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires
• Changes in the distribution and behavior of plant and animal species, leading to widespread biodiversity loss
• More frequent and severe heatwaves, leading to health problems and deaths
• Reduced availability of freshwater resources, leading to water scarcity and conflicts
• Food insecurity, as changing climate conditions affect crop yields and fish stocks

Overall, climate change represents one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, and urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate its impacts.