Climate Change

Climate Change refers to significant alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth’s climate system over extended periods, typically decades to millions of years. It is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, which increase the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and resulting in various environmental impacts.

Consequences of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events (such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods), shifts in ecosystems and wildlife populations, and significant effects on agriculture and food security. The term also encompasses efforts to mitigate and adapt to these changes, including policies aimed at reducing GHG emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Overall, climate change is a critical global challenge that necessitates collective action to address its causes and effects.