The Planet’s Breaking Point: Confronting

Climate Change Now

SUBMITTED BY:

MARK JARELL B. COMBE

II- SIMPLISITY

SUBMITTED TO:

JO- ANN F. GOMEZ

Introduction:

Climate change is generally defined as a significant variation of average weather conditions—say,

conditions becoming warmer, wetter, or drier—over several decades or more. It’s the longer-term trend that
differentiates climate change from natural weather variability.

Record floods. Raging storms. Deadly heat. Climate change manifests itself in myriad ways and is
experienced by every living being, although not equally. Throughout the world, the economically
disadvantaged and people of color—those who have contributed the very least to the root causes of climate
change—are the most likely to suffer from its worst impacts. Here are the basics on what causes climate
change, how it’s affecting the planet and its people, and what we can do about it and also it refers to long-
term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric patterns over extended periods of time. It is
primarily driven by human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide. Over the past century, industrialization, deforestation, and the burning of fossil
fuels have significantly accelerated the rate of climate change, leading to rising global temperatures, more
frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. The implications of climate change are far-
reaching, affecting every facet of life on Earth, from agriculture to biodiversity, to human health and economies.
This paper explores the causes, effects, and potential solutions to the global climate crisis, with a focus on its
social, economic, and environmental consequences.

Body:

1. Causes of Climate Change:

The mechanics of the earth’s climate system are simple. When energy from the sun is reflected off the earth
and back into space (mostly by clouds and ice), or when the earth’s atmosphere releases energy, the planet
cools. When the earth absorbs the sun’s energy, or when atmospheric gases prevent heat released by the
earth from radiating into space (the greenhouse effect), the planet warms. A variety of factors, both natural
and human, can influence the earth’s climate system.

The primary driver of climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap
heat and prevent it from escaping into space, leading to a warming effect known as the "greenhouse effect." The
main contributors to this phenomenon include:

Burning of fossil fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and
transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions.
Deforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and cutting them down reduces the Earth's capacity to filter
out greenhouse gases.
 Industrial processes: Cement manufacturing, chemical production, and other industrial activities release a
variety of pollutants into the air.
Agriculture: Livestock farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and the use of synthetic
fertilizers releases nitrous oxide.

2. Effects of Climate Change:

The consequences of climate change are already being observed globally and are expected to worsen if current
trends continue:

Rising temperatures: Global temperatures have already increased by approximately 1.2°C since the late
19th century, leading to hotter summers, milder winters, and disruptions in weather patterns.
Extreme weather events: Climate change has contributed to the intensification of storms, floods,
heatwaves, and droughts. Regions that are already vulnerable to these events are experiencing more
frequent and severe occurrences.
Sea-level rise: The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, along with the thermal expansion of seawater,
is contributing to rising sea levels, threatening low-lying coastal areas and islands.
Loss of biodiversity: Changing climates force species to adapt, migrate, or face extinction. Habitats
such as coral reefs, forests, and wetlands are especially at risk.
Impact on human health: Climate change has a direct impact on public health, contributing to the
spread of infectious diseases, food and water scarcity, heat stress, and respiratory problems due to air
pollution.

3. Solutions to Climate Change:

Several strategies are being discussed and implemented to combat climate change, including:

Renewable energy sources: Transitioning from fossil fuels to solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal
energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries can reduce
the demand for fossil fuels and lower emissions.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS): This technology involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions
from power plants and other industrial sources and storing them underground to prevent them from entering
the atmosphere.
Reforestation and afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can enhance carbon sequestration,
as trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Policy measures and international agreements: Global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement aim to
limit global warming to below 2°C, with governments committing to reduce emissions through national
policies and international cooperation.

Conclusion:

Climate change represents one of the most urgent challenges of the 21st century, with its widespread effects on
ecosystems, human societies, and the global economy. Although significant progress has been made in
understanding its causes and effects, much work remains to be done to mitigate its impact and build a
sustainable future. Addressing climate change requires collective action on a global scale, involving
governments, businesses, and individuals. Only through bold policies, innovative technologies, and changes in
consumption patterns can we hope to limit the worst consequences of climate change and ensure a livable
planet for future generations.

Recommendations:

1. Strengthen global cooperation: Governments should uphold international climate agreements and
increase financial and technical support to developing countries for climate adaptation and mitigation.
2. Invest in renewable energy infrastructure: Nations must prioritize investments in clean energy
technologies and energy efficiency programs to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Implement carbon pricing: The adoption of carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems can create economic
incentives for businesses to reduce emissions and transition to sustainable practices.
4. Encourage sustainable agriculture and land use practices: Farmers should be incentivized to adopt
climate-smart practices such as agroforestry, reduced tillage, and organic farming.
5. Promote climate education and awareness: Governments, educational institutions, and NGOs should
work together to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts, encouraging individuals to reduce
their carbon footprint.

References:

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report: The Physical
Science Basis. Cambridge University Press.
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (2023). Climate Change: How Do We Know?
NASA’s Global Climate Change Website.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Climate Change and Health. WHO Publications.
4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2015). The Paris Agreement.
UNFCCC Website.
5. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). World Energy Outlook 2023. IEA Publications.