Climate
change
Introduction
• Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature,
precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth.
The first prominent individual
advocate for climate change
was Svante Arrhenius, a
Swedish scientist who, in 1896,
published one of the earliest
studies on the greenhouse
effect. Arrhenius's work
suggested that increasing levels
of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the
atmosphere could lead to global
warming.
The first major international climate change meeting was the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) 1, held in Berlin,
Germany, in March 1995. This conference was significant because it marked the beginning of the
formal, ongoing process of international climate negotiations under the UNFCCC framework. The
conference was attended by representatives from 161 countries. Neplal also participated at that time.
Cause of climate change
Human natural
• Greenhouse gas emission • Volcanic Eruptions
• Deforestation • Solar Variations
• Industrial activities • Ocean Currents and Natural
• Land use changes Climate Variability
• Agriculture practices
• Waste management
• Energy production
Green house gas
emission
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions refer to the release of certain gases into the atmosphere that trap heat
and contribute to the greenhouse effect, which is a key driver of climate change. These gases absorb and
emit infrared radiation, leading to a warming of the Earth's surface. The primary greenhouse gases include :
Key Greenhouse
Gases
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy and transportation is the largest source of CO₂
emissions. Deforestation also contributes to higher CO₂ levels because trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Methane (CH₄)
Methane emissions come from agricultural activities (especially livestock digestion and manure management), landfills, and the extraction and
transport of fossil fuels (natural gas and oil).
Nitrous Oxide
(N₂O)
his gas is released from agricultural activities,
particularly from the use of synthetic
fertilizers, and from industrial processes.
Graph of greenhouse gas
emission after word war-ii
• The graph of greenhouse gas emissions from after World War II shows
a significant increase in atmospheric concentrations of key
greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄),
and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Here’s a general overview of what this graph
would illustrate:
Deforestation
Clearing forests for agriculture, logging, or
urban development reduces the number of
trees that can absorb CO₂. Deforestation also
releases stored carbon in trees into the
atmosphere as CO₂. According to the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations, global deforestation rates
have fluctuated over the years. For example,
the FAO's Global Forest Resources
Assessment (FRA) 2020 reported that,
between 2015 and 2020, the world lost
approximately 10 million hectares (about
24.7 million acres) of forest per year. This
figure includes both tropical and non-tropical
forests.
Industrial
Activities
Many industrial processes release
greenhouse gases either directly or through
the energy they consume. This includes
emissions from cement production, chemical
manufacturing, and metal smelting.
Land Use
Changes
In addition to deforestation, land use
changes such as urbanization and
conversion of natural landscapes into
agricultural fields can affect the
natural carbon cycle and contribute to
climate change.
Agricultural
Practices
Agriculture contributes to
climate change through
methane emissions from
enteric fermentation in
ruminant animals, nitrous
oxide from fertilized soils, and
CO₂ from land-use changes
and deforestation.
Waste
Management
Landfills produce methane as organic waste
decomposes. Inadequate waste management
and improper disposal of waste can
exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Production
he combustion of fossil fuels for electricity
and heat is a major source of greenhouse gas
emissions. The energy sector's reliance on
coal, oil, and natural gas contributes
significantly to climate change.
Natural Causes (Less
Significant in Recent
Times)
Volcanic Eruptions: V
Volcanic eruptions release CO₂ and other
greenhouse gases. However, their impact on
long-term climate trends is relatively small
compared to human activities.
Solar Variations
Changes in solar radiation can influence the
Earth's climate, but current climate change is
primarily driven by human factors rather
than natural solar cycles.
Ocean Currents and Natural
Climate Variability:
Natural climate variability, such as El Niño and La Niña events, can affect global temperatures, but these
are superimposed on the broader trend of human-induced climate change.
Effect of climate change
• Environmental Effects
• Ecosystem and Biodiversity Effects
• Human Health Effects
• Economic Effects
• Social and Political Effects
Environmental Effects
• Temperature Rise: Increased global temperatures lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, altering
weather patterns and increasing the risk of wildfires.
• Melting Ice: Glaciers and polar ice caps are melting at accelerated rates, contributing to rising sea levels and
affecting freshwater availability.
• Sea Level Rise: The expansion of seawater due to warming and the melting of ice contribute to rising sea
levels, threatening coastal communities with flooding and erosion.
• Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ levels lead to higher concentrations of carbonic acid in oceans, harming
marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, like corals and shellfish.
Ecosystem and Biodiversity
Effects
• Habitat Loss: Changing climate conditions alter or destroy
habitats, leading to shifts in species distributions and the risk
of extinction for many plants and animals.
• Shifts in Species: Many species are migrating toward cooler
areas, such as higher elevations or latitudes, affecting
ecosystem dynamics and food webs.
• Coral Bleaching: Higher sea temperatures lead to coral
bleaching, where corals expel the symbiotic algae they rely
on, causing widespread coral reef damage.
Human Health Effects
• Heat-Related Illnesses: Increased temperatures can lead to heat-
related illnesses and exacerbate conditions like cardiovascular and
respiratory diseases.
• Vector-Borne Diseases: Changes in climate can expand the range of
vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as
malaria and dengue fever.
• Food and Water Security: Climate change affects agricultural yields
and water availability, potentially leading to food shortages and
malnutrition, especially in vulnerable regions.
Economic Effects
• Agricultural Impact: Altered weather patterns and extreme weather
events can reduce crop yields, disrupt food supply chains, and
increase food prices.
• Infrastructure Damage: Rising sea levels, flooding, and increased
frequency of extreme weather events can damage infrastructure,
leading to costly repairs and economic losses.
• Energy Demand: Changes in temperature can affect energy demand,
with increased cooling needs during heatwaves and potential changes
in heating needs in colder regions.
Social and Political Effects
• Displacement and Migration: Rising sea levels, extreme weather
events, and degraded livelihoods can lead to displacement and
migration, creating climate refugees and increasing pressure on cities
and countries.
• Conflicts: Resource scarcity (such as water and arable land) exacerbated
by climate change can lead to conflicts within and between countries.
• Inequality: Climate change disproportionately affects low-income
communities and developing nations, exacerbating existing inequalities
and leading to challenges in addressing adaptation and mitigation.
Solution of climate change
• Mitigation Strategies
• Adaptation Strategies
• Personal Actions
Adaptation Strategies
Infrastructure Resilience
• Build and retrofit infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events
and rising sea levels.
Disaster Preparedness:.
• Develop and implement plans to prepare for and respond to natural
disasters exacerbated by climate change.
Water Management
• Improve water conservation, management, and infrastructure to deal
with changing precipitation patterns and increased droughts.
Agricultural Adaptation
• : Develop and use crop varieties that are more resilient to changing
climate conditions, and adjust farming practices accordingly.
Community Education and
Engagement
• Increase public awareness about climate change impacts and
encourage community-based adaptation measures.
Mitigation Strategies
Transition to Renewable Energy
• Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like
wind, solar, and hydropower to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Energy Efficiency
• Improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry.
This includes better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and
electric vehicles.
Sustainable Agriculture
• Adopt practices that reduce emissions, such as improved
crop management, reduced use of synthetic fertilizers, and
methane recovery from livestock.
Reforestation and Afforestation
• Plant trees and restore forests to absorb CO2 from the
atmosphere and enhance biodiversity.
Climate Policies and
Agreements
• Support and implement international agreements like the Paris
Agreement, and enforce policies that limit carbon emissions and
promote sustainable development.
Innovation and Technology
• Invest in research and development of new
technologies that reduce carbon footprints
and improve energy efficiency.
Personal Actions
Personal Actions
• Reduce Energy Consumption
• Opt for Renewable Energy
• Transportation Choices
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Conserve Resources
• Support Climate Initiatives
• Educate and Inspire Others
Reduce Energy Consumption
• Switch to LED Bulbs: They use less energy and last longer than
incandescent bulbs.
• Unplug Devices: Unplug electronics when not in use to prevent
"phantom" energy consumption.
• Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Opt for appliances with high Energy
Star ratings.
Opt for Renewable Energy
•Choose Green Energy: If available, select a green energy plan from your utility provider.
•Solar Panels: If feasible, invest in solar panels for your home to generate renewable energy. Install
Transportation Choices
•Use Public Transit: Reduce your carbon footprint by taking buses, trains, or subways instead of driving.
•Carpool or Share Rides: Share rides with others to decrease the number of vehicles on the road.
•Switch to an Electric Vehicle (EV): Consider EVs or hybrid vehicles to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
•Bike or Walk: For short trips, opt for biking or walking instead of driving
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Minimize Waste: Reduce single-use items and avoid unnecessary
packaging.
• Recycle Properly: Sort and recycle paper, plastics, glass, and metals
according to your local guidelines.
• Reuse Items: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Conserve Resources
• Opt for Digital: Choose digital options over physical ones for things
like bills, books, and magazines to reduce paper use.
• Buy Eco-Friendly Products: Support products made from sustainable
materials and those that are designed to be recycled or composted.
Support Climate Initiatives
• Advocate for Change: Support and vote for policies and leaders that
prioritize climate action.
• Participate in Local Projects: Engage in or support local environmental and
sustainability projects, like community clean-ups or tree planting events.
• Advocate for Change: Support and vote for policies and leaders that
prioritize climate action.
• Participate in Local Projects: Engage in or support local environmental and
sustainability projects, like community clean-ups or tree planting
events.
Educate and Inspire Others
• Share Knowledge: Educate friends and family about climate change
and sustainable practices.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate sustainable behaviors and encourage
others to follow suit.
