E3S Web of Conferences 606, 03007 (2025) https://doi.org/10.
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Study on current climate change issues and
response strategies
Jiayu Li1*, Chongshuo Tao2, and Yixian Zhang3
1Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology,
210044 Nanjing, China
2Wuhan Experimental school, 430014 Wuhan, China
3
Griggs International Academy, 215300 Suzhou, China
Abstract. Today, human activities are generating massive emissions of
greenhouse gases, intensifying the issue of global climate change. This paper
provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation, impacts, and response
strategies related to climate change. It also discusses the influences of climate
change on agricultural production, socio-economic systems, and human health.
Global warming, primarily caused by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions,
has intensified due to feedback effects. Frequent extreme weather events and
significant changes in ecosystems have profoundly affected agricultural
production, socio-economic systems, and human health. To tackle climate
change, mitigation and adaptation approaches are suggested, including the
development of clean energy, ecosystem conservation, technological innovation,
and policy support. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and
points out that enhancing public education and participation is key to addressing
climate change. In the future, global attention to and research on climate change
must be continuously strengthened, and response strategies need to be constantly
improved. Nations should further increase their investments in clean energy
development, ecosystem protection, and technological innovation, faithfully
fulfil international cooperation agreements, and jointly work to slow down the
pace of climate change.
1 Introduction
In the current global environmental context, climate change has emerged as one of the paramount
challenges confronting humanity. With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization and
the increasing frequency of human activities, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere continues to rise, leading to significant changes in the global climate. Frequent
extreme weather events, such as heavy rains, floods, droughts, and hurricanes, pose serious
threats to human life and property safety. Concurrently, climate change has also caused huge
impacts on ecosystems, with matters like biodiversity loss, sea-level rise, and glacier melting
becoming increasingly prominent. These changes not only affect the lives of the current
generation but will also have profound effects on the survival and development of future
generations.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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Currently, scholars have carried out research on climate change issues. In terms of the causes
of climate change, human activity-induced greenhouse gas emissions are commonly regarded as
the main driving factor. In terms of impact assessment, studies have covered the effects of climate
change on a wide range of areas, including agriculture, water resources, ecosystems, and human
health. In terms of response strategies, the international community has taken a series of measures,
such as the signing of the Paris Agreement, with countries setting emission reduction targets and
increasing the development and utilization of renewable energy. Simultaneously, technological
innovation also plays an important role in addressing climate change, with technologies like
carbon capture and storage and new energy technologies emerging continuously. However,
despite certain research achievements and practical progress, the problem of climate change
remains severe, and further in-depth research and exploration of effective response strategies are
still needed, as analyzed by scholars like H Mohajan on the relationship between greenhouse gas
emissions and temperature rise [1], and by Xiu Xin and Liu Jun on the economic effects of some
emission reduction policies [2].
This paper will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status of climate change, its
impacts, and response strategies. The research content includes the scientific basis of global
climate change, its extensive impacts at global and regional levels, and tactics for mitigating and
adapting to climate change. This paper will also explore the roles of technological innovation and
policy support in addressing climate change, and how to strengthen the global response to climate
change through international cooperation and public participation. It aims to provide a
comprehensive perspective on the issues of climate change and its response strategies, facilitating
the implementation of global climate actions.
2 Status of climate change
2.1 Global warming
Global warming refers to the phenomenon of rising global temperatures resulting from the
accumulation of the greenhouse effect due to the substantial emissions of greenhouse gases from
human activities. Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause of global warming today.
Because of their infrared activity, greenhouse gases are capable of absorbing and emitting
infrared radiation within the same wavelength range emitted by the Earth's surface, clouds, and
the atmosphere, thereby preventing heat from escaping into space [3]. This phenomenon leads to
an increment in Earth's surface temperature, known as global warming. Additionally, greenhouse
gas emissions trigger various feedback effects, such as reduced reflectivity from melting ice and
snow which further absorbs heat, and warmer oceans releasing more methane, increasing
greenhouse gas concentrations. These feedback mechanisms are also significant contributors to
global warming caused by greenhouse gases. The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)
explicitly states that human activities primarily cause global warming through greenhouse gas
emissions. The warming caused by greenhouse gases is mainly attributed to carbon dioxide and
methane. Although this warming is to some extent masked by the cooling effects of aerosols, the
rise in global surface temperatures due to greenhouse gases is conspicuous. Future warming
trends depend on future greenhouse gas emissions, with cumulative net carbon dioxide emissions
playing a dominant role [4].
Volcanic activity has complex impacts on the global climate. It can cause short-term cooling
and also potentially contribute to global warming to some extent. Volcanic eruptions are
accompanied by the ejection of numerous aerosols into the atmosphere, like sulfur dioxide. These
particles block and reflect sunlight, reducing solar radiation received at the surface and causing a
short-term drop in near-surface temperatures. However, in the long term, volcanic activity
accelerates global warming. On one hand, substances released during volcanic eruptions, such as
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hydrogen chloride, can react with atmospheric ozone, depleting the ozone layer and enhancing
surface solar radiation. On the other hand, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, due to their
stable chemical properties, can remain in the atmosphere for long periods, absorbing surface
radiation heat, and enhancing the greenhouse effect, thereby driving global warming.
In addition, solar activity, changes in land surface properties, and aerosol emissions are also
important factors affecting global warming. Solar activities, such as sunspots and flares, cause
periodic changes in solar radiation. Changes in land surface properties affect the climate by
altering the absorption and reflection of solar radiation. The melting of ice caps and glaciers not
only triggers sea level rise but also releases greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming and
creating a vicious cycle. It is the impact of aerosol emissions that is more complex: although some
aerosols can reflect solar radiation and temporarily bring about a cooling effect, they can also
absorb radiation or deposit on ice and snow surfaces, accelerating melting and indirectly
promoting global warming. Furthermore, aerosols affect cloud formation and precipitation
distribution, further exacerbating climate change.
2.2 Extreme weather events
In recent years, extreme weather events have become frequent, and these events are closely
related to climate change. The occurrence rates of high temperatures and wildfires have notably
increased. In 2023, various regions in the Northern Hemisphere experienced extremely high
temperatures, especially in China, Europe, and the United States, where temperatures repeatedly
set new records, with some areas in Europe even exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The AR6 report
also reveals that under the scenario of continuous global warming, extreme heat events will
continue to increase in frequency and intensity [5]. Additionally, heatwaves can trigger droughts
and fires, especially in regions with scarce water resources.
Simultaneously, another significant extreme weather event that cannot be ignored is
precipitation and flood disasters. Climate change significantly increases the likelihood of extreme
precipitation events. As the atmosphere warms, the content of water vapor in the air increases,
leading to enhanced precipitation intensity and a rise in the frequency of extreme rainfall, thereby
significantly increasing flood risks. Moreover, global warming also intensifies glacier melting
and sea-level rise, further elevating the risk of flooding in coastal areas. A warming atmosphere
can carry more moisture, releasing large amounts of water during precipitation processes,
increasing the likelihood of local heavy rain and flooding.
2.3 Ecosystem changes
Ecosystems have undergone extensive and profound alterations due to climate change. To begin
with, biodiversity is facing significant threats. Climate change has intensified the risk of species
extinction, particularly for those species that are extremely sensitive to climatic conditions of
their habitats, such as cold-water fish and Arctic wildlife. Changes in temperature and climatic
patterns hinder these species' ability to swiftly adapt to their current environments, leading to
potential extinctions. Climate change also alters the foraging, reproduction, and migration
behaviors and patterns of wildlife, causing some species to struggle to survive in the rapidly
changing new environments. A decline in key species can trigger a domino effect due to food
chain disruptions and migration shifts, potentially leading to the collapse of entire ecosystems.
Furthermore, the changes induced by climate change vary across different ecosystems. In
forests, global warming and resultant temperature increases lead to more frequent droughts and
extreme heat events. This not only increases the frequency and intensity of forest fires but also
affects the growth cycles and distribution of plant species, reducing forest biodiversity. For
wetlands, the sea level rise caused by global warming results in some coastal wetlands being
submerged, posing habitat reduction risks for many wetland species and reducing their carbon
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sequestration capabilities. In oceans, the increase in carbon dioxide levels due to climate warming
causes ocean acidification, disrupting the pH balance in marine ecosystems and affecting the
survival of coral and shellfish [6]. Additionally, rising temperatures lead to warmer sea waters,
potentially altering the distribution of many fish species and marine mammals.
3 Problems caused by climate change
3.1 Impact on agricultural production
Climate change has a significant and complex impact on agricultural production, primarily
through changes in key climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and sunlight. These
changes directly affect the growing environment, growth cycles, yield and quality of crops.
Firstly, rising temperatures have increased heat resources in many regions. For crops in cooler
regions, such as wheat and potatoes, excessively high temperatures may inhibit growth, leading
to reduced yields or even crop failures. Secondly, frequent extreme heat events not only increase
the risk of heart damage to crops but may also accelerate soil moisture evaporation, exacerbating
drought conditions. Thirdly, changes in precipitation patterns bring challenges to agricultural
production. In some areas, reduced rainfall exacerbates drought issues, increasing irrigation
demands for crops. Moreover, increased rainfall in other areas, particularly through extreme
weather events like heavy rain and floods, can directly destroy farmland and crops and may lead
to soil erosion and fertility decline. Changes in sunlight conditions also impact agricultural
production. Excessive sunlight can cause leaf burns, affecting photosynthesis efficiency. Changes
in cloud cover and foggy conditions brought about by climate change may also affect the intensity
and duration of sunlight, further influencing crop growth and yields.
The impacts of climate change on agriculture are multifaceted, featuring both positive
stimulatory effects and negative inhibitory effects. It is necessary to enhance research and
application of agricultural climate adaptability and to improve the stability and sustainability of
agricultural production. Moreover, strengthening meteorological monitoring and early warning
systems is crucial to providing timely and accurate meteorological information and services to
agriculture.
3.2 Impact on socio-economic stability
Climate change also impacts socio-economic stability, including economic fluctuations triggered
by issues like reduced agricultural production and water scarcity, and potentially exacerbating
social conflicts and poverty. Climate change may lead to reduced agricultural yields and water
shortages. In recent years, increased extreme weather events and more frequent meteorological
disasters, such as flooding, severely damaged farmlands and agricultural infrastructure. Long-
term flooding can cause oxygen deprivation in plant roots, while droughts lead to insufficient soil
moisture and substantial reductions in food production. On one hand, reduced crop yields
decrease farmers' incomes. On the other hand, reduced food production and water shortages may
lead to higher food prices, raising living costs for the general populace and sparking socio-
economic tensions. Some scholars have researched the relationship between climate change and
regional conflicts, finding that climate change indeed correlates with an increased rate of military
conflicts [7]. Frequent extreme weather events can severely damage arable land, destroy urban
infrastructure, and even damage urban buildings, causing substantial economic losses to
governments and people, and exacerbating poverty issues.
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3.3 Impact on human health
The impact of climate change on human health is multi-layered and complex. Firstly, frequent
extreme weather events caused by climate warming pose direct threats to human health.
Heatwaves significantly increase the incidence and mortality rates of heat-related illnesses, such
as heatstroke, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with
chronic illnesses. Secondly, natural disasters like floods not only cause casualties but also lead
to water pollution and outbreaks of infectious diseases, further exacerbating health risks.
Additionally, climate change may also worsen air quality. With rising temperatures, pollutants in
the atmosphere are more likely to form and accumulate, such as ozone pollution, which is
particularly severe in the summer and can damage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Extreme events like forest fires also release a large number of harmful substances, affecting air
quality and threatening human health. Furthermore, the indirect effects of climate change are even
more profound, involving the instability of food supplies, water shortages, pollution, and the
degradation of ecological environments. These changes not only weaken basic human survival
conditions but also erode human health defenses through food chain contamination, the spread of
waterborne diseases, and the emergence of new pathogens.
4 Coping strategies for climate change
4.1 Measures to mitigate climate change
In the face of increasingly severe climate change, a series of measures, such as promoting energy
conservation and emission reduction in production and daily life, enhancing ecosystem protection,
and formulating policies to promote international cooperation, can effectively mitigate the
phenomenon of climate change. First, the development of clean energy sources such as solar, tidal,
and wind energy can effectively curb the emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and
methane. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, global wind power capacity
has significantly increased, with a projected additional growth of over 200% by 2030. In the first
half of 2023, China's wind power construction rapidly developed, with cumulative power
generation increasing by 20% compared to the previous year. By the end of June 2023, China's
wind power capacity reached approximately 390 million kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of
13.7% [8]. Second, protecting ecosystems is crucial for mitigating climate change. Forests,
oceans, and wetlands can store and absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis
and store it in plants and their soil. Thus, greenhouse gases accumulated in the atmosphere can
be effectively absorbed. Local governments need to encourage forest and wetland conservation
efforts, regularly clean up garbage pollutants in ecological reserves to prevent erosion and soil
degradation and strengthen personnel supervision by enforcing strict forest conservation
regulations to prevent rampant deforestation. Third, promoting global climate governance
cooperation and strengthening the construction of international regulations help share the
responsibility for climate among countries. For example, in the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries
discussed and set their own energy conservation and emission reduction targets and implemented
climate change response measures, working together to keep warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius.
China promotes green and low-carbon infrastructure construction through the "Belt and Road"
initiative, encouraging partner countries to implement environmentally friendly development
policies through green investments and the development of renewable resources, achieving low-
carbon development.
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4.2 Measures to accommodate to climate change
Climate change has become one of the severe challenges facing the globe, with average global
temperatures and extreme weather events continuously increasing, affecting all facets of society
and human life. Therefore, adapting to climate change is especially crucial while efforts to
mitigate it are ongoing.
First, the development of agricultural adaptability strategies such as crop planting structures,
improved irrigation systems, and the development of drought-resistant crops are essential. These
strategies enable crops to better adapt to a climate change environment characterized by global
warming and increased extreme drought and precipitation. Since 2004, Shandong Province has
actively implemented late harvesting of summer corn and late planting of wheat. At the beginning
of September each year, the Shandong Provincial Climate Center produces a forecast for the
suitable initial sowing period for winter wheat, guiding farmers to scientifically select the sowing
period based on the current year's climate, laying a solid foundation for achieving a bountiful
harvest the following year [9].
Second, in response to the increase in extreme precipitation events, local governments need
to enhance urban drainage system capabilities. By constructing flood prevention facilities, cities
can ensure normal operations during extreme precipitation. Further dredging of urban rivers and
connecting urban rivers with natural rivers and lakes can achieve rapid rainwater discharge. For
undeveloped urban low-lying areas, the construction of artificial lakes can enhance the city's
water retention capacity. In the surrounding areas of key cities, the construction of flood storage
and detention areas is strengthened to leave space and routes for floodwaters, enhancing the
overall regional capacity to defend against floods [10].
Additionally, improving public health security is urgent. Governments can enhance the
capacity to respond to extreme weather events and the spread of infectious diseases by
strengthening public health systems, ensuring the safety of people's lives. For example,
establishing a comprehensive infectious disease prevention and control system, and enhancing
the construction of medical infrastructure, especially in remote rural areas where medical
resources are scarce.
4.3 Technological innovation and policy support
In terms of technological innovation, technologies such as clean energy, carbon capture and
storage, climate-smart agriculture, green building and smart city technologies are rapidly
evolving. Continuous breakthroughs in these technologies not only improve resource utilization
efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provide robust technical support for the
sustainable development of human society. At the same time, policy support plays an
indispensable role in guiding, incentivizing, and ensuring the research and application of these
technologies. Governments establish clear emission reduction targets and timetables, creating a
solid legal foundation for climate change response through relevant laws and regulations.
Financial subsidies, tax incentives, a green financial system, and a carbon emission trading
market effectively reduce the costs for businesses and individuals to engage in climate change
responses, stimulate market vitality, and promote the widespread application of low-carbon
technologies.
Moreover, public education and participation are also supported by policies. By disseminating
knowledge about climate change, enhancing public awareness and participation, a favorable
societal atmosphere for jointly addressing climate change is formed. This comprehensive effect
not only helps mitigate the trend of climate change but also lays a solid foundation for achieving
sustainable economic and social development. Therefore, strengthening the integration of
technological innovation and policy support will be an important path for addressing climate
change and promoting global sustainable development in the future.
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5 Conclusion
Climate change is a complex and urgent global issue that not only affects the natural environment
worldwide but also profoundly impacts all aspects of human society. This paper, through an
analysis of the current status of climate change, reveals its extensive impacts on agricultural
production, socio-economic stability, and human health. To tackle this challenge, a series of
measures for mitigating and adapting to climate change have been proposed, including the
development of clean energy, protection of ecosystems, technological innovation, and policy
support. The paper emphasizes that international cooperation, public education, and participation
are crucial for effectively responding to climate change. In the future, it is necessary to further
enhance technological innovation, improve the policy support system, and heighten public
awareness to achieve effective climate change responses and global sustainable development.
Authors contribution
All the authors contributed equally, and their names were listed in alphabetical order.
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