Climate Change
Report
Ansam Salim 8F
(slideshow mode suggested)
Introduction
One of the most important worldwide
issues of our day is climate change.
Climate change describes long-term
changes in ecosystems, weather
patterns, and temperature that are
mostly caused by human activities
This includes burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation , manufacturing ,
and farming livestock. Both natural
and human systems are at risk from
the effects of climate change. These
effects include increased
temperatures, harsh weather, and a
decline in biodiversity. This report
aims to explore the causes,
consequences, and potential remedies
of climate change are which
emphasizes the urgency for
international action. This report
will demonstrate the critical situation
of our world and the actions required
PART 1:
Understanding
Climate Change
1. Understanding Climate
What is Climate Change? Change Temperature Rise Over Time:
The past eight years have been the hottest
The term "climate change" describes
on record, and 2023 has been one of the
long-term changes in weather
top five warmest years ever
patterns and temperatures. The
primary cause of climate change
since the 1800s has been human
Ocean Heating:
activity, while these changes may also
The world's oceans absorbed 90% of
be natural. Natural elements like solar
excess heat caused by climate change,
radiation and volcanic eruptions have
causing coral bleaching and rising sea
caused changes in the climate across
levels
geological time. However, human
activity has drastically changed the
Arctic Sea Ice Decline:
environment in recent centuries,
The Arctic is losing 13% of its sea ice per
resulting in extreme weather patterns
decade, and by 2040, it could be ice-free in
and global warming.
summer (
Map of Global Average Surface Temperature (2023 vs.
1991-2020 Average):
1. Warmer-than-average areas are shaded in red,
and cooler-than-average areas in blue.
2. The darker the color, the greater the
temperature difference from the average.
3. 2023 set a new record for the warmest year on
record
Animated Bar Graph (1976-2023):
4. Shows global temperatures from 1976 to 2023
compared to the 1901-2000 average.
5. 1976 was the last year cooler than the 20th-
century average.
6. Since then, every year has been warmer, with
2023 being the hottest year recorded.
Importance of With these posing threats , it is
important that we address climate
Adressing Climate change to prevent extreme weather,
Change habitat loss, and economic instability.
Climate change threatens our
Earth’s temperature has increased by
biodiversity, human health, and
1.2°C since the late 19th century,
global resources, costing billions
which has caused extreme weather
annually. It is important to take action
and environmental shifts. These
and ensure a sustainable future.
climate-related disasters caused
$280 billion in damages in 2022 alone
which has strained global economies.
Climate change also threatens 1
million species with extinction due to
habitat loss. Coral reefs, which
support 25% of marine life, are dying
due to ocean warming meanwhile
forest ecosystems, home to 80% of
terrestrial species, are shrinking due
to deforestation and rising
temperatures. And in terms of
economy , climate disasters cost
hundreds of billions of dollars each
PART 2: Causes
of Climate
Change
2. Causes Of Climate Change
Burning Fossil Fuels: When fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are burned,
greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are released, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Deforestation: As forests are cut down, fewer trees are left to absorb CO₂, which
raises greenhouse gas levels. The annual loss of forests is 10 million hectares.
Urbanization : Growing cities and excessive resource use lead to increased energy
demand, waste creation, and deforestation, all of which strain the environment.
Agriculture & Livestock: Methane a gas that traps heat 25 times more effectively than
CO₂, is released from rice paddies and animals during farming.
Industrial Activities: The greenhouse effect is exacerbated by the massive emissions
of CO₂, nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases from factories.
Causes of Climate Change
Climate change is driven by several key factors,
primarily human activities that release greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere. The burning of fossil
fuels for electricity and heat production is the largest
contributor, for 44% of emissions. Deforestation
releases 25%, while agriculture and livestock
contribute 22% due to methane emissions from cattle
and rice farming. Additionally, Urbanization changes
account for 9%,These factors disrupt natural climate
patterns, leading to rising global temperatures,
extreme weather events, and long-term
environmental damage.
PART 3: Effects
of Climate
Change
3. Effects of Climate Change
1. Global Temperature Rise 6. Arctic Ice Loss
Increased by 1.2°C since the 19th Lost 75% of summer ice since the 1970s.
century. 7. Biodiversity Loss
2. Glacier Melting 1 million species at risk of extinction.
Many glaciers may disappear by 8. Heatwaves & Droughts
2050. More frequent and severe droughts and
3. Sea Level Rise heatwaves
Up 8 inches since 1880. 9. Wildfires
CO₂ Concentration – Reached 419 Increased by 35% globally in recent
ppm, the highest in 800,000 years. decades.
4. Extreme Weather
Climate-related disasters tripled
since the 1980s.
5. Glacier Melting
Many glaciers may disappear by
2050.
Effects of Climate Change
PART 4:
Solutions and
Climate Action
4. Solutions and Climate
Action
Immediate action and international
collaboration are required to combat
climate change. There are several ways its
impact can be reduced, from a shift
towards renewable energy to more
stringent environmental regulations.
Everyone shares a responsibility in
lowering emissions and encouraging
sustainable practice to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
Renewable Energy Sources
1. Solar Power: Installing solar panels on homes, businesses,
and large-scale solar farms reduces reliance on fossil fuels
and provides clean electricity.
2. Wind Energy: Wind turbines generate power without emitting
greenhouse gases and are increasingly used in offshore and
onshore wind farms.
3. Hydroelectric Power: Dams and hydroelectric plants convert
water flow into electricity which offer renewable energy
source.
4. Geothermal & Biomass Energy: Tapping into the Earth's
heat and using organic waste for energy production help
reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainable Practices
By using eco-
Being efficient friendly
with energy by transportations
using smart like public
energy systems transportation ,
and led lighting bicycling , electirc
reduces total vehicles , and
energy we use in even walking we
can reduce Reforestation and
building and
emissions from planting more
residences
Reducing waste trees which
automobiles.
by minimizing reduces soil
the use of erosion and
plastic and restores our
composting ecosystems , the
organic waste. trees also absorb
CO₂ from the
atmosphere.
Government Policies and
International Agreements
There are several government policies and international In order to mitigate climate change taxes
agreements that can be done to reduce climate change on emissions from fossil fuels are one
for example the 2015 Paris Agreement which is a global way that governments might encourage
agreement that requires nations to set their own carbon businesses to switch to cleaner energy
reduction goals in order to keep global warming to 1.5°C sources. Businesses and individuals can
also the Kyoto Protocol which establishes systems such also transition to renewable energy
as carbon trading to assist in meeting legally bound sources like solar and wind with the help
emission reductions for industrialized countries. With a of tax credits. To stop illicit logging and
focus on renewable energy and sector-wide emission safeguard forests, wetlands, and marine
reductions, the European Union's 2019 European Green ecosystems, laws may also be
Deal also outlines its strategy to achieve climate implemented which make such acts
neutrality by 2050. illegal.
Why The Paris
Agreement is
important: The Paris Agreement is essential for
keeping global warming below 2°C
because it brings nations together to
reduce emissions, safeguard vulnerable
populations, and encourage green
innovation for a sustainable future.
Challenges in Implementing Solutions
High Cost: 40% of nations find it difficult to pay for infrastructure
upgrades and the switch to renewable energy.
Lack of Awareness: 15% of people do not understand how
urgent climate change is, which hinders popular support.
Political Resistance: Because of financial interests in fossil fuels,
30% of governments encounter resistance.
Technology Gaps: 10% of developing nations do not have
access to the green technologies that they need.
Infrastructure Issues: 5% of places, particularly rural ones, are
unable to accommodate large-scale sustainable projects.
Solutions To How These Challenges Can
Be Overcome
Supporting
Implement
Implementing school-based
accords such as
worldwide climate education.
the Paris
financial And putting in
Agreement.
assistance, tax more efforts in the
And educating the
exemptions, and media to
public to support
government encourage
greener
subsidies. sustainability.
legislation.
Sustainably
Global and building eco-
international friendly transit
cooperation in methods, and
search of answers cities. While
and investing expanding the
more in green availability of
technology. clean energy
PART 5: Future
Outlook and
Call to Action!
5. Future Outlook and Call To
Action
If no action is done there will be serious consequences to us as humans.
1. the world might experience temperatures rise by 3°C by 2100 with
disastrous consequences.
2. Sea levels are on the rise by 3.3 mm every year, so coastal flooding poses a
greater threat.
3. Weather-related events such as hurricanes have also become stronger, with
storms in Category 4 and 5 increasing by 25-30% since the 1980s.
4. Biodiversity is on the path to extinction with up to 1 million species
threatened.
5. Furthermore, climate change is likely to lead to a 10-25% decrease in crop
yields and expose 5 billion people to water scarcity by 2050. Urgent action
must be undertaken to prevent these disastrous outcomes.
How Science and Technology
Can Help
Renewable energy is at the heart of controlling carbon emissions and halting climate
change. By using natural resources like the sun, wind, and water, we can generate clean
electricity without harming the planet.
Solar Power: Converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells, with efficiency and
battery storage increased through technology advancements.
Wind Energy: Uses wind turbines to generate power; offshore wind farms yield more energy
with less land.
Hydroelectricity: Dams and tidal energy utilize water current for dependable generation of
electricity.
Geothermal Power: Harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce power and heat buildings.
Energy Storage Advances: New batteries (lithium-ion and solid-state) store renewable energy
for continuous supply.
How Science and Technology
Can Help
Carbon capture technology reduces greenhouse gases by capturing CO₂
from the air and securely storing it. These technologies have the
capability to slow global warming and to follow renewable energy
processes.
Direct Air Capture (DAC): Equipment filters CO₂ from the atmosphere
and stores it below the surface or uses it industrially.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Catches emissions from
industrial plants and power plants prior to release into the
atmosphere and stores them within deep subsurface rock formations.
Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): They employ
plants to draw CO₂ from the air, capture and store emissions when
combusted as energy.
Carbon Utilization: Converts captured CO₂ into something useful like
Two Main Carbon Dioxide Removal
Techniques
1. BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon
Capture & Storage) :
CO₂ is taken in by plants, which is
then captured and stored
underground instead of being
released during the production of
bioenergy.
2. Afforestation & Reforestation :
New forests or trees are grown,
which capture CO₂ as a natural
carbon sink.
Combating Climate Change with Science and Technology by Sustainable Cities &
Industries:
Building sustainable cities is essential to
lowering global emissions as climate
change continues to affect our globe. We
can create resource-conscious, energy-
efficient, and environmentally resilient
urban environments by putting cutting-
edge technologies into practice.
Why sustainable cities matter:
1. Over 55% of the world’s population lives in
cities.
2. Cities produce 70% of global CO₂ emissions.
3. Urban areas are key to fighting climate change.
Combating Climate Change with Science and Technology by Sustainable Cities &
Industries:
How Technology Helps When It Comes to Building
Smart
Sustainable Cities: government Smart Health
• Smart Grids: Optimize electricity usage. Mobility Wi-Fi
Open Agroforestry Smart grids and
energy utilities
Data
• IoT Sensors: Monitor air quality and
traffic. Smart
Manufacturing
Smart
digital
Smart
Buildings
citizens
• Automated Transport: Reduces fuel and Sustainable
emissions. Transportation
• AI Traffic Systems: Cut idle time, reduce
The Impact
car emissions.
• Reduced emissions and pollution.
• Cleaner, safer, and more livable
cities.
• Tech-driven cities lead the way in
climate action.
Combating Climate Change with Science and Technology by Sustainable Cities &
Industries:
Singapore is known
Real-World Examples as the "City in a
Singapore: Innovating with vertical farming, Garden" because it’s
home to over 50%
water recycling, and smart traffic management. green cover despite
Copenhagen: Powered by wind energy and its dense urban
using smart urban planning to reduce emissions. environment.
Amsterdam: Emphasizing cycling Copenhagen aims to
infrastructure, renewable energy, and circular be the world’s first
economy initiatives. carbon-neutral
The technologies used by these leading capital by 2025!, and
cities can be scaled to others worldwide. the city even has a
By prioritizing sustainability, we can "green roof" initiative
to increase green
reduce emissions, conserve resources, and spaces and reduce
build better living conditions. heat. Amsterdam has more
bikes than people, with
Our future cities can be green, energy- over 880,000 bikes in
efficient, and resilient, powered by the the city. The city is
innovations of today. using electric cargo
bikes to reduce
emissions, helping
make its streets even
greener.
Dubai 2040 Master Plan
Dubai 2040 Master Plan aims to become a green, sustainable city with efficient use of
resources.
Focus on renewable energy, sustainable transport, green spaces, and smart urban
planning.
By 2040, Dubai plans to increase green spaces by 60%, reduce traffic congestion, and
enhance sustainable building practices.
Dubai 2040 Master Plan
How Science and Technology
Can Help
To fight climate change, science and technology are
crucial. By the 2030s, technologies like next-generation
solar panels and fusion power will significantly reduce
emissions. By capturing CO2 and regulating global
temperatures by the 2040s, technologies such as carbon
capture, geoengineering, and AI-based climate solutions
can potentially reverse the damage. Investing in
research and clean tech today will create a habitable
future.
How Science and Technology
Can Help
The several parts of the Global
Observing System, which gathers
information on environmental
variables like climate change, are
shown in this graph. Understanding
the effects of climate change and
creating successful mitigation and
adaptation plans require these
data.
These kinds of graphs are essential for
displaying complicated climatic data,
including sea level rise, CO2 concentrations,
and temperature anomalies. They facilitate
the discovery of patterns and trends that
would be challenging to detect from
unprocessed data alone. Real-time climate
change monitoring and the development of
climate models that forecast future changes
are made possible by technology.
What Individuals Can Do to
Combat Climate Change
Regenerative agriculture support: Healthier soil trap more carbon
which reduces CO2 from atmosphere.
Embodied carbon reduction: Less manufacturing and transport means
fewer emissions overall.
Climate literacy promotion: The more people informed about climate
change gives more chances for change and for people to take action.
Circular economy support: Reusing and recycling reduces the need
for new production.
Reduce food waste: Less waste means less methane from landfills and
less resource use.
Walk, bike, or use public transport: Reduces reliance on fossil fuel-
powered vehicles.
What Individuals Can Do to
Combat Climate Change
Conserve water: Less energy is needed to treat and transport
water.
Plant trees: Trees absorb CO2 and provide shade, cooling the
environment.
Use energy-efficient appliances: Reduces electricity
consumption and associated emissions.
Insulate your home: Lower energy use for heating and cooling.
Buy less, buy used: Reduces demand for new products and their
manufacturing emissions.
Recycle and compost: Diverts waste from landfills, reducing
methane and resource use.
1. Acknowldging The Problem:
How Digital Data centers, that store websites, cloud services, and online
content, power the internet. High CO2 emissions result from
these centers massive electricity consumption, which is
carbon frequently generated by coal or oil. Metals must be mined,
manufactured, and transported in order to produce
footprint
computers, smartphones, and servers. All of which emit CO2.
Because outdated electronics emit toxic compounds, and
disposing of e-waste adds to dangerous pollution.
reduction With the increasing use of AI especially , carbon emissions
have been raised. AI models high processing demands and
can help in electricity consumption cause increased CO2 emissions
which results from data centers using AI algorithms that
combating
depend on energy intensive servers that are fueled by fossil
fuels. AI's environmental impact increases with its adoption,
so using sustainable energy sources is essential to lessening
climate its influence on climate change.
change
Digital Carbon Footprint
AI Growth = More Carbon
This graph illustrates how prominent
tech companies' CO2 emissions have
increased since 2020 due to AI. The
pressing need for sustainable AI
methods is very much needed by the
rising energy consumption.
2. Solution to Reduce Digital Carbon
Footprint
1. Green Your Energy Supply : Use solar, wind, or hydro power-driven
data centres and devices.
2. Streamline Cloud Storage : Remove unused data, emails, and
backups to reduce server load.
3. Downgrade Video Streaming Quality : Stream below HD, when
high definition is not required.
4. Limit Unnecessary Internet Use : Avoid unnecessary downloads,
excessive browsing, and background apps consuming energy.
5. Recycle & Optimize Device Life : Repair instead of replacing
electronics and recycling old devices properly.
3. Solution to Reduce AI Carbon
Footprint
1. Transition to Renewable Energy for AI
Data Centers : Move AI processes to solar,
wind, or hydro energy.
2. Streamline AI Models : Design power
efficient AI models that require less
computational power.
3. Boost Hardware Efficiency : Use high
performance chips and cooling mechanisms
to reduce energy loss in AI processing.
4. Reduce Unnecessary AI Use : Avoid
running AI models on meaningless or
processes to reduce power consumption.
Climate Change and AI Use
While AI has an environmental cost, it also reasonably
helps researchers combat climate change. It is being
used to analyze huge amounts of climate data, predict
extreme weather events, and develop new ways of
reducing carbon emissions. AI-powered models help
renewable energies like solar and wind, and aid in the
development of carbon capture technologies. By
accelerating research and providing data-driven
intelligence. When used moderately AI can be useful in
the helping to resolve climate challenges
Call To Action Website
https://ansamsalims.wixsite.com/climate-change-repor
While sometimes it can feel like efforts to
combat climate change can be a
monumental task or even useless, the little
things count. If everyone gets together,
the world in our future can be changed.
Every decision that you make about
whether to use energy conservatively, not
waste, or help spread the word, gets closer
to creating a larger wave of change.
