Primary Causes of Climate Change
Climate change is primarily caused by human activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat from the sun, leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. Major sources include burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture, which release these gases and disrupt natural carbon cycles.
Key Components of the Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process amplified by human actions. CO2 from fossil fuel combustion accounts for about 75% of emissions, while methane from livestock and landfills contributes significantly due to its high heat-trapping potency. Other components include water vapor feedback loops and black carbon from incomplete combustion, all exacerbating global temperature rise and altering weather patterns.
Practical Example: Impact on Coral Reefs
Consider coral reefs, vital ecosystems supporting marine biodiversity. Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change cause coral bleaching, where corals expel symbiotic algae, leading to widespread die-offs. For instance, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced multiple bleaching events since the 1990s, resulting in the loss of over 50% of its coral cover and disrupting food chains for fish and other species.
Long-Term Effects on Ecosystems
Long-term effects include biodiversity loss, habitat shifts, and ecosystem collapse. Warmer temperatures drive species migration or extinction, acidifying oceans harm shellfish and plankton, and extreme weather events like droughts and floods degrade soil and water resources. These changes threaten food security, pollination services, and carbon storage, potentially leading to irreversible tipping points such as permafrost thaw releasing more methane.