Definition of Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, primarily driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas concentrations. Unlike short-term weather variations, these changes occur over decades or centuries and alter global climate patterns.
Key Causes and Components
The main causes include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which release carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a greenhouse effect that warms the planet. Natural factors like volcanic eruptions play a minor role compared to anthropogenic influences.
Practical Examples of Effects
One clear example is the accelerated melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, contributing to rising sea levels that threaten coastal cities like Miami and Dhaka with flooding. Another is the intensification of extreme weather events, such as more frequent and severe hurricanes in the Atlantic, as seen in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which demonstrated increased storm surges due to warmer ocean temperatures.
Importance and Real-World Applications
Understanding climate change is crucial for mitigating risks to biodiversity, food security, and human health. It drives international efforts like the Paris Agreement, where nations commit to reducing emissions to limit global warming to below 2°C. Applications include sustainable agriculture practices that adapt to changing rainfall patterns and renewable energy transitions to curb further impacts.