Climate change and its effects
Earth is currently the only planet and ecosystem that supports human life. It provides an environment for the sustenance of living organisms. Humans need to take the necessary steps to protect Earth rather than deteriorating its natural resources. Our activities like rapid urbanization and natural resource exploitation have led to several adverse effects on the Earth. Among them, climate change has become a significant concern for the world.
Climate Change refers to changes and shifts in the Earth's weather and temperature patterns. These long-term shifts are prevalent in major parts of the world, where the temperature levels are breaking records every year. Earth is now 1.1 °C hotter than it was in the late 1800s. Climate change and increased greenhouse gas concentrations have led to this change.
The concentration of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and methane has increased Earth's temperature. These gas emissions act as a blanket that traps the sun's heat and leads to a hotter Earth. The primary reason behind the higher emissions of these gasses is human activities. The burning of these fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and energy production releases high levels of these gasses. That's why factories, industries, buildings, and transportation units are the drivers behind the increasing climate changes.
While the primary responsibility for limiting greenhouse gas emissions falls on the developed and developing countries, we can take individual steps. For example, it's better to avoid personal vehicles and use public transportation. We should shift to green energy or solar energy and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Either way, we need to get together and realize climate change sensitivity. While people may consider it warmer temperatures, it's already leading to droughts, fires, flooding, water scarcity, and melting polar ice. If everyone unites and takes responsibility for their actions, we can save our home and this planet for future generations.
FAQs
Q1: What is meant by climate change?
Ans: Climate change is a long-term shift in Earth's normal temperature and weather conditions. It leads to higher temperatures all over the Earth due to higher greenhouse gas concentrations.
Q2: Is climate change natural or due to human activities?
Ans: The rapid rise in temperatures all over the Earth is a cause of human activities that lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
Q3: What is the Paris Agreement?
Ans: 193 parties are a part of the Paris Agreement that focuses on setting long-term goals for nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.
Q4: How is climate change affecting people?
Ans: Climate change is a significant reason behind increasing droughts, floods, water scarcity, melting ice caps, and increased temperatures worldwide.
Q5: What are the United Nations’ sustainable development goals?
Ans: The UN's sustainable development goals call for actions to promote development and progress for countries while tackling climate change.