Climate change is a wide word that refers to changes in Earth’s climates at local, regional, and global sizes, as well as the consequences of these changes. Since the pre-Industrial period the term “climate change” has been most commonly used to describe changes in the Earth’s climate caused primarily by human activity, particularly by the burning of fossil fuels and the removal of forests, resulting in a relatively rapid increase in carbon dioxide atmospheric concentrations.
As among the most significant measurements of global changes, global warming and climate change are often used interchangeably. Global warming is defined as an increase in average global temperatures that has substantial consequences for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems all across the world. Climate change is used to encompass these extra consequences since there are more reasons and impacts than just rising surface temperatures. Scientists agree that human impact has been the major driver of observed warming trends since the twentieth century, with 97 percent of regularly published climate scientists agreeing. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have grown from roughly 280 parts per million (ppm) before the Industrial Revolution to 413 ppm in early 2020. This carbon dioxide concentration is unmatched in recorded history. According to scientists, in order to moderate global warming, we must return to a ‘safe’ amount of 350 ppm by 2100.
Climate change refers to substantial, long-term shifts in the global climate. The interrelated system of the sun, earth, and seas, wind, rain, and snow, forests, deserts, and savannas, as well as everything people do, makes up the global climate. The climate of a place, such as New York, may be defined in terms of rainfall, seasonal temperature changes, and other factors. A depiction of the global climate covers how, for example, rising Pacific temperatures feed typhoons, which blow harder, dump more rain, and do more damage, but also change global ocean currents, which melt Antarctica ice, causing sea levels to rise steadily until New York is submerged. Global climate change is both vital and challenging because of its systemic interconnectedness.
Climate change has multiple effects on numerous aspects of civilization. Drought may have a negative impact on food production and human health. Flooding may cause illness to spread and environmental and infrastructure damage. Human health problems can raise death rates, reduce food availability, and reduce labour productivity. The effects of climate change may be observed in every part of our lives. Climate change consequences, on the other hand, are unequal across the country and the globe; even within a single town, impacts might range between neighborhoods or people. Long-standing socioeconomic imbalances can render underserved populations more susceptible, as they are frequently the most sensitive to risks and have the fewest means to respond. Climate change-affected future scenarios are not unavoidable. Many of the issues and solutions are now well understood, and research continues to uncover new ones. Experts think that there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario by controlling warming and lowering emissions to zero as soon as feasible. Investment in new technology and infrastructure will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in job growth. Furthermore, reducing emissions will have a positive influence on human health, saving countless lives and billions of dollars in medical costs.
Brief climate pollutants, such as black carbon, methane, hydro fluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone, are significant climate forcers with many times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. These pollutants have a considerable influence on air quality, food, water, and economic security for most of the world, both directly and indirectly through their harmful impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Short-lived climatic pollutants can be reduced by methods and technologies that are practicable, technically possible, and cost-effective. They can provide immediate climatic benefits, aid in the achievement of numerous global sustainable development goals, and enhance the health and lives of millions of people.
To avert the worst impacts of climate change, global carbon emissions must be drastically reduced. However, we must also plan for the severe and inescapable repercussions of carbon emissions, such as rising temperatures, altering precipitation patterns, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and an increase in the severity as well as recurrence of extreme weather events. WWF collaborates with local communities, governments, and others all across the world to help environment and people prepare for the myriad effects of climate change.
We must act immediately. Delays in reducing carbon dioxide or other short-lived climate pollutants will have serious, perhaps permanent effects for global warming, increasing sea levels, food security, and public health. Because of their short lifespan in the atmosphere, which can range from a few days to a few decades, lowering short-lived climate pollutants can help to decrease the rate of global warming and complement efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. To effectively react to the difficulties that climate change brings to our communities, we must talk about it directly – and in a way that encourages and welcomes a diverse range of people into the discourse. And here’s the kicker: it’s hard enough to start a conversation about this, but it’s all-too-easy to unknowingly alienate or turn off others, or drive them to strengthen their dedication to their own, opposing viewpoints.