BY VANSH GUPTA
CLIMATE-CHANGE
REPORT
What is climate change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While some of
these shifts may be natural, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that the climate change we are
experiencing today is primarily driven by human activities since the Industrial Revolution.
Threat to ecosystems: Climate change disrupts ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, species
extinction, and damage to natural resources.
Impact on human societies: It threatens food security, water resources, human health, and
economic stability, potentially leading to displacement and conflict.
Economic costs: The costs of inaction are immense, including damage from extreme weather events,
loss of agricultural productivity, and the need for costly adaptation measures.
In this report, we will delve deeper into the science behind climate change, its impacts on our world,
and the solutions we need to implement to secure a sustainable future.
CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Solar variations: The sun's energy output isn't constant. It varies slightly over time in cycles,
affecting how much energy reaches Earth. These variations can cause small changes in Earth's
temperature.
Ocean currents: Oceans play a crucial role in distributing heat around the globe. Changes in ocean
currents can lead to significant shifts in regional climates.
Internal variability: The climate system has natural fluctuations, like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation
(ENSO), which can cause short-term variations in global temperatures
While these natural factors have caused climate change in the past, scientists have concluded that
they cannot explain the rapid warming we've observed over the last century. The overwhelming
evidence shows that the current warming trend is primarily due to the increase in greenhouse gases
from human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.
Affect on climate change because of human
Burning Fossil Fuels: This is the biggest contributor. When we burn coal, oil, and natural gas for
energy (electricity, transportation, industry), we release massive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2)
into the atmosphere. CO2 is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat and warms the planet.
Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2. When we cut down forests for agriculture, logging, or
development, we release that stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Deforestation also reduces
the Earth's capacity to absorb CO2 in the future.
Case study
Since the 1960s, the Aral Sea shrank. 90% of the sea has gone.[3] The rivers that fed it (the Amu
Darya and the Syr Darya) were used by the Soviet Union for irrigating cotton production. What is left
of the Aral Sea is heavily polluted, largely as the result of weapons testing, industrial projects, and
fertilizer runoff before and after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
There is a project to save at least the northern part of the Aral Sea. For this, a dam was built in the
1990 to stop water running off. Climate improved in the following years, and water levels rose again.
However, that dam broke, and was rebuilt in 2005, with international funding.
Another problem was that Rebirth Island had been used for the testing of biological weapons until
1993. It is currently contaminated with anthrax, the plague, and tularemia. Since 2001, it is no
longer an island, but a part of the mainland.
Effects of climate change
Rising temperatures: The global average temperature has increased significantly in recent decades,
leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
Changes in precipitation patterns: Some regions are experiencing more intense rainfall and flooding,
while others are facing more frequent and severe droughts.
Sea level rise: The melting of glaciers and ice sheets is causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal
communities and ecosystems.
Ocean acidification: The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans is making them more
acidic, which is harmful to marine life.
Extreme weather events: Climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and
intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
Impacts on ecosystems: Many plant and animal species are struggling to adapt to the changing
climate, leading to declines in biodiversity.
Threats to human health: Climate change is increasing the risk of heatstroke, respiratory illnesses,
and infectious diseases.
Economic impacts: The effects of climate change are already causing significant economic damage,
and these costs are only expected to increase in the future.
Global initiative for climate change
International Agreements: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark accord where
nations collectively pledge to limit global warming. It emphasizes each country's responsibility to
set and achieve emissions reduction targets.
Carbon Pricing: Some countries and regions have implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, such as
carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, to incentivize emissions reductions. These mechanisms put
a cost on emitting greenhouse gases.
Ecosystem Protection: Protecting and restoring ecosystems like wetlands and coral reefs can
provide natural buffers against climate impacts and support biodiversity.
Technological Innovation: Investing in research and development of clean technologies is essential.
This includes advancements in renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable
agriculture.
Forest Conservation: Protecting and restoring forests is vital as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere. Efforts like reforestation and reducing deforestation contribute to mitigating climate
change.
Adaption
Infrastructure Development: Building resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather
events is crucial. This includes flood defenses, drought-resistant crops, and improved building
codes.
Disaster Preparedness: Enhancing disaster preparedness and response systems can help
communities better cope with climate-related hazards like floods, storms, and heatwaves.
Local actions
Sustainable Urban Planning: Designing cities with walkability, bike lanes, and public transportation
in mind reduces reliance on cars and promotes healthier lifestyles.
Renewable Energy Transition: Investing in local renewable energy sources like solar and wind power,
and promoting energy efficiency in buildings.
Green Infrastructure: Creating parks, green roofs, and urban forests helps absorb carbon dioxide,
reduce urban heat island effect, and manage
Individually
Reduce Energy Consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, switch to LED lighting, and conserve
energy at home.
Sustainable Transportation: Walk, bike, or use public transport whenever possible. Consider electric
vehicles if feasible.
Consume Responsibly: Reduce consumption, reuse and repair items, and buy locally produced
goods to minimize transportation emissions.
Eat Sustainably: Choose plant-based meals more often, reduce food waste, and support sustainable
agriculture practices
Conclusion
In conclusion addressing climate change complex global activites required lot of work. International
agreements like in paris, kyoto and many more set shared goals but need to be focused seriously
and also by locally by local government and individually by practicing in society walking to work
using renewable energy and sustainable practices lowering greenhouse gasses
