Climate Change
Climate Change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. While the Earth's climate has changed throughout history, the current rate of change is largely attributed to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.
Historical Context
- The term Climate Change was first used in this context in the 1970s, although scientists had been discussing human influence on climate since the late 19th century.
- The discovery of the Greenhouse Effect by Joseph Fourier in 1824 laid the groundwork for understanding how human activities could alter the climate.
- In 1896, Svante Arrhenius quantified the effect of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) on Earth's temperature, predicting that doubling CO₂ would increase global temperatures by several degrees.
Facts and Figures
- Greenhouse Gases: The primary greenhouse gases contributing to Climate Change include Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the warming of the planet.
- Global Temperature Rise: Since the late 19th century, the average global temperature has risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit), with most of the increase occurring in the last few decades.
- Sea Level Rise: The global sea level has risen about 20 centimeters (8 inches) since 1880, with the rate nearly doubling over the last two decades due to melting ice and thermal expansion.
- Extreme Weather: There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding.
Impacts
- Environmental: Changes in Biodiversity, loss of habitats, ocean acidification, and disruption of ecosystems.
- Human Health: Increased risks from heat-related illnesses, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and the spread of diseases due to changes in vector distribution.
- Economic: Costs associated with infrastructure damage, loss of agricultural productivity, and displacement of populations.
International Efforts
Sources
Related Topics