Current global climate change: human causes and impacts

Current Global Climate Change: Human Causes

The current period of climate change, often referred to as global warming, is thought to be largely driven by human activities.
Greenhouse gas emissions: These gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, are released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels for energy production.
Deforestation: The removal of forests leads to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so fewer trees means more greenhouse gases are left in the atmosphere.
Industrial production: Manufacturing processes produce a variety of greenhouse gases. They can also increase the amount of aerosols in the atmosphere, which can have varying effects on climate.
Agriculture: Farming, particularly livestock farming, produces large amounts of methane. Changes in land use for agriculture can also lead to a rise in carbon dioxide levels.
Transport: The burning of fossil fuels for land, air and sea transport also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Impacts of Global Climate Change

Rising temperatures: The global average temperature is rising, leading to heatwaves and increased evaporation rates, affecting water availability and crop growth.
Changing precipitation patterns: Some areas are experiencing more extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and storms, while others are seeing decreased rainfall, leading to droughts.
Melting ice and rising sea levels: The warming climate is causing ice sheets and glaciers to melt, which leads to rising sea levels. This can result in flooding and the loss of coastal habitats.
Ocean acidification: Increased levels of carbon dioxide are causing the oceans to become more acidic, which harms marine life, particularly shell-forming species and coral reefs.
Biodiversity loss: Changes in climate affect wildlife and can lead to shifts in distribution, changes in breeding and migration patterns, and in some cases, extinction.
Impacts on human societies: The changes in climate can lead to agricultural losses, the displacement of people, increased risks to human health, and economic impacts.

Strategies for Mitigate Human-Driven Climate Change

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: This can be achieved through energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources, carbon capture and storage techniques, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees helps to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon pricing: Implementing taxes or carbon markets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling and waste reduction: Reusing materials and reducing waste can lower the amount of new products being made, thus lowering emissions.
Behavioural changes: Encouraging changes in individual behaviour, such as reducing car use, can also help to reduce emissions.