Climate Change

Climate change is a shift in the patterns of the global or regional climate, particularly one that became noticeable in the middle to late 20th century and was largely ascribed to the higher quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide brought about by the burning of fossil fuels. Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns could be caused by natural processes, such as oscillations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities—primarily the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas—have been the primary cause of climate change. Is climate change natural or completely man-made? To further complicate matters, some people flatly deny the existence of climate change, while another group in the middle believes that it is a result of both of these reasons.

Natural Factors Affecting Climate Change 

These three causes are usually mentioned as contributing to climate change when it comes to natural factors:

1. Changes in Solar Radiation - Regardless of changes in the weather below, the sun's rays still heat the planet. Therefore, our surface temperatures will be affected by any variation in the sun's radiation, whether an increase or a decrease.
2. Greenhouse gases - More greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere when the temperature rises. By weakening the ozone layer and trapping more heat inside the earth's atmosphere, less radiation may escape. The participants may become trapped in a vicious cycle where they feed off one another.
3. Drastic weather variations - Extreme weather changes can also contribute to climate change. Disasters like hurricanes or floods can seriously harm the environment, which in turn can have an impact on the climate.

Man-made Factors Affecting Climate Change

The following are the most notable man-made contributors to climate change:

1. Deforestation - Plants are vital to life on this planet because they take in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. A disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere and warms the environment when growing numbers of trees are cut down without being replaced.
2. Unpredictable Emission Control System- Emissions control standards haven't kept up with technology's advancement due to inconsistent emissions controls. This indicates that airborne emissions of dangerous greenhouse gases are increasing.
3. Modernization- The concrete used to build roads, and the vehicles that travel upon them, create high levels of carbon dioxide and exhaust fumes that contribute to higher temperatures.

These factors work together to produce "The Greenhouse Effect," in which greenhouse gases keep heat from escaping into space and warm the globe.

• Effects of Climate Change

There are many different ways that climate change affects our world, including:

1. Weather - Unpredictable weather patterns have an impact on food production. Extreme weather conditions also significantly increase the risk of illness and harm to people.
2. Rising Sea Levels - Sea levels start to increase when the polar ice caps melt. Millions of people could be forced to relocate because of this, and numerous ecosystems and natural landmarks could also be destroyed.
3. Plants - Plant life migrates higher or farther inland as the climate warms and sea levels rise. The local animal population may suffer as a result of this.
4. Wildlife - Animal behavior changes as a result of environmental changes. Lack of food sources and new predators that could enter their territory before are having an impact on many species. Animals are consequently put in a situation where they must move or risk extinction.
5. Businesses - Severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes can cause significant property damage. As a result, these catastrophes cause losses for enterprises.

“Our fragile planet is hanging by a thread. We are still knocking on the door of climate catastrophe. It is time to go into emergency mode — or our chance of reaching net-zero will itself be zero.”

To avoid this situation and the adverse effects of climate change and global warming on our planet, there are various ways in which we can do our bit for Mother Earth. 

These efforts made by us can be very beneficial for the coming generations like :

1. Improve your transportation- Around one-fourth of all greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, and numerous countries around the world are putting decarbonization plans into place. Leave your car at home and walk or bike whenever you can to gain a head start. If the distances are too considerable, take public transportation, ideally one that is electric. Offer to carpool with others if you must drive to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Purchase an electric vehicle to stay ahead of the curve. You should take fewer long-distance flights.
2. Buy locally and sustainably- Purchase seasonal and local foods to lower the carbon footprint of your diet. You'll support local small businesses and farmers while reducing the number of fossil fuels used for transportation and cold storage. In comparison to traditional farming, sustainable agriculture can use up to 56% less energy, produce 64% fewer emissions, and support higher levels of biodiversity. Try growing your own fruit, veggies, and herbs as a next step. They are suitable for planting in gardens, balconies, or even on window sills. Set up a communal garden in your neighborhood to get others engaged.
3. Stop wasting food- Buy only what you require to reduce waste. Utilize every component of the food you buy that is edible. Be creative with leftovers, share extras with your friends and neighbors, cook rice and other basics in appropriate quantities, store food properly (use your freezer if you have one), and contribute to a neighborhood food-sharing program. By composting leftovers that aren't edible, you can feed your plants. One of the finest methods for managing organic waste and minimizing its negative effects on the environment is composting.
4. Afforestation- Deforestation, together with agriculture and other changes in land use, results in the annual destruction of over 12 million hectares of forest, which accounts for about 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. By planting trees, either individually or collectively, we can all do our part to halt this trend. For instance, individuals can fund the planting of trees all around the world through the Plant-for-the-Planet project.
5. Recycle old clothes- the fashion sector is responsible for 8–10% of the world's carbon emissions, and fast fashion has bred a throwaway culture where clothing is quickly thrown into landfills. However, we can alter this. Wear your clothes longer and buy fewer new ones. Instead of purchasing new goods that will only be worn once, look for sustainable labels and use rental services for special events. Recycle used clothing, and where necessary, make repairs.

These are some basic efforts required from every citizen so that we can make this planet a better place to live in, not only for ourselves but for future generations as well. 

The longer people wait to address climate change, the more detrimental an impact it will have on the environment and human health. More harsh and expensive measures may subsequently be required to stop greenhouse gases from reaching harmful levels if people don't act now. According to the most recent National Climate Assessment Website, global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could, by the end of the century, prevent tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States as well as billions in damages from water scarcity, wildfires, agricultural losses, flooding, and other effects. People can take a variety of steps right away to lessen the risk of climate change while simultaneously enhancing the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What distinguishes the two terms weather and climate?

The term "weather" describes the daily evolution of the atmosphere, including its relationship to variables like temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and others. The term "climate" refers to a location's weather on average over a long time, frequently 30 years. Consider it this way: the weather is what a person might encounter on any one day, such as snowfall in January or a sunny day in July, whereas climate is something that can be expected to happen in general, like a chilly winter season.

• What distinguishes climate change from global warming?

Although the terms "global warming" and "climate change" are sometimes used interchangeably, global warming is only one of the ways that growing greenhouse gas concentrations have an impact on the climate. The term "global warming" refers to the recent increase in the average global temperature close to the surface of the earth, which is primarily due to rising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities like the burning of fossil fuels for energy.

• How is climate change dangerous for people’s health?

An increased risk of heat-related diseases and deaths is associated with higher summertime temperatures. Due to the added heat brought on by urban heat islands, those living in urban areas, including older adults, pregnant women, and children, are particularly in danger.

In addition to endangering people's lives, more frequent extreme weather events like droughts, storms, floods, and wildfires can exacerbate existing medical issues, increase stress, and have a negative impact on mental health.

• How can individuals lessen the dangers of climate change?

By making decisions that limit greenhouse gas emissions and by planning for the changes that are anticipated in the future, people can lessen the dangers associated with climate change. People's decisions now will influence the planet for decades or even millennia to come. By recognizing and minimizing their vulnerabilities and taking climate change risks into account when planning and developing, communities may also get ready for the changes in the decades to come. By taking such measures, we can ensure that those who are most at risk—including children, the elderly, and those who are poor—are shielded from the dangers that climate change poses to their health and well-being.

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” - Benjamin Franklin

This is such a powerful quote and in general terms, it shows how nothing should be taken for granted. The same goes for our beautiful planet, which deserves much better than what we are giving it. The above-mentioned ways are very crucial to improving the situation of the world we are living in. 

Plant trees, use public transport, shop smartly, recycle old clothing, stop wastage of food, and reduce the use of energy. Do your bit!