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Climate Change Final

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Climate Change Final

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coolharsh.shah12
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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INTRODUCTION

The term “climate” refers to the long-term patterns and trends of weather conditions
in a particular region or over the entire Earth. Climate is determined by a variety of
factors, including the amount of solar radiation the Earth receives, the composition of
the atmosphere, ocean currents, and the Earth’s rotation and tilt. Climate is typically
characterized by parameters such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind
patterns, and atmospheric pressure. These parameters vary across different regions
and can change over time due to natural factors, such as volcanic eruptions and
changes in solar radiation, as well as human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and
deforestation. Climate is different from weather, which refers to short-term
atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind. While
weather can vary widely from day to day and even hour to hour, climate represents
the long-term averages and trends of these conditions. Understanding climate patterns
and trends is important for many reasons, including predicting natural disasters,
managing natural resources, and developing strategies to adapt to changing
conditions.

The term “Climate change” refers to the long-term alteration of global or regional
climate patterns and conditions over several decades or longer. It is primarily caused
by human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the
atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes are
some of the major human activities that contribute to the increase in greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere. The increased concentration of greenhouse gases
traps more heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to an increase in
global temperatures.

This results in a range of effects, such as melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, rising
sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, more frequent and intense weather
events, and altered ecosystems. Climate change is a major global challenge and is
already having significant impacts on the natural world, human societies, and
economies. The scientific consensus is clear that human activities are the primary
driver of climate change and that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and limit the severity of the impacts.
Many countries and organizations are taking steps to address climate change through
mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to
renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. In addition, adaptation measures
are necessary to manage the impacts of climate change that are already occurring,
such as developing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and
changing agricultural practices to adapt to changing precipitation patterns.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an


international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing
climate change. The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by the UNFCCC in 2015, is
a global agreement in which countries have pledged to limit global temperature rise to
well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Overall, climate change is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires collective
action at all levels, from individual behaviour changes to global policy solutions, in
order to mitigate the impacts and ensure a sustainable future.

• Is the climate on earth warming?

Yes. Earth’s average surface air temperature has increased by about 1 °C (1.8 °F)
since 1900, with over half of the increase occurring since the mid-1970s. A wide
Range of other observations (such as reduced Arctic sea ice extent and increased
Ocean heat content) and indications from the natural world (such as poleward shifts of
temperature-sensitive species of fish, mammals, insects, etc.) together provide
Incontrovertible evidence of planetary-scale warming.

A wide range of other observations provides a more comprehensive picture of


warming throughout the climate system. For example, the lower atmosphere and the
upper layers of the ocean have also warmed, snow and ice cover are decreasing in the
Northern Hemisphere, the Greenland ice sheet is shrinking, and sea level is rising.
These measurements are made with a variety of land-, ocean-, and space-based
monitoring systems, which gives added confidence in the reality of global-scale
warming of Earth’s climate.

• What is the role of sun in climate change?

The sun plays an important role in climate change, but it is not the primary cause of
current climate change. The energy that the sun emits and the way that it is distributed
across the Earth’s surface influences climate patterns on a global scale. The sun’s
energy drives the climate system by warming the Earth’s surface and causing
evaporation, which leads to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

However, the primary cause of current climate change is human activities, particularly
the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a gradual increase in
global temperatures. The increase in temperatures can lead to changes in climate
patterns, such as more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and
changes in precipitation patterns. The sun’s activity does have an impact on climate,
but its influence is small compared to human activities.

The sun goes through regular cycles of high and low activity, which can affect the
amount of energy it emits. However, studies have shown that the current warming
trend cannot be explained solely by changes in solar activity. In fact, measurements of
the sun’s energy output show that it has actually decreased slightly over the past few
decades, while global temperatures have continued to rise.

What is global warming?

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the
Earth's surface and lower atmosphere, primarily due to the increased concentration of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun that
would otherwise radiate back into space, causing a warming effect that can have
significant impacts on the Earth's climate system.

Global warming is a major concern for the planet's future as it poses a significant
threat to human societies and ecosystems. In order to mitigate the effects of global
warming, it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-
carbon, sustainable economy.
OBJECTIVES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Mitigating Climate Change:

Mitigating climate change involves reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, such as


carbon dioxide and methane that are driving climate change. This can be done by
implementing policies to promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind,
and by investing in energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and LED lighting.

It is also important to reduce deforestation and land-use changes, which are major
sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, reducing emissions of short-lived
climate pollutants, such as black carbon, can also help to reduce the impacts of
climate change.

2. Adapting to Climate Change Impacts:

Adapting to climate change impacts involves developing strategies to reduce the


vulnerability of people and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. This
includes protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels, developing drought-resistant
crops, and investing in infrastructure to protect communities from extreme weather
events.

It is also important to invest in early warning systems and disaster risk reduction
measures to help communities prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the most vulnerable communities are given
the resources they need to adapt to climate change.

3. Increasing Resilience to Climate Change:

Increasing resilience to climate change involves developing strategies to reduce the


vulnerability of people and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. This
includes investing in infrastructure to protect communities from extreme weather
events, improving agricultural practices to reduce the impacts of drought, and
investing in early warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures.
It is also important to ensure that the most vulnerable communities are given the
resources they need to cope with the impacts of climate change. Additionally, it is
important to promote sustainable development practices that reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases and protect ecosystems.

4. Providing Finance and Technology to Developing Countries:

Providing finance and technology to developing countries is essential for creating a


sustainable future and enabling the world to meet the challenges posed by climate
change. This includes providing financial support to help countries adapt to the
impacts of climate change and invest in renewable energy sources.

It is also important to provide developing countries with access to the latest


technologies, such as clean energy and water-saving technologies, to help them
reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and increase their resilience to climate
change.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the most vulnerable communities are given
the resources they need to cope with the impacts of climate change.
ANALYSIS OF OBJECTIVES

1. Mitigating Climate Change:

The primary cause of climate change is the increase in the concentration of


greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide. This increase
is largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial processes. There are a variety of strategies for mitigating climate change,
including reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency, shifting to
renewable energy sources, improving land use practices, and adopting carbon capture
and storage technologies.

Many of these strategies require significant investment, but can also generate
significant economic benefits, such as job creation, energy savings, and reduced
healthcare costs associated with air pollution. Governments can play a key role in
mitigating climate change by implementing policies such as carbon pricing,
renewable energy mandates, and regulations on emissions from transportation and
industry.

2. Adapting to Climate Change Impacts:

Climate change is causing a range of impacts, including sea level rise, increased
frequency and intensity of natural disasters, changes in precipitation patterns, and
more frequent heat waves. There are a variety of strategies for adapting to climate
change impacts, including improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather
events, enhancing water management, developing drought-resistant crops, and
relocating vulnerable populations.

Vulnerable populations such as low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and


people living in developing countries are often the most affected by climate change
impacts. It is important to ensure that adaptation strategies are equitable and prioritize
the needs of these populations.

3. Increasing Resilience to Climate Change:

These impacts can have significant negative effects on human societies and
ecosystems, including economic losses, displacement of people, and loss of
biodiversity. Many resilience strategies require significant investment, but can also
generate economic benefits by reducing the costs of climate impacts and improving
the resilience of communities and ecosystems.

Governments can play a key role in promoting resilience to climate change by


implementing policies such as disaster risk reduction measures, land use planning,
and climate-smart agriculture.

4. Providing Finance and Technology to Developing Countries:

Developing countries often lack the financial and technological resources to address
the challenges of climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
adapting to the impacts of climate change, and building resilience to future climate
risks. Providing finance to support climate action in developing countries can help to
overcome the financial barriers to climate action, including financing for low-carbon
infrastructure, renewable energy development, and climate adaptation and resilience
measures.

Access to appropriate technology is also important for developing countries to


effectively address the challenges of climate change, including improving energy
efficiency, developing renewable energy sources, and adapting to the impacts of
climate change.
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO INDIA

India, a country with a population of over 1.3 billion, is experiencing the impacts of
climate change in various forms. Climate change, caused by human activities such as
burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities, has resulted in rising
temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, and extreme weather events
in the country. These impacts have affected various sectors, including agriculture,
water resources, public health, and the economy. The effects of climate change in
India are expected to worsen in the coming years, as the country faces the challenges
of meeting the growing demand for energy and economic growth while reducing its
greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, it is important to understand the impacts of
climate change in India and take measures to adapt and mitigate its effects. The
following are the impacts of climate change in India:

•Agriculture: Climate change has significant impacts on agriculture in India, which is


the backbone of the country's economy, employing a large portion of the population.
The impacts of climate change on agriculture in India are diverse and can be analysed
as follows:

Changing rainfall patterns: Climate change is causing changes in rainfall patterns in


India, leading to more frequent droughts and floods. These changes in rainfall patterns
can lead to reduced crop yields, decreased productivity, and increased crop failures.

Rising temperatures: Climate change is causing rising temperatures in India, which


affects the growth of crops. High temperatures can cause heat stress in crops and
reduce yields. Additionally, it leads to the loss of soil moisture and the need for more
irrigation.
Pests and diseases: Climate change is increasing the spread of pests and diseases that
affect crops. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have led to the spread of
new pests and diseases in Indian agriculture.

Water availability: Climate change impacts water resources in India, which is critical
for agricultural production. Reduced water availability due to changes in precipitation
patterns and increased evaporation can lead to crop failure, reduced productivity, and
increased irrigation costs.

Soil degradation: Climate change impacts soil quality and degradation, leading to
decreased soil fertility, erosion, and nutrient depletion. These changes can have
significant implications for crop production and food security.

Adaptation challenges: Smallholder farmers in India, who depend on rain-fed


agriculture, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Adaptation
strategies such as switching to drought-resistant crops, changing planting dates, and
improving water management require significant investments and technical
knowledge.

•Water resources: Climate change has significant impacts on water resources in


India, a country that already faces water scarcity and water stress. The impacts of
climate change on water resources in India can be analysed as follows:

Changes in precipitation patterns: Climate change is causing changes in precipitation


patterns in India, leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events in some regions,
while causing prolonged drought in other areas. These changes in rainfall patterns can
result in floods and droughts, affecting the availability of water resources.

Glacier melting: Climate change is causing the melting of Himalayan glaciers that
serve as a vital source of water for major Indian rivers. The melting of glaciers can
lead to the depletion of river flows, affecting the availability of water for agriculture,
energy production, and human consumption.

Groundwater depletion: India is heavily dependent on groundwater for agriculture,


drinking water, and industrial uses. Climate change is causing changes in rainfall
patterns and soil moisture levels, leading to the depletion of groundwater resources in
some regions.
Sea level rise: Climate change is causing sea-level rise, which is affecting India's
coastal areas, leading to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and causing the
displacement of coastal communities.

Water quality: Climate change impacts water quality in India, leading to changes in
water temperature, chemical composition, and the spread of waterborne diseases.

• Human Health: Climate change has significant impacts on human health, affecting
people's physical and mental health. The impacts of climate change on human health
can be analysed as follows:

Heat-related illness: Climate change is causing rising temperatures, leading to an


increase in heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-
related illnesses.

Respiratory diseases: Climate change is causing an increase in air pollution, which is


linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), and other lung diseases.

Vector-borne diseases: Climate change is causing changes in the distribution and


behaviour of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, leading to an
increase in vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Lyme disease.

Water-borne diseases: Climate change is causing changes in water availability and


quality, leading to an increase in water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and
other water-borne diseases.

Food insecurity: Climate change is affecting agricultural production, leading to a


reduction in food availability, which can lead to malnutrition, hunger, and other food-
related health problems.

Mental health: Climate change is causing extreme weather events, natural disasters,
and displacement, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and
post-traumatic stress disorder.

•Energy: Climate change has significant impacts on the energy sector, affecting the
production, distribution, and consumption of energy. The impacts of climate change
on energy can be analysed as follows:
Renewable energy: Climate change is driving the shift towards renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which are less carbon-intensive and
more sustainable than fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels: Climate change is affecting the production and distribution of fossil
fuels, leading to disruptions in supply chains and higher costs for extraction,
transportation, and refining.

Energy infrastructure: Climate change is causing extreme weather events such as


hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which can damage energy infrastructure such as
power plants, transmission lines, and pipelines.

Energy demand: Climate change is causing changes in energy demand, as people


require more cooling during heat waves, more heating during cold spells, and more
electricity for transportation, communication, and other activities.

Energy efficiency: Climate change is driving the need for energy efficiency measures,
such as building insulation, efficient lighting, and energy-efficient appliances, which
can reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

•Costal zones: Climate change has significant impacts on coastal zones, affecting the
natural environment, human settlements, and economic activities. The impacts of
climate change on coastal zones can be analysed as follows:

Sea level rise: Climate change is causing sea level rise, leading to flooding and
erosion of coastal areas, which can damage infrastructure, affect coastal habitats, and
threaten human settlements.

Storm surges: Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of
extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and cyclones, leading to storm surges,
which can cause severe damage to coastal infrastructure and communities.

Saltwater intrusion: Climate change is causing changes in rainfall patterns and sea
level, leading to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, affecting the availability
of drinking water and agricultural productivity.

Coastal erosion: Climate change is causing increased coastal erosion, leading to the
loss of beaches, wetlands, and other coastal habitats, affecting wildlife and
ecosystems.
Tourism and recreation: Climate change is affecting the tourism and recreation
industry in coastal zones, leading to changes in tourist behaviour, and causing damage
to coastal infrastructure, affecting local economies.

•Biodiversity: Climate change has significant impacts on biodiversity, affecting the


distribution, composition, and diversity of species and ecosystems. The impacts of
climate change on biodiversity can be analysed as follows:

Changes in species distribution: Climate change is causing changes in the distribution


of species, leading to range shifts and alterations in the timing of seasonal events such
as migration, hibernation, and reproduction.

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Climate change is causing alterations in habitat


availability and suitability, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, affecting the
survival and reproductive success of many species.

Species interactions: Climate change is causing alterations in species interactions such


as competition, predation, and mutualism, leading to changes in ecosystem dynamics
and functioning.

Extinctions: Climate change is causing an increase in the rate of species extinction,


particularly for species that are unable to adapt to rapid changes in their environment.

Invasive species: Climate change is affecting the spread and establishment of invasive
species, leading to changes in community composition and ecosystem functioning.
LITERATURE CONTENT

To understand the topic about climate change around we referred the documentary
called "2040" presented by Screen Australia, produced by GOOD THING
PRODUCTION and Regen Pictures which is associated by Shark Island Institute. The
following documentary talks about a guy named "Damon" and his daughter "Velvet"
and she is currently four years old and her mother "Zoe". They had named their house
as "Happy Bubble". Damon talks about how the world is facing severe and rapid
changes and it needs to be address urgently. Earth for last millions of years have been
a part of carbon cycle in which some of the gases gets released and some gases are
stored. Together its mixture is known as equilibrium. But it is changed after Industrial
Revolution. For thousands of years we have hovered 180-200 million parts of carbon
dioxide in the air. In today's generation the numbers have increased about 40% which
led to trapping heat in the atmosphere. Due to heat being trapped in the air, it is
consumed by our oceans 90% which also contains carbon dioxide and it makes the
water more acidic than that of 150 years. The following event not only affects the
biodiversity but it also starts the affects the weather conditions. It causes heavy rains,
storms, hurricanes, floods, and also snowfall heavier. The current climate has been
changing rapidly.

The heat stored in the air not only affects the weather but it also starts affecting to the
north pole and south pole which leads to melting of glaciers leading to rise of sea
level affecting the coastal zones. As a father he wants to solve these problems by
finding solutions and want to apply these solutions and give the future generations a
better and safe future. He begins the journey by asking the children of what type of
future they would like to see. He finds himself in BANGLADESH for research of
energy and their he finds out about rural area in which every house has solar panels
and small house structure which leads to less consumption of energy. If the people
can’t afford solar panels, they can simply buy from neighbour’s it is known as trading
of electricity. So if they buy the more amount of energy the less they have to pay in
upcoming months. Having efficient amount of energy provides greater amount of
resilience to the locals.

Bangladesh has been a major country affected by the climate change. Floods,
earthquakes and many more have been affected the locals in last one and half year.
Making own electricity and power grid it starts to connect people. If the countries
shift to solar power, solar batteries and provide energy for cheaper rates than it is
possible that the energy used will be 100% renewable by 2040. Due to this the job
security will increase effectively.

Damon visited to NYC America and he got to know that the road vehicles provide
20% of emissions. It means that by 2040, there will be around 1 billion cars
worldwide. One possible demand is that transfer of ownership of cars on demand. To
the replacement of cars Damon tries out electric cars which are driverless. Countries
like America are planning to use driverless cars as transportation and increase the
prices of fuel cars 4 times than the transport car so the people have no choice than to
prefer the cheaper one. It reduces the cars and increases the parking spaces. Those
extra spaces can be used as growing new plants and veggies. People can also use the
top floor as their own farm and grow fresh fruits. Damon also meets new people,
children, doctors, climate analysts, scientists and many more throughout the journey
for finding out the perfect solution of climate change. Damon gives the message to the
world that people should adapt to the new changes in the climate change around the
globe. People should reduce the usage of toxic gases which can lead to rising sea level
and many natural calamities. People should use renewable energy green buildings,
electric cars, which can lead to better change for the future generations.
LEARNING

Climate change has taught us many valuable lessons, including:

We are all interconnected: Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone,
regardless of where they live. It has made us realize that we are all interconnected and
that the actions we take in one part of the world can have far-reaching consequences
for others.

We must be proactive: Climate change has shown us that we cannot afford to be


complacent. We must be proactive in addressing this issue and take action before it is
too late.

We need to be more sustainable: Climate change has highlighted the need for us to
adopt more sustainable practices in our daily lives. We must reduce our carbon
footprint, conserve our natural resources, and shift to renewable energy sources.

We need to think long-term: Climate change is a long-term problem that requires


long-term solutions. We must plan for the future and take action now to ensure a
sustainable and resilient world for future generations.
We must work together: Climate change is a global issue that requires a collective
response. We must work together as a global community to tackle this issue, and that
means taking action at the local, national, and international levels.

We need to prioritize adaptation: While mitigation measures are crucial, adaptation is


also essential. Climate change is already causing significant impacts, and we must
prioritize adaptation measures to minimize the effects of these impacts.

We must listen to science: Climate change has reminded us of the importance of


scientific research and the need to listen to the experts. It is crucial that we base our
policies and actions on sound scientific evidence to effectively tackle this global
challenge.

We need to address the root causes: Climate change is primarily caused by human
activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. To effectively
address this issue, we must address the root causes and transition to a low-carbon
economy.

We need to address the equity and justice issues: Climate change has unequal impacts
on different communities, with the most vulnerable and marginalized populations
often being the hardest hit. We must address equity and justice issues in our climate
action to ensure that no one is left behind.

We must remain hopeful and take action: While the challenges posed by climate
change can be daunting, it is essential that we remain hopeful and take action. We
have the technology, the knowledge, and the resources to address this issue, and we
must act with urgency and determination to create a better future for all.
CONCLUSION

Climate change is a complex and pressing issue facing our planet today. The
overwhelming majority of scientific evidence indicates that human activities, such as
burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are causing the Earth's climate to change at an
unprecedented rate. This is resulting in rising global temperatures, melting ice caps,
more frequent and severe weather events, and a range of other environmental impacts.

The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and pose significant risks to
human societies and ecosystems worldwide. These risks include increased frequency
and severity of heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires, as well as negative
impacts on food and water supplies, human health, biodiversity, and economic
development.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is essential that we take immediate and
sustained action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy
sources, conserve natural resources, and implements adaptation measures to reduce
our vulnerability to climate impacts. The global community must work together to
address this challenge, and urgent and collective action is needed to create a
sustainable future for all.

Climate change is inevitable; if emissions of greenhouse gases continue unabated,


future changes will substantially exceed those that have occurred so far. There
remains a range of estimates of the magnitude and regional expression of future
change, but increases in the extremes of climate that can adversely affect natural
ecosystems and human activities and infrastructure are expected. Citizens and
governments can choose among several options (or a mixture of those Options) in
response to this information: they can change their pattern of energy production and
usage in order to limit emissions of greenhouse gases and hence the magnitude of
climate changes; they can wait for changes to occur and accept the losses, damage,
and suffering that arise; they can adapt to actual and expected changes as much as
possible; or they can seek as yet unproven “geoengineering” solutions to counteract
that some of the climate change may occur. Each of these options has risks,
attractions and costs, and what is actually done may be a mixture of these different
options.

REFERENCES

1. https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/
2. https://www.ipcc.ch/
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health
4. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772
5. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/climate-change/
6. https://www.youtube.com (2040 Documentary)

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