Climate Change and Its Global Impact - Textbook
A Textbook-style Educational Resource
© 2025 Educational Resource
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to Climate Change
Chapter 2: Causes of Climate Change
Chapter 3: Effects of Climate Change
Chapter 4: Solutions to Climate Change
Chapter 5: The Future Outlook
Chapter 1: Introduction to Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
It can be natural but in recent centuries, human activities are the main cause.
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization accelerated global warming.
Why It Matters
Climate change affects ecosystems, human health, and global economies.
It is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today.
Figure 1: Graph of Global Temperature Rise Over Time
Key Takeaways
• Climate change is mainly driven by human activity.
• It affects all aspects of life on Earth.
Chapter 2: Causes of Climate Change
Greenhouse Gases
CO2 from burning fossil fuels is the largest contributor.
Methane from agriculture and livestock is highly potent.
Nitrous oxide from fertilizers adds to the problem.
Deforestation
Cutting down forests reduces Earth’s ability to absorb CO2.
Industrialization
Factories, cars, and urbanization increased emissions worldwide.
Figure 2: Pie Chart of Greenhouse Gas Sources
Key Takeaways
• Human activity is the primary cause of climate change.
• Fossil fuels and deforestation are major contributors.
Chapter 3: Effects of Climate Change
Environmental Impacts
Melting glaciers raise sea levels.
Extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods increase.
Ecosystems and biodiversity face collapse.
Human Health Impacts
Heatwaves increase mortality rates.
Diseases spread faster due to changing climates.
Economic Impacts
Agriculture suffers from droughts and floods.
Recovery from natural disasters costs billions annually.
Figure 3: World Map of Climate Change Effects
Key Takeaways
• Climate change harms the environment, people, and economies.
• The poorest communities suffer the most.
Chapter 4: Solutions to Climate Change
Renewable Energy
Solar and wind energy reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Electric vehicles cut emissions from transport.
Sustainable Practices
Afforestation, recycling, and reducing waste are key solutions.
Global Agreements
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2°C.
Figure 4: Solar Panels and Wind Turbines Illustration
Key Takeaways
• Solutions exist but require global cooperation.
• Renewable energy is critical to fighting climate change.
Chapter 5: The Future Outlook
If Action is Taken
Transitioning to green energy could stabilize climate conditions.
Technological innovation will play a major role.
If Action is Delayed
Global warming could surpass 3°C, causing irreversible damage.
Future generations will face harsher living conditions.
Figure 5: Projection Graph of CO2 Levels
Key Takeaways
• The future depends on today’s choices.
• Immediate action can reduce long-term damage.
References
Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2016). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach.
Goodfellow, I., Bengio, Y., & Courville, A. (2016). Deep Learning.
MIT OpenCourseWare. Introduction to AI.
Stanford University AI Notes.
