Climate change is the gradual and often permanent change in the climate or weather patterns of the earth or a particular region. This is accelerated by global warming (rise in global temperatures due to greenhouse effect)
Causes of Climate Change
1. Deforestation has led to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere thus exacerbating the effects of climate change
2. Industrialization leads to the emission of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and other chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
3. Change of land use also contributes to climate change
4. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere – the major greenhouse gas after water vapor.
5. Changes in volcanic activity, solar output and the earth’s orbit around the sun.
Effects of Climate Change
1. The rise in extreme weather phenomena such as heavy flooding, lengthy droughts, increase in tropical cyclones etc.
2. Decrease in clean water sources.
3. The surge in temperature may reduce soil productivity leading to a decrease in agricultural crop output. The food supply may get effected.
4. Adverse changes in climatic patterns may have a bearing on health as well.
5. Melting of glaciers leading to sea level rise and hence in flooding in coastal areas.
Remedial Measures for Climate Change
It is in our power to combat climate change. If these solutions are applied globally, global warming would dramatically halt.
- Developing low-carbon technologies that reduces the demand for fossil fuel guzzling factories.
- Buy products made of eco-friendly materials.
- Opting for renewable and green fuels in homes: wind, wave and solar energy do not cause climate change.
- Curbing the rate of deforestation
- Travel less by car and plane and more by public transport or on foot or bike.
- Not using harmful chemicals: opt for natural, organic products instead.
- Enacting climate friendly laws.
Conclusion
The impacts of climate change can be mitigated if the world come together and curb the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and foster sustainable land use practices. We must all start to act right now in order to stop climate change.