Over millions of years, species become adapted to survive in the conditions in which they live. A stable climate supports this process and allows living things to thrive. If the climate changes quickly, organisms don’t have enough time to adapt to new conditions and may no longer be able to survive.
2. What is Climate?
2
The climate of a given region is characterized by the
averages over time of weather data, such as
humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric
pressure, and precipitation.
These averages are affected by multiple factors
including latitude, altitude, type of terrain, and
proximity to water.
3. What is Climate Change?
3
Identifiable change in the climate of Earth as a whole that
lasts for an extended period of time (decades or longer)
-When due to natural processes, it is usually referred to as
global climate variability
-Usually refers to changes forced by human activities that
change the atmosphere
5. “
5
Why Is Climate Change a
Problem?
Over millions of years, species become adapted to
survive in the conditions in which they live. A stable
climate supports this process and allows living things to
thrive. If the climate changes quickly, organisms don’t
have enough time to adapt to new conditions and may
no longer be able to survive.
7. Anthropogenic causes Climate
Change
Anthropogenic causes for climate change are those
which are caused due to human activities. The most
prominent cause being man-made pollution. A large
part of this pollution can be attributed to the burning
of fossil fuels.
8. 1. Greenhouse gas emissions
The burning of fossil fuels for energy,
transportation, and industrial processes
releases carbon dioxide, methane, and
other greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere, which trap heat and
contribute to global warming.
9. 2. Burning of fossil fuels
The combustion of coal, oil, and natural
gas for energy production releases
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere, contributing
to global warming and climate change.
10. This graph displays the different
sources of anthropogenic CO2
emissions and how they have
increased from the year 1800 to
2000
11. 3. Deforestation
The clearing of forests for agriculture,
logging, and urban development
reduces the number of trees that can
absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, leading to higher levels of
greenhouse gases and global warming.
12. 4. Industrial processes
Manufacturing, mining, and other
industrial activities release greenhouse
gases and other pollutants into the
atmosphere, contributing to climate
change.
13. 5. Agriculture
Agricultural practices such as livestock
production and the use of fertilizers
release methane and nitrous oxide,
which are potent greenhouse gases
that contribute to global warming and
Climate Change.
14. 6. Land use changes
Converting natural landscapes into
urban areas and agricultural land can
alter the Earth's surface and contribute
to changes in local and regional
climates.
15. 7. Waste management
Landfills and waste treatment facilities
release methane, a potent greenhouse
gas, into the atmosphere.
16. 8. Use of refrigerants and
other chemicals
Certain industrial chemicals, such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), contribute
to the depletion of the ozone layer and
also act as potent greenhouse gases.
17. 9. Transportation
The burning of gasoline and diesel fuels
in vehicles releases carbon dioxide and
other pollutants into the atmosphere,
contributing to climate change.
18.
19. Who Causes Climate Change?
The 50 least developed countries are thought to have contributed 1% of the
greenhouse gases that have caused global warming. The USA, the EU and China alone
have contributed around 60%.
Oceania
Africa
South America
North
America
Europe
Asia
20. Natural Causes Climate Changes
Natural causes of climate change include
the release gas from methane gas from
arctic tundra and wetlands, volcanoes
etc.In case of volcanoes,when a volcano
erupts, tons of ash is let out into the
atmosphere.
The natural contribution to climate change
is insignificant when compared to human
cintribution for this hazzard.
21. 21
1. Volcanic eruptions
Volcanic eruptions can have a significant impact on the Earth's climate,
both in the short term and over longer periods. When a volcano erupts, it
releases large amounts of gases, ash, and particles into the atmosphere.
One of the most important gases released is sulfur dioxide, which, when
it reaches the stratosphere, can react with water vapor to form sulfuric
acid aerosols. These aerosols can remain in the atmosphere for an
extended period, reflecting sunlight and reducing the amount of solar
radiation reaching the Earth's surface. This can lead to a cooling effect on
the climate, as less solar energy reaches the Earth's surface, resulting in
lower temperatures.
22. 22
2. Solar radiation
Earth receives nearly all of its energy from the
sun and the constant incoming solar radiation
that it provides. Solar radiation is the primary
source of energy for Earth's climate system. The
amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's
surface varies due to factors such as the Earth's
tilt, orbit, and the presence of atmospheric
particles. Changes in solar radiation can directly
influence temperature and weather patterns,
impacting the climate.
23. 23
3. Orbital changes
Changes in the Earth's orbit and axial tilt
can lead to long-term changes in the
distribution of sunlight on the Earth's
surface, affecting climate patterns over tens
of thousands of years.
24. 24
4. Ocean currents
Natural fluctuations in ocean currents, such as El Niño and La Niña
events, can influence regional climate patterns and weather
phenomena.
Here are a few ways in which ocean currents can impact climate
change:
Heat Distribution: Ocean currents transport warm water from the
equator towards the poles and cold water from the poles towards
the equator. This redistribution of heat helps moderate
temperatures in different regions, influencing local climates and
weather patterns.
Carbon Sequestration: Phytoplankton and other marine organisms
take in CO2 during photosynthesis, and when they die, their
organic matter sinks to the ocean floor, effectively sequestering
carbon.
Sea Level Rise: Warmer water expands, contributing to sea level
rise, and changes in currents can affect the distribution of this
warmer water.
Weather Patterns: Ocean currents influence weather patterns by
affecting the distribution of heat and moisture around the globe
25. 25
5. Natural greenhouse gas
emissions
Natural processes, such as decomposition
of organic matter, release greenhouse gases
like carbon dioxide and methane into the
atmosphere.
26. The three main greenhouse gases
that are present in the
atmosphere are carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane (CH4), and water
vapor (H2O).In the form of short
wave radiation, energy leaves the
Sun and travels to Earth. It
reaches the Earth's surface
because its interactions with the
molecules of greenhouse gases
are not very strong.
CO2
CO2
CH4
H2O
CH4
CO2
H2O
CH4
CH4
CO2
27. The surface of the Earth emits
radiation with long wavelengths.The
molecules of greenhouse gases are
impacted by this.
A portion of the energy is absorbed by
the molecules of greenhouse gases,
which trap it in the atmosphere. This
mechanism is necessary for life and
keeps the Earth warm.
CO2
CO2
CH4
H2O
CH4
CO2
H2O
CH4
CH4
CO2
28. Radiation is absorbed greater when
the amount of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere is higher.
This phenomenon, which raises Earth's
temperature, is called the greenhouse
effect.
Climate change is caused by this rise
in temperature.
CO2
CO2
CH4
H2O
CH4
CO2
H2O
CH4
CH4
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2
CH4
CH4
CH4
29.
30. The overwhelming scientific consensus is that human
activities are the primary driver of the observed climate
change in recent decades. While natural factors, such as
volcanic eruptions and variations in the sun's output,
can influence the climate, their impact is relatively
small compared to the influence of human activities.We
cannot say that one is more accountable than the
other.However, in a short amount of time, human
causes are more destructive than natural ones.
As we discussed in our topic, The burning of fossil fuels,
deforestation, and other human activities release
greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane)
into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to an
enhanced greenhouse effect and warming of the Earth's
surface. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), which is a scientific body under the United Nations,
has stated that it is "extremely likely" that more than half
of the observed increase in global average surface
temperature since the mid-20th century is due to human
influence.
31. Although natural forces can still influence
climate variability, human activity is mostly
responsible for the present and documented
trends in climate change, such as rising
global temperatures, rising sea levels, and
altered precipitation patterns.Addressing
climate change requires global efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition
to sustainable energy sources, and
implement other measures to mitigate the
impacts of human-induced climate change.
However,we are unable to surely say that
nature or humans are more to blame for
climate change but in recent climate change
is a result of human activity...