What are the main causes and impacts of climate change
Discuss the causes of climate change and its impacts on the environment and society.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Increased burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to global warming.
- Deforestation: The removal of forests reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb CO2, contributing to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Agricultural activities: Practices like livestock farming and the use of synthetic fertilizers release methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), both potent greenhouse gases.
- Industrial processes: The production and release of gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in air conditioning and refrigeration, contribute to climate change.
- Rising temperatures: Higher temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.
- Extreme weather events: Climate change can increase the intensity and frequency of hurricanes, storms, floods, and other extreme weather events, causing damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human lives.
- Rising sea levels: Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to sea-level rise, posing risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and freshwater resources.
- Ecosystem disruption: Changing climate conditions can adversely affect ecosystems, causing shifts in plant and animal habitats, disruptions to migration patterns, and the loss of biodiversity.
- Human health impacts: Climate change can increase the spread of diseases, as well as impact access to clean water, food security, and mental health.
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