Climate change refers to significant, long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. This section explores its primary causes, largely human...
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns globally. While some shifts are natural, human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, have been the dominant driver since the 19th century.
The primary causes include the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy, industrial processes, and transportation, alongside deforestation, which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
Impacts include rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events (heatwaves, droughts, floods), sea-level rise, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to agriculture and food security.
Addressing climate change involves mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture) and adaptation (adjusting to current and future impacts, like building resilient infrastructure).
Yes, there is overwhelming scientific consensus, with over 97% of actively publishing climate scientists agreeing that the Earth's climate is warming and human activities are the primary cause.