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1. What is Climate Change?

Weather vs. Climate: Sectoral Impacts:
Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions (e.g., rain, Coastal/Marine Ecosystems: Erosion, storm surges,
snow, wind). flooding, saltwater intrusion, coral bleaching, ocean
Climate: Average daily weather over an extended period at acidification.
a specific location. Agriculture: Heat stress, shifting monsoons, water
shortages, reduced crop yields, livestock production
Definition of Climate Change: challenges.
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human Health: Increase in heat-related illnesses, vector-
Major changes in temperature, rainfall, snow, or wind borne diseases, respiratory issues.
patterns lasting decades or longer. Water Resources: Changes in hydrological cycles
Detrimental effects on the environment, such as changes in affecting freshwater availability.
ocean currents, melting ice, temperature rise, precipitation Forests/Biodiversity: Species migration, extinction,
changes, sea level rise, intensified cyclones, ozone layer distribution changes, invasive species.
depletion, biodiversity loss, vegetation change, and drought. Industry/Energy: Changes in energy demand,
infrastructure impacts, effects on various industries.
2. Causes of Climate Change
Natural Events and Human Activities: 4. Dealing with Climate Change
Scientists agree that human activities are the primary cause Mitigation and Adaptation:
of recent global warming. Mitigation: Reducing GHG emissions by using alternative
fuels, increasing efficiency, carbon sequestration, planting
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): trees.
Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere (e.g., carbon Adaptation: Adapting to impacts such as rising sea levels,
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor). shifting agricultural zones, and constructing protective
Human activities (e.g., burning fossil fuels, deforestation) infrastructure.
increase GHGs, enhancing the greenhouse effect and causing
global warming. Reduction of Carbon Emissions:
Burn less fossil fuel, plant trees, insulate buildings, replace
Global Warming: old appliances, use energy-efficient lighting, and adopt
Long-term heating of Earth's surface due to increased GHG renewable energy sources.
levels. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13):
Not interchangeable with climate change but a component Limit and adapt to climate change by strengthening
of it. resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and
natural disasters.
3. Consequences of Climate Change
Expansion of Greenhouse Effect: Key Points
Increased GHGs lead to more heat trapped in the Climate change is a significant challenge affecting various
atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. aspects of society and the environment.
Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, are
major contributors to climate change.
Changing Precipitation Patterns:
Addressing climate change requires both mitigation to
Some regions will receive more water, others will face
reduce GHG emissions and adaptation to manage its impacts.
greater droughts.
Promoting disaster preparedness and environmental
Example: Stronger hurricanes and tropical cyclones.
conservation is crucial for minimizing the adverse effects of
climate change on society.
Global Warming:
Rise in sea levels causing coastal flooding and erosion.
More extreme weather events (e.g., flooding, forest fires,
typhoons, droughts, heatwaves).
Health risks (e.g., heat-related illnesses, vector-borne
diseases).
Wildlife extinction and habitat loss.
Economic impacts on agriculture, forestry, fisheries,
tourism, and infrastructure.