Climate Change Introduction
Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns. Notably, the past five decades have seen the fastest warming rate in over 2,000 years.
Greenhouse Gases Culprit
Earth's atmospheric greenhouse gas levels are the highest in 800,000 years. Human activities, especially fossil fuel burning, have increased concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Oceans Undergoing Change
The oceans have absorbed over 90% of the excess heat from global warming. This has caused marine heatwaves, which are now 20 times more frequent compared to the mid-20th century.
Ice Sheets Diminishing
Both Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased in mass. Greenland lost an average of 279 billion tons of ice per year between 1993 and 2019, contributing to rising sea levels.
Irreversible Changes Ahead
Climate models predict irreversible changes if global warming reaches 2°C above pre-industrial levels. These include severe ocean acidification and the loss of tropical coral reefs.
Extreme Weather Patterns
Climate change has intensified extreme weather events. The frequency of heavy precipitation events has increased in numerous regions, often leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides.
Biodiversity at Risk
Up to half of Earth's species could face extinction by 2100 if current warming trends continue. This biodiversity loss affects ecosystem services vital to human survival.
Fastest warming rate period?
Last 50 years
Since 1800s
Medieval period
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