Climate change: Causes and Remedial measures.

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<<–2/”>a >h2>Climate Change

  • It is the long term change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods of time
  • Though it has been happening naturally for millions of years, in recent years it has accelerated due to anthropogenic causes and has been causing Global Warming.
  • UNFCCC defines Climate Change as – “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global Atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods”

During the last decades of Urbanization,industrialization and Population Growth the atmosphere has been polluted. Human activities increase the amount of carbon dioxide, Chloro Floro Carbon (CFC) and other dangerous gases. About 51% of the Solar Energy is absorbed by the earth’s surface, which increases its temperature. The rest of the heat is reflected back in to the atmosphere. This helped in maintaining temperature. But now due to pollution some of the reflected heat is trapped by Green House Gases (GHGs), mainly carbon dioxide. It has increased the temperature of the Earth’s surface. There is evidence to show that CO2 levels are still increasing. Many countries have signed a convention to reduce GHGs under the U.N. framework. However, the current international agreements are still not effective enough to prevent the significant changes in climate.

 

Global Warming

  • An increase in the Average temperature of Earth’s near surface air and Oceans since the mid-20th century
  • 4th assessment report of IPCC: global temperature increased 74+0.18 degree C during the 20th century.
  • Caused by greenhouse gases
    • Water vapour, Co2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, Ozone, CFCs (in order of abundance)
  • Since the Industrial revolution, the burning of fossil fuels has increased the levels of Co2 in the atmosphere from 280 ppm to 390 ppm.

There is lots of evidence that tells us the average temperatures of the world’s atmosphere and oceans have increased over the past 150 years.

The evidence includes:

  • direct temperature measurements on land
  • changes in the dates when lakes and rivers freeze and their ice melts
  • a reduction in the extent of snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere
  • a reduction in Glaciers
  • extended growing seasons of Plants
  • changes in the heat stored in the ocean
  • changes in rainfall patterns resulting in more floods, droughts and intense rain.

A number of biological changes have also been observed.

These include:

  • shifts in the ranges of some plant and animal species
  • earlier timing of spring events such as leaf-unfolding, bird Migration and egg-laying for some species.

Together these indicators provide clear evidence that the climate is changing.

Climate Change Mitigation

  • Alternative Energy sources
  • Energy Efficiency and conservation
    • Transport and urban planning
    • Building design
    • Reforestation and avoid deforestation
    • Eliminating waste methane
  • Geoengineering
    • Greenhouse gas remediation
      • Biomass/”>Biomass
      • Carbon air capture
      • Carbon capture and storage
    • Societal control
      • Population
      • Sustainable life-style

The potential impacts of climate change are often diverse and the immediate need to address these adverse impacts is widely recognized. Similarly, different regions have differential vulnerabilities to climate change, therefore different approaches need to be applied that are context and regionspecific. While traditionally, climate change experts have focused on mitigation measures, adaptation measures have also been acknowledged of late as effective and equitable means to deal with climate change impacts. Most of the mitigation measures are high in terms of technology and capital. Therefore, while developed economies choose to mitigate climate change by making heavy investments, developing economies choose to adapt. However, allocating responsibilities for mitigation is a complex task and involves international negotiations. It has been increasingly recognized that a joint approach addressing the issues of adaptation and mitigation together is the most appropriate one for countries like India. Following are the Eight Missions of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change:-

  • National Solar Mission Seeks to deploy 20,000 MW of solar electricity capacity in the country by 2020. The first phase (2010-12) is currently underway during which 1000 MW is planned to be installed.
  • National Mission for Enhanced Energy EfficiencyCreates new institutional mechanisms to enable the development and Energy Efficiency strengthening of energy efficiency markets. Various programmes have been initiated, including the PAT mechanism to promote efficiency in large industries, and the Super-Efficient Equipment Programme (SEEP) to accelerate the introduction of deployment of super-efficient appliances.
  • National Mission On Sustainable Habitat Promotes the introduction of sustainable transport, energy-efficient buildings, Sustainable Habitat and sustainable Waste Management in cities.
  • National Water Mission Promotes the integrated management of water Resources and increase of Mission water use efficiency by 20 per cent.
  • National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem Establishes an observational and monitoring Network for the Himalayan the Himalayan Ecosystem Environment so as to assess climate impacts on the Himalayan glaciers and promote community-based management of these Ecosystems
  • National Mission for Green India Seeks to afforest an additional 10 million hectare of forest lands, wastelands and community lands.
  • agriculture/”>National mission for Sustainable Agriculture Focuses on enhancing productivity and resilience of agriculture so as to reduce vulnerability to extremes of weather, long dry spells, flooding, and variable moisture availability.
  • National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change Identifies challenges arising from climate change, promotes the development Knowledge on Climate Change and diffusion of knowledge on responses to these challenges in the areas of Health, demography, migration, and livelihood of coastal communities.

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Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than average temperatures. Climate change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts.

The Causes of Climate Change are complex and not fully understood. However, human activities are the main cause of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat, which causes the Earth’s temperature to rise. Other human activities that contribute to climate change include deforestation, agriculture and industrial processes.

The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world. Sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting, and extreme weather events are becoming more common. Climate change is a serious threat to the planet and its inhabitants. It is important to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

There are many things that can be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by driving less, using less energy in their homes, and eating less meat. Businesses can reduce their emissions by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Governments can reduce emissions by enacting policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

There are also many things that can be done to adapt to the effects of climate change. Individuals can protect themselves from rising sea levels by building seawalls or moving to higher ground. Businesses can protect their assets from extreme weather events by investing in flood insurance or disaster preparedness plans. Governments can protect their citizens from the effects of climate change by investing in Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, such as seawalls and levees.

Climate change is a serious problem, but it is not too late to take action. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change, we can protect the planet and its inhabitants for future generations.

Remedial measures for climate change

There are a number of things that can be done to mitigate climate change, or reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These include:

  • Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce our reliance on them by using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and by improving energy efficiency.
  • Planting trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Planting trees can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  • Changing our agricultural practices. Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce emissions from agriculture by using less fertilizer, by planting cover crops, and by grazing Livestock more efficiently.
  • Improving waste management. Landfills and other waste management practices release methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. We can reduce methane emissions by improving waste management practices.
  • Protecting our forests. Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We can reduce emissions by protecting our forests.

These are just some of the things that can be done to mitigate climate change. By taking action, we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and help to protect our planet.

Remedial measures for climate change: adaptation

In addition to mitigation, it is also important to adapt to the effects of climate change. Adaptation refers to measures that are taken to reduce the vulnerability of people and systems to the impacts of climate change.

There are a number of things that can be done to adapt to climate change. These include:

  • Building seawalls and levees to protect against rising sea levels.
  • Developing drought-resistant crops.
  • Improving early warning systems for extreme weather events.
  • Relocating people and infrastructure to safer areas.

Adaptation is essential to protect people and property from the impacts of climate change. By taking action, we can reduce the risks posed by climate change and build a more resilient future.

What is climate change?

Climate change is the long-term shifts in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than average temperatures. Climate change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts.

What are the causes of climate change?

The main cause of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. The main source of greenhouse gas emissions is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation. Other sources include deforestation, agriculture and industrial processes.

What are the effects of climate change?

Climate change is already having a significant impact on our planet. The average global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century. This warming is causing a number of changes, including:

  • Rising sea levels: As the Earth’s temperature warms, the oceans expand and sea levels rise. This is causing flooding in coastal areas and erosion of shorelines.
  • More extreme weather events: Climate change is making extreme weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts, more frequent and severe. These events can cause widespread damage and loss of life.
  • Changes in plant and animal life: Climate change is causing changes in the distribution of plant and animal species. Some species are moving to new areas in search of cooler temperatures, while others are facing extinction.

What can we do to reduce climate change?

There are a number of things we can do to reduce climate change, including:

  • Reduce our reliance on fossil fuels: We can switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. We can also improve energy efficiency by using less energy in our homes and businesses.
  • Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Eat less meat: Meat production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce our impact by eating less meat and more plant-based foods.
  • Recycle and compost: Recycling and composting helps to reduce the amount of waste we produce, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the benefits of reducing climate change?

Reducing climate change has a number of benefits, including:

  • Protecting our planet: Climate change is a serious threat to our planet. By reducing climate change, we can protect our planet for future generations.
  • Improving our health: Climate change is also a threat to our health. Extreme weather events can cause injuries and death. Climate change can also lead to the spread of diseases.
  • Saving Money: Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels can save us money in the long run. Renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable, and energy efficiency can help us to reduce our energy bills.
  • Creating jobs: The transition to a clean energy economy will create millions of new jobs. These jobs will be in a variety of industries, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and construction.

What are the challenges of reducing climate change?

Reducing climate change is a complex challenge. There are a number of factors that make it difficult to reduce climate change, including:

  • The scale of the problem: Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. It is difficult to get all countries to agree on how to reduce climate change.
  • The cost of reducing climate change: Reducing climate change will require a significant Investment of money. This investment will come from governments, businesses and individuals.
  • The need for technological innovation: We need to develop new technologies to reduce climate change. These technologies need to be affordable and efficient.
  • The need for public support: Reducing climate change requires public support. We need to educate people about the problem of climate change and the need to reduce it.

Despite the challenges, it is essential that we take action to reduce climate change. Climate change is a serious threat to our planet and our way of life. We need to act now to protect our planet for future generations.

  1. What is climate change?
    (A) A change in the average weather conditions over a long period of time, typically a few decades or more.
    (B) A change in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
    (C) A change in the average temperature of the Earth’s oceans.
    (D) All of the above.

  2. What are the main causes of climate change?
    (A) Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.
    (B) Natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions and changes in solar activity.
    (C) Both human activities and natural processes.
    (D) None of the above.

  3. What are the main effects of climate change?
    (A) Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
    (B) Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and changes in human health.
    (C) Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, changes in human health, and changes in ecosystems.
    (D) All of the above.

  4. What are some of the things that can be done to mitigate climate change?
    (A) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and protect forests.
    (B) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, protect forests, and adapt to the effects of climate change.
    (C) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, protect forests, adapt to the effects of climate change, and educate the public about climate change.
    (D) All of the above.

  5. What are some of the things that can be done to adapt to climate change?
    (A) Build sea walls to protect coastal areas from flooding, develop drought-resistant crops, and relocate people from areas that are at risk of being affected by climate change.
    (B) Build sea walls to protect coastal areas from flooding, develop drought-resistant crops, relocate people from areas that are at risk of being affected by climate change, and improve early warning systems for extreme weather events.
    (C) Build sea walls to protect coastal areas from flooding, develop drought-resistant crops, relocate people from areas that are at risk of being affected by climate change, improve early warning systems for extreme weather events, and provide financial assistance to people who are affected by climate change.
    (D) All of the above.

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