What is Climate Change? A Simple Guide

 

What is Climate Change? A Simple Guide

Climate change refers to the long-term shift in the Earth's average temperatures and weather patterns. Over the past century, the planet has warmed rapidly, leading to noticeable changes in weather conditions and environments.

How Are Humans Causing Climate Change?

Climate change isn't something new—it has happened naturally over Earth's history. However, the rapid warming in the last 100 years is mainly caused by human activities. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth's temperature to rise, creating what's known as the greenhouse effect.

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has already led to:

• More extreme weather: Heatwaves, intense rainfall, and stronger storms.
• Melting glaciers and ice: Contributing to rising sea levels.
• Warmer oceans: Which harm coral reefs and wildlife.

These changes impact people, wildlife, and economies worldwide. For instance, storms like Hurricane Helene in 2024 caused over $50 billion in damage, while East Africa's 2022 drought put over 20 million people at risk of hunger.

Why Does 1.5°C Matter?

The world’s temperature has already risen by 1.28°C since the late 19th century. Scientists agree that limiting the temperature rise to 1.5°C is crucial to avoiding the worst effects of climate change, such as:

• More intense heatwaves
• Higher sea levels (which could expose millions more people to flooding)
• Coral reefs disappearing
• Worsening food insecurity

Going beyond 2°C of warming could push the planet past critical tipping points, such as the collapse of ice sheets, leading to irreversible changes.

What Are Governments Doing?

Governments are working to limit warming by aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This means reducing emissions as much as possible and removing any remaining carbon from the atmosphere. While progress is being made with renewable energy and electric vehicles, global emissions are still rising, and the world is expected to warm beyond 1.5°C unless urgent action is taken.

What Can You Do?

While governments and businesses need to take the lead, individuals can also contribute to fighting climate change by:

• Flying less
• Using less energy
• Switching to electric vehicles
• Eating less red meat
• Improving energy efficiency in your home

By making these small changes, we can all help limit the impact of climate change on the planet.