Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional, and global climates. It is not the same as weather, which describes the conditions outside at a specific place. Climate, on the other hand, is more than just one or two rainy days, as it describes the expected weather conditions in a region at a particular time of year, typically observed over a period of 30 years or more.
The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and affect all regions around the world. Polar ice shields are melting, leading to rising sea levels. Different regions are experiencing extreme weather events, more rainfall, heat waves, and droughts. These changes not only affect wildlife and nature but also impact human health. Specifically, the changing environment is expected to cause more heat stress, an increase in waterborne diseases, poor air quality, and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents. These health threats are compounded by extreme weather events.
Additionally, our food supply depends on climate and weather conditions. Changes such as increased temperatures, water stress diseases, and weather extremes create challenges for the farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables.
If our world becomes just 3 degrees warmer, the entire polar ice shields will melt, resulting in a sea level increase of 65 meters. This is nearly as high as the Taj Mahal, and considering that Shanghai is only 4 meters above sea level, it is a massive threat.
- Vulnerable: Schutzlos
- Waterborne diseases: Durch Wasser übertragene Krankheit
- Environment: Umwelt
- Rodents: Nagetier
- Livestock: Viehzucht
- Landfills: Mülldeponien
- Sewage work: Klärwerk
- Greenhouse gases: Treibhausgas
- Fossil fuels: Fossile Brennstoffe
- Emission trading system: Emissionshandel
- Renewable energy source: Erneuerbare Energiequelle
- To emit sth.: Etw. Ausstoßen
- Emissions allowance: Emissionszertifikat
- Abundant: Ergiebig/Reichlich
- Electric grid: Stromversorgungsnetz
Greenhouse gases are the most significant driver of climate change and contribute to global warming. These gases, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap the sun's heat in the atmosphere, leading to increased temperatures. CO2 is the most common greenhouse gas and is responsible for 64% of human-made global warming. The concentration of CO2 is currently 40% higher than when industrialization began. Methane and nitrous oxide contribute to 17% and 6% of global warming, respectively.
The production of greenhouse gases is a result of various human activities, such as industrial processes, fossil fuel usage, and agricultural practices, including livestock, landfills, and sewage work. The regulation of these gases is essential, with the ocean playing a crucial role as a storage reservoir. However, the ocean's increasing temperature and acidity, along with rising sea levels, impact its ability to store and regulate these gases, posing threats to both marine and human life. Deforestation further exacerbates these issues by reducing the earth's natural capacity to regulate gases.
In addition to polluting our environment, plastic production releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases, as it heavily relies on fossil fuels. The impacts of plastic pollution extend to marine life and can also contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. Therefore, addressing plastic pollution is a critical aspect of combating climate change and protecting the environment.
In conclusion, climate change has widespread implications for the planet and humanity. Addressing the causes of climate change and implementing measures to mitigate its consequences are crucial steps in ensuring a sustainable and habitable future for generations to come.
