Introduction
Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, economies, and human societies. Often described as a long-term shift in global or regional weather patterns, it is predominantly driven by human activities and natural processes that alter the Earth’s atmospheric composition. This essay explores the primary causes of climate change, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and examines its profound effects, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. By addressing both the drivers and consequences, this discussion aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue, drawing on evidence from credible academic sources to inform an understanding suitable for those studying the topic.
Causes of Climate Change
The predominant cause of contemporary climate change is the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a ‘greenhouse effect’ that warms the planet. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy, industrial processes, and transportation are responsible for the majority of CO2 emissions (IPCC, 2014). For instance, coal-fired power plants and petrol-driven vehicles release substantial amounts of CO2, contributing to the rapid rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.
Another significant driver is deforestation, which reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2. Forests act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon through photosynthesis. However, large-scale clearing for agriculture or urban development—particularly in regions like the Amazon—releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere. A report by the UK government highlights that deforestation accounts for approximately 10% of global GHG emissions, exacerbating climate change (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs [DEFRA], 2020). These causes, while interconnected, demonstrate the complex interplay between human activity and natural systems, a relationship that arguably demands urgent attention.
Effects of Climate Change
The effects of climate change are both widespread and multifaceted, impacting environmental, social, and economic domains. One of the most visible consequences is rising sea levels, driven by the melting of polar ice caps and thermal expansion of warming oceans. The IPCC predicts a sea level rise of 0.26 to 0.77 metres by 2100 under moderate emission scenarios, posing severe risks to coastal communities and small island nations (IPCC, 2019). For example, low-lying areas in the UK, such as parts of East Anglia, face increased flooding risks, threatening infrastructure and livelihoods.
Furthermore, climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, storms, and droughts. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that such events have led to significant public health challenges, including heat-related illnesses and disrupted food security due to agricultural losses (WHO, 2018). These impacts are not uniform; indeed, vulnerable populations in developing countries often bear the brunt, despite contributing least to global emissions. This disparity raises ethical questions about responsibility and adaptation, which remain central to climate discourse.
Conclusion
In summary, climate change is driven by human-induced factors such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, which have triggered profound effects like rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. The evidence, drawn from authoritative sources, underscores the urgency of addressing these causes to mitigate further damage. While solutions are complex, the implications are clear: unchecked climate change threatens global stability, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable. Therefore, fostering awareness and promoting sustainable practices are critical steps forward, particularly for students and researchers engaged in this field, as they contribute to shaping future responses to this global crisis.
References
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). (2020) Climate Change Explained: Deforestation and Emissions. UK Government.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2014) Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. IPCC.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. IPCC.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2018) Climate Change and Health. WHO.
