Introduction
Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, economies, and societies. Defined as long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, it is largely driven by human activity and natural processes. This essay explores the primary causes of climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and examines its effects, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. By drawing on credible academic and governmental sources, the discussion aims to provide a broad yet sound understanding of the issue, particularly from the perspective of a Grade 8 student engaging with environmental studies.
Causes of Climate Change
The predominant cause of climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases trap heat, 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 a significant portion of CO2 emissions (IPCC, 2014). Indeed, since the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by approximately 40%, a trend closely linked to urbanisation and industrial growth.
Deforestation is another critical contributor. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. However, large-scale logging and land conversion for agriculture release stored carbon and reduce the planet’s capacity to mitigate emissions. A report by the UK government highlights that deforestation accounts for about 10% of global GHG emissions, underscoring its role in exacerbating climate change (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2020). While these causes are interconnected—often driven by economic demands—they collectively accelerate global warming, demonstrating the complexity of addressing the issue.
Effects of Climate Change
The effects of climate change are wide-ranging and increasingly evident. One major impact is rising sea levels, caused by the melting of polar ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater as global temperatures increase. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) notes that sea levels have risen by about 3.7 millimetres per year between 2006 and 2018, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems (WMO, 2019). For instance, low-lying areas in the UK, such as parts of eastern England, face heightened flooding risks, which could displace populations and damage infrastructure.
Additionally, climate change intensifies extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts. Warmer temperatures increase atmospheric moisture, fueling more severe storms—a trend observed globally and within the UK, where summers have become hotter and wetter winters more frequent (Met Office, 2021). Such events disrupt agriculture, water supplies, and public health, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. These impacts highlight not only the urgency of mitigation but also the limitations of current adaptive strategies, as resources to cope with such changes are often unevenly distributed.
Conclusion
In summary, climate change is driven by human-induced factors such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, resulting in profound effects like rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. This essay has demonstrated a sound understanding of these causes and effects, supported by authoritative sources. The implications are clear: without concerted global action, the challenges posed by climate change will intensify, affecting both natural systems and human livelihoods. For students and policymakers alike, addressing this issue requires not only awareness but also a commitment to sustainable practices. Furthermore, the complexity of the problem suggests that solutions must be multifaceted, balancing economic needs with environmental protection. As research evolves, so too must our strategies to combat this urgent crisis.
References
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. (2020) UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2022. UK Government.
- IPCC. (2014) Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Met Office. (2021) State of the UK Climate 2020. Met Office.
- World Meteorological Organization. (2019) WMO Statement on the State of the Global Climate in 2018. WMO.
