Title: Climate Change: A Global Concern

Introduction

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns1. It is a

global issue that has been at the forefront of international discussions. The term is
often used interchangeably with ‘global warming’, but while related, the two terms
have distinct meanings2.

Understanding Climate Change

Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come
to define Earth’s local, regional, and global climates2. These changes have a broad
range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term2. It could refer to a
particular location or the planet as a whole3.

Causes of Climate Change

Climate change can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic
eruptions1. However, since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of
climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas1.
This burning process generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket
wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures1.

Impact of Climate Change

The consequences of climate change now include, among others, intense droughts,
water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic
storms, and declining biodiversity1. Climate change can affect our health, ability to
grow food, housing, safety, and work1. Some of us are already more vulnerable to
climate impacts, such as people living in small island nations and other developing
countries1.

Conclusion

Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The current
warming trend is unequivocally the result of human activity since the 1950s and is
proceeding at an unprecedented rate over millennia2. Every increase in global
warming matters1. Therefore, it is crucial for us to understand the causes and impacts
of climate change to take appropriate actions towards mitigating its effects.
References 2: NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies 1: United Nations 3:
National Geographic Society