Introduction to

Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges we face today. It
refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and average temperatures across the
planet, driven primarily by human activities that release greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere. Understanding the causes, consequences, and trends of climate
change is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its impacts and
adapt to the changes ahead.

by Abdi Kedir
Major Causes of Climate Change
1 Burning of Fossil Fuels
The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for
energy production, transportation, and industrial
processes is the primary driver of climate change,
releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
3 Agricultural Practices
Certain agricultural activities, such as livestock
farming, rice cultivation, and the use of synthetic
fertilizers, release methane and nitrous oxide,
which are potent greenhouse gases.
2 Deforestation and Land-Use Changes
The clearing of forests and other natural habitats
for agriculture, urbanization, and resource
extraction reduces the Earth's natural carbon sinks,
contributing to the accumulation of greenhouse
gases.
4 Industrial Processes and Waste
The production of certain industrial goods, as well
as the disposal of waste, can generate greenhouse
gas emissions, further exacerbating climate
change.
Trends in Global Carbon Emissions
1 Steady Increase
Global carbon emissions have steadily increased over the past few decades, with the majority of
emissions coming from the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation.

2 Regional Disparities
Emissions patterns vary significantly between different regions and countries, with developed nations
historically contributing the most to the overall carbon footprint.

3 Recent Trends
While global emissions have continued to rise, there are signs of a slowdown in recent years, partly
due to increased adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in some regions.
Projections for Future Climate Patterns
Temperature Increases Sea Level Rise Precipitation Patterns

Climate models project that global
average temperatures will continue
to rise, with the potential for more
frequent and severe heatwaves,
droughts, and other extreme
weather events.
Melting glaciers and ice sheets, as
well as the thermal expansion of
oceans, are expected to lead to a
significant rise in global sea levels,
threatening coastal communities
and ecosystems.
The distribution and intensity of
rainfall and snowfall are projected
to change, with some regions
experiencing more frequent and
intense precipitation, while others
face increased drought and water
scarcity.
Consequences of Rising Global Temperatures
Threats to Human Health
Increased heat-related illnesses, the spread of vector-
borne diseases, and disruptions to food and water
supplies are just some of the ways that rising
temperatures can have severe consequences for
human health and well-being.
Economic Disruptions
The effects of climate change, such as extreme
weather events, droughts, and sea level rise, can
have significant economic impacts, damaging
infrastructure, disrupting supply chains, and
threatening the livelihoods of millions of people.
Impacts on Ecosystems
Climate change is causing widespread disruptions to
natural ecosystems, leading to the displacement or
extinction of many plant and animal species, as well
as the degradation of critical habitats like coral reefs
and forests.
Social Inequalities
The impacts of climate change often
disproportionately affect marginalized communities
and developing countries, exacerbating existing
social and economic inequalities and posing
challenges for global justice and sustainability.
Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Habitat Destruction
Climate change is leading to the degradation and loss of natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and
coral reefs, which are vital for the survival of many plant and animal species.

Species Displacement
As temperatures and precipitation patterns change, many species are being forced to migrate to new areas,
leading to disruptions in established ecosystems and the potential for conflicts with other species.

Ecosystem Collapse
The combined effects of habitat loss, species displacement, and other climate-related pressures can lead to
the collapse of entire ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences for the services they provide to human
communities.
Socioeconomic Implications of Climate
Change

Food Security Human Migration Economic Conflict and

Disruption Security
Climate change threatens Rising sea levels,
global food production droughts, and other The economic costs of Climate change-related
and distribution, leading climate-related disasters responding to and issues, such as resource
to concerns about food are expected to displace adapting to climate scarcity, mass migration,
security and the potential millions of people, change, as well as the and economic instability,
for increased hunger and leading to increased potential for disruptions can contribute to social
malnutrition. human migration and the to global supply chains tensions and increase the
potential for social and and markets, pose risk of political conflict
political instability. significant challenges for and violence in various
governments and regions of the world.
businesses.
Strategies for Mitigating and Adapting to
Climate Change
Mitigation Adaptation

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of Preparing for and responding to the unavoidable
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise,
land-use practices. extreme weather events, and changes in water
availability.

Developing and deploying carbon capture and storage Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems to enhance
technologies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. their resilience and ability to provide critical services.

Transitioning to a more sustainable, low-carbon Building infrastructure and developing early warning
economy through policy, investment, and systems to enhance communities' preparedness for
technological innovation. climate-related disasters.