Climate Change Causes and Consequences: The Urgent Need for Global Action

Climate change refers to the long-term changes in weather patterns and, by and large, the Earth's climate. The climate change causes and consequences in today's landscape are affected and reflected in our activities. 

Climate change is a subject of prime concern today. Its effects have become more prominent over the last two centuries as rapid population growth and industrialization have become more prominent.

It goes without saying that climate change is a significant challenge, and a better understanding of its history, causes, and consequences will be helpful in developing solutions.

The History of Climate Change 

Climatology and our understanding of the Earth's climate spans a small portion of the planet's history. Through paleoclimate, climate scientists have been able to deduce Earth's climate throughout certain periods. 

It is through this study and revisiting the works of ancient scholars that we understand how the Earth's climate is constantly evolving. For instance, the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who lived in the 4th Century BC, theorized that deforestation had a direct link to rising temperatures.

Fast-forward a near millennium, and meteorologists and climatologists were able to find evidence of climate change in the millions of years of Earth's existence. They've also deduced and tracked the phenomenon of global warming.

The Rise of Global Warming 

One term commonly associated with climate change is global warming. It is the average increase in global temperatures over a long period of time. 

Prior to the conceptualization of global warming, the Earth cycled between ice ages. However, over the last 200 years, the Earth's temperatures have been steadily rising. Notably, since 1970, global averages of temperature have increased per decade, with the latest data showing a 1.5°C temperature increase per year. 

Global warming has been a major shift and marker of a shift in global climate cycles. However, it is only a symptom of the causes and consequences of climate change that need to be addressed.

Climate Change Causes and Consequences 

For most of the 21st century, climate change causes and consequences have been directly linked to humans. The causes are largely due to human activity. The consequences, which materialize in extreme weather events, greatly affect human lives. 

The major causes of climate change can be categorized into three subgroups: greenhouse gas emissions, land alteration practices, and natural causes. 

Greenhouse gas emissions are by far the biggest contributors to climate change. This is because greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat. 

Manufacturing, energy production, and transportation are the three major causes of greenhouse emissions. The demands of modern society in goods, vehicles, and power production have all consequently led to increased greenhouse emissions.

Land alteration through agriculture and deforestation have a significant effect on climate change. Poor agricultural practices make land infertile, and deforestation actively influences global warming by destroying plant life.

Plants store carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, as an ingredient for photosynthesis. By clearing land, this carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. Similarly, plants also cool the planet by releasing water vapour into the atmosphere and through shade. Their destruction allows the temperature to rise steadily.

The consequences and impacts of climate change are vast and dire. They occur in various ways in various regions as different regions experience different climates.

The most prevalent consequence has been extreme weather events. Droughts have gotten longer, leading to an abundance of wildfires. Storms, floods, and hurricanes have occurred with greater frequency and severity in recent times. 

In line with deforestation is desertification. A direct link between climate change causes and consequences can be drawn here. This and other practices that are detrimental to land lead to the formation and growth of deserts. According to multiple studies and reports, the Sahara desert has expanded in size by 10% since 1920. This expansion is primarily due to human activity.

Global Action to Combat Climate Change 

Some have described climate change as "the greatest existential threat to our planet today." With our understanding of its causes and consequences, several agencies and governments have taken action to combat it. 

One of the primary efforts is to reduce emissions. Several companies, agencies, and even individuals have tracked their carbon footprint and worked to reduce it. The shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources all work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Another effort is climate adaptation. With the current trajectory of living, climate change causes and consequences occur in real-time. Climate adaptation aids communities that are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change in better adapting. Through its climate action program, the United Nations has been actively enforcing climate adaptation in Djibouti, El Salvador, and many other regions.

Climate Change in the Political Sphere

Climate change has been a topic of contention in recent times, and its causes and consequences have thus been thrust into political rhetoric.

Several governments have passed legislation on emissions and entered multinational agreements with other countries, such as the Paris Agreement, to better fight climate change. However, these legislations and agreements have had a bearing on the daily lives of people and are being reflected in the revenue of several companies. This has influenced politicians and their decisions.

Some have moved to deny the impacts of climate change despite its scientific backing. Describing it is either nonexistent or not immediate. On the opposite end of the spectrum, others have doubled down in the actions and funds dedicated to fighting climate change. This has had the adverse effect of further dividing and polarizing an already divided society.

Conclusion 

Climate change causes and consequences are clear and evident. There is no significant doubt that much of the effects of global warming are due to human activity. Therefore, it is imperative that the collective effort is in accordance with addressing climate change.

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