Climate change is a concept that can be discussed on an abstract level, but when it comes to the real aspects of climate change, the concept is concerned with long term changes in the temperature and weather patterns that are observed on Earth. In the last century, the planet has been warming much faster than it could have happened due to natural causes only. Scientists have come to a consensus that the main cause is human activity, particularly burning of fossil fuel, such as coal, oil and natural gas. The activities emit green house gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere.
The impacts of this warming are already being felt. The average world temperatures have been on the increase and the past few years have had some of the hottest years ever. The ice sheets and glaciers are melting and this has led to an increase in sea levels which pose a threat to the communities living on the coastline. Warmer water can also contribute to more intense storms and changes in weather patterns may also cause longer droughts in some areas and more precipitation in others. These alterations do not only impact natural ecosystems, but also agriculture, water supplies, and human health.
Climate change does not impact all places equally. Certain communities are more susceptible based on geographies, economic status, or available resources. The low lying island countries are at risk of being submerged and arid lands may not cope with water scarcity. Simultaneously, more developed nations tend to be better equipped to adjust, making the question of justice and international accountability.
To deal with climate change, there should be a combination of mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation aims at the minimization of the quantity of greenhouse gasses that are being emitted into the atmosphere. This may involve the transition to the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy and power, increase energy efficiency, and preserve forests that absorb carbon dioxide. Adaptation entails making preparations towards the changes already in progress such as constructing flood defenses, developing drought resistant crops and enhancing disaster response mechanisms.
Although it may seem that the level of the challenge is overwhelming, there is a way to make progress. The clean energy technology has resulted in the availability and affordability of alternatives to fossil fuels. Everyone has a role to play in the process of determining outcomes by making policy choices, innovation, and daily decisions.
The concept of climate change is not a far off issue. It is a current fact that it impacts upon ecosystems, economies, and communities on a global scale. Knowledge of its causes and effects is a crucial step towards making informed decisions as to the future.