Climate change effect

or anthropogenic sources changing the composition of the atmosphere or the land use type. A change in

the world's climate, persisting for an extended period of time (typically decades or longer). Climate
change occurs as a result of natural conditions

Ecosystems are changing. As temperatures warm, species may either move to a cooler habitat or

die. Species that are particularly vulnerable include endangered species, coral reefs, and polar
animals. Warming has also caused changes in the timing of spring events and the length of the
growing season.

The temperatures of large lakes are warming. The temperatures of large lakes world-wide have
risen dramatically. Temperature rises have increased algal blooms in lakes, favor invasive species,
increase stratification in lakes and lower lake levels.

Seawater is becoming more acidic. Carbon dioxide dissolving into the oceans, is making seawater
more acidic. There could be impacts on coral reefs and other marine life.

Extreme drought is increasing. Higher temperatures cause a higher rate of evaporation and more
drought in some areas of the world.

Crops are withering. Increased temperatures and extreme drought are causing a decline in crop
productivity around the world.  Decreased crop productivity can mean food shortages which have many
social implications.

Heavier rainfall cause flooding in many regions. Warmer temperatures have led to more intense
rainfall events in some areas. This can cause flooding.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

The earth’s climate is influenced and changed through natural causes like volcanic eruptions, ocean
current, the earth’s orbital changes and solar variations.

Volcanic eruptions - When a volcano erupts it throws out large volumes of sulphur dioxide (SO2), water
vapour, dust, and ash into the atmosphere. Large volumes of gases and ash can influence climatic
patterns for years by increasing planetary reflectivity causing atmospheric cooling. Tiny particles called
aerosols are produced by volcanoes. Because they reflect solar energy back into space they have a
cooling effect on the world. The greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide is also produced however the CO2
produced is insignificant when compared to emissions created by humans.
(see also featured article - Do Volcanoes cause climate change)

Ocean current - The oceans are a major component of the climate system. Ocean currents move vast
amounts of heat across the planet. Winds push horizontally against the sea surface and drive ocean
current patterns. Interactions between the ocean and atmosphere can also produce phenomena such as
El Niño which occur every 2 to 6 years. Deep ocean circulation of cold water from the poles towards the
equator and movement of warm water from the equator back towards the poles. Without this
movement the poles would be colder and the equator warmer. The oceans play an important role in
determining the atmospheric concentration of CO2. Changes in ocean circulation may affect the climate
through the movement of CO2 into or out of the atmosphere.

* 4% of carbon emissions come from industrial processes

* 7% come from agriculture – for example methane emissions from livestock and manure, and nitrous
oxide emissions from chemical fertilisers
*21% carbon emissions from transport 
*65% come from the use of fuel to generate energy (excluding transport)

About 40% of carbon emissions in the UK are the result of decisions taken directly by individuals. The
biggest sources of emissions for most people are likely to be:
* energy use in the home (the main use is heating) 
* driving a car
* air travel

Global warming is caused by green house gases, which trap in the sun’s infrared rays in the earth’s
atmosphere. The trapped infra rays,  in turn heat up the earth’s atmosphere.Greenhouse
gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), a number of fluorinated
gases, and water vapor (H2O).

 Governments can adopt a range of options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including ,increasing
energy efficiency standards,encouraging the use of renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar
power),protecting and restoring forests, which serve as important storehouses of carbon,disaster
mitigation – flood warning and prevention

Individuals can reduce the need for fossil fuels and often save money by,driving less and driving more
fuel-efficient and less-polluting cars,using energy-efficient appliances,using less electricity in general.

Most climate scientists agree the main cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of
the "greenhouse effect warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth
toward space.Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Long-lived gases, remaining
semi-permanently in the atmosphere, which do not respond physically or chemically to changes in
temperature are described as "forcing" climate change whereas gases, such as water, which respond
physically or chemically to changes in temperature are seen as "feedbacks."