Introduction

Climate change has become a global issue, with many countries developing policies and strategies to
tackle the problem. This presentation will provide an overview of the causes of climate change, its
effects, and the solutions that are being implemented.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a broad term used to describe changes in the Earth’s climate, including
average temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns. It can also refer to the effects of human
activities on the climate, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

CAUSES

 Greenhouse gases have a crucial role in Earth's climate cycles. Sun rays are absorbed and the
remaining energy and heat is reflected into space. These gases trap the reflected energy,
redirecting it back to Earth and contributing to global warming. These gases include:
 Water vapor
 Carbon dioxyde (CO2)
 Methane
 Nitrose oxide
 Chlorofluorocarbones (CFCs)

 ·The burning of fossil fuels for manufacturing, industry, electricity, heat, and
transportation is the main contributor to climate change in the U.S. Transportation,
such as cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes, emit the most CO2 and are a major
factor in global warming.3) Exploitation of limited resources.

 Consuming too much

Your home, power usage, transportation and waste all affect greenhouse gas emissions.
Goods like clothing, electronics, and plastics also contribute. Private households are a big
source of emissions too. Our lifestyles have a huge effect on the planet. The richest 1% are
more responsible; they produce more emissions than the poorest 50% combined.

NATURAL
Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions can release dust, ash, and aerosols into the atmosphere, which can reflect
light and reduce the Earth's temperature. They can also release large amounts of greenhouse
gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which can trap heat and increase the Earth's
surface temperature.

Variations in Solar Activity

The intensity of the sun's rays can fluctuate over time, influencing the atmosphere of Earth. This
impact is linked to the magnetism of the sun and its regular cycle, known as the solar cycle, and can
cause modifications to the combination and behavior of the atmosphere.

Changes in the Earth's Orbit

Earth's orbit is shaped by the Sun's gravitational pull, the Moon, and other planets. The form
of the orbit changes, becoming more elliptical, which affects Earth's distance from the Sun,
afterwards changing the amount of solar energy received and resulting in global and local
temperature changes.

CONSEQUENCES
Hotter temperatures
The average global temperature is rising, and increasing more rapidly in the past few years.
2021 was the sixth-warmest year on record, with a global average temperature of 1.04
degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial averages. Of the ten warmest years on record, nine
have occurred within the last 15 years.

Extreme Weather
Over the past 50 years, the number of recorded weather-related catastrophes has
increased by a factor of five, likely due to climate change. According to the National
Climate Assessment, extreme weather events will continue to increase in frequency and
intensity as climate change continues to happen. Extreme weather influenced by climate
change includes:
  Stronger storms & hurricanes
 Heatwaves
 Wildfires
 More flooding
 Heavier droughts

Sea Levels Rising

The sea absorbs heat from climate change, with a rapid rise in warming over the past two
decades. As the ocean warms, its size increases due to water expansion. According to the
NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], sea levels could ascend at least 8
inches by 2100, This can lead to flooding, displacement of coastal communities, and the
destruction of habitats.

Ocean Acidification
The sea absorbs CO2, inhibiting an unbalanced environment; however, an excessive amount of CO₂
can lead to an acidic pH, damaging aquatic life & coral reefs. This acidity can reduce calcium
carbonate, hamper shells, reduce plankton, oxygen & nutrients, damaging marine life.

Loss of Biodiversity

Global warming can have an accompany effect on biodiversity, potentially leading to the
extinction of many species, disrupting the balance of ecosystems and reducing the availability
of essential resources, such as food and medicine.

Shrinking Ice Sheets

Sea level has risen, glaciers have shrunk, temperatures increased, flooding is more likely,
storm surge risk is up, sunlight reflection has decreased, and ocean currents have changed,
resulting in extreme weather. Scientists worry about the Greenland ice sheet, which has lost
30% of its mass since 1979, potentially causing a 50cm sea level rise this century.

Solutions
Restore nature to absorb more carbon.

The natural world is very good at cleaning up our emissions, but we need to look after it.
Planting trees in the right places or giving land back to nature through ‘rewilding’ schemes is
a good place to start. This is because photosynthesizing plants draw down carbon dioxide as
they grow, locking it away in soils.

Carbon Capture and Storage

CCS [Carbon Capture and Storage] is a technology that captures carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and stores it underground. It can reduce emissions from fossil fuel power plants
and other sources. It is in early stages, so governments, businesses, and individuals can help
reduce emissions by investing in it with subsidies, tax credits, and other incentives.

Reduce Fossil Fuels

Roughly two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels,
making it a major cause of climate change. To reduce its effects, countries must switch to
renewable energy sources, promote energy efficiency and clean transportation. Taking action
now can slow climate change and protect citizens from its effects.

Walk, cycle or take public transport

The world’s roads are clogged with vehicles, most of them burning diesel or petrol. Walking or riding a
bike instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and help your health and fitness. For longer
distances, consider taking a train or bus. And carpool whenever possible.

Throw away less food

When you throw food away, you're also wasting the resources and energy that were used to grow, produce,
package and transport it. And when food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
So, use what you buy and compost any leftovers.
Switch to an electric vehicle

If you plan to buy a car, consider going electric, with more and cheaper models coming on the market.
Even if they still run-on electricity produced from fossil fuels, electric cars help reduce air pollution and
cause significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.