Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Solutions
What Is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns.
While some climate variation is natural, since the mid-20th century, human activities have
been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal,
oil, and natural gas.
When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing the planet to warm — a
phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.
Key Scientific Facts
Temperature Rise
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Global average temperatures have increased by approximately 1.1°C since pre-
industrial times
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The last decade (2011–2020) was the warmest on record
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If emissions continue at current rates, temperatures could rise by 3–4°C by 2100
Greenhouse Gases
The main greenhouse gases responsible for warming:
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Carbon dioxide (CO2): from burning fossil fuels and deforestation
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Methane (CH4): from livestock, landfills, and natural gas leaks
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Nitrous oxide (N2O): from agriculture and industry
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Fluorinated gases: from refrigeration and industrial processes
Observed Impacts
Impact Category Current Observation
Projected by 2100
Sea level rise
20 cm since 1900
0.3 –1.0 m additional
Arctic ice
13% loss per decade
Nearly ice-free summers
Extreme weather More frequent heatwaves 5x more frequent
Ocean acidity
26% increase since 1850 100–150% increase
Species at risk
1 million threatened
Mass extinction events
Regional Effects
Different parts of the world experience climate change differently:
1. Arctic regions: warming 2–3 times faster than the global average
2. Small island nations: existential threat from sea level rise

3. Sub-Saharan Africa: increased drought and food insecurity
4. South Asia: more intense monsoons and flooding
5. Mediterranean: prolonged droughts and wildfire risk
Solutions
Mitigation Strategies
Reducing the causes of climate change:
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Transitioning to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydropower)
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Improving energy efficiency in buildings and transport
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Electrifying transportation and industry
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Protecting and restoring forests
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Developing carbon capture technologies
Adaptation Strategies
Adjusting to the effects already happening:
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Building flood defenses and sea walls
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Developing drought-resistant crops
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Creating early warning systems for extreme weather
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Redesigning cities for heat resilience
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Relocating vulnerable coastal communities
International Agreements
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1992: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established
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1997: Kyoto Protocol — first binding emissions reduction targets
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2015: Paris Agreement — goal to limit warming to 1.5 –2°C
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2021: Glasgow Climate Pact — accelerated phase-out of coal
Conclusion
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. The scientific consensus is clear:
urgent, deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary to avoid the most catastrophic
outcomes. The technology and knowledge to act exist — what is needed is political will and
global cooperation.