Climate change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities since the Industrial Revolution. Rising greenhouse gases—chiefly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels—trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, warming the planet and triggering cascading effects across natural systems.

The consequences are profound: Ocean ecosystems acidify and warm, sea turtle breeding grounds flood, tides shift unpredictably, and weather becomes more extreme. Agricultural zones migrate, threatening crops like the coffee plant in regions like Ethiopia. Coral reefs bleach. Glaciers retreat. Permafrost thaws, releasing ancient carbon.

Scientists measure change through temperature records, ice core data, and atmospheric monitoring. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change synthesizes research into authoritative assessments. Solutions span renewable energy, carbon capture, ecosystem restoration, and policy shifts toward circular economies.

Climate change intersects with justice—vulnerable populations in the Global South face disproportionate harm despite contributing least to emissions. It reshapes geopolitics, migration, and economics.

Related

Greenhouse gases, Carbon cycle, Weather, Biodiversity, Renewable energy, Anthropogenic climate change