Ilmastohäiriö

Ilmastohäiriö refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate system. These changes can manifest in various ways, including alterations in temperature patterns, precipitation levels, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms. While Earth's climate has naturally varied throughout history, the term ilmastohäiriö is most commonly associated with the rapid and widespread changes observed since the mid-20th century, which are largely attributed to human activities.

The primary driver of current ilmastohäiriö is the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, released through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat, leading to a gradual warming of the planet, known as global warming. The consequences of ilmastohäiriö are far-reaching, impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, water resources, and human health. Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion of ocean water pose a threat to coastal communities. Changes in weather patterns can disrupt food production and increase the risk of natural disasters. Addressing ilmastohäiriö involves both mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to cope with the unavoidable impacts. International cooperation and policy changes are crucial in tackling this global challenge.