Ympäristömuutos

Ympäristömuutos, or environmental change, refers to alterations in the Earth's systems that affect ecosystems and living organisms. This can encompass a wide range of phenomena, including shifts in climate, land use, and biodiversity. The term often encompasses both natural processes and human-induced impacts. Natural environmental changes have occurred throughout Earth's history, driven by geological events, volcanic activity, and variations in solar radiation. However, the current era is characterized by accelerated environmental change, largely attributed to human activities since the Industrial Revolution.

Key aspects of contemporary environmental change include global warming, caused by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. This warming leads to rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. Deforestation and land degradation reduce biodiversity, alter water cycles, and contribute to climate change. Pollution of air, water, and soil poses significant threats to human and environmental health. Biodiversity loss, driven by habitat destruction, climate change, and overexploitation, weakens ecosystems and their ability to provide essential services. Addressing these multifaceted environmental changes requires global cooperation and the implementation of sustainable practices across various sectors.