climatechanging

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in statistical distribution of weather patterns over multiple decades or longer. It encompasses both global warming, the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system, and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. These shifts may be due to natural causes or human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

The primary cause of modern climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, is essential for life on Earth, but an enhanced greenhouse effect can lead to global warming and climate change.

The impacts of climate change are widespread and include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, changes in precipitation patterns, and shifts in ecosystems. These changes pose significant risks to human societies and the natural environment, affecting agriculture, water resources, human health, and biodiversity.

Mitigation efforts to combat climate change focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, reforestation, and sustainable land-use practices. Adaptation strategies aim to build resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as improving infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and enhancing disaster preparedness.

International cooperation is crucial for addressing climate change, as it is a global issue that requires collective action. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international treaty that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement encourages countries to set and regularly update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.