​What is climate change and what are the causes?

 

There are many “natural” and  "human-induced" factors that contribute to climate change.

 

Climate change has always happened on Earth, HOWEVER, it is the rapid rate and the magnitude of climate change occurring now that is of great concern worldwide.

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Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb heat radiation. Human activity has increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the 18th century, leading to more heat retention and an increase in surface temperatures.

 

Atmospheric aerosols alter climate by scattering and absorbing solar and infrared radiation and they may also change the microphysical and chemical properties of clouds.

 

Finally, land-use changes, such as deforestation have led to changes in the amount of sunlight reflected from the ground back into space.

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What are the long-term effects of climate change?

 

 

Scientists have predicted that the long-term effects of climate change will include a decrease in sea ice and an increase in permafrost thawing, an increase in heatwaves and heavy precipitation, and decreased water resources in semi-arid regions.

 

Below are some of the regional impacts of global change forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:

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• North America: Decreasing snowpack in the western mountains; 5-20 percent increase in yields of rain-fed agriculture in some regions; increased frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in cities that currently experience them.

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• Latin America: Gradual replacement of tropical forest by savannah in eastern Amazonia; risk of significant biodiversity loss through species extinction in many tropical areas; significant changes in water availability for human consumption, agriculture, and energy generation.

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• Europe: Increased risk of inland flash floods; more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion from storms and sea-level rise; glacial retreat in mountainous areas; reduced snow cover and winter tourism; extensive species losses; reductions of crop productivity in southern Europe.

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• Africa: Between 75 and 250 million people are projected to be exposed to increased water stress; yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50 percent in some regions; agricultural production, including access to food, may be severely compromised.

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• Asia: Freshwater availability is projected to decrease in Central, South, East and Southeast Asia by the 2050s; coastal areas will be at risk due to increased flooding; death rate from disease associated with floods and droughts expected to rise in some regions.