Climate Change Notes
Climate Change
Climate change means a change in the Earth’s normal weather patterns for
different climates
● Earth's temperature is rising rapidly (global warming)
● The seven hottest years have all occurred after 2015
● Average global temperature has increased by 0.65°C
Greenhouse Effect
A natural process where gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the Sun
● Caused by gases like Carbon dioxide, Methane , Nitrous oxide and water
vapor
● Human activities have increased these gases which is harmful for
environment
Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
● Carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is the main contributor
● Methane from cattle, landfills, and natural gas
● Nitrous oxide from fertilizers and burning of biomass
● Water vapor
●
Global Warming
Global warming is the increase in Earth's temperature, mostly caused by too
many greenhouse gases from human activities.
● It is a major part of climate change
● Leads to melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather
What is the ozone layer
● The ozone layer is a protective layer in Earth's stratosphere that absorbs
most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
● It shields living organisms from UV rays that can cause skin cancer,
cataracts, and harm to plants and animals.
● Without it, life on Earth would be exposed to dangerous levels of UV
radiation.
Why is the ozone layer so important
● The ozone layer keeps us safe from the Sun’s harmful rays.
● These rays can cause skin cancer and eye problems.
● It also helps protect animals and plants from getting damage.
Why is low-level ozone so harmful
● At ground level, ozone is a very active gas that can cause respiratory
problems and other health issues.
● It contributes to smog formation, affecting air quality and human health.
International action
● Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemicals that damage the ozone layer.
● CFCs release chlorine atoms when they reach the stratosphere
What happens to the ice from a Melting Glacier
● When glaciers melt, the water adds to rising sea levels.
● Melting glaciers can create lakes, which might cause floods.
● The loss of glaciers reduces the freshwater supply for both animals and
people.
Causes of climate change
● Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases carbon dioxide, which
causes global warming.
● Deforestation decreases the number of trees that can absorb carbon
dioxide.
● Agricultural practices release methane and nitrous oxide, which are
powerful greenhouse gases.
Energy from fossil fuels
● Fossil fuels are the main energy source but release a lot of carbon dioxide.
● Using fossil fuels for power and transport contributes to global warming.
● Switching to renewable energy can lower carbon emissions.
Industry and transport
● Industry and transport use fossil fuels for energy.
● This releases greenhouse gases, causing climate change.
● Using cleaner technologies and improving energy efficiency can help
reduce the impact.
Overuse of land
● Overuse of land includes farming, cutting down trees, and building cities.
● It harms land quality and causes loss of wildlife.
● Sustainable land use can help fight climate change.
Population and overconsumption
● Growing populations use more resources, increasing emissions.
● Overconsumption, especially in rich countries, harms the environment.
● Sustainable living can reduce environmental damage
Impact of climate change on animals and plants
● Climate change forces animals and plants to move or face extinction.
● Temperature and rainfall changes affect animal and plant behavior.
● Warmer oceans cause coral reefs to bleach, harming marine life.
Examples of it:
Whales
● Climate change affects whale migration and feeding.
● Melting ice changes their habitats.
● Availability of food impacts whale numbers.
Sea turtles
● Rising temperatures affect where turtles lay eggs.
● Sea-level rise and storms damage nesting beaches.
● Ocean changes impact their migration routes.
Polar bears
● Melting sea ice reduces hunting grounds.
● Longer fasting periods lead to malnutrition.
● Declining population due to habitat loss.
Coral and shellfish
● Ocean acidification weakens coral and shellfish.
● Warmer waters cause coral reefs to bleach.
● Coral loss harms marine life and fisheries.
Fish
● Temperature changes affect fish distribution and breeding.
● Some fish move to cooler waters, impacting fisheries.
● Ocean acidification affects fish survival.
Birds
● Migration and breeding patterns change.
● Habitat loss affects bird populations.
● Food changes impact bird survival.
Plants
● Temperature and rainfall changes affect plant growth.
● Some plants can't adapt, leading to less biodiversity.
● Crop yields may decline, affecting food supply.
Impact of climate change on people
● Extreme weather like floods and droughts become more common.
● Rising seas threaten coastal areas.
● Heatwaves and diseases affect health.
Improving our environment
● Use renewable energy to reduce emissions.
● Improve energy efficiency in industries and buildings.
● Support sustainable farming and reforestation.
Power stations
● Switching from coal to renewable energy cuts emissions.
● Carbon capture technology helps reduce pollution.
● Upgrading infrastructure improves energy use.
Industry
● Clean production methods lower environmental damage.
● Recycling reduces waste and resource use.
● Investing in green tech promotes sustainability.
Fuels for transport
● Electric and hybrid cars cut emissions.
● Public transport reduces car use.
● Biofuels are a cleaner fuel option.
Buildings
● Energy-efficient buildings save energy.
● Solar panels and renewable energy reduce consumption.
● Smart technology optimizes energy use.
Agriculture, forestry, and land use
● Sustainable farming protects soil and reduces emissions.