Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, with farreaching consequences for ecosystems, human societies, and the global economy. It refers to
the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. While natural
factors, such as volcanic eruptions and variations in solar radiation, have contributed to
climate shifts throughout Earth’s history, the current trend of global warming is
predominantly driven by human activities. Industrialization, deforestation, and the burning of
fossil fuels have increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere,
leading to rising temperatures, disrupted ecosystems, and extreme weather events. Addressing
climate change is critical to safeguarding the future of the planet, requiring a comprehensive
approach involving policy, innovation, and global cooperation.
The science behind climate change is well established. Greenhouse gases, including carbon
dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
This greenhouse effect is a natural process essential for maintaining temperatures conducive
to life. However, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly
amplified this effect. Fossil fuel combustion for energy production, transportation, and
industry is the primary source of CO₂ emissions. Meanwhile, agricultural practices and
livestock farming contribute to elevated methane and nitrous oxide levels. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly warned that without
significant reductions in GHG emissions, global temperatures could rise beyond 1.5°C above
pre-industrial levels, a threshold beyond which the risks of severe climate impacts
substantially increase.
One of the most visible consequences of climate change is the increase in extreme weather
events. Hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and floods are occurring with greater frequency and
intensity, causing significant damage to infrastructure, economies, and human lives. For
instance, rising sea surface temperatures fuel more powerful hurricanes, while prolonged
heatwaves strain energy grids and exacerbate health issues, particularly for vulnerable
populations. Flooding and droughts disrupt agricultural production, leading to food shortages
and economic instability in affected regions. The impacts are not distributed evenly, with
developing nations often bearing the brunt of the damage due to limited adaptive capacity and
fewer resources to mitigate the effects.
In addition to extreme weather, climate change is driving long-term alterations in ecosystems
and biodiversity. Rising temperatures affect the distribution and behavior of species, leading
to shifts in habitats and, in some cases, extinctions. For example, warming ocean