What is Climate Change, and why should we be worried about it?
The term ‘climate change’ refers to the long-lasting changes to our planet’s weather systems, caused primarily by the increasing release of ‘greenhouse gases’. These gases increase the level of the Sun’s heat trapped by the atmosphere, resulting in global warming.
Global Warming has profound effects on our ecosystems, the main ones being:
Extreme Weather Events
We are already experiencing unprecedented levels of weather-related disasters, including floods, wildfires, droughts and hurricanes. These are destroying ecosystems, habitats, homes, health, and sadly, tens of thousands of lives.
Rising Sea levels
The polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate. The resultant rise in sea level will inundate coastal regions, and create potentially millions of ‘Climate Refugees’ – with all the associated problems, tensions and potential conflicts.
Negative Impact on Everyday Life
This includes food and water shortages, heat-related health problems, and damage to countries and living standards.
Experts agree that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, global warming has to be restricted to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The policies currently in place will not achieve that, with an expected rise to 2.8°C by the end of the century.
Clearly, urgent action is needed.
