Climate Change Explained

Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing our planet today. It affects the environment, weather patterns, human health, and ecosystems worldwide. But what exactly is climate change, what causes it, and what can we do to slow it down? This article will help you understand the science behind climate change and the solutions that people around the world are working on to address it.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in Earth’s climate, including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns. While Earth’s climate has changed naturally over millions of years, scientists have found that the current changes are happening much faster than in the past.

The main reason for this rapid change is human activities – especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These activities release gases into the atmosphere that trap heat, leading to what is called the greenhouse effect.

The Greenhouse Effect: Why Earth is Getting Warmer

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that makes Earth warm enough to support life. Certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (GHGs), trap heat from the Sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This process is similar to how a greenhouse keeps plants warm.

The major greenhouse gases include:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – Released by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and deforestation.
• Methane (CH₄) – Released from agriculture (especially livestock like cows), landfills, and the natural gas industry.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O) – Emitted from fertilizers and some industrial activities.
• Water vapor (H₂O) – The most abundant greenhouse gas, but mainly controlled by natural processes.

Human activities have increased the levels of these gases, leading to global warming – a steady increase in Earth’s average temperature.

How Do We Know Climate Change is Happening?

Scientists have gathered strong evidence showing that Earth’s climate is changing:

1. Rising Global Temperatures

The average global temperature has increased by more than 1°C (1.8°F) since the late 1800s. While this might not seem like much, even small temperature changes can have big effects on weather and ecosystems.

2. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels

Glaciers and ice sheets in places like Greenland and Antarctica are melting rapidly, adding more water to the oceans. Sea levels have already risen by about 8 inches (20 cm) since 1900, and scientists predict they could rise much more in the coming decades.

3. More Extreme Weather

Climate change is making hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires more severe and frequent. For example:

• Hurricanes are becoming stronger because warmer ocean temperatures give them more energy.
• Droughts are becoming more intense, leading to food and water shortages.
• Wildfires, like those experienced to devastating effect in California in early 2025, are more common due to hotter and drier conditions.

4. Ocean Changes

The ocean absorbs much of the heat from global warming, which is why global air temperatures haven’t increased at quite the rate that some expected. The ocean’s role in serving as a buffer has led to dramatic adverse effects for water-based lifeforms, though. Some consequences of climate change in ocean ecosystems include:

• Warmer ocean temperatures, which harm marine life like coral reefs.
• Ocean acidification, caused by CO₂ dissolving into seawater, making it harder for creatures like shellfish and corals to survive.

What Are the Effects of Climate Change?

Climate change affects nearly every part of life on Earth. Some of the biggest impacts include:

• Loss of Biodiversity – Many species struggle to survive as their habitats change. Animals like polar bears, sea turtles, and coral reefs are especially at risk.
• Food and Water Shortages – Changes in rainfall and temperature affect crops, making it harder for farmers to grow food. Droughts can also dry up freshwater sources.
• Health Risks – Rising temperatures can lead to more heat-related illnesses, spread of diseases, and poor air quality. Vector-based illnesses such as malaria can increase with the spread of mosquitos and similar pest species into new areas.
• Economic Costs and Migration-Related Pressures – Natural disasters caused by climate change cost billions of dollars in damage each year. This, combine with food and water shortages (as mentioned above) also create pressures around the migration of people. When farms are failing and people are struggling to find enough food and water to sustain their families, there is a natural incentive for them to want to move to more fertile areas of the world, which can further exacerbate economic, social and political pressures in those areas.

What Can Be Done to Stop Climate Change?

Scientists and governments around the world are working to slow climate change. Here are some key solutions:

1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The most important step is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This can be done by:

• Using Clean Energy – Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. (Side note: If you’re curious as to how solar energy works, check out our handy guide here.)
• Improving Energy Efficiency – Using energy-saving appliances, LED light bulbs, and better insulation in buildings. Adopting clean energy storage, such as solar batteries, can also assist here, by ensuring that energy generated during the day may be used at night.
• Driving Less – Using public transportation, biking, walking, or electric vehicles instead of gas-powered cars.

2. Protecting Forests and Ecosystems

Trees absorb CO₂ from the air, so protecting forests and planting more trees can help slow climate change. Efforts include:

• Preventing deforestation – Stopping the destruction of rainforests like the Amazon.
• Reforestation – Planting new trees to absorb carbon from the air.

3. Developing New Technologies

Scientists are working on new ways to capture and store carbon before it enters the atmosphere. Some ideas include:

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS) – Trapping CO₂ from power plants and storing it underground.
• Geoengineering – Artificially cooling the planet by reflecting sunlight or removing CO₂ from the air (though this is still experimental).

4. International Agreements and Policies

Countries are working together to combat climate change through agreements like:

• The Paris Agreement (2015) – A global treaty where countries pledge to limit global warming to below 2°C (3.6°F), with a goal of 1.5°C (2.7°F). The United States recently withdraw from this agreement, which has created additional complexities as a result of that country being one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Most other parties to the agreement has re-affirmed their commitment to the process, however.
• Government Regulations – Many countries are passing laws at both the local and national levels to reduce emissions, invest in clean energy, and limit pollution.

What Can You Do?

Even though climate change is a global problem, every person can make a difference! Here are some actions you can take:

At Home

• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
• Use less water (take shorter showers, fix leaks).
• Reduce waste—recycle and compost whenever possible.

At School

• Encourage your school to use energy-efficient lighting.
• Join or start an environmental club to raise awareness.
• Encourage the adoption of recycling programs – not just for plastic containers, but also to encourage the repair, resale and recycling of clothing and other textiles.
• Organize tree-planting or clean-up events in your community.

In Your Community

• Walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of using a car.
• Support businesses that use sustainable practices.
• Spread awareness—talk to family and friends about climate change.

Working Together for a Better Future

Climate change is a big challenge, but it’s not too late to make a difference. Governments, scientists, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the planet. By learning about climate change and taking action, you can help create a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.

Every step counts—what will you do to help? 🌎💚