Introduction
Climate change, a global challenge, it has emerged as one of the most concerning issues of our time. It refers to long term alterations in temperature and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as industrial processes, burning of fossil fuels and many more. It has emerged as a global concern as it impacts various life forms on Earth. The earth's average temperature has changed throughout the history but recently a rapid growth is observed.
Causes of climate change
Over the time, humans have the major contribution in changing the climate varying from industries to deforestation and greenhouse emission. Humans considered the planet as their own property and have deteriorated it for their own motives. The greenhouse gases in our atmosphere help keep our planet warm enough for us to survive. Decrease in greenhouse gas would make the Earth too cold for humans. But, too much greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is also dangerous as it makes the Earth too warm. Over the past century, humans have added a lot of greenhouse gases to our atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas released, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Trees plays a critical role in balancing carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere but deforestation carried out by humans for agriculture, urbanization and paper making worsens the situation. Certain industrial activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide(CO2),methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Vehicles also contribute to increased carbon dioxide levels. The below graph shows the rise in CO2 level over the years.
Impacts of climate change
Over the years, the earth's temperature is increasing at a faster rate. Earth's average temperature has increased by 1 ℃ over the past 100 years.
Even a change of 1-2 ℃ is alarming as the extreme weather events rise exponentially, summers become very hot. The chances of developing heatwaves increases. The frequency of tornadoes ,floods, droughts increases and the biodiversity is harmed. The glaciers are melting at higher rate. Canada reported highest temperature of around 50℃ temperature last year which led to forest fires and other harmful effects. The cyclone 'Biperjoy' in South Asia is also a consequence of climate change.
This has affected the biodiversity and disruptions of natural habitat.
The change in climate has also impacted the agriculture sector. The crops get destroyed due to extreme weather conditions. Some areas face water scarcity and some faces floods. Various heath problems develop in people due to climate change. Acid rains lead to damage in infrastructure. The Taj Mahal is slowly getting disfigured and lusterless due to acid rains. Comprehensively, it also affects the nations economy.
How to tackle this problem?
As the climate change is alarming and we have reached the stage at which even one more degree increase would be disastrous. Individual level concerns to save electricity, cut down use of carbon emitting vehicles would be good but would have a very little effect on climate change. The policy changes at government level can bring the real change to save the world. The policy changes includes removal of subsidy on fossil fuels and introduce carbon tax. Carbon tax would motivate companies to use lesser fuels. Carbon tax refer to charging the energy sources proportional to amount of carbon present in them. This is applies at source level and many countries have found it most effective solution to fight the climate change. Promoting electric vehicles and shifting to renewable energy sources would add value to tackle the problem. At individual level, it is important to raise awareness among people and especially among students. At this age, students are ready to absorb, learn and most importantly, act. They have the power to encourage government and policies.
Conclusion
Climate change is a disastrous and global level concern that can lead to extinction of human life on earth if proper action is not taken. Barack Obama once quoted, "We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it". The future of the earth completely lies in our hands. Lets put our hands together for a sustainable future.
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