Final answer:
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. It leads to global disruptions like rising sea levels, stronger storms, and health risks. Addressing climate change is critical, with mitigation strategies including the shift to clean energy sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The global climate has undergone significant changes over time, with marked shifts particularly evident in the last sixty years. Global climate change encompasses alterations in weather patterns, temperature increases, and changes in climate due to elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is crucial to differentiate between weather, which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, and climate, which pertains to long-term regional and global atmospheric patterns.
- Evidence and Impacts of Climate Change
Various pieces of evidence affirm that the Earth's climate is changing. Proxy data illustrates temperature variations, indicating that the current warming trend cannot be ascribed to natural causes alone. Instead, it points towards human activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels, as the primary driver. This warming, part of broader climate change, leads to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disruption of ecosystems. The potential for widespread ecological and human impacts, such as displacement of populations, increased incidence of extreme weather events, and health risks from diseases, raises global concern.
- Addressing Climate Change
Addressing climate change involves mitigation strategies like transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy sources. The international community emphasizes solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advocating for sustainable practices to alleviate the effects of climate change. Efforts are underway to foster a global response that includes adaptation and mitigation to ensure a sustainable future.