Answer:
Long term changes in the climate of the environment
Step-by-step explanation:
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature patterns, precipitation levels, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. It is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere.
Here are some key points related to climate change:
Causes: The primary cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes. Deforestation, agricultural practices, and land-use changes also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse Effect: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. This leads to a gradual increase in global temperatures, known as global warming. This warming effect is called the greenhouse effect and is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However, human activities have intensified this effect, resulting in significant climate change.
Impacts: Climate change has wide-ranging impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and human societies. These include rising global temperatures, more frequent and severe heatwaves, changes in precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, melting glaciers and ice caps, increased frequency of extreme weather events (such as hurricanes and floods), shifts in plant and animal habitats, and threats to biodiversity.
Mitigation: Mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent or minimize the severity of climate change. This involves transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and adopting greener transportation options.