Climate change is caused by both natural factors and human activities like burning fossil fuels. Scientists use observations and models to understand past and predict future climate change. Climate change is already affecting different regions in the form of extreme weather, rising sea levels, and threats to animals and humans. Addressing climate change requires global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through initiatives like adopting renewable energy and setting emissions standards. The UN works to facilitate international agreements like the Paris Agreement to coordinate a global response to this urgent issue.
2. CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is a change in the statistical
distribution of weather patterns when that change
lasts for an extended period of time (i.e., decades to
millions of years). Climate change may refer to a
change in average weather conditions, or in the time
variation of weather around longer-term average
conditions (i.e., more or fewer extreme
weather events).
Climate change is caused by factors such as
biotic processes, variations in solar radiation received
by Earth, plate tectonics, and volcanic eruptions.
Certain human activities have also been identified as
significant causes of recent climate change, often
referred to as global warming.
3. scientists actively work to understand past and
future climate by using observations and theoretical
models. A climate record—extending deep into the
Earth's past—has been assembled, and continues
to be built up, based on geological evidence from
borehole temperature profiles, cores removed from
deep accumulations of ice, floral and
faunal records, glacial and periglacial processes,
stable-isotope and other analyses of sediment
layers, and records of past sea levels.
More recent data are provided by the instrumental
record. General circulation models, based on the
physical sciences, are often used in theoretical
approaches to match past climate data, make
future projections, and link causes and effects in
climate change.
4.
5. CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change affects all regions around the
world. Polar ice shields are melting and the sea is
rising. In some regions extreme weather events and
rainfall are becoming more common while others are
experiencing more extreme heat
waves and droughts.
Humans and wild animals face new challenges for
survival because of climate change. More frequent
and intense drought, storms, heat waves, rising sea
levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans can
directly harm animals, destroy the places they live,
and wreak havoc on people's livelihoods and
communities.
6.
7. SOLUTION TO CONSERVECLIMATE
Engaging communities, governments and businesses to address climate
change.
The Nature Conservancy is mobilizing diverse partners and
stakeholders at every level to create a cleaner, safer world. We promote
nature-based solutions to help control carbon pollution and protect
against climate impacts, and we work across all economic sectors to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our scientists and policy experts are on the forefront of climate change
discussions and on-the-ground actions. In the United States and
around the world, we are working to achieve a cleaner, more
prosperous low carbon future by:
Developing policy strategies,
Forging high-impact partnerships, and
Leading research, science and innovation.
COP21: THE ROAD THROUGH PARIS
Our global track record of successful science-based policy solutions
positions us as a leading voice for nature and people. See how the
Conservancy is helping shape the international dialogue and
8. GLOBAL WARMING
Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in
the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its
oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing
the Earth’s climate. There is great debate among many people,
and sometimes in the news, on whether global warming is real
(some call it a hoax). But climate scientists looking at the data
and facts agree the planet is warming. While many view the
effects of global warming to be more substantial and more
rapidly occurring than others do, the scientific consensus on
climatic changes related to global warming is that the average
temperature of the Earth has risen between 0.4 and 0.8 °C over
the past 100 years.
The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels, land
clearing, agriculture, and other human activities, are believed to
be the primary sources of the global warming that has occurred
over the past 50 years. Scientists from the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate carrying out global warming research have
recently predicted that average global temperatures could
increase between 1.4 and 5.8 °C by the year 2100. Changes
resulting from global warming may include rising sea levels due
to the melting of the polar ice caps, as well as an increase in
9. U.S. CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY
Achieving significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the United
States is critical to address climate change and propel global progress.
The Nature Conservancy is harnessing its robust conservation and
policy networks in all 50 states to promote constructive dialogue and
action.
10.
11. EMISSIONOF GREENHOUSEGASES
A greenhouse gas is any gaseous compound in the atmosphere
that is capable of absorbing infrared radiation, thereby trapping
and holding heat in the atmosphere. By increasing the heat in
the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are responsible for the
greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to global warming.
While some say that global warming is a natural process and
that there have always been greenhouse gasses, the amount of
gasses in the atmosphere has skyrocketed in recent history.
The Industrial Revolution had a big part to play in the amount of
atmospheric CO2 being released. Before, CO2 fluctuated
between about 180 ppm during ice ages and 280 ppm during
interglacial warm periods.
Since the Industrial Revolution, though, the amount of CO2 has
dramatically increased to 100 times faster than the increase
when the last ice age ended, according to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
12. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once used as refrigerants and aerosol
propellants until they were phased out by international agreement,
are also greenhouse gases.
Three factors affect the degree to which any greenhouse gas will
influence global warming:
• Its abundance in the atmosphere
• How long it stays in the atmosphere
• Its global-warming potential
13. ROLE OF UN COMBATINGCLIMATECHANGE
Climate change is now affecting every country on every
continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting
lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly today
and even more tomorrow.
People are experiencing the significant impacts of climate
change, which include changing weather patterns, rising sea
level, and more extreme weather events. The greenhouse gas
emissions from human activities are driving climate change and
continue to rise.
They are now at their highest levels in history. Without action,
the world’s average surface temperature is projected to rise
over the 21st century and is likely to surpass 3 degrees Celsius
this century—with some areas of the world expected to warm
even more. The poorest and most vulnerable people are being
affected the most.
Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable
countries to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies. The
pace of change is quickening as more people are turning to
renewable energy and a range of other measures that will
14. But climate change is a global challenge that does not respect
national borders. Emissions anywhere affect people
everywhere. It is an issue that requires solutions that need to be
coordinated at the international level and it requires
international cooperation to help developing countries move
toward a low-carbon economy. To address climate change,
countries are working to adopt a global agreement in Paris this
December.
15. MY CONTRIBUTION
I have changed bulbs with LEDs, unplug computer’s , TVs and
other electronics when not in use. Wash clothes in cold water ,
do not use dryer for clothes .
Use AC’s in sleep mode, grow some of my own food , and eat
low on food chain at least one meat-free meal a day — since 18
per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from meat and
dairy production. "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.“
Garbage buried in landfills produces methane, a potent
greenhouse gas. Keep stuff out of landfills by composting
kitchen scraps and garden trimmings, and recycling paper,
plastic, metal and glass. Let store managers and manufacturers
know you want products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Carbon taxes make polluting activities more expensive and
green solutions more affordable, allowing energy-efficient
businesses and households to save money. They are one of the
most effective ways to reduce Canada's climate impact. If your
province doesn't have a carbon tax, ask your premier
and MLA to implement one
16. Air travel leaves behind a huge carbon footprint. Before you book
your next airline ticket, consider greener options such as buses or
trains, or try vacationing closer to home. You can also stay in touch
with people by videoconferencing, which saves time as well as travel
and accommodation costs.
Transportation causes about 25 per cent of Canada's greenhouse gas
emissions, so walk, cycle or take transit whenever you can. You'll
save money and get into better shape! If you can't go car-free, try
carpooling or car sharing, and use the smallest, most fuel-efficient
vehicle possible.
Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for an extended period of time (i.e., decades to millions of years). Climate change may refer to a change in average weather conditions, or in the time variation of weather around longer-term average conditions (i.e., more or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change is caused by factors such as biotic processes, variations in solar radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics, and volcanic eruptions. Certain human activities have also been identified as significant causes of recent climate change, often referred to as global warming.[1]
Engaging communities, governments and businesses to address climate change.
Engaging communities, governments and businesses to address climate change
The Nature Conservancy is mobilizing diverse partners and stakeholders at every level to create a cleaner, safer world. We promote nature-based solutions to help control carbon pollution and protect against climate impacts, and we work across all economic sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our scientists and policy experts are on the forefront of climate change discussions and on-the-ground actions. In the United States and around the world, we are working to achieve a cleaner, more prosperous low carbon future by:
Developing policy strategies,
Forging high-impact partnerships, and
Leading research, science and innovation.
COP21: THE ROAD THROUGH PARIS
Our global track record of successful science-based policy solutions positions us as a leading voice for nature and people. See how the Conservancy is helping shape the international dialogue and negotiations on the Road Through Paris.
U.S. CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY
Achieving significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the United States is critical to address climate change and propel global progress. The Nature Conservancy is harnessing its robust conservation and policy networks in all 50 states to promote constructive dialogue and action.
Learn more about how we are helping to create a low carbon economy and advancing the national dialogue on climate and clean energy action.