Climate change is one of the most discussed topics in the world in recent years. And, if earlier it was voiced only by scientists, now these issues are included in the agenda of politicians of different countries and they are discussed by both business representatives and ordinary people. Although it is worth noting that there are still people who do not consider this issue important and do not believe in it.
Endangered by climate change: episode 1 of 3
We have compiled basic questions, facts, and links to in-depth research on global climate change so that you can research the topic and draw your conclusions!
What is climate change?
Climate change is long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns that result in droughts, storms, floods, water shortages, large-scale fires, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and declining biodiversity. These changes are related to natural conditions (variations in solar activity) and human activities. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas produce greenhouse gas emissions, which trap the sun's body and raise the temperature.
What are greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases are gases with high transparency in the visible range and high absorption in the mid- and far-infrared. The presence of such gases in planetary atmospheres leads to the greenhouse effect - an increase in temperature on the planet's surface. The leading greenhouse gases on Earth are carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide, CO2), methane (CH₄), ozone (O₃), and others. The primary sources of greenhouse gases are energy, industry, agriculture, transport, and waste disposal. Since 1990, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have increased by almost 50%.
How does climate change affect people's lives and health?
Climate change affects people's health, food supply, hunger, housing, jobs, and safety. Because of climate change, some people are forced to move to other places. The effects of climate change harm people's health through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, food insecurity, and mental stress.
What international instruments address climate change?
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. For the EU countries, the key document is the European Green Deal.
What can be done to reduce climate change?
There are three main areas of focus in combating climate change:
- Reducing emissions.
- Adaptation to the effects of climate change.
- Financing the necessary adaptation measures.
What is an adaptation to climate change?
These measures protect people, their homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. It is essential to plan to prevent problems. In developing such measures, special attention should be paid to vulnerable populations with fewer resources to cope with climate threats. One of the first focus areas should be creating quality early warning systems for natural disasters to help save lives and property. Also, the use of new crop varieties will help avoid declining yields.
Today you learned the basic information about climate change. Get ready for the next episode of the series, where you will get to know about the climate change consequences for Kazakhstan and 10 tips you can do to mitigate it.
Other episodes of the series:
Episode Two: Global responsibility, local consequences. How does climate change impact Kazakhstan?
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