What is Climate Change? Its causes, impacts, and solutions

Tackling Climate Change

In today's world, understanding the urgency of climate change and taking conscious steps to address it is more crucial than ever before. The first step to make a positive impact is to be informed and aware of the thematics of climate change. By understanding the threats posed by climate change, we can work together to secure a sustainable future for our planet.

Hence, one of our core missions is to empower individuals and organizations with essential knowledge about crucial climate-related topics. Our ultimate goal with those projects is to create genuine awareness within your organization, enabling you to take effective action in response to climate change.

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to shifts in temperatures and weather patterns in a region over a long period of time (usually 30 years).

Such shifts can be natural or caused by human activity. While global warming is just one aspect of climate change. In fact, the definition of global warming refers to the rise in global temperatures due mainly to the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

What is the difference between climate change and global warming?

Climate change refers to shifts in temperatures and weather patterns in a region over a long period of time (usually 30 years). Such shifts can be natural or caused by human activity.
While global warming is just one aspect of climate change. In fact, the definition of global warming refers to the rise in global temperatures mainly due to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change

Many people believe that climate change primarily leads to higher temperatures, but the temperature rise is just the beginning of the story. Earth can be seen as a complex system, where everything is interconnected, and the repercussions of one event can swiftly affect other phenomena.

All consequences of climate change are extremely interconnected and cause feedback loops that amplify the problem. For example, thawing permafrost releases more methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, further contributing to global warming. These feedback loops create a self-reinforcing cycle, making the issue more challenging to control.

*Data source : Global Carbon Budget (2022) Our World in Data

The impact on Biodiversity

Additionally, as habitats disappear, many animal species face challenges in adapting to changing conditions, leading to population declines and, in some cases, extinction. In turn, the loss of key species can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, causing cascading effects throughout the food web. This disruption can lead to the overpopulation of some species and the underpopulation of others, destabilizing ecosystems and leading to a loss of biodiversity.

The impact on Human life

The consequences of climate change have a significant and interconnected impact on human life. For instance, droughts and floods decrease the availability of food and drinkable water, while the rising temperatures make living conditions extremely difficult, especially for vulnerable individuals. These two factors can lead to mass migration, resulting in tensions and potential conflicts. These are only some examples of the impact of global warming on human life.

What cause global warming?

The Earth has a long history of experiencing natural cycles of warming and cooling, which occurred well before humans even existed (illustrated in graph 1). However, over the last two centuries, there has been a significant change in global air temperatures near Earth's surface, with an average increase of about 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Screenshot 2023-07-28 at 17.12 1-1

The Earth's climate has naturally fluctuated over long periods, influenced by various factors like changes in solar activity, volcanic eruptions, shifts in Earth's orbit, and natural variations in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Scientists have reconstructed this climate history using indirect measures such as ice cores, tree rings, glacier lengths, ocean sediments, and others.

Screenshot 2023-07-28 at 17.04.37-1

The warming process of the Earth, caused by human activities, began around the 1800s and was primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas, which became prevalent after the first industrial revolution. This combustion releases numerous gases into Earth's atmosphere, where they can remain for different amounts of time, from months to millennia.

What is the greenhouse gas effect?

Human-generated gases accumulate in the Earth's atmosphere, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect that sustains our planet's current temperature and the life it supports. When the sun's energy reaches Earth, some is absorbed by the surface, while the rest reflects back into space. Earth's atmosphere crucially retains a portion of this reflected energy, with these gases trapping some of the outgoing heat, maintaining a temperature conducive to life. Yet, human activities have amplified these gas concentrations, resulting in an intensified greenhouse effect and global warming.

Sunlight passes through the atmosphere, bringing essential light and warmth to life on Earth.

The Earth absorbs part of the radiation and reflects another part back into the atmosphere. This process is a key element of the Earth's climate system, helping to regulate the planet's surface temperature.

Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap some of this solar radiation, warming the planet.

They trap some of the infrared radiation (heat) re-emitted by the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping completely into space. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, is natural and necessary to maintain the Earth's temperature at a habitable level. Without it, our planet would be much colder. However, increased concentrations of these gases can lead to further global warming, with potentially serious consequences for terrestrial ecosystems and living conditions.

💡 The Paris Agreement

Adopted in December 2015 and signed by nearly all countries worldwide, The Paris Agreement is a significant international treaty to combat climate change. It aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, with an ideal goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius, by encouraging countries to set and update emission reduction targets. It highlights transparency, accountability, and global cooperation in addressing climate change impacts, serving as a crucial framework for sustainable, low-carbon solutions for a resilient and sustainable future.

Variations in CO₂ emissions by region and sector

The two graphs below illustrate variations in CO₂ emissions by region and sector. On the first graph, we can observe that both China and Europe have reduced their emissions. In the second graph depicting emissions by sector, the industrial and building sectors have seen a decrease in their emissions, whereas other sectors have experienced an increase.

*Data source : International Energy Agency (IEA)

What companies can do to tackle climate change?

Within their value chain: Companies can address climate change within their value chain by conducting comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments to identify and quantify their emissions. By understanding where their emissions are highest, companies can implement targeted strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. This could include adopting energy-efficient technologies, shifting to renewable energy sources, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing product design to minimize waste and energy consumption.

Workshop

Climate Fresk

Interested in contributing to the fight against climate change but lacking the time to pursue a career as a climate scientist? Join our collaborative Climate Fresk workshop, where in just three hours, you'll gain a solid grasp of the essential science behind climate change and be equipped to make a positive impact.

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GHG Measurement

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions distinctions. This training will guide you through each stage of carbon footprint measurement, starting with data collection, progressing to report generation, and culminating in the development of your transition plan.

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Beyond their value chain: Companies can contribute to broader climate change mitigation efforts through climate contribution (carbon offsetting). This involves investing in high quality projects that reduce, avoid, or sequester carbon emissions beyond their own value chain, such as reforestation, renewable energy installations, and methane capture initiatives. By purchasing carbon credits, companies can offset their own incompressible emissions, supporting global climate action. Additionally, companies can influence climate policy, foster sustainable consumer behaviors, and collaborate with partners, NGOs, and governments to amplify their impact on combating climate change.

What is Climate Change?

Tackling Climate Change

1.5°c

30%

200M

1.2T

What is climate change?

What is the difference between climate change and global warming?

Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change

What are the consequences of climate change?

Extreme Weather Events

Ocean Acidification

Rising Sea Levels

Drought and Wildfire