What is climate change, in simple words

Climate change corresponds to a series of prolonged changes in Earth's climatic conditions, mainly due to human activity. The global climate is undergoing changes that affect both temperatures and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes, floods, heat waves, and droughts. These changes, which are increasingly visible around the world, are causing serious consequences on natural ecosystems and people's lives. But how did we get to this situation? The main cause is the massive use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and deforestation, which release huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing global warming, a major driver of climate change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Why is the climate changing?
• When did climate change start?
• What will happen to the climate in the coming years?
• What happens if global warming continues?
• Possible solutions to address climate change
• Why taking action now is important

Why is the climate changing?

The climate of our planet therefore is changing due to the excessive presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This process, known as the "greenhouse effect," is natural and essential for maintaining the Earth's temperature at habitable levels, but the problem is the intensification of the effect itself. Human activities have dramatically increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, leading to accelerated warming.

Responsible greenhouse gases

Here are the main greenhouse gases responsible for this change:

• carbon dioxide (CO₂). It is the major greenhouse gas produced by human activities, mainly from burning coal, oil and gas for energy production and transportation. In addition, deforestation contributes to the increase in CO₂as it reduces the number of trees capable of absorbing the gas from the atmosphere;
• methane (CH₄). A very potent greenhouse gas, although present in smaller amounts than CO₂. Methane is emitted mainly from livestock farming (especially cattle), rice fields, and waste decomposition in landfills;
• nitrous oxide (N₂O). Generated mainly by the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, it contributes to the greenhouse effect and has a much greater impact on global warming than CO₂.

Other activities, such as industrial production and waste management, contribute to the emission of gases that damage the ozone layer and promote atmospheric warming. The combination of these factors is altering the climate balance at an accelerating rate.

What has caused climate change?

Here is an in-depth analysis of the main causes of climate change:

1. use of fossil fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas are the main energy sources of the modern world, used to power power plants, heat homes and operate means of transportation. Their combustion releases CO₂ and other greenhouse gases that accumulate in the atmosphere;
2. deforestation. Forests are a valuable resource for absorbing CO₂ and maintaining a stable carbon cycle. However, the increasing demand for space for agriculture, livestock and urbanization has led to a drastic reduction in forests, especially in the Amazon and Asia. This has reduced the planet's ability to offset the increase in CO₂;
3. intensive agriculture. The production of food, especially meat, generates a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Livestock farming is particularly harmful because it produces methane. In addition, the use of chemical fertilizers generates nitrous oxide;
4. industry. The use of fossil fuels to power factories, transport goods, and the manufacturing processes themselves contribute greatly to climate change.

When did climate change start?

Climate change is not an entirely new phenomenon for the Earth, but the current global warming has been accelerated by human intervention since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. Before that time, changes in climate were related to natural factors such as variations in the Earth's orbit, solar cycles and volcanic activity. Intensive use of fossil fuels and increased industrial activities, on the other hand, initiated a massive release of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases. As a result, there has been an increase in temperatures not seen in such short periods in the history of our planet.

What will happen to the climate in the coming years?

Scientists predict that the climate will continue to warm in the coming decades, even if drastic measures are taken to reduce emissions. This is because greenhouse gases have a prolonged lifetime in the atmosphere, so their impact will continue to be felt for a long time. However, acting now is critical to avoid worst-case scenarios. Limiting global temperature rise to within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels could avoid the most devastating consequences of climate change.

What happens if global warming continues?

If global warming continues to intensify without concrete action, our planet will likely face increasingly severe consequences. Some of the projected impacts are:

• rising sea levels, as melting glaciers and polar ice caps contribute to rising waters. This puts coastal cities and low-lying islands at risk. Also contributing to the worsening state of affairs is the fact that ocean waters absorb carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere and become acidified. This poses a danger to coral reefs and various marine animals;
• extreme weather events, such as heat waves, hurricanes, storms and droughts that are increasingly intense and frequent, resulting in damage to human health and the world economy;
• biodiversity loss in fact climate change destroys the natural habitats of many species, threatening their survival.

Possible solutions to address climate change

To counter this, concrete actions are needed. Theuse of clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and CO₂ emissions. Improving the efficiency of buildings and means of transportation leads to a decrease in energy waste and environmental impact. Planting trees and protecting remaining forests helps absorb CO₂ and preserve the balance of the ecosystem. Adopting more sustainable agricultural practices can also reduce emissions and preserve biodiversity. For example, methods such as crop rotation and the use of organic fertilizers help keep the soil healthy and productive.

In addition, daily actions such as reducing plastic use, preferring public transportation, decreasing meat consumption and recycling properly can make a difference.

Apps that help individuals reduce their carbon footprint

There are tools at our fingertips that can help us live more sustainably and reduce our carbon footprint. Here are four useful ones to consider:

1. Too Good To Go. This app helps combat food waste and allows people to buy unsold food from restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets at a reduced price. Through its use, the CO₂ emissions associated with food production and transportation can also be reduced;
2. JouleBug. It is an app that challenges users to earn points by taking sustainable actions (such as turning off lights, using public transportation, or reducing plastic consumption);
3. Oroeco. It tracks the impact of daily habits (such as travel, shopping, energy use) and offers personalized suggestions on how to reduce emissions;
4. Ecosia. This search engine uses its advertising profits to plant trees.

Why taking action now is important

Addressing the problem we have described in this in-depth study is an urgent priority: its effects are already visible and affect people's lives, nature, and the economy. Each delay worsens the situation and makes it harder to avoid the most serious consequences. Acting now is essential to preserve the Earth and ensure a better future.