Climate Change: Fundamentals and Impacts

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, accounting for approximately 60% of the total greenhouse effect.

Global Warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Industrialization, particularly the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, is the primary human activity responsible for the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.

The Greenhouse Effect refers to the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Rising sea levels due to climate change can lead to increased coastal erosion, salinization of freshwater resources, and displacement of coastal communities.

Carbon Footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e).

Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and Hydropower are all renewable energy sources that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial sources or the atmosphere and storing it underground or in geological formations.

Climate change can lead to increased risk of heat-related illnesses, spread of vector-borne diseases, and exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Climate Change Mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the impacts of climate change.

Carbon Tax, Cap-and-Trade System, Renewable Portfolio Standard, and Energy Efficiency Standards are all examples of policy instruments used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Change Adaptation refers to efforts aimed at adjusting to the impacts of climate change and reducing vulnerability to its effects.

Building seawalls, developing drought-resistant crop varieties, and improving early warning systems are all examples of climate change adaptation strategies.

Climate Change Mainstreaming refers to the process of incorporating climate change considerations into policies, plans, and programs across all levels of government and sectors of society.

Developing climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and integrating climate change into national development plans are all examples of climate change mainstreaming initiatives.