The Earth and its atmosphere reflect 30% of the sun’s energy back into space. The Earth’s land surface then absorbs about 19% of the sun’s energy, while the oceans absorb 51%. The atmosphere, which is largely transparent to visible light from the sun, absorbs a small amount of this radiation.
Clouds play an important role in reflecting sunlight back into space and cooling the planet. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and methane are the four main greenhouse gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.
What are the top causes of climate change?
The main causes of climate change are:
1. Burning fossil fuels- such as coal, oil and gas
2. Deforestation- which means cutting down trees and other vegetation
3. Farming- including livestock farming and growing crops
4. Industry- such as manufacturing, mining and construction
5. Waste- from human activities like landfill sites and sewage treatment plants
6. Aerosols- tiny particles in the air from things like volcanoes, desert dust and sea-salt spray
7. Natural causes- like changes in the sun’s energy output and volcanic eruptions
What can you do to help reduce climate change?
Here are some things you can do to help reduce climate change:
1. Walk or cycle instead of taking the car
2. Turn off lights and electrical appliances when you’re not using them
3. Compost food waste instead of putting it in the bin
4. Use less water- turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth
5. Recycle as much as you can
6. Grow your own fruit and vegetables
What are fundamental factors that determine Earth’s climate?
There are three basic approaches to modify the radiation balance of the Earth: 1) by altering the amount of solar radiation that enters (e.g., through modifications in Earth’s orbit or the Sun itself); 2) by modifying the percentage of sunlight that is reflected (known as ‘albedo’ and varied by changes in cloud cover, atmospheric particles, land use, and vegetation); or 3) by trapping more heat within the Earth’s atmosphere through changes in atmospheric gases (the ‘greenhouse effect’).
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back into space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. They trap heat in the atmosphere and make the Earth’s surface warm enough to support life.
Human activities like burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, and farming livestock release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, trapping more heat and making the Earth’s surface warmer.
Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change has been connected with damaging weather events such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, floods, downpours, and winter storms. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising temperatures melting polar ice, the resulting rise in sea level has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased flooding and erosion.
What is the #1 cause of climate change?
The fact that carbon dioxide is causing the planet to heat up, as well as other evidence, suggests that burning fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, is the primary cause of climate change. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, causing the globe to get warmer.
Is climate change bad 2020?
There have been 16 weather/climate calamities, each with losses exceeding $1 billion, in the United States since October 7, 2020, according to NOAA. One drought event, eleven severe storms, three tropical cyclones, and one wildfire caused 188 fatalities and significant economic damage.
What are the effects of climate change?
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people and ecosystems all over the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of scientists convened by the United Nations, concluded that there is “clear and widespread evidence that the Earth’s climate is changing.”
How we can reduce climate change?
Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. ENERGY STAR®-certified CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) use about 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, and last up to 10 times longer.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to simply reduce the amount of stuff you consume. Reuse items whenever possible, and recycle anything that can’t be reused.
Compost: Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills, and it’s also great for your garden.
Drive less: You can reduce your carbon footprint simply by driving less. Carpool, ride your bike, or walk whenever possible.
Buy local: Buying locally grown food is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. When you buy local, you cut down on the amount of fossil fuels used to transport food.
What is the biggest contributor to climate change?
Almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years can be attributed to human activities. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is electricity production, heat, and transportation using fossil fuels.
What percentage of climate change is caused by humans?
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) fifth assessment report, humans’ greenhouse gas emissions and activities have caused around 100 percent of the warming observed since 1950.
Who is responsible for climate change?
Today, most of the world’s climate change is caused by wealthy nations. Over 70% of all greenhouse gases are emitted by developed countries, while India’s contribution is just 3%.
How will climate change affect us?
Climate change is affecting human health. More heat stress, increased waterborne diseases, poor air quality, and diseases spread by insects and rodents are expected as the environment changes. Many of these health problems can be exacerbated by natural disasters.
