Science Common Sense
1195 - Why does human activity cause climate change, and what are its impacts on ecology and the environment.
What is Climate Change? Climate change is when the Earth's temperature gets warmer or cooler due to changes in the atmosphere. Human activities are the main reason for the current climate change.
How Does Human Activity Cause Climate Change? There are several ways humans contribute to climate change:
- Burning fossil fuels: When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the air. These gases trap heat and warm the planet.
- Cutting down trees: Trees absorb CO2, but when we cut them down, it releases the stored CO2 into the air.
- Methane from farms: Farm animals like cows produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Rising sea levels: Melting ice and glaciers cause sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities.
- Extreme weather: Climate change leads to severe storms, heatwaves, and droughts.
- Endangered ecosystems: Changing temperatures and weather patterns affect plants and animals, pushing some to extinction.
- Disrupted food chains: Changes in temperature and weather impact food sources for many animals, including humans.
- Contaminated water: Climate change affects water quality, making it harder to find clean drinking water.
What Can We Do? We can all help by:
- Reducing energy use: Use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights when not needed.
- Planting trees: Trees absorb CO2, so planting and preserving forests can help.
- Using public transport: Walk, cycle, or use public transport to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conserving water: Use water wisely to avoid wasting this precious resource.
Every small action we take can help reduce our impact on the environment and slow down climate change.