Lecture Notes: Climate Change – Causes, Impacts, and Solutions
1. Introduction
Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns. While
climate has always varied naturally, current changes are occurring at an unprecedented rate, largely
due to human activity. Understanding the causes, impacts, and potential solutions is essential for
managing the risks associated with this global issue.
2. Causes of Climate Change
2.1 Natural Causes
Volcanic activity – Large eruptions release gases and particles that can temporarily alter
climate.
Solar variation – Changes in the Sun’s energy output can influence climate.
Natural carbon cycles – Fluctuations in carbon absorption and release from oceans and
forests.
2.2 Human-Induced Causes
Greenhouse gas emissions – Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) releases carbon
dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
Deforestation – Reduces carbon absorption and alters local climate.
Industrial agriculture – Releases methane and nitrous oxide from livestock and fertilizers.
3. Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process in which gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat,
keeping the planet warm enough to support life. However, human activities have intensified this
effect, leading to excessive warming. The key greenhouse gases are:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Methane (CH₄)
Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
Fluorinated gases
4. Impacts of Climate Change
4.1 Environmental Impacts
Rising global temperatures
Melting ice caps and glaciers
Sea level rise, threatening coastal communities
Shifts in weather patterns, including more frequent extreme events like hurricanes and
droughts
4.2 Social and Economic Impacts
Food insecurity due to changing agricultural conditions
Water scarcity in some regions
Increased health risks from heatwaves and vector-borne diseases
Economic losses from property damage and reduced productivity
5. Mitigation Strategies
Mitigation focuses on reducing the sources of greenhouse gases or enhancing the sinks that absorb
them.
Renewable energy – Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
Energy efficiency – Improving insulation, reducing waste, and adopting efficient appliances.
Reforestation – Planting trees to absorb CO₂.
Sustainable transportation – Public transit, cycling, electric vehicles.
6. Adaptation Strategies
Adaptation involves adjusting systems and practices to minimize harm from climate impacts.
Building flood defenses
Developing drought-resistant crops
Enhancing water storage systems
Improving disaster preparedness plans
7. International Efforts
Key global initiatives include:
The Paris Agreement – An international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below
2°C.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Goals addressing climate action
alongside poverty, health, and equality.
8. Conclusion
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Addressing it requires both
mitigation to reduce future warming and adaptation to manage unavoidable impacts. Collective
action at local, national, and global levels is essential to safeguard the planet for future generations.
