ENIVORNMENT STUDIES

CLIMATIC CHANGE IN ENIVORNMENT

NAME – SUDEEP SUHAS DURGULE

SEAT NO. –

ROLL NO. – 8515

EXAM SEAT NO. –

DIVISION – D

MOBILE NO. – 9356979069

 INDEX

SR. NO. TITLE DATE SIGN/REMARK

INTRODUCTION
1
DETAILS OF CLIMATIC
2 CHANGE AND MEANING

IMPACT OF CLIMATIC
3 CHANGE ON
ENVIRONMENT
PROBLEMS
4
SOLUTION TO
5 RESLOVE CLIMATIC
CHANGES
 CLIMATIC CHANGES IN ENIVORNMENT

❖ INTRODUCTION :-

Climatic change refers to significant long term changes in the environment. The global climate is
the connected system of sun, earth and oceans, wind, rain and snow, forests, deserts and everything people
do, too. The climate of a place, New York, can be described as its rainfall, changing temperatures during
the year and so on. But the global climate is more than the “average” of the climates of specific places.

❖ The Climate System:

A description of the global climate includes how, for example, the rising temperature of the Pacific
feeds typhoons which blow harder, drop more rain and cause more damage, but also shifts global ocean
currents that melt Antarctica ice which slowly makes sea level rise until New York will be under water.

It is this systemic connectedness that makes global climate change so important and so complicated.
Changes in weather happen all time. But weather and climate are not the same thing. Weather is the day to
day change in temperature and precipitation in a place. You can describe the weather in your community
by looking outside. If it’s snowy right now, that’s today’s weather. Climate, on the other hand, is the usual
weather in a place over a long period of time. It is possible for weather to change quickly. For example, it
might be sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon. Climate changes much more slowly. Earth’s
climate has been about the same for 9000 years.
These changes to Earth’s climate are not natural shifts. Scientists are confident that human activities are
leading to climate change. Human activities release gases that change the makeup of Earth’s atmosphere.
These gases are making our atmosphere better at trapping the Sun's heat. We call this the greenhouse
effect. The greenhouse effect is the main cause of rising temperatures.

❖ DETAILS OF CLIMATIC CHANGE AND MEANING:-

So what is the greenhouse effect? Plants can grow better in a greenhouse because it stays warmer than the
outside air. This is because heat from the Sun is able to enter the clear glass or plastic. The heat warms the
air inside. The heat from the trapped air keeps the greenhouse warm.
Earth’s atmosphere also acts like a greenhouse. Sunlight reaches our planet and warms it. Some of
the heat is reflected back into space. Some of the heat is trapped by gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These
greenhouses gases include (CO2), water vapour, methane, and nitrous oxide. The greenhouse gases in our
atmosphere help keep our planet warm enough for us to survive. Too little greenhouse gas would make the
Earth too cold for humans. But, too much greenhouse gas in the atmosphere makes the Earth too warm.
Over the past century, humans have added a lot of greenhouse gases to our atmosphere. CO2 is the most
common greenhouse gas in our atmosphere. Carbon moves between the Earth, living things, and the
atmosphere in the carbon cycle. Like all animals, humans add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when we
breathe. We also emit a lot more carbon dioxide when we burn fossil fuel. These are fuels we dig up like
oil, gas and coal which are made of plant and animal remains from millions of years ago. We burn fossil
fuels when we drive cars, heat our homes, and generate electricity. Humans have burned large amounts of
fossil fuels over the last century. Increasing the global temperature by a few degrees may not seem that
bad. This is especially true if you live in a relatively cold country like Canada. But, think about how you
feel when you have a fever. Raising your body temperature by just a couple degrees can make you feel
terrible. Like our bodies, Earth is a series of intertwined systems. Rising global temperatures have complex
and sometimes unexpected impacts that affect us all. Even one more degree of increase could be disastrous
for Canada and the world.
The impacts of climate change are complex and different for every region. In some places, higher
temperatures could lead to more droughts and heat waves. Rising temperatures could also increase the
amount of water that evaporates. This could lead to more frequent and intense storms in some areas.
Climate change could continue to lead to melting ice and glaciers, warming oceans, and rising sea levels.
These changes impact people, plants, and animals.
Another mitigation option is what’s called. This involves removing carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere. So far these methods are very expensive. They may also be harder to do than burning less
fossil fuels. But, they may turn out to be important in the future if we discover cheaper and safer ways to
do it.
 Climate change is a difficult issue to solve because of its global scale and complexity.
Luckily, increasing numbers of people are concerned about climate change. Young people in particular are
encouraging governments and businesses to take action. Many organizations are trying to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Government plans, international agreements, and emerging technologies will all
need to play a role. There is a lot of work and research that still needs to be done for us to address climate
change. But we humans are up for it!

❖ IMPACT OF CLIMATIC CHANGE ON ENVIRONMENT:-

Rising fossil fuel burning and land use changes have emitted, and are continuing to emit, increasing
quantities of greenhouse gases into the Earth’s atmosphere. These greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrogen dioxide (N2O), and a rise in these gases has caused a rise in the
amount of heat from the sun withheld in the Earth’s atmosphere, heat that would normally be radiated back
into space. This increase in heat has led to the greenhouse effect, resulting in climate change. The main
characteristics of climate change are increases in average global temperature (global warming); changes in
cloud cover and precipitation particularly over land; melting of ice caps and glaciers and reduced snow
cover; and increases in ocean temperatures and ocean acidity – due to seawater absorbing heat and carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere (Figure II-1). The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC 2007) dispelled many uncertainties about climate change. Warming of the
climate system is now unequivocal. It is now clear that global warming is mostly due to man-made
emissions of greenhouse gases (mostly CO2). Over the last century, atmospheric concentrations of carbon
dioxide increased from a pre-industrial value of 278 parts per million to 379 parts per million in 2005, and
the average global temperature rose by 0.74° C. According to scientists, this is the largest and fastest
warming trend that they have been able to discern in the history of the Earth. An increasing rate of
warming has particularly taken place over the last 25 years, and 11 of the 12 warmest years on record have
occurred in the past 12 years. The IPCC Report gives detailed projections for the 21st century and these
show that global warming will continue and accelerate.

The best estimates indicate that the Earth could warm by 3° C by 2100. Even if countries reduce
their greenhouse gas emissions, the Earth will continue to warm. Predictions by 2100 range from a
minimum of 1.8° C to as much as 4° C rise in global average temperatures.

Human beings have been adapting to the variable climate around them for centuries. Worldwide
local climate variability can influence peoples’ decisions with consequences for their social, economic,
political and personal conditions, and effects on their lives and livelihoods. The effects of climate change
imply that the local climate variability that people have previously experienced and have adapted to is
changing and changing at relatively great speed. 2.1 THE NEED FOR ADAPTATION The major impacts
and threats of global warming are widespread (Figure II-1). Increasing ocean temperatures cause thermal
expansion of the oceans and in combination with meltwater from land-based ice this is causing sea level
rise. Sea levels rose during the 20th century by 0.17 metres. By 2100, sea level is expected to rise between
0.18 and 0.59 metres. There are uncertainties in this estimate mostly due to uncertainty about how much
water will be lost from ice sheets (Bindoff et al. 2007), for example Greenland is showing rising loss of
mass in recent years (UNEP 2007). Increased melting of sea ice and freshwater influx from melting
glaciers and ice sheets also has the potential to influence global patterns of ocean circulation. As a result of
global warming, the type, frequency and intensity of extreme events, such as tropical cyclones (including
hurricanes and typhoons), floods, droughts and heavy precipitation events, are expected to rise even with
relatively small average temperature increases. Changes in some types of extreme events have already been
observed, for example, increases in the frequency and intensity of heat waves and heavy precipitation
events (Meehl et al. 2007).
 Climate change will have wide-ranging effects on the environment, and on socio-economic and
related sectors, including water resources, agriculture and food security, human health, terrestrial
ecosystems and biodiversity and coastal zones. Changes in rainfall pattern are likely to lead to severe water
shortages and/or flooding.

Melting of glaciers can cause flooding and soil erosion. Rising temperatures will cause shifts in
crop growing seasons which affects food security and changes in the distribution of disease vectors putting
more people at risk from diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Temperature increases will potentially
severely increase rates of extinction for many habitats and species (up to 30 per cent with a 2° C rise in
temperature). Particularly affected will be coral reefs, boreal

Mediterranean and mountain habitats. Increasing sea levels mean greater risk of storm surge,
inundation and wave damage to coastlines, particularly in small island States and countries with low lying
deltas. A rise in extreme events will have effects on health and lives as well as associated environmental
and economic impacts. Adaptation is a process through which societies make themselves better able to
cope with an uncertain future. Adapting to climate change entails taking the right measures to reduce the
negative effects of climate change (or exploit the positive ones) by making the appropriate adjustments and
changes. There are many options and opportunities to adapt. These range from technological options such
as increased sea or flood-proof houses on stilts, to behaviour change at the individual level, such as
reducing water use in times of drought and using insecticide-sprayed mosquito nets. Other strategies
include early warning systems for extreme events, better water management, improved risk management,
various insurance options and biodiversity conservation. Because of the speed at which change is
happening due to global temperature rise, it is urgent that the vulnerability of developing countries to
climate change is reduced and their capacity to adapt is increased and national adaptation plans are
implemented. Future vulnerability depends not only on climate change but also on the type of development
path that is pursued.
 Thus adaptation should be implemented in the context of national and global sustainable
development efforts. The international community is identifying resources, tools and approaches to support
this effort. 2.2 ADAPTATION AND THE UNFCCC At the centre of efforts to address climate change on
the international stage is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). “The
UNFCCC provides the basis for concerted international action to mitigate climate change and to adapt to
its impacts. Its provisions are far-sighted, innovative and firmly embedded in the concept of sustainable
development” (UNFCCC 2006a). The UNFCCC entered into force on 21st March 1994 and there are now
191 Parties (member countries) to the Convention, an almost global membership.6 These members are
committed to: launch national strategies for adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of
financial and technological support to developing countries, and to cooperate in preparing for adaptation to
the impacts of climate change.

The Convention refers to adaptation in several of its articles (Box II-1), and the Conference of the
Parties to the UNFCCC has made several decisions in regards to adaptation to climate change. The
Convention’s Subsidiary Body for Implementation addresses agenda items on vulnerability and adaptation
in the context of climate change negotiations. Particular attention has so far been given to issues relating to
Article 4.8 and 4.9. Through the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, decisions have been made related to
support and funding by Parties to assist developing countries with impact, vulnerability and adaptation
assessment; capacity-building, training, education and public awareness; implementing concrete adaptation
activities; promoting technology transfer; and exchanging experience through regional workshops.
Attention has also been given to the scientific and technical aspects of adaptation and technology transfer,
by the Convention’s Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice.
 This includes the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate
change (Nairobi work programme).7 The Programme was adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the
UNFCCC in 2005 and renamed in 2006 and its objective is twofold: to assist countries, in particular
developing countries, including the least developed countries and small island developing States, to
improve their understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation; and to assist
countries to make informed decisions on practical adaptation actions and measures to respond to climate
change on a sound, scientific, technical and socio-economic basis, taking into account current and future
climate change and variability. By its decision 1/CP.10, paragraph 8, the Conference of the Parties
requested the UNFCCC secretariat to organize three regional workshops for Africa, Asia and Latin
America and one expert meeting for small island developing States (SIDS).8 These workshops and
meetings were mandated in order to enable Parties and other experts from these four regions to reflect on
their regional priorities; to facilitate information exchange and integrated assessments within and between
regions; and to help identify specific adaptation needs and concerns. Part of the mandate from the
Conference of the Parties was for the UNFCCC secretariat to prepare reports, including a synthesis report,
on the outcome of these workshops in order for the Subsidiary Body for Implementation to consider what
further actions may be required on the international stage to promote adaptation in developing countries
Assessing the impacts of and vulnerability to climate change and subsequently working out adaptation
needs requires good quality information. This information includes climate data, such as temperature,
rainfall and the frequency of extreme events, and non-climatic data, such as the current situation on the
ground for different sectors including water resources, agriculture and food security, human health,
terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, and coastal zones (see chapter IV). This chapter describes what
information is collected to assess climate variability and change, and the tools used for assessing the
impacts and vulnerability of developing countries to climate change. If the capacity for assessing climate
change is not there, countries are limited in their ability to plan adaptation measures and adapt effectively.
3.1 INFORMATION GATHERING – DATA, SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION AND MONITORING
For countries to understand their local climate better and thus be able to predict local climate change, they
must have adequate operational national systematic observing networks, and access to the data available
from other global and regional networks. Systematic observations of the climate system are usually carried
out by national meteorological centres and other specialised centres.

They take observations at standard preset times and places, and monitor atmosphere, ocean and terrestrial
systems. The major climate variables measured include temperature, rainfall, sea surface temperature, sea
level rise, wind speeds, tropical cyclones (including hurricanes and typhoons), snow and ice cover. A sure
knowledge base from systematic observation and forecasting services is essential to monitor climate; detect
and attribute climatic change; improve the understanding of the dynamics of the climate system and its
natural variability; provide input for climate models; and thus plan adaptation options. For example,
monitoring trends of sea surface temperature and sea level are essential in order to assess their impacts on
the increased intensity of tropical cyclones and storm surge; monitoring events relating to the phenomenon
of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is important in helping determining its effects on reducing or
increasing precipitation in different regions leading to both floods and drought. Article 5 of the UNFCCC
refers to the need for the international community to support and further develop climate research and
systematic observation systems, taking into account the concerns and needs of developing countries. As
part of this recognition, the COP invited the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)9 to

launch a regional workshop programme in 2000 to identify the priority capacity-building needs and
identify gaps in regional systematic observation (see FCCC/SBSTA/2006/ MISC.13, UNFCCC 2006f).
Action Plans were subsequently developed and are now being implemented for developing country regions
including Eastern and Southern Africa, Western and Central Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Central Asia,
South and Southwest Asia, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.
The plans highlight the need for a better knowledge base, better forecasting and climate services and a need
to improve observations at all levels to enhance countries’ ability to adapt.

They emphasise that effective adaptation planning requires improved observations; improved regional,
national and global data, as well as denser networks; the recovery of historical data; building of support
among the user communities that have a demand for climate information; and promoting greater
collaboration between the providers and users of climate information. At all the UNFCCC workshops and
meeting, participants reported that observations and data availability still need to be improved in all
regions. At the Africa workshop, participants agreed that systematic observation networks in Africa are
inadequate because there is a lack of stations and lack of maintenance. Participants reiterated that missing
and scattered observational climate data in Africa is a constraint to understanding current and future
climate variability. If data exist, there are difficulties in obtaining it. Participants underlined the importance
of implementing the GCOS Action Plan for Africa, the “Climate Information for Development Needs:
 An Action Plan for Africa”, to improve the situation. Launched in 2007, the plan aims to improve
the inadequate and deteriorating observing systems through an integrated programme that includes not only
observations, but also climate services and climate risk management and policy. In most countries of Asia,
the meteorological or hydrometeorological department of the government is responsible for collecting,
processing and supplying data as well as maintaining infrastructure of the systematic observation system.
Participants at the Asia workshop highlighted the need to improve observations and data availability,
including in islands, mountainous, and coastal ecosystems, at the national, regional and global levels.

Efforts regarding the harmonization and consistency of data should be enhanced through improved
coordination between data providers from different sectors. For example, China reported at the workshop
on the improvements it is making to its systematic observation network under the framework of the China
GCOS programme. China is monitoring atmospheric composition, energy balance, water and carbon
cycles, ecosystems, land use, ice and snow, and regularly submits real-time observation data of China
GCOS stations and historical data records from national stations to the World Data Center for
Meteorology. The country has an operational system of short-term climatic monitoring, prediction and
assessment, established in the Beijing Climate Centre, and has some regional cooperative climate
programmes with other Asian developing countries such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka
and Uzbekistan. In Latin America, workshop participants reported that climate information is either
unavailable or sparse, and it is difficult to use it for modelling and scenario development. According to the
GCOS February 2005 report, another reason for large gaps in observational coverage lies in the fact that
the network of national correspondents works only on a voluntary basis. Retirements, political instability,
economic problems and over-tasking of staff are a few of the issues that endanger the continuity of climate
data series (GCOS 2005). The workshop reported a significant gap in observational coverage and that the
problem is more acute for some regions, mainly the higher elevations along the Andean Mountain Range.
This range constitutes a major determinant of the climate systems of the continent and high-elevation data
is important for the detection and assessment of climate change and its impacts on glaciers, snow cover,
and run-off. It was reported that the websites of national meteorological services, in general, do not make
datasets available to allow studies of detection and attribution of climate change and there are just a few
countries in Latin America which, at present, have active climate change programs. It was emphasised as
urgent to implement plans for investments in meteorological information and to improve Latin American
countries’ capabilities and knowledge to undertake and maintain systematic, long-term, climate
observational programs, along with the capacity to undertake analyses of climatic information.

In small island developing States the national meteorological and hydrological services are the
responsible agency for climate observations. However, it was reported at the expert meeting that many
networks are not working efficiently due to: limited assigned satellite windows for data transmission; low
frequency of recordings; delays in maintenance and replacement and incorrect calibration of equipment;
and limited access to products and services. Following 10 GCOS regional workshops between 2000 –
2006, elements of the regional action plans are now being implemented. The Pacific Islands Global
Climate Observing System is addressing capacity-building needs, improving observing stations, climate
prediction, telecommunication and data rescue. The Regional Action Plan for Central America and the
Caribbean is partly being implemented through the Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change project.
This includes upgrades of observation networks, data rescue, and assessment of surface and groundwater
monitoring networks. In summary, the UNFCCC-organized workshops and meeting in 2006 – 2007
highlighted that there is still a need to take stock of available climate information in developing countries
so that it is clear where the systematic observation needs are most pressing.

Follow-up actions include improving and sustaining operational observing networks, such as the
GCOS observational networks. Collaboration between national and international providers of climate
information and the users, in all sectors, of such information for adaptation to climate change is vital as
well as generating awareness among different user communities of the usefulness of climate information
and services and improving national and regional coordination. Data needs to be carefully packaged so that
it can be used effectively. Rescuing historical meteorological data is important. Education and training and
improved national planning and reporting would also help build capacity. At the workshops and meeting, it
was highlighted that it is not just climate data that is needed for effective vulnerability and adaptation
assessments to climate change in developing countries. Equally as important, and very much lacking at
present, is the need for accurate socio-economic data. This data needs to come from across sectors and is an
important complement to existing assessments, particularly given that poverty has been recognized as a
major factor in vulnerability.

Reliable, systematic climate data helps countries determine their current climate variabilities, and
model future changes. Countries use a number of assessment models, tools and methodologies as well as
various scenarios, including those provided by the IPCC (IPCC 2000), to help provide an assessment of the
future impacts of climate change. Climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation assessments need
to generate outputs that are policy relevant. To do this, climate change data including future impacts and
vulnerabilities needs to be integrated with socioeconomic data and analyses across a range of sectors, and
the results must be tailored for policymakers and stakeholders. All Parties to the UNFCCC are committed
to submit national communications in which they outline the implementation of the UNFCCC and the
impacts from climate change that they are facing. In their national communications, countries provide an
assessment of vulnerabilities and adaptation options. Water resources, agriculture and food security, human
health, terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, and coastal zones are common sectors for which impacts
and vulnerability assessment have been carried out by developing countries. At the workshops and expert
meeting, vulnerability and adaptation assessments were identified as vital tools for developing countries to
evaluate and implement responses to climate change. A major problem in all regions was the limited
capacity at regional and national level due to deficiencies in data collection and the lack of technical
expertise.
 It was highlighted as important to make the models, tools and methodologies that are appropriate
for assessments in developing countries more widely available. Exchanging information on tools used for
vulnerability and adaptation assessments, together with the outcomes of these assessments, would help
countries improve capacity in this area. This could be done through workshops and symposia, regional
science journals, websites to facilitate information exchange and by making better use of existing channels
of information. The resolution of models used to determine climate change in developing countries is too
course and often relies on data from sources in other countries. Along with the disparity in outputs from
different models, this makes the use of results as a basis for adaptation action very difficult.

A major problem encountered when using models to get national results is the need for
readjustment and downscaling to suit a country’s individual needs. Participants highlighted the need for
enabling training on the use of models and tools in all regions and providing technical support, such as
through the training of trainers on modelling tools, and follow-up through regional centres of excellence, to
address gaps in expertise in the application of methods and tools and in using climate information and
geographical information systems. At the SIDS meeting special mechanisms for vulnerability and
adaptation assessment training, including short courses and longerterm professional training incorporating
capacity-building for participatory approaches, were mentioned as a followup action. The development of
higher resolution regional models for developing countries is important as well as analysing the disparity
between the model outcomes. This would help enhance capacity for reaching informed decision making.

For example, at the Africa workshop, participants emphasised the need to develop regional climate models
to provide fine-scale climate information for longterm impact studies and forecasting, as well as facilitate
information exchange between African institutions. Some efforts are being undertaken in this regard in
developing countries, and regional models are being developed that are capable of providing more useful
information needed by planners and policy makers. For example, the Hadley Centre’s model PRECIS
(Providing REgional Climates for Impacts Studies)10 has been designed for use by local meteorological
offices or research institutes. Training on this model has been undertaken in several developing countries,
including Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and India, and Jamaica, Cuba and Barbados mentioned at
the expert meeting that results from the model have been used in vulnerability assessments. At the SIDS
meeting it was further highlighted that establishing a group of experts to facilitate assessments for specific
circumstances of SIDS would be useful. Establishing a roster of experts with specialized skills, in all
regions at centres of excellence, would help to maintain experts working in the regions.

This would also help continuity in impact and vulnerability assessment, a problem highlighted at
the Africa meeting where participants emphasized that the impact and vulnerability assessment undertaken
in the initial national communication process was disjoined from that of the second national
communication. Participants at all workshops and at the expert meeting emphasised the lack of socio-
economic data, or indeed development indicators and relevant tools for enhancing the use of socio-
economic assessment in a way that would be relevant to policy makers and other stakeholders, including
ministries of finance and economy. It is important to link climate vulnerability to socio-economic studies
and long-term periodic and socio-economic assessments. Preserving indigenous knowledge that is relevant
to community level responses, studies on coping strategies, and gender specific vulnerability assessments
were all highlighted as important elements to determining adaptation options.

Useful methodologies for assessing adaptation options include both top-down and bottom-up
approaches. Both methodologies need to be linked to promote integrated adaptation assessments. Top-
down methodologies include the use of modelling and scenario analysis. This can provide useful
background to decision making and is strong in terms of the biophysical aspects of impacts. However the
models do not perform well in representing human interactions and local abilities to adapt. This is
highlighted by an example from the Cook Islands (Box III- 2). As a complement to the top-down approach
is a vulnerability-based, bottom-up, approach, which recognizes and builds upon local coping strategies
and indigenous knowledge and technologies, and the capacity and coping range of communities, local
institutions and sectors in responding to current climate variability. This approach helps to incorporate
human and economic dimensions of the local communities, particularly livelihood aspects and inter-
sectoral relationships. It is useful in developing specific strategies and policy implementation. However, it
exhibits a weaker attribution to future climate change. An example of this approach is the UNFCCC’s
National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) for use by least developed countries to prioritize
their urgent adaptation needs.12 the rationale for NAPAs rests on the limited ability of least developed
countries to assess their vulnerability and adapt to climate change. A new approach was needed that would
focus on enhancing adaptive capacity to climate variability and thus help these countries directly address
their urgent needs arising from the adverse effects of climate change. The NAPAs use and build upon
existing coping strategies at the grassroots level, rather than focusing on scenario-based modelling, to
assess future vulnerability and adaptive responses at local and state level. Involvement of different
stakeholders (national, local) and including existing coping strategies are an integral part in the
assessment process.
❖ PROBLEMS

Environmental issues are the harmful effects of human activities on the environment. These include
pollution, over-population, waste disposal, climate change, global warming, greenhouse effect, etc.
Various environment protection programs are being practised at the individual, organizational and
government levels with the aim of establishing a balance between man and environment.
Some of the current environmental issues that require urgent attention are:

❖ Climate Change
Climate change is a great concern in today’s scenario. This problem has surfaced in the last few
decades. Greenhouse gases are the major cause of climate change. Environmental changes have several
destructive impacts such as the melting of glaciers, change in seasons, epidemics, etc.
❖ Global Warming
The burning of fossil fuels, emissions from the automobiles and chlorofluorocarbons add to the
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in earth’s temperature causing
environmental changes. This increase in temperature across the globe is known as global warming.

❖ Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer is a layer of concentrated ozone gas. It protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet
rays. This very important layer is being destroyed by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which are used in
industries and everyday life (e.g. aerosol cans).
The chlorine in these compounds destroys the ozone layer. The hole in the ozone layer leaves humans and
wildlife exposed to the harmful UV rays resulting in several skin diseases including cancer.

❖ Water Pollution
The introduction of harmful substances into rivers, oceans, lakes and ponds, which changes the physical,
chemical or biological condition of the water is called water pollution. The polluted water lacks oxygen
and therefore the organisms die.
Water is the main source of life and therefore it is our prime duty to prevent it from any kind of pollution.
❖ Air Pollution
Air pollution is the result of emissions from the industries, automobiles, and increasing use of fossil
fuels. The gaseous emissions have added to an increase in the temperature of the earth. Not only this, but it
had also increased the risk of diseases among individuals.

❖ Solid Waste Management

Solid-waste management is defined as the discipline associated with the generation, storage, collection,
transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid waste in a manner that it does not have a harmful
effect on the environment.

❖ Deforestation
Deforestation is the depletion of trees and forests at an alarming rate. The trees provide us with oxygen,
several raw materials and also maintain the temperature of the earth. Due to the depletion of trees for
commercial purposes, there has been a drastic change in the earth’s climate.
Forests are an abode to a large number of wild animals and plants. Destruction of forests has led to the
elimination of a large number of plants and animal species affecting the biodiversity.

❖ Overpopulation
The earth’s population is increasing drastically. It is estimated to be more than seven billion. The
increasing population has led to a shortage of resources. If this continues, it will be very difficult to sustain
such a huge population. The other environmental issues including pollution, waste management,
deforestation, climate change and global warming are all associated with over-population.
❖ SOLUTION TO RESLOVE CLIMATIC CHANGES

Climate change is a major global challenge today, and the world is becoming more vulnerable to this
change. Climate change refers to the changes in Earth’s climate condition. It describes the changes in the
atmosphere which have taken place over a period, ranging from decades to millions of years. The recent
report from the United Nations predicted that average global temperature could increase by 6˚ Celsius at
the end of the century. Climate change has an adverse effect on the environment and ecosystem. With the
help of this essay, students will get to know the causes and effects of climate change, and possible
solutions. Also, they will be able to write essays on similar topics and can boost their writing skills.

What Causes Climate Change?

The Earth’s climate has always changed and evolved. Some of these changes have been due to
natural causes such as volcanic eruptions, floods, forest fires etc., but quite a few of them are due to human
activities. Human activities such as deforestation, burning fossil fuels, farming livestock etc., generate an
enormous amount of greenhouse gases. This results in greenhouse effect and global warming which are the
major causes for climate change.

Effects of Climate Change

If the current situation of climate change continues in a similar manner then it will impact all forms
of life on the earth. The earth temperature will rise, the monsoon patterns will change, sea levels will rise,
and storms, volcanic eruptions and natural disasters will occur frequently. The biological and ecological
balance of the earth will get disturbed. The environment will get polluted and humans will not be able to
get fresh air to breath and fresh water to drink. Life on earth will come to an end.

Steps to be Taken to Reduce Climate Change

The Government of India has taken many measures to improve the dire situation of Climate
Change. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency for climate change issues in India. It
has initiated several climate-friendly measures, particularly in the area of renewable energy. India took
several steps and policy initiatives to create awareness about climate change, and help capacity building for
adaptation measures. It has initiated a “Green India” programme under which various trees are planted to
make the forest land more green and fertile.
We need to follow the path of sustainable development to effectively address the concerns of
climate change. We need to minimise the use of fossil fuels, which is the major cause for global warming.
We must adopt alternative sources of energy, such as hydropower, solar and wind energy to make a
progressive transition to clean energy. Mahatma Gandhi said that, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every
man’s need, but not any man’s greed”. With this view, we must remodel our outlook and achieve the goal
of sustainable development. By adoption of clean technologies, equitable distribution of resources and
addressing the issues of equity and justice, we can make our developmental process more harmonious with
nature.
We hope students liked this essay on Climate Change and gathered useful information on this topic,
so that they can write essays in their own words. To get more study material related to the CBSE, ICSE,
State Board and Competitive exams, keep visiting the BYJU’S website.
 How To Prevent Climate Change Essay
As climate change is hampering the lives and resources of our earth, we need to look out for extreme
measures to prevent climate change. Now, what can we do to prevent this? Is it possible for all of us to join
and preserve nature? Yes, we can if appropriate strategies are implemented to combat climate change. The
different ways to reduce climate change are mentioned below:

● Make policies and agreements on climate change.

● Implement projects on clean energy.

● Create social awareness on climate change.

● Prohibit deforestation and cutting down trees.

● Conduct capacity building programs on climate change

● Keep the surroundings clean.

● Avoid use of chemical fertilizers.

● Reduce wastage of water and other natural resources

● Protect the flora and fauna.

● Buy energy efficient products and appliances.

● Plant more trees in the neighbourhood and surrounding areas.

● Respect the environment and protect its resources.

● Reduce the consumption of energy.

These are the ways to reduce climate change. If not implemented, you might see an increase in the
weather conditions, shortage of drinking water, agricultural yields, and impact on livelihood. Therefore,
you must focus on reducing anthropogenic activities so that you can breathe fresh air and drink clean water.
These are the small steps to protect the environment and its resources
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