The concept of climate change has its origins in scientific research and observations dating back to the 19th century when modern understanding of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change began to take shape. Scientists in the 19th century, such as John Tyndall, recognized the greenhouse effect, which is the process by which certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun, thus warming the planet. Tyndall’s work laid the groundwork for understanding the role of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in regulating Earth’s temperature. In line, the Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius was one of the first to propose that human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, could lead to an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and consequently raise global temperatures. In his paper “On the Influence of Carbonic Acid in the Air upon the Temperature of the
Ground” he suggested that doubling the atmospheric CO2 concentration could lead to a significant warming effect. Throughout the 20th century, scientists continued to study the Earth’s climate system, making advances in understanding the complexities of atmospheric dynamics, ocean currents, and other factors influencing climate. However, it wasn’t until the latter half of the century that concerns about human-induced climate change gained widespread attention. Keeling Curve (1958): Charles David Keeling began measuring atmospheric CO2 concentrations at Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. His measurements, known as the Keeling Curve, showed a clear upward trend in CO2 levels, providing direct evidence of increasing human emissions of CO2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (1988):
The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. Kyoto Protocol (1997): The Kyoto Protocol was the first international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It set binding targets for developed countries to reduce their emissions below 1990 levels. Paris Agreement (2015): The Paris Agreement, adopted at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21), aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Rules of climate change Climate change is governed by a complex interplay of scientific theories and principles from various disciplines, including atmospheric science, oceanography, geology, ecology, and more. The fundamental theories and principles that underpin our understanding of climate change include: a. Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural process whereby certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor, trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process is essential for maintaining Earth's temperature within a range suitable for life.
However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming. b. Radiative Forcing: Radiative forcing refers to the change in the energy balance of the Earth’s climate system caused by external factors, such as variations in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, and human activities. Positive radiative forcing, such as that caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions, leads to warming, while negative radiative forcing, such as from volcanic aerosols, can cause cooling. c. Climate Feedbacks: Climate feedbacks are processes that amplify or dampen the initial effects of a change in climate. For example, as temperatures rise, ice and snow melt, reducing the planet’s albedo (reflectivity) and causing more heat to be absorbed, further increasing temperatures. Positive feedback loops can amplify climate change, while negative feedback loops can mitigate it. d. Oceanic Heat Uptake: The world’s oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate by absorbing and storing heat.
However, as the atmosphere warms due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, the oceans also absorb more heat, leading to thermal expansion and contributing to sea level rise. e. Proxy Data Analysis: Scientists use proxy data, such as ice cores, tree rings, sediment layers, and historical records, to reconstruct past climate conditions and understand natural climate variability over long timescales. By analysing these records, researchers can infer past temperature changes, atmospheric composition, and other climatic factors, providing context for understanding current and future climate change.
Climate change has a profound impact on daily human life in numerous ways, influencing everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe and the places we live. a. Weather and Climate: Climate change alters weather patterns, leading to more extreme and unpredictable weather events such as heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts. These events can disrupt daily activities, damage infrastructure, and pose risks to health and safety. b. Food and Agriculture: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect crop yields, availability, and prices of food. Climate-related disruptions to agriculture can lead to food shortages, price volatility, and insecurity, impacting diets, nutrition, and livelihoods. c. Water Resources: Climate change affects the availability and quality of water resources, leading to changes in rainfall patterns, snowmelt, and freshwater supplies. This can affect drinking water
availability, sanitation, irrigation, and industrial processes, influencing daily routines and economic activities. d. Health and Well-being: Climate change poses risks to human health through heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from air pollution, vector-borne diseases, food and waterborne diseases, and mental health impacts associated with extreme weather events and displacement. e. Energy Use: Changes in temperature and weather patterns affect energy demand for heating and cooling, as well as energy production from renewable and non-renewable sources. Extreme weather events can disrupt energy infrastructure, leading to power outages and affecting transportation, communication, and daily routines. f. Transportation and Mobility: Extreme weather events, such as storms and floods, can disrupt transportation networks, including roads, railways, airports, and ports. Climate change also influences travel patterns, with shifts in demand for transportation modes and infrastructure resilience affecting daily commutes and mobility options. g.
Housing and Infrastructure: Rising sea levels, increased flooding, and more frequent extreme weather events pose risks to homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. Climate-resilient design and construction practices become increasingly important for ensuring safety, comfort, and functionality in daily life.
Economic Activities: Climate change impacts economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, insurance, and manufacturing, influencing employment opportunities, incomes, and consumer behavior. Adaptation and mitigation efforts, as well as regulatory policies, shape business practices and investment decisions. i. Community and Social Dynamics: Climate change can exacerbate social inequalities, displacement, and conflicts over resources, affecting community cohesion, resilience, and well-being. Overall, climate change permeates various aspects of daily human life, underscoring the importance of understanding its impacts, implementing adaptation measures, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to safeguard the well-being and sustainability of present and future generations.
Dr. Rajkumar Singh is a youth motivator and former Head of the University Department of Political Science, B.N. Mandal University
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