Social & Public Sector

Current Causes of Climate Change

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

   • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas).

   • Methane (CH₄) from agriculture (e.g., livestock), landfills, and fossil fuel extraction.

   • Nitrous oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers and industrial processes.

   • Fluorinated gases from industrial activities.

2. Deforestation:

   • Reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂.

   • Alters natural ecosystems and contributes to biodiversity loss.

3. Industrial Activities & Urbanization:

   • Increase in energy use, transportation emissions, and waste production.

     Present-Day Impacts

     1. Rising Global Temperatures:

        • Average global temperature has risen by about 1.1°C since the late 19th century.

     2. Melting Ice & Rising Sea Levels:

        • Glaciers and ice sheets are melting.

        • Sea levels have risen by over 20 cm since 1900, threatening coastal communities.

     3. Extreme Weather Events:

        • More frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, floods, and wildfires.

     4. Ocean Changes:

        • Warming and acidification of oceans, affecting marine ecosystems and fisheries.

     5. Ecosystem Disruption:

        • Species migration, extinction, and habitat loss.

        • Impacts on agriculture and food security.