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Essays on Climate Change

Climate change: essay topics for college students.

Welcome to our resource page designed for college students seeking inspiration for their climate change essays. The choice of topic is a crucial first step in the writing process, reflecting your personal interests and creativity. This page aims to guide you through selecting a compelling essay topic that not only captivates your interest but also challenges you to think critically and analytically.

Depending on your assignment requirements or personal preference, essays can be categorized into several types. Below, you will find a variety of climate change essay topics categorized by essay type. Each topic is accompanied by an introductory paragraph example, highlighting a clear thesis statement, and a conclusion paragraph example that summarizes the essay's main points and reiterates the thesis.

Argumentative Essays

• Topic: The Effectiveness of International Agreements in Combating Climate Change
• Thesis Statement: International agreements, though crucial, are not sufficiently effective in combating climate change without enforceable commitments.

Conclusion Example: In summarizing, international agreements provide a framework for climate action but lack the enforcement necessary for real change. To combat climate change effectively, these agreements must be accompanied by binding commitments that ensure countries adhere to their promises, underscoring the need for a more robust global enforcement mechanism.

Compare and Contrast Essays

• Topic: Renewable Energy Sources vs. Fossil Fuels: A Comparative Analysis
• Thesis Statement: Renewable energy sources, despite higher initial costs, are more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective in the long run compared to fossil fuels.

Conclusion Example: Through this comparative analysis, it is clear that renewable energy sources offer a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering our world than fossil fuels. Embracing renewables not only mitigates the impact of climate change but also secures a sustainable energy future.

Descriptive Essays

• Topic: The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs
• Thesis Statement: Climate change poses a severe threat to coral reefs, leading to bleaching events, habitat loss, and a decline in marine biodiversity.

Conclusion Example: The devastation of coral reefs is a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Protecting these vital habitats requires immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve marine biodiversity for future generations.

Persuasive Essays

• Topic: The Role of Individual Actions in Mitigating Climate Change
• Thesis Statement: Individual actions, when collectively embraced, can drive significant environmental change and are essential in the fight against climate change.

Conclusion Example: In conclusion, the cumulative effect of individual actions can make a substantial difference in addressing climate change. By adopting more sustainable lifestyles, individuals can contribute to a larger movement towards environmental stewardship and climate action.

Narrative Essays

• Topic: A Personal Journey Towards Sustainable Living
• Thesis Statement: Through personal commitment to sustainable living, individuals can contribute meaningfully to mitigating climate change while discovering the intrinsic rewards of a simpler, more purposeful lifestyle.

Conclusion Example: This journey towards sustainable living has not only contributed to climate action but has also offered a deeper appreciation for the importance of individual choices. As more people embark on similar journeys, the collective impact on our planet can be transformative.

We encourage you to select a topic that resonates with your personal interests and academic goals. Dive deep into your chosen subject, employ critical thinking, and let your creativity flow as you explore different perspectives and solutions to climate change. Remember, the best essays are not only informative but also engaging and thought-provoking.

Writing on these topics will not only enhance your understanding of climate change and its implications but also develop your skills in research, critical thinking, persuasive writing, and narrative storytelling. Each essay type offers a unique opportunity to explore different facets of the climate crisis, encouraging you to engage with the material in a meaningful way.

Hooks for Climate Change Essay

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a pressing global crisis that affects every aspect of our lives. From melting polar ice caps to rising sea levels, the signs of climate change are everywhere, and they are impossible to ignore.

• Imagine a world where natural disasters are a daily occurrence. This is not a dystopian future; it is the reality we face if we do not address climate change now.
• Have you ever wondered why the summers seem hotter and the winters milder? The answer lies in the alarming acceleration of climate change.
• Picture your favorite coastal city submerged under water. This scenario is closer than you think due to the rapid rise in sea levels.
• What if I told you that climate change could lead to the extinction of over one million species by 2050? The clock is ticking for our planet's biodiversity.
• Every time you turn on a light or drive your car, you contribute to a global problem. Understanding the personal impact of climate change is the first step towards meaningful action.

Climate Change Outline Essay Examples

Example 1: causes and effects of climate change, introduction.

Introduce the topic of climate change, its significance, and provide a thesis statement outlining the main points.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Deforestation

Industrial Activities

Urbanization

Rising Sea Levels

Extreme Weather Events

Loss of Biodiversity

Impact on Human Health

Renewable Energy Sources

Afforestation and Reforestation

Policy and Legislation

Public Awareness and Education

Summarize the main points, restate the significance of addressing climate change, and provide a call to action for individuals and policymakers.

Example 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Global Ecosystems

Introduce the importance of ecosystems and how they are threatened by climate change. Provide a thesis statement outlining the main areas of focus.

Coral Bleaching

Ocean Acidification

Disruption of Marine Food Chains

Forest Degradation

Changes in Wildlife Migration Patterns

Alteration of Plant Growth Cycles

Glacial Melt and Reduced Snowpack

Changes in Water Quality

Disruption of Aquatic Species Habitats

Summarize the impacts of climate change on different ecosystems, emphasize the interconnectedness of these systems, and highlight the need for comprehensive conservation efforts.

Example 3: The Role of Policy in Combating Climate Change

Introduce the role of policy in addressing climate change, and provide a thesis statement highlighting the importance of governmental and international efforts.

Renewable Energy Incentives

Carbon Pricing

Regulations on Emissions

Paris Agreement

Kyoto Protocol

UN Climate Change Conferences (COP)

Economic and Political Barriers

Technological Innovations

Public and Private Sector Collaboration

Summarize the role of policy in combating climate change, discuss the need for robust and enforceable policies, and call for increased global cooperation and commitment.

The Causes and Effects of Climate Change: a Comprehensive Analysis

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Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth's climate, including rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and more severe natural disasters.

The historical context of climate change spans centuries. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century marked increased fossil fuel use, releasing significant greenhouse gases. By the late 19th century, scientists like Svante Arrhenius linked carbon dioxide to Earth's temperature. Climate change gained attention in the mid-20th century, with the 1958 Keeling Curve showing rising CO2 levels. Key events include the 1988 establishment of the IPCC, the 1992 UNFCCC, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and the 2015 Paris Agreement.

• Greenhouse gas emissions: The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere, trapping heat and contributing to global warming.
• Industrial activities: Industrial processes, including manufacturing, construction, and chemical production, release CO2 and other greenhouse gases through energy consumption and the use of certain chemicals.
• Agricultural practices: Livestock farming produces methane through enteric fermentation and manure management, while the use of synthetic fertilizers releases nitrous oxide.
• Land use changes: Converting land for agriculture, urban development, or other purposes alters natural ecosystems and contributes to the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
• Waste management: Improper handling and decomposition of organic waste in landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Rising temperatures: Global warming leads to increased average temperatures worldwide, resulting in heatwaves, melting glaciers and polar ice, and rising sea levels.
• Extreme weather events: Climate change intensifies extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, leading to devastating impacts on ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure.
• Disruption of ecosystems: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, migration patterns, and the survival of plant and animal species.
• Health impacts: Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases, heat-related illnesses, and respiratory problems due to increased air pollution and the expansion of disease vectors.
• Water scarcity: Changing climate patterns can alter rainfall patterns, causing water scarcity in certain regions, affecting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and ecosystems that depend on water sources.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, along with improving energy efficiency in industries and buildings, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting electric vehicles, public transportation, and biking infrastructure further cuts emissions. Forest conservation and reforestation help absorb carbon dioxide, while sustainable agriculture practices reduce emissions and improve soil health. Embracing a circular economy reduces waste, and strong climate policies alongside public awareness drive collective action against climate change.

• The levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere are currently higher than any recorded in the past 800,000 years. According to data from ice core samples, pre-industrial CO2 levels averaged around 280 parts per million (ppm), while current levels have exceeded 410 ppm.
• The Earth's average temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century.
• The Arctic region is warming at a faster pace than any other part of the planet.
• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are major contributors to climate change.
• Climate change is also affecting wildlife, with many species facing extinction due to habitat loss.

Climate change is a critical issue that affects all aspects of our lives, from the environment to the economy. It poses a threat to biodiversity, food security, and human health. Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate its impacts. By raising awareness and taking steps to combat climate change, we can protect the planet for future generations.

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ 2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). Climate change: How do we know? Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ 3. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2015). Paris Agreement. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement 4. World Health Organization. (2018). Climate change and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health 5. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Climate change indicators: Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/greenhouse-gases 6. United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). Emissions gap report 2020. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2020 7. Stern, N. (2007). The economics of climate change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press. 8. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. (2019). Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Retrieved from https://ipbes.net/sites/default/files/2020-02/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers_en.pdf 9. World Meteorological Organization. (2021). State of the global climate 2020. Retrieved from https://library.wmo.int/doc_num.php?explnum_id=10739 10. Cook, J., Oreskes, N., Doran, P. T., Anderegg, W. R., Verheggen, B., Maibach, E. W., ... & Nuccitelli, D. (2016). Consensus on consensus: A synthesis of consensus estimates on human-caused global warming. Environmental Research Letters, 11(4), 048002. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/11/4/048002

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Essay on Climate Change: Check Samples in 100, 250 Words

• Updated on  
• Sep 21, 2023

Writing an essay on climate change is crucial to raise awareness and advocate for action. The world is facing environmental challenges, so in a situation like this such essay topics can serve as s platform to discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to this pressing issue. They offer an opportunity to engage readers in understanding the urgency of mitigating climate change for the sake of our planet’s future.

Must Read: Essay On Environment  

Table of Contents

• 1 What Is Climate Change?
• 2 What are the Causes of Climate Change?
• 3 What are the effects of Climate Change?
• 4 How to fight climate change?
• 5 Essay On Climate Change in 100 Words
• 6 Climate Change Sample Essay 250 Words

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change is the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming, for example, warmer, wetter, or drier—over several decades or longer. It may be natural or anthropogenic. However, in recent times, it’s been in the top headlines due to escalations caused by human interference.

What are the Causes of Climate Change?

Obama at the First Session of COP21 rightly quoted “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, and the last generation that can do something about it.”.Identifying the causes of climate change is the first step to take in our fight against climate change. Below stated are some of the causes of climate change:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Mainly from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy and transportation.
• Deforestation: The cutting down of trees reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
• Industrial Processes: Certain manufacturing activities release potent greenhouse gases.
• Agriculture: Livestock and rice cultivation emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

What are the effects of Climate Change?

Climate change poses a huge risk to almost all life forms on Earth. The effects of climate change are listed below:

• Global Warming: Increased temperatures due to trapped heat from greenhouse gases.
• Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Ice caps and glaciers melt, causing oceans to rise.
• Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and severe hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.
• Ocean Acidification: Oceans absorb excess CO2, leading to more acidic waters harming marine life.
• Disrupted Ecosystems: Shifting climate patterns disrupt habitats and threaten biodiversity.
• Food and Water Scarcity: Altered weather affects crop yields and strains water resources.
• Human Health Risks: Heat-related illnesses and the spread of diseases.
• Economic Impact: Damage to infrastructure and increased disaster-related costs.
• Migration and Conflict: Climate-induced displacement and resource competition.

How to fight climate change?

‘Climate change is a terrible problem, and it absolutely needs to be solved. It deserves to be a huge priority,’ says Bill Gates. The below points highlight key actions to combat climate change effectively.

• Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency in all sectors.
• Protect Forests: Stop deforestation and promote reforestation.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Adopt eco-friendly farming practices.
• Advocacy: Raise awareness and advocate for climate-friendly policies.
• Innovation: Invest in green technologies and research.
• Government Policies: Enforce climate-friendly regulations and targets.
• Corporate Responsibility: Encourage sustainable business practices.
• Individual Action: Reduce personal carbon footprint and inspire others.

Essay On Climate Change in 100 Words

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in Earth’s climate patterns, primarily driven by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming. The consequences of climate change are widespread and devastating. Rising temperatures cause polar ice caps to melt, contributing to sea level rise and threatening coastal communities. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and wildfires, become more frequent and severe, endangering lives and livelihoods. Additionally, shifts in weather patterns can disrupt agriculture, leading to food shortages. To combat climate change, global cooperation, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable practices are crucial for a more sustainable future.

Must Read: Essay On Global Warming

Climate Change Sample Essay 250 Words

Climate change represents a pressing global challenge that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts. Human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This results in a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and leading to a rise in global temperatures, commonly referred to as global warming.

The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and profound. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, displacing millions and endangering vital infrastructure. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires, have become more frequent and severe, causing devastating economic and human losses. Disrupted ecosystems affect biodiversity and the availability of vital resources, from clean water to agricultural yields.

Moreover, climate change has serious implications for food and water security. Changing weather patterns disrupt traditional farming practices and strain freshwater resources, potentially leading to conflicts over access to essential commodities.

Addressing climate change necessitates a multifaceted approach. First, countries must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through the transition to renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency, and reforestation efforts. International cooperation is crucial to set emission reduction targets and hold nations accountable for meeting them.

In conclusion, climate change is a global crisis with profound and immediate consequences. Urgent action is needed to mitigate its impacts and secure a sustainable future for our planet. By reducing emissions and implementing adaptation strategies, we can protect vulnerable communities, preserve ecosystems, and ensure a livable planet for future generations. The time to act is now.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in Earth’s climate patterns, primarily driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Five key causes of climate change include excessive greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, notably burning fossil fuels and deforestation. 

We hope this blog gave you an idea about how to write and present an essay on climate change that puts forth your opinions. The skill of writing an essay comes in handy when appearing for standardized language tests. Thinking of taking one soon? Leverage Edu provides the best online test prep for the same via Leverage Live . Register today to know more!

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India’s Air Pollution and Climate Change

The World Health Organization states that around 7 million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular systems (Secretariat 2018). Pollution is a worldwide problem. It is defined as the introduction of harmful materials into the environment (National Geographic 1). Materials are a variety of substances known as pollutants and can even be natural. Some of the substances are carbon dioxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO), and carbon monoxide […]

Climate Change – Critical Issue

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How To Write an Essay About Climate Change

Introduction to the concept of climate change.

When embarking on an essay about climate change, it's essential to first establish a foundational understanding of what climate change is and why it's a critical global issue. Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the average weather patterns on Earth, largely attributed to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels which increases greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. In your introduction, outline the scope of the issue, including its environmental, social, and economic impacts. This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the causes, effects, and potential solutions associated with climate change. Your introduction should engage the reader with the urgency of the topic and provide a clear thesis statement on the specific angle you intend to explore.

Examining the Causes and Effects

The main body of your essay should delve into the causes and effects of climate change. Discuss how activities like deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and industrial processes contribute to global warming. Explain the greenhouse effect and how it leads to changes in temperature, weather patterns, and sea levels. Then, explore the effects of these changes on the environment, such as increased frequency of extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and melting ice caps. Additionally, consider the impact on human societies, including agricultural productivity, health risks, and economic challenges. This section should be grounded in scientific research and data, illustrating the far-reaching implications of climate change.

Addressing Solutions and Global Actions

After outlining the problem, shift your focus to potential solutions and actions being taken to address climate change. Discuss various strategies such as emission reduction, renewable energy development, and conservation efforts. Examine international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the roles of governments, corporations, and individuals in combating climate change. Analyze both the technological and policy-based approaches to mitigation and adaptation, and the challenges associated with implementing these strategies. This part of your essay should inspire hope and action, highlighting the ways in which climate change can be tackled through concerted global efforts.

Concluding with a Call for Action and Reflection

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis and reinforcing the importance of addressing climate change. Emphasize the urgency for action at various levels, from international policy to individual lifestyle changes. Reflect on the potential future impacts if climate change remains unaddressed and the brighter future that concerted action can bring about. This conclusion should not only wrap up your essay effectively but also encourage further thought and engagement with the topic, emphasizing the role that each reader can play in the fight against climate change. A well-crafted conclusion will leave a lasting impression, underscoring the significance of the issue and the need for continued attention and action.

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Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay About Climate Change

Make Your Case: A Guide to Writing an Argumentative Essay on Climate Change

Published on: Mar 2, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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With the issue of climate change making headlines, it’s no surprise that this has become one of the most debated topics in recent years. 

But what does it really take to craft an effective argumentative essay about climate change? 

Writing an argumentative essay requires a student to thoroughly research and articulate their own opinion on a specific topic. 

To write such an essay, you will need to be well-informed regarding global warming. By doing so, your arguments may stand firm backed by both evidence and logic. 

In this blog, we will discuss some tips for crafting a factually reliable argumentative essay about climate change!

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What is an Argumentative Essay about Climate Change?

The main focus will be on trying to prove that global warming is caused by human activities. Your goal should be to convince your readers that human activity is causing climate change.

To achieve this, you will need to use a variety of research methods to collect data on the topic. You need to make an argument as to why climate change needs to be taken more seriously. 

Argumentative Essay Outline about Climate Change

An argumentative essay about climate change requires a student to take an opinionated stance on the subject. 

The outline of your paper should include the following sections: 

Argumentative Essay About Climate Change Introduction

The first step is to introduce the topic and provide an overview of the main points you will cover in the essay. 

This should include a brief description of what climate change is. Furthermore, it should include current research on how humans are contributing to global warming.

An example is:

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Thesis Statement For Climate Change Argumentative Essay

The thesis statement should be a clear and concise description of your opinion on the topic. It should be established early in the essay and reiterated throughout.

For example, an argumentative essay about climate change could have a thesis statement such as:

Climate Change Argumentative Essay Conclusion

The conclusion should restate your thesis statement and summarize the main points of the essay. 

It should also provide a call to action, encouraging readers to take steps toward addressing climate change. 

For example, 

How To Write An Argumentative Essay On Climate Change 

Writing an argumentative essay about climate change requires a student to take an opinionated stance on the subject. 

Following are the steps to follow for writing an argumentative essay about climate change

Do Your  Research

The first step is researching the topic and collecting evidence to back up your argument. 

You should look at scientific research, articles, and data on climate change as well as current policy solutions. 

Pick A Catchy Title

Once you have gathered your evidence, it is time to pick a title for your essay. It should be specific and concise. 

Outline Your Essay

After selecting a title, create an outline of the main points you will include in the essay. 

This should include an introduction, body paragraphs that provide evidence for your argument, and a conclusion. 

Compose Your Essay

Finally, begin writing your essay. Start with an introduction that provides a brief overview of the main points you will cover and includes your thesis statement. 

Then move on to the body paragraphs, providing evidence to back up your argument. 

Finally, conclude the essay by restating your thesis statement and summarizing the main points. 

Proofread and Revise

Once you have finished writing the essay, it is important to proofread and revise your work. 

Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and make sure the argument is clear and logical. 

Finally, consider having someone else read over the essay for a fresh perspective. 

By following these steps, you can create an effective argumentative essay on climate change. Good luck! 

Examples Of Argumentative Essays About Climate Change 

Climate Change is real and happening right now. It is one of the most urgent environmental issues that we face today. 

Argumentative essays about this topic can help raise awareness that we need to protect our planet. 

Below you will find some examples of argumentative essays on climate change written by CollegeEssay.org’s expert essay writers.

Argumentative Essay About Climate Change And Global Warming

Persuasive Essay About Climate Change

Argumentative Essay About Climate Change In The Philippines

Argumentative Essay About Climate Change Caused By Humans

Geography Argumentative Essay About Climate Change

Check our extensive blog on argumentative essay examples to ace your next essay!

Good Argumentative Essay Topics About Climate Change 

Choosing a great topic is essential to help your readers understand and engage with the issue.

Here are some suggestions: 

• Should governments fund projects that will reduce the effects of climate change? 
• Is it too late to stop global warming and climate change? 
• Are international treaties effective in reducing carbon dioxide emissions? 
• What are the economic implications of climate change? 
• Should renewable energy be mandated as a priority over traditional fossil fuels? 
• How can individuals help reduce their carbon footprint and fight climate change? 
• Are regulations on industry enough to reduce global warming and climate change? 
• Could geoengineering be used to mitigate climate change? 
• What are the social and political effects of global warming and climate change? 
• Should companies be held accountable for their contribution to climate change? 

Check our comprehensive blog on argumentative essay topics to get more topic ideas!

We hope these topics and resources help you write a great argumentative essay about climate change. 

Now that you know how to write an argumentative essay about climate change, it’s time to put your skills to the test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good introduction to climate change.

An introduction to a climate change essay can include a short description of why the topic is important and/or relevant. 

It can also provide an overview of what will be discussed in the body of the essay. 

The introduction should conclude with a clear, focused thesis statement that outlines the main argument in your essay. 

What is a good thesis statement for climate change?

A good thesis statement for a climate change essay should state the main point or argument you will make in your essay. 

You could argue that “The science behind climate change is irrefutable and must be addressed by governments, businesses, and individuals.”

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Climate Change Essays (Examples)

Filter by keywords:(add comma between each), example essays.

Climate Change and Disease Global

As a result of the aforementioned factors, problems have developed that need to be overcome. The best way to describe this situation is by comparing the increase of the rate of infectious disease to the fluctuation in temperatures; a connection needs be established between the two. Being able to control the diseases once they have already infested areas that are not accustomed to dealing with them is the major problem that needs to be resolved. Climate change changes not only the temperatures, but the ecological state of the earth's natural resources (NDC). A shift in this can cause for carriers of diseases to be able to sustain the life of the disease itself. Once these resources are established and the sustained growth of an infectious disease is established, it can become nearly impossible to get rid of. Once the disease has arrived, getting it under control and informing the public…...

mla References: Hasham, Alyshah. "Climate Change Spreads Infectious Diseases Worldwide." International News Services. N.p., 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . NRDC. "Infectious Diseases: Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus, and Lyme Disease." Climate Change Threatens Health: Infectious Diseases. Natural Resources Defense Council, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . Rowland, Katherine. "Spread of Diseases Linked to Climate Change." Financial Times: Global Economy. Financial Times, 26 Apr. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . Smith, Rick. "Is Climate Change Aiding Spread of Disease?" National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. .

Climate Change Too Hot to Handle Climate

Climate change; Too hot to handle? Climate Change In respect to the world peace, today, there are various issues of concern for survival of humanity in the universe. There are growing interest into the subject of arms race, regional conflicts and continuous injustices among people and nations. However, among the challenges related to these issues, one surpasses the understanding of humanity on measures to adopt in combating it. This is the subject of climate change. In view of the universe, form its conception; it presented a sustainable and self-sufficient habitat for humanity and life in general (Boom, 2011). However, continued irresponsible and downright misuse, overexploitation and pollution of the environment created the current issue of climate change. Climate change presents a threat to life from animals, to plants and people. Climate change entail the drastic change in weather phenomena and patterns, such as irregular and unpredictable temperature changes, rainfall patterns among others.…...

mla References Australian Catholic University. (2013). Climate Change: Too hot to handle? Australian Catholic Velasquez, M. Andre, C. Shanks, T.S.J., and Meyer, M. .J. (2012). The Common Good. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. The Royal Society. (2010). Climate Change: a summary of the science. Retrived from   http://royalsociety.org/uploadedFiles/Royal_Society_Content/policy/publications/2010/4

Climate Change Executive of a Company Re

Climate Change Executive of a Company Re: Implications of different approaches for the U.S. To implement and address climate change. Anthropogenic climate change is that which is dominated by human influences, in particular human contribution to atmospheric composition. It is established that anthropogenic climate change is like to continue for many centuries. The effects of climate change on the planet, and on the U.S., will be far-reaching, affecting all aspects of human life on earth (Karl & Trenberth, 2003). Climate change is a global problem, but each nation has the ability to make its own contributions to addressing the problem. There are three main areas where nations can address climate change. The first is to adopt national strategies to stem the pace of climate change; the second is to work within the international system to foster global efforts to stem the pace of climate change; and the third is to adopt national strategies to…...

mla Works Cited: Karl, T. & Trenbarth, K. (2003). Modern global climate change. Science. Vol. 302 (2003) 1719-1721. EPA. (2013). Cap and trade. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved April 16, 2013 from  

Climate Change Regulation Climate Change Climate Is

Climate Change egulation Climate Change Climate is referred to as the weather patterns of a particular area over a long period. Earth climate can be divided into five main groups, which are as follow: Tropical Climate Dry Climate Warm Moderate Climate Cold Moderate Climate Cold Climate Areas close to equator are the hottest as they get regular sunshine while areas close to poles are the coldest as they receive minimum amount of sunshine. There are two main factors that affect the climate which are natural and man made. Natural factors include change in climate patterns, atmosphere, rock, ocean, ice sheets and human beings as well. The factors that affect the weather are as follow: Ocean: Oceans currents are responsible for carrying the warmth to different parts of the world. Atmosphere: Air is part of the atmosphere and it is either dry or humid in both cases it is moving some time by heating up and some time by cooling down without the…...

mla References Archer, D. (2011). Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Karling, H.M. (2011). Global Climate Change. Huntington, NY: Nova Science Publ. Maslin, M. (2006). Global Warming: Causes, Effects, and the Future. Stillwater, MN: Voyageur Press. Orts, E.W., & Deketelaere, K. (2001). Environmental Contracts: Comparative Approaches to Regulatory Innovation in the United States and Europe. London: Kluwer Law International.

Climate Change Changing Our World Man Made or Environmental Theory or Reality

Climate Change The world's ecological issues have been studied intensely by scientists in various academic disciplines vigorously for many years and have been greatly accelerated in recent decades. The level of understanding about how natural systems on the planet operate has become immensely sophisticated. Although there are still some issues that remain puzzling, on the whole, scientists have a fairly good understanding of the planets natural systems function. In recent years much of the research has been aided the technological advancements in computing power which allows for modeling systems such as the water cycle, the carbon cycle, and land area use. In fact the knowledge base has grown to a point in which scientist can predict with some accuracy the future of how the natural systems will be affected through the natural changes in these systems coupled with the human interactions that work to alter many of these systems. Climate change, which…...

mla Works Cited Browner, C. (2002, March 1). Polluters Should Have to Pay. Retrieved from The New York Times:   http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/01/opinion/polluters-should-have-to-pay.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm  CO2 Now. (2013, November 22). Earth's CO2 Home Page. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from CO2 Now:   http://co2now.org/  Hanna, S., & Osborne-Lee, I. (2011). Sustainable economy of the ecological footprint: economic analysis and impacts. In V. Esteve, Ecosystems and Sustainable Development VIII (pp. 313-342). Southampton: WIT Press. Hensen, J., Sato, M., Kharecha, P., Beerling, D., & Masson-Delmotte, V. (2008). Target Atmoshperic CO2: Where Should Humanity Aim? NASA Goddard Intitute for Space Studies, 1-18.

Climate Change and How it Effects the World and Agriculture

Climate Change Projections Expected Impact on orld Agricultural The objective of this work is to research climate change which is a critically important issue and is no respecter of person in that it affects all upon the earth, man, beast, fish, fowl, and organism. The water temperature will be affected, the air that is breathed each and every element upon, in and surrounding mother earth will experience collectively the changing of earth's climate. The topic of climatic change is one that is ever present on the minds of scientists and meteorologists as well as many others across the globe. Since the melting of the earth's northern as well as southern polar caps, and the news of 70-foot waves ending luxury cruises, as well as glacier and ice shelf collisions in the news, certainly everyone is slowly but surely becoming aware of the change in the climatic conditions of earth's biosphere. Climatologists and Meteorologist Predictions Climatologists…...

mla Works Cited McMichaels, et al., eds. (2002) Climate Change and Human Health Executive Summary (2002) An Assessment Prepared by World Health Organization Taskgroup in Collaboration with World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme/U.S. Climate Change Science Program / U.S. Global Change Research Program, Tuesday 20 June 2002 Suite 250, 1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC Online available at: gcrp .gov/usgcrp/WHO/WHOEXEC.html http://www.us Climate Change (2005) Online Retrieved from the Internet 05-04-05.   . http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/climate/climate.htm  Woteki, Catherine (2002) Food, Agriculture, and Climate Change: The U.S. And International Outlook USGCRP Seminar, 7 January 1997 U.S. Climate Change Science Program / U.S. Global Change Research Program, Online available at: http: / / www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/seminars/9717DD.html.

Climate Change Summary of the

The likelihood that climate change is related to human activity is not given a precise number in the summary; it is noted that eighty-nine percent of seventy-five different studies' more than twenty-nine thousand observational data series support global warming as a cause for observed effects, but this figure does not link the climate change to human activity taken on its own. The authors of the summary state that the connection can be stated with "high confidence," however, meaning that they approximate the likelihood as an eight-out-of-ten chance (80%). In order to come to this conclusion, the summary largely relied on data syntheses that seem to have predicted effects of anthropogenic warming it then confirmed without necessarily establishing a causal link. Modeling studies that actually separated warming causes are perhaps the most conclusive pieces of evidence supporting this conclusion. There some rather obvious and large assumption and interpretations made by the authors…...

mla What is certain when it comes to climate change is that the average world temperature has increased by approximately one degree Celsius since 1970, and that sea levels have also shown a measurable rise over the same period. any of the effects of this trend can also be linked to global warming with certainty. Though the evidence in the summary is compelling, the causal relationship between human activity and climate change is still not entirely certain, nor are many of the projected effects of the current climate change or indeed the projections concerning the future of climate change. Though even the summary refrains from language that claims its conclusions as certain, the information it provides does contend that humans are most likely the source of climate change. Natural global temperature variation is also cited as a possible and even a likely contributor, though its effect is more powerful in skewing overall results. The likelihood that climate change is related to human activity is not given a precise number in the summary; it is noted that eighty-nine percent of seventy-five different studies' more than twenty-nine thousand observational data series support global warming as a cause for observed effects, but this figure does not link the climate change to human activity taken on its own. The authors of the summary state that the connection can be stated with "high confidence," however, meaning that they approximate the likelihood as an eight-out-of-ten chance (80%). In order to come to this conclusion, the summary largely relied on data syntheses that seem to have predicted effects of anthropogenic warming it then confirmed without necessarily establishing a causal link. Modeling studies that actually separated warming causes are perhaps the most conclusive pieces of evidence supporting this conclusion. There some rather obvious and large assumption and interpretations made by the authors of this summary in some of their conclusions, namely the anthropogenic cause of climate change. Basically, the studies that the summary used to come to this conclusion laid out a series of effects that they expected to se form warming caused by humans, and then observed those effects. The number of studies that approached this topic from that perspective seems to be the persuasive factor in this study; that is, it is primarily the consensus among scientists rather than the actual data they have collected that suggests an anthropogenic cause of climate change. There have still been no observational studies -- or at least none are referenced in this article -- that can show a direct causal link between human aerosol and carbon emissions and global warming.

Climate Change a Review of Recent Developments

Climate Change A review of recent developments in climate change science. Initial Reaction. This is an eye-opener of an article. The facts presented in the journal Progress in Physical Geography show powerful evidence that the climate is changing faster than earlier believed. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) empirical reports are fascinating to me, and understanding this global threat is important for all citizens. For those who believe conservative talk radio (global warming is being exaggerated they say, and those promoting warnings about carbon releases are just anti-business) -- or otherwise and have doubts about how and why the climate is changing -- this is a good starting point to the real world for those folks. I am frankly amazed at the number of media personalities and even elected public officials that still think climate change is some kind of liberal conspiracy. It is patently absurd to ignore empirical science. Unfortunately, the…...

mla Works Cited Good, Peter, Ceasar, John, Bernie, Dan, Lowe, Jason A., van der Linden, Paul, Gosling, Simon N., Warren, Rachel, Arnell, Nigel W., Smith, Stephen, Bamber, Jonathon, Payne, Tony, Laxon, Seymour, Srokosz, Meric, Sitch, Stephen, Godney, Nic, Harris, Glen, Hewitt, Helene, Jackson, Laura, Jones, Chris D., O'Connor, Fiona, Ridley, Jeff, Vellinga, Michael, Halloran,

Climate Change the United States Environmental Protection

Climate Change The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that climate change is real. In the past one hundred years, the average temperature of the Earth has risen 1.4 F. Scientists read evidence in tree rings, ancient coral, and bubbles trapped in ice cores; they have concluded the Earth is warmer than it has been for at least a millennium (Pearce, 2006). More dramatic climate change is predicted for the next hundred years, when temperatures are expected to rise another 2 to 11.5 F. Even a rise in temperature of just a few degrees can mean large and potentially dangerous shifts in weather and climate ("Climate change basics," 2012). The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) defines climate change as "a study dealing with variations in climate on many different time scales from decades to millions of years, and the possible causes of such variations" ("Artic climatology and meteorology," n.d.).…...

mla References "Artic climatology and meteorology." (n.d.). National Snow and Ice Data Center. University of Colorado. Retrieved from   http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/glossary/climate_change.html  Caldeira, K. (2012). The great climate experiment. Scientific American Sep2012, pp. 78-63. "Climate change basics." (2012). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from  

Climate Change -- the U S Federal Government

Climate Change -- the U.S. Federal Government hat federal agencies and cabinet departments are most responsible for responding to global climate change? This paper points to a number of government departments that President Barack Obama has enlisted to take steps to deal with the impact of climate change. Agencies Involved in U.S. Response to Climate Change The agency that has the most influence in the federal response to climate change is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA reports that the average temperature on the planet has risen by 1.4°F in the past 100 years, and the temperature is expected to rise another 2 to 11.5°F over the next century, which will have enormously negative impacts on the population in cities, in countries, on the environment, wildlife and wildlife habitat. The EPA believes that the empirical science that has been conducted over the past thirty years by the United Nations' "Intergovernmental Panel on…...

mla Works Cited Council on Environmental Quality. (2010). Climate Change Adaption Task Force. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from   http://www.whitehouse.gov . Energy & Commerce Committee. (2013). Energy and Commerce Members Press EPA for Answers on Climate Change Agenda for Obama's Second Term. United States House of Representatives / Chairman Fred Upton. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from   http://energycommerce.house.gov . Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). What is EPA Doing About Climate Change? Retrieved May 10, 2013, from   http://www.epa.gov .

Climate Change and Global Warming

From watching the movie, it is apparent that as we live in the environment that we live in, it is easy to gather that Americans want a future that has economic prosperity and a safe climate that will be more abundant for future generations to come. This is because the American life consists of material prosperity, political democracy and environmental issues as what people believe then to be. However, since the structure of the United States government has to be reconstructed while global warming is being dealt with by political representatives, the planet's climate is being destroyed by pollutants. However, at the same time that I feel this movie is informative, I do not believe that global warming needs to be completely addressed in today's society. I feel that there are more pressing issues that need to be dealt with today. I also feel that this generation will be long before…...

Climate Change Introduction and Claim Climate Change

Climate Change Introduction and Claim Climate change has occurred throughout the earth's history. Ice ages and other radical transformations to the earth's atmosphere have led to dramatic consequences of life on the planet. Ample scientific evidence shows that climate change is occurring rapidly now, and that much of it has been driven by human activities. Moreover, climate change can have serious consequences for life on earth. According to NASA, the recent climate change pattern has been causing a wide range of problems ranging from ocean acidification to extreme weather events. However, many people and especially those in the United States still believe that climate change is a hoax, an exaggerated claim, or a result of natural fluctuations in weather patterns. While natural fluctuations in climate and localized weather have occurred and still are occurring, there is virtually no disagreement among scientists, in a number of different fields of expertise, that the current climate…...

mla Bibliography Booker, Christopher. "The fiddling with temperature data is the biggest science scandal ever." The Telegraph. 7 Feb, 2015. Retrieved online:   http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/globalwarming/11395516/The-fiddling-with-temperature-data-is-the-biggest-science-scandal-ever.html  In this recent article, Booker claims that temperature readings have been falsified to give the impression that global warming exists. Likewise, Booker claims that the polar ice melting is not related to global warming. This source is therefore useful to offer support and warrants for the claim that global warming is a hoax. "Climate Oscillations and the Global Warming Faux Pause." Real Climate. Retrieved online:   http://www.realclimate.org/  This article helps to debunk some of the common misperceptions about climate change. The author offers ample data showing why some climate change models have oscillated, and why climate change is taking place. This article shows how modeling is important and how the media needs to better understand how to interpret such models.

Climate Change Divorced From the Political Rhetoric

Climate change, divorced from the political rhetoric, is a concrete phenomenon affecting multiple systems. The economic and social ramifications of climate change are ancillary to its measurable physical effects. However, the measurable physical effects vary depending on geographic factors. Climate change has a direct effect on water at all levels of the hydrological cycle. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2014), "we will continue to witness changes to the amount, timing, form, and intensity of precipitation and the flow of water in watersheds, as well as the quality of aquatic and marine environments," (p. 1). Because of the impact of climate change on water quality and availability, additional problems could arise with regards to protection of water resources and the prolonged need to treat water with chemicals. Because of health risks, social justice issues, the economy, and politics, water is one of the most important casualties of climate…...

mla References "The Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources," (n.d.). Retrieved online:   http://www.gracelinks.org/2380/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-water-resources  "Linking Climate Change and Water Resources," (n.d.). Retrieved online:   http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/technical-papers/ccw/chapter3.pdf  United States Environmental Protection Agency (2014). Climate change and water. Retrieved online:   http://water.epa.gov/scitech/climatechange/  The World Bank (2014). Water and climate change. Retrieved online:   http://water.worldbank.org/topics/water-resources-management/water-and-climate-change

Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture

Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture Weather and the related temperature, light and water determine to a large extent the human society's ability to feed themselves and the animals they care for. When the weather changes due to variations n climate or long-terms changes in climate there are very serious impacts on agricultural production and reduction of crop production and these force the farmers to take up new methods of agriculture so that they can cope up with the new situation. Food security of the world is thus directly affected by the existing climate. (Agriculture and climate change: FAO's role) The changes in climate directly affects climate due to both its effect on the agricultural processes and the impact of the changes of climate on agricultural production. One does not really know totally how all this takes place and how the agricultural processes can be altered so that the impact can be…...

mla References Agriculture and Global Environmental Change" Retrieved at   Accessed on 02/26/2004 http://www.ciesin.org/TG/AG/AG-home.html . Agriculture and climate change: FAO's role" Retrieved at   Accessed on 02/26/2004 http://www.fao.org/NEWS/1997/971201-e.htm . Agriculture" Climate Change 2001: Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Retrieved at   Accessed on 02/26/2004 http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg2/208.htm . Agriculture Sector" Retrieved at   Accessed on 02/26/2004 http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/Library/nationalassessment/15AG.pdf .

Climate change

Climate change and its impact Introduction Climate is a part of our everyday lives. The change in temperature, swift winds blowing by and rainfall are all because of climate. The United Nation Framework Convention on climate defines climate change as an alteration of the atmosphere because of direct or indirect human activity that jeopardizes the natural climate viability observed over a period. Climate change is tracked using various instruments measuring every aspect of the climate from temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed. The climate changes, this is a fact, but there are measure to be put to prevent adverse changes that affect human life in earth. The issue of climate change tends to divulge difference in opinion with there being two groups; climate skeptics and climate believers. Climate skeptics speak about climate as well as scientist would but believers speak about climate as scientists do since they always base their arguments on facts…...

mla References: 1- The scientific consensus on Climate Change 2- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/394508 Climatic factors influence the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases, in addition to multiple human, biological, and ecological determinants. 3- https://www.newscientist.com/article/2198091-climate-change-is-making-the-seas-rise-faster-than-ever-un-warns/ Sea levels across the world are rising faster than ever, the United Nations has warned, meaning we urgently need to increase action on climate change. 4- https://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/full/10.1175/2009JCLI3139.1 proposes a modification to the standard forcing–feedback diagnostic energy balance model to account for 1) differences between effective and equilibrium climate sensitivities and 2) the variation of effective sensitivity over time in climate change experiments with coupled atmosphere–ocean climate models. 5- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1539-6924.2005.00686.x Implicitly contains the question of how to respond to the complex and multi?disciplinary risk issues that climate change poses.  6- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/B:CLIM.0000004559.08755.88 Climate change-induced sea-level rise, sea-surface warming, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events puts the long-term ability of humans to inhabit atolls at risk.  7- https://www.pnas.org/content/106/6/1704?sid4fdad7e-23ad-4d54-a3c6-75041ad31328=  This paper shows that the climate change that takes place due to increases in carbon dioxide concentration is largely irreversible for 1,000 years after emissions stop. 8- https://www.pnas.org/content/106/37/15594.short This paper briefly outlines the basics science of climate change as well as he assessment on emissions scenarios and climate change. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/306/5702/1686

What would be a good relevant topic to do a research paper on regarding Emergency Management?

Emergency management is the practice of handling disasters, whether manmade or natural disasters.  There are different levels of emergency management , because emergencies can be local, citywide, statewide, countrywide, or even global.  The current COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of a global emergency and how different regions have handled the pandemic highlight differences in emergency management .

There are a number of different topics to explore in terms of emergency management:

• The role of local emergency management facilities in helping stop local spread of COVID-19.
• Comparing and contrasting country policies in terms of travel restrictions after the COVID-19 environment.

I need help with forming a good title for my research paper on greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect , the impact of greenhouse gases , and climate change are all extremely topical issues.  They are considered political, but the science strongly supports the idea that these gases are increasing the earth’s average temperature, creating global climate change, fostering superstorms, and rapidly making the earth less habitable to humans. 

Here are some titles that would be appropriate for a range of essays about greenhouses gases and the greenhouse effect:

• Greenhouses Gases: Great for Plants, Not so Great for Humans
• How Manmade Climate Change Differs from Natural Climate Change

I need help writing an essay about climate change?

Global climate change is a very interesting topic for an essay.  While the scientific evidence for climate change is extremely strong, there has been a push by many to deny or minimize the science.  This is not a science-driven approach, but an economic one.  There are negative short-term economic consequences that come with attempting to mitigate climate change. However, this position is short-sighted, as the long-term negative economic impact of climate change could be devastating.

In fact, because most climate change essays focus on the science, the economy is a great topic for....

Can you help me write a literature review on how far deforestation can be allowed?

A literature review is a particular type of academic assignment. You need to find relevant literature for your topic, summarize it, and analyze it. Since your topic is deforestation , you want to search for literature on that topic for your literature review . However, you want to make sure you choose suitable types of literature. For an academic paper, that means focusing on peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and other scholarly works.

First, think about your central question. The query appears to concern the tipping point, where deforestation will have irreversible environmental consequences. In fact, deforestation....

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Our Future Is Now - A Climate Change Essay by Francesca Minicozzi, '21

Francesca Minicozzi (class of 2021) is a Writing/Biology major who plans to study medicine after graduation. She wrote this essay on climate change for WR 355/Travel Writing, which she took while studying abroad in Newcastle in spring 2020. Although the coronavirus pandemic curtailed Francesca’s time abroad, her months in Newcastle prompted her to learn more about climate change. Terre Ryan Associate Professor, Writing Department

Our Future Is Now

By Francesca Minicozzi, '21 Writing and Biology Major

 “If you don’t mind me asking, how is the United States preparing for climate change?” my flat mate, Zac, asked me back in March, when we were both still in Newcastle. He and I were accustomed to asking each other about the differences between our home countries; he came from Cambridge, while I originated in Long Island, New York. This was one of our numerous conversations about issues that impact our generation, which we usually discussed while cooking dinner in our communal kitchen. In the moment of our conversation, I did not have as strong an answer for him as I would have liked. Instead, I informed him of the few changes I had witnessed within my home state of New York.

Zac’s response was consistent with his normal, diplomatic self. “I have been following the BBC news in terms of the climate crisis for the past few years. The U.K. has been working hard to transition to renewable energy sources. Similar to the United States, here in the United Kingdom we have converted over to solar panels too. My home does not have solar panels, but a lot of our neighbors have switched to solar energy in the past few years.”

“Our two countries are similar, yet so different,” I thought. Our conversation continued as we prepared our meals, with topics ranging from climate change to the upcoming presidential election to Britain’s exit from the European Union. However, I could not shake the fact that I knew so little about a topic so crucial to my generation.

After I abruptly returned home from the United Kingdom because of the global pandemic, my conversation with my flat mate lingered in my mind. Before the coronavirus surpassed climate change headlines, I had seen the number of internet postings regarding protests to protect the planet dramatically increase. Yet the idea of our planet becoming barren and unlivable in a not-so-distant future had previously upset me to the point where a part of me refused to deal with it. After I returned from studying abroad, I decided to educate myself on the climate crisis.

My quest for climate change knowledge required a thorough understanding of the difference between “climate change” and “global warming.” Climate change is defined as “a pattern of change affecting global or regional climate,” based on “average temperature and rainfall measurements” as well as the frequency of extreme weather events. 1   These varied temperature and weather events link back to both natural incidents and human activity. 2   Likewise, the term global warming was coined “to describe climate change caused by humans.” 3   Not only that, but global warming is most recently attributed to an increase in “global average temperature,” mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions produced by humans. 4

I next questioned why the term “climate change” seemed to take over the term “global warming” in the United States. According to Frank Luntz, a leading Republican consultant, the term “global warming” functions as a rather intimidating phrase. During George W. Bush’s first presidential term, Luntz argued in favor of using the less daunting phrase “climate change” in an attempt to overcome the environmental battle amongst Democrats and Republicans. 5   Since President Bush’s term, Luntz remains just one political consultant out of many politicians who has recognized the need to address climate change. In an article from 2019, Luntz proclaimed that political parties aside, the climate crisis affects everyone. Luntz argued that politicians should steer clear of trying to communicate “the complicated science of climate change,” and instead engage voters by explaining how climate change personally impacts citizens with natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and forest fires. 6   He even suggested that a shift away from words like “sustainability” would gear Americans towards what they really want: a “cleaner, safer, healthier” environment. 7

The idea of a cleaner and heathier environment remains easier said than done. The Paris Climate Agreement, introduced in 2015, began the United Nations’ “effort to combat global climate change.” 8   This agreement marked a global initiative to “limit global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels,” while simultaneously “pursuing means to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees.” 9    Every country on earth has joined together in this agreement for the common purpose of saving our planet. 10   So, what could go wrong here? As much as this sounds like a compelling step in the right direction for climate change, President Donald Trump thought otherwise. In June 2017, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement with his proclamation of climate change as a “’hoax’ perpetrated by China.” 11   President Trump continued to question the scientific facts behind climate change, remaining an advocate for the expansion of domestic fossil fuel production. 12   He reversed environmental policies implemented by former President Barack Obama to reduce fossil fuel use. 13

Trump’s actions against the Paris Agreement, however, fail to represent the beliefs of Americans as a whole. The majority of American citizens feel passionate about the fight against climate change. To demonstrate their support, some have gone as far as creating initiatives including America’s Pledge and We Are Still In. 14   Although the United States officially exited the Paris Agreement on November 4, 2020, this withdrawal may not survive permanently. 15   According to experts, our new president “could rejoin in as short as a month’s time.” 16   This offers a glimmer of hope.

The Paris Agreement declares that the United States will reduce greenhouse gas emission levels by 26 to 28 percent by the year 2025. 17   As a leader in greenhouse gas emissions, the United States needs to accept the climate crisis for the serious challenge that it presents and work together with other nations. The concept of working coherently with all nations remains rather tricky; however, I remain optimistic. I think we can learn from how other countries have adapted to the increased heating of our planet. During my recent study abroad experience in the United Kingdom, I was struck by Great Britain’s commitment to combating climate change.

Since the United Kingdom joined the Paris Agreement, the country targets a “net-zero” greenhouse gas emission for 2050. 18   This substantial alteration would mark an 80% reduction of greenhouse gases from 1990, if “clear, stable, and well-designed policies are implemented without interruption.” 19   In order to stay on top of reducing emissions, the United Kingdom tracks electricity and car emissions, “size of onshore and offshore wind farms,” amount of homes and “walls insulated, and boilers upgraded,” as well as the development of government policies, including grants for electric vehicles. 20   A strong grip on this data allows the United Kingdom to target necessary modifications that keep the country on track for 2050. In my brief semester in Newcastle, I took note of these significant changes. The city of Newcastle is small enough that many students and faculty are able to walk or bike to campus and nearby essential shops. However, when driving is unavoidable, the majority of the vehicles used are electric, and many British citizens place a strong emphasis on carpooling to further reduce emissions. The United Kingdom’s determination to severely reduce greenhouse emissions is ambitious and particularly admirable, especially as the United States struggles to shy away from its dependence on fossil fuels.

So how can we, as Americans, stand together to combat global climate change? Here are five adjustments Americans can make to their homes and daily routines that can dramatically make a difference:

• Stay cautious of food waste. Studies demonstrate that “Americans throw away up to 40 percent of the food they buy.” 21   By being more mindful of the foods we purchase, opting for leftovers, composting wastes, and donating surplus food to those in need, we can make an individual difference that impacts the greater good. 22   
• Insulate your home. Insulation functions as a “cost-effective and accessible” method to combat climate change. 23   Homes with modern insulation reduce energy required to heat them, leading to a reduction of emissions and an overall savings; in comparison, older homes can “lose up to 35 percent of heat through their walls.” 24   
• Switch to LED Lighting. LED stands for “light-emitting diodes,” which use “90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and half as much as compact fluorescents.” 25   LED lights create light without producing heat, and therefore do not waste energy. Additionally, these lights have a longer duration than other bulbs, which means they offer a continuing savings. 26  
• Choose transportation wisely. Choose to walk or bike whenever the option presents itself. If walking or biking is not an option, use an electric or hybrid vehicle which emits less harmful gases. Furthermore, reduce the number of car trips taken, and carpool with others when applicable. 
• Finally, make your voice heard. The future of our planet remains in our hands, so we might as well use our voices to our advantage. Social media serves as a great platform for this. Moreover, using social media to share helpful hints to combat climate change within your community or to promote an upcoming protest proves beneficial in the long run. If we collectively put our voices to good use, together we can advocate for change.

As many of us are stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these suggestions are slightly easier to put into place. With numerous “stay-at-home” orders in effect, Americans have the opportunity to make significant achievements for climate change. Personally, I have taken more precautions towards the amount of food consumed within my household during this pandemic. I have been more aware of food waste, opting for leftovers when too much food remains. Additionally, I have realized how powerful my voice is as a young college student. Now is the opportunity for Americans to share how they feel about climate change. During this unprecedented time, our voice is needed now more than ever in order to make a difference.

However, on a much larger scale, the coronavirus outbreak has shed light on reducing global energy consumption. Reductions in travel, both on the roads and in the air, have triggered a drop in emission rates. In fact, the International Energy Agency predicts a 6 percent decrease in energy consumption around the globe for this year alone. 27   This drop is “equivalent to losing the entire energy demand of India.” 28   Complete lockdowns have lowered the global demand for electricity and slashed CO2 emissions. However, in New York City, the shutdown has only decreased carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent. 29   This proves that a shift in personal behavior is simply not enough to “fix the carbon emission problem.” 30   Climate policies aimed to reduce fossil fuel production and promote clean technology will be crucial steppingstones to ameliorating climate change effects. Our current reduction of greenhouse gas emissions serves as “the sort of reduction we need every year until net-zero emissions are reached around 2050.” 31   From the start of the coronavirus pandemic, politicians came together for the common good of protecting humanity; this demonstrates that when necessary, global leaders are capable of putting humankind above the economy. 32

After researching statistics comparing the coronavirus to climate change, I thought back to the moment the virus reached pandemic status. I knew that a greater reason underlay all of this global turmoil. Our globe is in dire need of help, and the coronavirus reminds the world of what it means to work together. This pandemic marks a turning point in global efforts to slow down climate change. The methods we enact towards not only stopping the spread of the virus, but slowing down climate change, will ultimately depict how humanity will arise once this pandemic is suppressed. The future of our home planet lies in how we treat it right now. 

• “Climate Change: What Do All the Terms Mean?,” BBC News (BBC, May 1, 2019), https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48057733 )
• Ibid. 
• Kate Yoder, “Frank Luntz, the GOP's Message Master, Calls for Climate Action,” Grist (Grist, July 26, 2019), https://grist.org/article/the-gops-most-famous-messaging-strategist-calls-for-climate-action
• Melissa Denchak, “Paris Climate Agreement: Everything You Need to Know,” NRDC, April 29, 2020, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/paris-climate-agreement-everything-you-need-know)
• “Donald J. Trump's Foreign Policy Positions,” Council on Foreign Relations (Council on Foreign Relations), accessed May 7, 2020, https://www.cfr.org/election2020/candidate-tracker/donald-j.-trump?gclid=CjwKCAjw4871BRAjEiwAbxXi21cneTRft_doA5if60euC6QCL7sr-Jwwv76IkgWaUTuyJNx9EzZzRBoCdjsQAvD_BwE#climate and energy )
• David Doniger, “Paris Climate Agreement Explained: Does Congress Need to Sign Off?,” NRDC, December 15, 2016, https://www.nrdc.org/experts/david-doniger/paris-climate-agreement-explained-does-congress-need-sign )
• “How the UK Is Progressing,” Committee on Climate Change, March 9, 2020, https://www.theccc.org.uk/what-is-climate-change/reducing-carbon-emissions/how-the-uk-is-progressing/)
• Ibid.  
• “Top 10 Ways You Can Fight Climate Change,” Green America, accessed May 7, 2020, https://www.greenamerica.org/your-green-life/10-ways-you-can-fight-climate-change )
• Matt McGrath, “Climate Change and Coronavirus: Five Charts about the Biggest Carbon Crash,” BBC News (BBC, May 5, 2020), https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/science-environment-52485712 )

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What is the best site for researching quality climate change paper samples?

Samples is a website filled with sample essays and papers on the subject of climate change, as well as all related topics on this and many others.

How to use climate change essay examples to create my paper?

The examples are intended to help find primary sources for studying climate-related materials, help to get acquainted with the expertise and structure of writing from our writers and assist in getting acquainted with the features of writing different types of essays.

Is it allowed to submit your climate change essay samples as mine?

It is possible but be prepared that the professor or commission may not accept them since they are all in the public domain and are intended primarily for finding the necessary information, examples of text structuring, etc.

What college paper and essay examples can students find on our site?

The catalogue contains various topics and different types of works (essays, papers, etc.). Consequently, the number of examples in each category can exceed several dozen.

If you have a chance to look inside our climate change essay examples, it may turn out to be your winning ticket to the fascinating world of writing. Here, you may find research papers compiled by professionals. In addition, the range of topics related to climate and human impact on the environment can be used to create persuasive essays of the highest quality.

Climate Change Essay Examples: Problems & Solutions

When writing an essay about climate change, we consider it a distant problem as far as it is not real or visible to the naked eye. However, the suffering of our planet due to human intervention and a long-lasting bad influence on nature resulted in atmosphere changes, the greenhouse effect, and global warming.

The temperature will rise by 1.5 ℃ during the next 20 years. The problem might not seem urgent, but the results may be harmful, hazardous, and irreversible. Students may find it dull to write about the environment. Moreover, they need deep knowledge of geography and have developed analytical skills to predict consequences. Teachers try to guide students in the precise analysis of their effect on the Earth in essays about climate change.

Sample Essay on Climate Change: Ideal to Follow

In writing an argumentative essay, it may be challenging to figure out the main principles of writing and follow a logical outline. You may use any sample essay on climate change from our database to read and follow in such a situation.

Our Essays Inspire and Provoke Thinking

Reading piles of books can overload your mind and mess up your ideas. Sometimes, you need a short but logical and informative paper to grasp concepts for perfect argumentative essay writing. However, reading our samples of climate change essays, you will be excited with certain and understandable content that provides inspiration and food for thinking.

Right Structure and Topic: Crucial Moments

When you write a climate change opinion essay, you may pay attention more to your ideas, scientific facts, and results of further development of climate change. But your teacher considers correspondence of topic to the content and proper structure. Therefore, in our templates of essays on climate change, our writers adhere to all academic writing requirements.

Moreover, on the list of topics, you may find the most interesting and develop your ideas using additional resources. Finally, remember catchy phrases that draw attention from the first sight, as our samples do.

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The team of professionals provides writing services to support beginners or guide amateurs. Each global climate change essay is unique and reveals all the issues of every subject and topic. There must be enough experience to write a highly-graded essay, and our authors, with good practice, may teach any willing student the subtleties of perfect writing.

Essays on Climate Change to Any Taste

Not all the students have time to write papers. Many of them have no desire to spend hours in front of the laptop screen. Few of them have enough writing experience. If you are one of those students who have not found a required sample to follow and are ready to pay for an excellent project, you are in the right place. We can cope with climate change college essays of any difficulty level. Be sure of on-time delivery and quality.

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This content is to be used for educational purposes only and may contain factual inaccuracies or be out of date.

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337 Climate Change Research Topics & Examples

You will notice that there are many climate change research topics you can discuss. Our team has prepared this compilation of 185 ideas that you can use in your work.

📝 Key Points to Use to Write an Outstanding Climate Change Essay

🏆 best climate change title ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting climate change topics to write about, 🎓 simple & easy research titles about climate change, 👍 good research topics about climate change, 🔍 interesting topics to write about climate change, ⭐ good essay topics on climate change, ❓ climate change essay questions.

A climate change essay is familiar to most students who learn biology, ecology, and politics. In order to write a great essay on climate change, you need to explore the topic in great detail and show your understanding of it.

This article will provide you with some key points that you could use in your paper to make it engaging and compelling.

First of all, explore the factors contributing to climate change. Most people know that climate change is associated with pollution, but it is essential to examine the bigger picture. Consider the following questions:

• What is the mechanism by which climate change occurs?
• How do the activities of large corporations contribute to climate change?
• Why is the issue of deforestation essential to climate change?
• How do people’s daily activities promote climate change?

Secondly, you can focus on solutions to the problems outlined above.

Climate change essay topics often provide recommendations on how individuals and corporations could reduce their environmental impact. These questions may help to guide you through this section:

• How can large corporations decrease the influence of their operations on the environment?
• Can you think of any examples of corporations who have successfully decreased their environmental footprint?
• What steps can people take to reduce pollution and waste as part of their daily routine?
• Do you believe that trends such as reforestation and renewable energy will help to stop climate change? Why or why not?
• Can climate change be reversed at all, or is it an inescapable trend?

In connection with these topics, you could also discuss various government policies to address climate change. Over the past decades, many countries enacted laws to reduce environmental damage. There are plenty of ideas that you could address here:

• What are some famous national policies for environmental protection?
• Are laws and regulations effective in protecting the environment? Why or why not?
• How do environmentally-friendly policies affect individuals and businesses?
• Are there any climate change graphs that show the effectiveness of national policies for reducing environmental damage?
• How could government policies on climate change be improved?

Despite the fact that there is definite proof of climate change, the concept is opposed by certain politicians, business persons, and even scientists.

You could address the opposition to climate change in your essay and consider the following:

• Why do some people think that climate change is not real?
• What is the ultimate proof of climate change?
• Why is it beneficial for politicians and business persons to argue against climate change?
• Do you think that climate change is a real issue? Why or why not?

The impact of ecological damage on people, animals, and plants is the focus of most essay titles on global warming and climate change. Indeed, describing climate change effects in detail could earn you some extra marks. Use scholarly resources to research these climate change essay questions:

• How has climate change impacted wildlife already?
• If climate change advances at the same pace, what will be the consequences for people?
• Besides climate change, what are the impacts of water and air pollution? What does the recent United Nations’ report on climate change say about its effects?
• In your opinion, could climate change lead to the end of life on Earth? Why or why not?

Covering at least some of the points discussed in this post will help you write an excellent climate change paper! Don’t forget to search our website for more useful materials, including a climate change essay outline, sample papers, and much more!

• Climate Change – Problems and Solutions It is important to avoid cutting trees and reduce the utilization of energy to protect the environment. Many organizations have been developed to enhance innovation and technology in the innovation of eco-friendly machines.
• Causes and Effects of Climate Changes Climate change is the transformation in the distribution patterns of weather or changes in average weather conditions of a place or the whole world over long periods.
• Global Warming as Serious Threat to Humanity One of the most critical aspects of global warming is the inability of populations to predict, manage, and decrease natural disruptions due to their inconsistency and poor cooperation between available resources.
• Is Climate Change a Real Threat? Climate change is a threat, but its impact is not as critical as wrong political decisions, poor social support, and unstable economics.
• Climate Change: Human Impact on the Environment This paper is an in-depth exploration of the effects that human activities have had on the environment, and the way the same is captured in the movie, The Eleventh Hour.
• The Role of Technology in Climate Change The latter is people’s addiction, obsession, and ingenuity when it comes to technology, which was the main cause of climate change and will be the primary solution to it as well.
• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Conditions The agreement across the board is that human activities such as emissions of the greenhouse gases have contributed to global warming.
• Climate Change Causes and Predictions These changes are as a result of the changes in the factors which determine the amount of sunlight that gets to the earth surface.
• Climate Change and Its Impacts on the UAE Currently, the rise in temperature in the Arctic is contributing to the melting of the ice sheets. The long-range weather forecast indicates that the majority of the coastal areas in the UAE are at the […]
• Global Warming and Human Impact: Pros and Cons These points include the movement of gases in the atmosphere as a result of certain human activities, the increase of the temperature because of greenhouse gas emissions, and the rise of the oceans’ level that […]
• The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security Currently, the world is beginning to encounter the effects of the continuous warming of the Earth. Some of the heat must be reflected in space to ensure that there is a temperature balance in the […]
• Climate Change – Global Warming For instance, in the last one century, scientists have directly linked the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere with the increase in temperature of the earth.
• Research Driven Critique: Steven Maher and Climate Change The ravaging effects of Covid-19 must not distract the world from the impending ramifications of severe environmental and climatic events that shaped the lives of a significant portion of the population in the past year.
• Transportation Impact on Climate Change It is apparent that the number of motor vehicles in the world is increasing by the day, and this translates to an increase in the amount of pollutants produced by the transportation industry annually.
• Climate Change and Role of Government He considers that the forest’s preservation is vital, as it is the wellspring of our human well-being. As such, the legislature can pass policies that would contribute to safeguarding our nation’s well-being, but they do […]
• Tourism and Climate Change Problem There are a number of factors that propelled the growth of tourism and these factors include the improvement of the standards of living in many developed nations, good work polices allowing more time for vacations […]
• Climate Change’s Impact on Crop Production I will address the inefficiencies of water use in our food production systems, food waste, and the impact of temperature on crop yield.
• The Climate Change Articles Comparison In a broader sense, both articles address the concept of sustainability and the means of reinforcing its significance in the context of modern global society to prevent further deterioration of the environment from happening.
• Climate Change: Causes, Impact on People and the Environment Climate change is the alteration of the normal climatic conditions in the earth, and it occurs over some time. In as much as there are arguments based around the subject, it is mainly caused by […]
• Climate Change: The Day After Tomorrow In the beginning of the film “The Day After Tomorrow”, the main character, Professor Jack Hall, is trying to warn the world of the drastic consequences of a changing climate being caused by the polluting […]
• Climate Change, Development and Disaster Risk Reduction However, the increased cases of droughts, storms, and very high rainfalls in different places are indicative of the culmination of the effects of climate change, and major disasters are yet to follow in the future.
• Saving the Forest and Climate Changes The greenhouse gases from such emissions play a key role in the depletion of the most essential ozone layer, thereby increasing the solar heating effect on the adjacent Earth’s surface as well as the rate […]
• Climate Change Definition and Description The wind patterns, the temperature and the amount of rainfall are used to determine the changes in temperature. Usually, the atmosphere changes in a way that the energy of the sun absorbed by the atmosphere […]
• Wildfires and Impact of Climate Change Climate change has played a significant role in raise the likelihood and size of wildfires around the world. Climate change causes more moisture to evaporate from the earth, drying up the soil and making vegetation […]
• Neolithic Revolution and Climate Change At the primary stage of the evolution of human civilization, the rise of agriculture in the later part of stone age, also known as the Neolithic Revolution, was ultimately necessary to keep pace with the […]
• Climate Change Impacts on Ocean Life The destruction of the ozone layer has led to the exposure of the earth to harmful radiation from the sun. The rising temperatures in the oceans hinder the upward flow of nutrients from the seabed […]
• Climate Change Needs Human Behavior Change The thesis of this essay is that human behavior change, including in diet and food production, must be undertaken to minimize climate change, and resulting misery.
• Climate Change and Renewable Energy Options The existence of various classes of world economies in the rural setting and the rise of the middle class economies has put more pressure on environmental services that are highly demanded and the use of […]
• How Aviation Impacts Climate Change A measurement of the earth’s radiation budget imbalance brought on by changes in the quantities of gases and aerosols or cloudiness is known as radiative forcing.
• Climate Change: Mitigation Strategies To address the latter views, the current essay will show that the temperature issue exists and poses a serious threat to the planet.
• “Climate Change: Turning Up the Heat” by Barrie Pittock The researcher stresses that people should try to minimize the negative effects of climate change in order to enable humanity to adapt to the changing environment in a more effective way.
• Climate Change as a Global Security Threat It is important to stress that agriculture problems can become real for the USA as well since numerous draughts and natural disasters negatively affect this branch of the US economy.
• The Three Myths of Climate Change In the video, Linda Mortsch debunks three fundamental misconceptions people have regarding climate change and sets the record straight that the phenomenon is happening now, affects everyone, and is not easy to adapt.
• Global Perspectives in the Climate Change Strategy It is required to provide an overview of those programs and schemes of actions that were used in the local, federal and global policies of the countries of the world to combat air pollution.
• Rainforests of Victoria: Potential Effects of Climate Change The results of the research by Brooke in the year 2005 was examined to establish the actual impacts of climate change on the East Gippsland forest, especially for the fern specie.
• Energy Conservation for Solving Climate Change Problem The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that of all the ways energy is used in America, about 39% is used to generate electricity.
• The Key Drivers of Climate Change The use of fossil fuel in building cooling and heating, transportation, and in the manufacture of goods leads to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
• Global Warming and Effects Within 50 Years Global warming by few Scientists is often known as “climate change” the reason being is that according to the global warming is not the warming of earth it basically is the misbalance in climate.
• Technology Influence on Climate Change Undoubtedly, global warming is a portrayal of climate change in the modern world and hence the need for appropriate interventions to foster the sustainability of the environment.
• Climate Change Impact on Bangladesh Today, there are a lot of scientists from the fields of ecology and meteorology who are monitoring the changes of climate in various regions of the world.
• Anthropogenic Climate Change Since anthropogenic climate change occurs due to the cumulative effect of greenhouse gases, it is imperative that climatologists focus on both immediate and long term interventions to avert future crises of global warming that seem […]
• Health Issues on the Climate Change However, the mortality rate of air pollution in the United States is relatively low compared to the rest of the world.
• Climate Change: The Key Issues An analysis of world literature indicates the emergence in recent years of a number of scientific publications on the medical and environmental consequences of global climate change.
• Desert, Glaciers, and Climate Change When the wind blows in a relatively flat area with no vegetation, this wind moves loose and fine particles to erode a vast area of the landscape continuously in a process called deflation.
• Global Warming: Causes and Consequences Other definitions of global warming are “the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-twentieth century and its projected continuation”.
• Technological and Policy Solutions to Prevent Climate Change Scientists and researchers across the globe are talking about the alarming rates of temperature increase, which threaten the integrity of the polar ice caps.
• Weather Abnormalities and Climate Change One of the crucial signs of climate change is the rise of the sea level. Thus, the problem of climate change is a threat to water security and needs resolution.
• Pollution & Climate Change as Environmental Risks The purpose of this essay is to provide an analysis of the three articles, focusing on the environmental risks and the risk perceptions of the authors.
• The Role of Science and Technology in International Relations Regarding Climate Change This paper examines the role of science and technology as it has been used to address the challenge of climate change, which is one of the major issues affecting the global societies today.
• Climate Change: Is Capitalism the Problem or the Solution? This means that capitalism, which is the ability to produce wealth lies in the solution and also the causes of the current global climatic governance.
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Tourism in Coastal Areas It is hereby recommended that governments have a huge role to play in mitigating the negative effects of climate change on coastal towns.
• Biology of Climate Change There is sufficient evidence that recent climate change is a result of human activities.”Warming of the climate system is unequivocal; as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, […]
• Ways to Reduce Global Warming The objectives of this report are to identify the causes of global warming, to highlight the expected effects of global warming and to identify ways of reducing global warming.
• The Straw Man Fallacy in the Topic of Climate Change The straw man fallacy is a type of logical fallacy whereby one person misrepresents their opponent’s question or argument to make it easier to respond.
• Evidence of Climate Change The primary reason for the matter is the melting of ice sheets, which adds water to the ocean. The Republic of Maldives is already starting to feel the effects of global sea-level rise now.
• Climate Change’s Negative Impact on Biodiversity This essay’s primary objective is to trace and evaluate the impact of climate change on biological diversity through the lens of transformations in the marine and forest ecosystems and evaluation of the agricultural sector both […]
• Environmental Issue – Climate Change If the right measures are put in place, our environment will be regenerated and the continued alterations to the climate will eventually stop.
• The Negative Effects of Climate Change in Cities This is exemplified by the seasonal hurricanes in the USA and the surrounding regions, the hurricanes of which have destroyed houses and roads in the past.
• Business & Climate Change The purpose of this paper is to apply principles of problem solving skills such as the K-T technique, in analyzing how the challenge of climate change is addressed in the soft drinks industry which in […]
• Impact of Food Waste on Climate Change In conclusion, I believe that some of the measures that can be taken to prevent food waste are calculating the population and their needs.
• Climate Change and Resource Sustainability in Balkan: How Quickly the Impact is Happening In addition, regarding the relief of the Balkans, their territory is dominated by a large number of mountains and hills, especially in the west, among which the northern boundary extends to the Julian Alps and […]
• Climate Change: Renewable Energy Sources Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity, and deforestation and “oil dependency” only exacerbate the situation and rapidly kill people. Therefore it is important to invest in the development of renewable energy sources.
• Climate Change and the Allegory of the Cave Plato’s allegory of the cave reflects well our current relationship with the environment and ways to find a better way to live in the world and live with it.
• Climate Change, Economy, and Environment Central to the sociological approach to climate change is studying the relationship between the economy and the environment. Another critical area of sociologists ‘ attention is the relationship between inequality and the environment.
• Terrorism, Corruption, and Climate Change as Threats Therefore, threats affecting countries around the globe include terrorism, corruption, and climate change that can be mitigated through integrated counter-terror mechanisms, severe punishment for dishonest practices, and creating awareness of safe practices.
• Climate Change’s Impact on Hendra Virus Transmission to humans occurs once people are exposed to an infected horse’s body fluids, excretions, and tissues. Land clearing in giant fruit bats’ habitats has exacerbated food shortages due to climate change, which has led […]
• Global Climate Change and Environmental Conservation There may be a significantly lesser possibility that skeptics will acknowledge the facts and implications of climate change, which may result in a lower desire on their part to adopt adaptation. The climate of Minnesota […]
• Beef Production’s Impact on Climate Change This industry is detrimental to the state of the planet and, in the long term, can lead to irreversible consequences. It is important to monitor the possible consequences and reduce the consumption of beef.
• Cities and Climate Change: Articles Summary The exponential population growth in the United States of America and the energy demands put the nation in a dilemma. Climate change challenges are experienced as a result of an increase in greenhouse gas emissions […]
• The Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Human Populations The fact that the rise in temperatures caused by the greenhouse effect is a threat to humans development has focused global attention on the “emissions generated from the combustion” of fossil fuels.
• Food Waste Management: Impact on Sustainability and Climate Change How effective is composting food waste in enhancing sustainability and reducing the effects of climate change? The following key terms are used to identify and scrutinize references and study materials.”Food waste” and sustain* “Food waste” […]
• Protecting the Environment Against Climate Change The destruction of the ozone layer, which helps in filtering the excessive ray of light and heat from the sun, expose people to some skin cancer and causes drought.
• The Global Warming Problem and Solution Therefore, it is essential to make radical decisions, first of all, to reduce the use of fossil fuels such as oil, carbon, and natural gas. One of the ways of struggle is to protest in […]
• Climate Change and Immigration Issues Due to its extensive coverage of the aspects of climate migration, the article will be significant to the research process in acquiring a better understanding of the effects of climate change on different people from […]
• Global Warming: Speculation and Biased Information For example, people or organizations that deny the extent or existence of global warming may finance the creation and dissemination of incorrect information.
• Impacts of Climate Change on Ocean The development of phytoplankton is sensitive to the temperature of the ocean. Some marine life is leaving the ocean due to the rising water temperature.
• Impact of Climate Change on the Mining Sector After studying the necessary information on the topic of sustainability and Sustainability reports, the organization was allocated one of the activities that it performs to maintain it.
• Climate Change: Historical Background and Social Values The Presidential and Congress elections in the US were usually accompanied by the increased interest in the issue of climate change in the 2010s.
• Communities and Climate Change Article by Kehoe In the article, he describes the stringent living conditions of the First Nations communities and estimates the dangers of climate change for these remote areas.
• Discussion: Reverting Climate Change Undertaking some of these activities requires a lot of finances that have seen governments setting aside funds to help in the budgeting and planning of the institutions.
• Was Climate Change Affecting Species? It was used because it helps establish the significance of the research topic and describes the specific effects of climate change on species.
• Climate Change Attitudes and Counteractions The argument is constructed around the assumption that the deteriorating conditions of climate will soon become one of the main reasons why many people decide to migrate to other places.
• How Climate Change Could Impact the Global Economy In “This is How Climate Change Could Affect the World Economy,” Natalie Marchand draws attention to the fact that over the next 30 years, global GDP will shrink by up to 18% if global temperatures […]
• Effective Policy Sets to Curb Climate Change A low population and economic growth significantly reduce climate change while reducing deforestation and methane gas, further slowing climate change. The world should adopt this model and effectively increase renewable use to fight climate change.
• Climate Change: Social-Ecological Systems Framework One of the ways to understand and assess the technogenic impact on various ecological systems is to apply the Social-Ecological Systems Framework.
• The Climate Change Mitigation Issues Indeed, from the utilitarian perspective, the current state of affairs is beneficial only for the small percentage of the world population that mostly resides in developed countries.
• The Dangers of Global Warming: Environmental and Economic Collapse Global warming is caused by the so-called ‘Greenhouse effect’, when gases in Earth’s atmosphere, such as water vapor or methane, let the Sun’s light enter the planet but keep some of its heat in.
• Aviation, Climate Change, and Better Engine Designs: Reducing CO2 Emissions The presence of increasing levels of CO2 and other oxides led to the deterioration of the ozone layer. More clients and partners in the industry were becoming aware and willing to pursue the issue of […]
• Climate Change as a Problem for Businesses and How to Manage It Additionally, some businesses are directly contributing to climate change due to a lack of measures that will minimise the emission of carbon.
• Climate Change and Disease-Carrying Insects In order to prevent the spreading of the viruses through insects, the governments should implement policies against the emissions which contribute to the growth of the insects’ populations.
• Aspects of Global Warming Global warming refers to the steadily increasing temperature of the Earth, while climate change is how global warming changes the weather and climate of the planet.
• David Lammy on Climate Change and Racial Justice However, Lammy argues that people of color living in the global south and urban areas are the ones who are most affected by the climate emergency.
• Moral Aspects of Climate Change Addresses However, these approaches are anthropocentric because they intend to alleviate the level of human destruction to the environment, but place human beings and their economic development at the center of all initiatives.
• Feminism: A Road Map to Overcoming COVID-19 and Climate Change By exposing how individuals relate to one another as humans, institutions, and organizations, feminism aids in the identification of these frequent dimensions of suffering.
• Global Warming: Moral and Political Challenge That is, if the politicians were to advocate the preservation of the environment, they would encourage businesses completely to adopt alternative methods and careful usage of resources.
• Climate Change: Inconsistencies in Reporting An alternative route that may be taken is to engage in honest debates about the issue, which will reduce alarmism and defeatism.
• Climate Change: The Chornobyl Nuclear Accident Also, I want to investigate the reasons behind the decision of the USSR government to conceal the truth and not let people save their lives.
• “World on the Edge”: Managing the Causes of Climate Change Brown’s main idea is to show the possibility of an extremely unfortunate outcome in the future as a result of the development of local agricultural problems – China, Iran, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and others – […]
• Gendering Climate Change: Geographical Insights In the given article, the author discusses the implications of climate change on gender and social relations and encourages scholars and activists to think critically and engage in debates on a global scale.
• Climate Change and Its Consequences for Oklahoma This concept can be defined as a rise in the Earth’s temperature due to anthropogenic activity, resulting in alteration of usual weather in various parts of the planet.
• Climate Change Impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa This is why I believe it is necessary to conduct careful, thorough research on why climate change is a threat to our planet and how to stop it.
• Climate Change: Global Warming Intensity Average temperatures on Earth are rising faster than at any time in the past 2,000 years, and the last five of them have been the hottest in the history of meteorological observations since 1850.
• The Negative Results of Climate Change Climate change refers to the rise of the sea due to hot oceans expanding and the melting of ice sheets and glaciers.
• Addressing Climate Change: The Collective Action Problem While all the nations agree that climate change is a source of substantial harm to the economy, the environment, and public health, not all countries have similar incentives for addressing the problem. Addressing the problem […]
• Collective Climate Change Responsibility The fact is that individuals are not the most critical contributors to the climate crisis, and while ditching the plastic straw might feel good on a personal level, it will not solve the situation.
• Climate Change and Challenges in Miami, Florida The issue of poor environment maintenance in Miami, Florida, has led to climate change, resulting in sea-level rise, an increase of flood levels, and droughts, and warmer temperatures in the area.
• Global Warming and Climate Change The author shows the tragedy of the situation with climate change by the example of birds that arrived too early from the South, as the buds begin to bloom, although it is still icy.
• Climate Change as Systemic Risk of Globalization However, the integration became more complex and rapid over the years, making it systemic due to the higher number of internal connections.
• Impact of Climate Change on Increased Wildfires Over the past decades, America has experienced the most severe fires in its history regarding the coverage of affected areas and the cost of damage.
• Creating a Policy Briefing Book: Climate Change in China After that, a necessary step included the evaluation of the data gathered and the development of a summary that perfectly demonstrated the crucial points of this complication.
• Natural Climate Solutions for Climate Change in China The social system and its response to climate change are directly related to the well-being, economic status, and quality of life of the population.
• Climate Change and Limiting the Fuel-Powered Transportation When considering the options for limiting the extent of the usage of fuel-powered vehicles, one should pay attention to the use of personal vehicles and the propensity among most citizens to prefer diesel cars as […]
• Climate Change Laboratory Report To determine the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causing global warming in the next ten decades, if the estimated rate of deforestation is maintained.
• Climate Change and Stabilization Wages The more the annual road activity indicates that more cars traversed throughout a fiscal year, the higher the size of the annual fuel consumption. The Carbon Capture and Storage technology can also reduce carbon emissions […]
• UK Climate Change Act 2008 The aim of the UK is to balance the levels of greenhouse gases to circumvent the perilous issue of climate change, as well as make it probable for people to acclimatize to an inevitable climate […]
• Sustainability, Climate Change Impact on Supply Chains & Circular Economy With recycling, reusing of materials, and collecting waste, industries help to fight ecological issues, which are the cause of climate change by saving nature’s integrity.
• Climate Change Indicators and Media Interference There is no certainty in the bright future for the Earth in the long-term perspective considering the devastating aftereffects that the phenomenon might bring. The indicators are essential to evaluate the scale of the growing […]
• Climate Change: Sustainability Development and Environmental Law The media significantly contributes to the creation of awareness, thus the importance of integrating the role of the news press with sustainability practices.
• How Climate Change Affects Conflict and Peace The review looks at various works from different years on the environment, connections to conflict, and the impact of climate change.
• Toyota Corporation: The Effects of Climate Change on the Word’s Automobile Sector Considering the broad nature of the sector, the study has taken into account the case of Toyota Motor Corporation which is one of the firms operating within the sector.
• The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture However, the move to introduce foreign species of grass such as Bermuda grass in the region while maintaining the native grass has been faced by challenges related to the fiscal importance of the production.
• Health and Climate Change Climate change, which is a universal problem, is thought to have devastating effects on human and animal health. However, the precise health effects are not known.
• The Issue of Climate Change The only confirmed facts are the impact of one’s culture and community on willingness to participate in environmental projects, and some people can refuse to join, thereby demonstrating their individuality.
• Climate Change as a Battle of Generation Z These issues have attracted the attention of the generation who they have identified climate change as the most challenging problem the world is facing today.
• Climate Change and Health in Nunavut, Canada Then, the authors tend to use strict and formal language while delivering their findings and ideas, which, again, is due to the scholarly character of the article. Thus, the article seems to have a good […]
• Climate Change: Anticipating Drastic Consequences Modern scientists focus on the problem of the climate change because of expecting the dramatic consequences of the process in the future.
• The Analysis of Process of Climate Change Dietz is the head of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
• The Way Climate Change Affects the Planet It can help analyze past events such as the Pleistocene ice ages, but the current climate change does not fit the criteria. It demonstrates how slower the change was when compared to the current climate […]
• Polar Bear Decline: Climate Change From Pole to Pole In comparison to 2005 where five of the populations were stable, it shows that there was a decline in stability of polar bear population.
• Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change The three areas of interest that this report discusses are the impacts of climate change on social, economic and environmental fronts which are the key areas that have created a lot of debate and discussion […]
• Climate Change and Threat to Animals In the coming years, the increase in the global temperatures will make many living populations less able to adapt to the emergent conditions or to migrate to other regions that are suitable for their survival.
• Strategy for Garnering Effective Action on Climate Change Mitigation The approach should be participatory in that every member of the community is aware of ways that leads to climate change in order to take the necessary precaution measures. Many member nations have failed to […]
• Impact of Global Climate Change on Malaria There will be a comparison of the intensity of the changes to the magnitude of the impacts on malaria endemicity proposed within the future scenarios of the climate.
• Climate Change Economics: A Review of Greenstone and Oliver’s Analysis The article by Greenstone and Oliver indicates that the problem of global warming is one of the most perilous disasters whose effects are seen in low agricultural output, poor economic wellbeing of people, and high […]
• Pygmy-Possum Burramys Parvus: The Effects of Climate Change The study will be guided by the following research question: In what ways will the predicted loss of snow cover due to climate change influence the density and habitat use of the mountain pygmy-possum populations […]
• Climate Change and the Occurrence of Infectious Diseases This paper seeks to explore the nature of two vector-borne diseases, malaria, and dengue fever, in regards to the characteristics that would make them prone to effects of climate change, and to highlight some of […]
• Links Between Methane, Plants, and Climate Change According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it is the anthropogenic activities that has increased the load of greenhouse gases since the mid-20th century that has resulted in global warming. It is only the […]
• United Nations Climate Change Conference In the Kyoto protocol, members agreed that nations needed to reduce the carbon emissions to levels that could not threaten the planet’s livelihoods.
• The Involve of Black People in the Seeking of Climate Change Whereas some researchers use the magnitude of pollution release as opposed to closeness to a hazardous site to define exposure, others utilize the dispersion of pollutants model to comprehend the link between exposure and population.
• Climate Change Dynamics: Are We Ready for the Future? One of the critical challenges of preparedness for future environmental changes is the uncertainty of how the climate system will change in several decades.
• How Climate Change Impacts Ocean Temperature and Marine Life The ocean’s surface consumes the excess heat from the air, which leads to significant issues in all of the planet’s ecosystems.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan for Abu Dhabi City, UAE Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and the Abu Dhabi Emirate and is located on a triangular island in the Persian Gulf.
• Climate Change in Communication Moreover, environmental reporting is not accurate and useful since profits influence and political interference affect the attainment of truthful, objective, and fair facts that would promote efficiency in newsrooms on environmental reporting.
• Global Pollution and Climate Change Both of these works address the topic of Global pollution, Global warming, and Climate change, which are relevant to the current situation in the world.
• Climate Change Is a Scientific Fallacy Even in the worst-case scenario whereby the earth gives in and fails to support human activities, there can always be a way out.
• Climate Change: Change Up Your Approach People are becoming aware of the relevance of things and different aspects of their life, which is a positive trend. However, the share of this kind of energy will be reduced dramatically which is favorable […]
• Climate Change: The Broken Ozone Layer It explains the effects of climate change and the adaptation methods used. Vulnerability is basically the level of exposure and weakness of an aspect with regard to climate change.
• Climate Change and Economic Growth The graph displays the levels of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the years before our time with the number 0 being the year 1950.
• Tropic of Chaos: Climate Change and the New Geography of Violence The point of confluence in the cattle raids in East Africa and the planting of opium in the poor communities is the struggle to beat the effects of climatic changes.
• Personal Insight: Climate Change To my mind, economic implications are one of the most concerning because the economy is one of the pillars of modern society.
• A Shift From Climate Change Awareness Under New President Such statements raised concerns among American journalists and general population about the future of the organization as one of the main forces who advocated for the safe and healthy environment of Americans and the global […]
• Human Influence on Climate Change Climate changes are dangerous because they influence all the living creatures in the world. Thus, it is hard to overestimate the threat for humankind the climate changes represent.
• Environmental Studies: Climate Changes Ozone hole is related to forest loss in that the hole is caused by reaction of different chemicals that are found in the atmosphere and some of these gases, for example, the carbon dioxide gas […]
• Global Warming: Negative Effects to the Environment The effect was the greening of the environment and its transformation into habitable zones for humans The second system has been a consequence of the first, storage.
• Global Warming Problem Overview: Significantly Changing the Climate Patterns The government is not in a position to come up with specific costs that are attached to the extent of environmental pollution neither are the polluters aware about the costs that are attached to the […]
• Global Change Biology in Terms of Global Warming A risk assessment method showed that the current population could persist for at least 2000 years at hatchling sex ratios of up to 75% male.
• The Politics of Climate Change, Saving the Environment In the first article, the author expresses his concern with the problem of data utilization on climate change and negative consequences arising from this.
• Maize Production and Climate Change in South Africa Maize farming covers 58% of the crop area in South Africa and 60% of this is in drier areas of the country.
• Global Warming Issues Review and Environmental Sustainability Whether it is the melt down of Arctic ice, the damage of the Ozone layer, extra pollution in developing countries; all sums up to one thing in common and that is global warming.
• Starbucks: Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Climate Change Then in the 90s and onwards to the 21st century, Starbucks coffee can be seen almost anywhere and in places where one least expects to see a Starbucks store.
• Global Warming: Ways to Help End Global Warming
• Biofuels and Climate Change
• The Influence of Global Warming and Pollution on the Environment
• How Global Warming Has an Effect on Wildlife?
• Climate Change Risks in South Eastern Australia
• The Politics and Economics of International Action on Climate Change
• Climate Change: Influence on Lifestyle in the Future
• Climate Change During Socialism and Capitalistic Epochs
• Climate Change and Public Health Policies
• Climate Changes: Cause and Effect
• World Trade as the Adjustment Mechanism of Agriculture to Climate Change by Julia & Duchin
• Chad Frischmann: The Young Minds Solving Climate Change
• Public Health Education on Climate Change Effects
• Research Plan “Climate Change”
• Diets and Climate Change
• The Role of Human Activities on the Climate Change
• Climate Change Factors and Countermeasures
• Climate Change Effects on Population Health
• Climate Change: Who Is at Fault?
• Climate Change: Reducing Industrial Air Pollution
• Global Climate Change and Biological Implications
• Global Warming, Its Consequences and Prevention
• Climate Change and Risks for Business in Australia
• Climate Change Solutions for Australia
• Climate Change, Industrial Ecology and Environmental Chemistry
• “Climate Change May Destroy Alaskan Towns” Video
• Climate Change Effects on Kenya’s Tea Industry
• Environmental Perils: Climate Change Issue
• Technologically Produced Emissions Impact on Climate Change
• City Trees and Climate Change: Act Green and Get Healthy
• Climate Change and American National Security
• Anthropogenic Climate Change and Policy Problems
• Climate Change, Air Pollution, Soil Degradation
• Climate Change in Canada
• International Climate Change Agreements
• Polar Transformations as a Global Warming Issue
• Moral Obligations to Climate Change and Animal Life
• Technology’s Impact on Climate Change
• Climate Change in Abu Dhabi
• Global Warming and Climate Change: Fighting and Solutions
• Climate Change Debates and Scientific Opinion
• Earth’s Geologic History and Global Climate Change
• CO2 Emission and Climate Change Misconceptions
• Geoengineering as a Possible Response to Climate Change
• Global Warming: People Impact on the Environment
• Climate Change: Ways of Eliminating Negative Effects
• Climate Change Probability and Predictions
• Climate Changes and Human Population Distribution
• Climate Change as International Issue
• Climate Change for Australian Magpie-Lark Birds
• Climate Change Effects on Ocean Acidification
• Climate Change Governance: Concepts and Theories
• Climate Change Impacts on the Aviation Industry
• Climate Change Management and Risk Governance
• United Nation and Climate Change
• Human Rights and Climate Change Policy-Making
• Climate Change: Anthropological Concepts and Perspectives
• Climate Change Impacts on Business in Bangladesh
• Climate Change: Nicholas Stern and Ross Garnaut Views
• Challenges Facing Humanity: Technology and Climate Change
• Climate Change Potential Consequences
• Climate Change in United Kingdom
• Climate Change From International Relations Perspective
• Climate Change and International Collaboration
• International Security and Climate Change
• Climate Change Effects on World Economy
• Global Warming and Climate Change
• Responsible Factors for Climate Change
• Organisational Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy
• The Effect of Science on Climate Change
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For many years we have struggled to figure out the real cause of climate change. We tend to go back and forth with it being just nature or it is caused by our society that is not taking good care of our environment. With this essay, I will be explaining why it is caused by nature makes more sense and could be the real cause of our climate change. Some examples that involve nature being the cause of climate change are the eruption of undersea volcanoes, carbon leak, and lastly but not least earth’s orbital variations.

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Volcanoes Spew Lava

We will begin with the eruption of undersea volcanoes, which make the global climate over thousands of years. Volcanoes spew lava, carbon dioxide, and other elements into the deep ocean. Due to volcanoes spewing carbon dioxide into the ocean, the carbon dioxide gets trapped into circulating water, which is cycled to different regions of the ocean, where it gets caught up in upwelling currents and emitted to the atmosphere (Vaidyanathan, Gayathr). The process can take up to 2000 years and most likely will add a fraction of the 88 million metric tons of carbon that is belched out by the volcanoes to the atmosphere. Volcanoes tend to erupt when ocean tides are at their lowest point due to the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. The future climate could also change due to high tides, suppress underwater volcanic activity, and thousands of years hence (Vaidyanathan, Gayathr).

Carbon Leak From the Southern Ocean

Secondly, carbon leak from the Southern Ocean is another cause of climate change by nature. A carbon leak in the Southern Ocean has gradually warmed the planet for 11,000 years. It is believed that an increase in ocean circulation in the area has triggered the leak of gas which can also be a cause of climate change (Dailymail.com, Mark Prigg For). This is caused by the increasing amounts of water, rich in nutrients and carbon dioxide, welled up from the deep ocean to the surface of the Southern Ocean during the Holocene. Due to the process of locking away greenhouse gas is weakened by activity of the Southern Ocean, the increase in its activity could be the mysterious warmth of the past 11,000 years. The increase of circulation in the Southern Ocean allowed carbon dioxide to leak into the atmosphere, working to warm the planet (Dailymail.com, Mark Prigg For). The new discoveries about ocean changes could also have implications for predicting how global warming will affect ocean circulation and how much atmospheric carbon dioxide will rise due to fossil fuel burning.

Lastly, Earth’s orbital variations and sea ice synch glacial periods also known as Milankovitch climate have been the cause of climate change due to nature. This affects our climate due to the fact that each of the Milankovitch Cycles has an influence on the amount of sunlight the planet receives. Every 100,000, 41,000, and 21,000 years the cycles change (Earth’s Orbital Variations, Sea Ice Synch Glacial Periods). With the 100,000-year cycle alone being the weakest of the three it has been a problem to the degree which it affects solar radiation. New studies have shown that the mechanism in which the 100,000 year cycle and the 21,000-year cycle work together to drive Earth’s glacial cycle. The 21,000-year cycle has to do with precession which is the change in orientation of Earth’s tilted rotational axis, which is what creates Earth’s changing seasons (Earth’s Orbital Variations, Sea Ice Synch Glacial Periods). With the northern Hemisphere being tilted toward the sun, it gets more sunlight and summer experience. On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away, which causes it to get less sunlight and more winter experience(Earth’s Orbital Variations, Sea Ice Synch Glacial Periods). This also goes the other way around after a six-month period, so due to this whichever Hemisphere is closer to the sun causes it to summer, which would make the opposite hemisphere further away from the sun causing it to be winter.

Climate Change in Our Environment

In conclusion, nature has a lot to do with climate change in our environment. Three examples of this have been Undersea volcanic eruptions, carbon leaks in the Southern Ocean, and lastly but not least Earth’s orbital variations and sea ice synch glacial periods aka Milankovitch climate. This affects our climate due to the fact that each of the Milankovitch Cycles has an influence on the amount of sunlight the planet receives. The future climate could also change due to high tides, suppress underwater volcanic activity, and thousands of years hence. It is believed that an increase in ocean circulation in the area has triggered the leak of gas which can also be a cause of climate change. New discoveries about ocean changes could also have implications for predicting how global warming will affect ocean circulation and how much atmospheric carbon dioxide will rise due to fossil fuel burning. All these have been researched causes of our climate change and while there are more out there, these are the three I decided to focus on.

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What Are the Effects of Climate Change?

A rapidly warming planet poses an existential threat to all life on earth. Just how bad it gets depends on how quickly we act.

An area flooded by Super Typhoon Noru in the Bulacan Province of the Philippines, September 26, 2022

Rouelle Umali/Xinhua via Getty Images

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Climate change is our planet’s greatest existential threat . If we don’t limit greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, the consequences of rising global temperatures include massive crop and fishery collapse, the disappearance of hundreds of thousands of species, and entire communities becoming uninhabitable. While these outcomes may still be avoidable, climate change is already causing suffering and death. From raging wildfires and supercharged storms, its compounding effects can be felt today, outside our own windows.

Understanding these impacts can help us prepare for what’s here, what’s avoidable, and what’s yet to come, and to better prepare and protect all communities. Even though everyone is or will be affected by climate change, those living in the world’s poorest countries—which have contributed least to the problem—are the most climate-vulnerable. They have the fewest financial resources to respond to crises or adapt, and they’re closely dependent on a healthy, thriving natural world for food and income. Similarly, in the United States, it is most often low-income communities and communities of color that are on the frontlines of climate impacts. And because climate change and rising inequality are interconnected crises, decision makers must take action to combat both—and all of us must fight for climate justice. Here’s what you need to know about what we’re up against.

Effects of climate change on weather

Effects of climate change on the environment, effects of climate change on agriculture, effects of climate change on animals, effects of climate change on humans, future effects of climate change.

As global temperatures climb, widespread shifts in weather systems occur, making events like droughts , hurricanes , and floods more intense and unpredictable. Extreme weather events that may have hit just once in our grandparents’ lifetimes are becoming more common in ours. However, not every place will experience the same effects: Climate change may cause severe drought in one region while making floods more likely in another.

Already, the planet has warmed 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.9 degrees Fahrenheit) since the preindustrial era began 250 years ago, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) . And scientists warn it could reach a worst-case scenario of 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100 if we fail to tackle the causes of climate change —namely, the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) .

Tokyo during a record-breaking heat wave, August 13, 2020

The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images

Higher average temperatures

This change in global average temperature—seemingly small but consequential and climbing—means that, each summer, we are likely to experience increasingly sweltering heat waves. Even local news meteorologists are starting to connect strings of record-breaking days to new long-term trends, which are especially problematic in regions where infrastructure and housing have not been built with intensifying heat in mind. And heat waves aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States.

Longer-lasting droughts

Hotter temperatures increase the rate at which water evaporates from the air, leading to more severe and pervasive droughts . Already, climate change has pushed the American West into a severe “megadrought”—the driest 22-year stretch recorded in at least 1,200 years—shrinking drinking water supplies, withering crops , and making forests more susceptible to insect infestations. Drought can also create a positive feedback loop in which drier soil and less plant cover cause even faster evaporation.

More intense wildfires

This drier, hotter climate also creates conditions that fuel more vicious wildfire seasons—with fires that spread faster and burn longer—putting millions of additional lives and homes at risk. The number of large wildfires doubled between 1984 and 2015 in the western United States. And in California alone, the annual area burned by wildfires increased 500 percent between 1972 and 2018.

Evacuation after Hurricane Harvey in Houston, August 28, 2017

David J. Phillip/AP Photo

Stronger storms

Warmer air also holds more moisture, making tropical cyclones wetter, stronger, and more capable of rapidly intensifying. In the latest report from the IPCC , scientists found that daily rainfall during extreme precipitation events would increase by about 7 percent for each degree Celsius of global warming, increasing the dangers of flooding . The frequency of severe Category 4 and 5 hurricanes is also expected to increase. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey, a devastating Category 4 storm, dumped a record 275 trillion pounds of rain and resulted in dozens of deaths in the Houston area.

From the poles to the tropics, climate change is disrupting ecosystems. Even a seemingly slight shift in temperature can cause dramatic changes that ripple through food webs and the environment.

The lake at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon in Iceland, which has grown because of continued glacial melting

Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo

Melting sea ice

The effects of climate change are most apparent in the world’s coldest regions—the poles. The Arctic is heating up twice as fast as anywhere else on earth, leading to the rapid melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets, where a massive amount of water is stored. As sea ice melts, darker ocean waters that absorb more sunlight become exposed, creating a positive feedback loop that speeds up the melting process. In just 15 years, the Arctic could be entirely ice-free in the summer.

Sea level rise

Scientists predict that melting sea ice and glaciers, as well as the fact that warmer water expands in volume, could cause sea levels to rise as much as 6.6 feet by the end of the century, should we fail to curb emissions. The extent (and pace) of this change would devastate low-lying regions, including island nations and densely populated coastal cities like New York City and Mumbai.

But sea level rise at far lower levels is still costly, dangerous, and disruptive. According to the 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report from the National Ocean Service, the United States will see a foot of sea level rise by 2050, which will regularly damage infrastructure, like roads, sewage treatment plants, and even power plants . Beaches that families have grown up visiting may be gone by the end of the century. Sea level rise also harms the environment, as encroaching seawater can both erode coastal ecosystems and invade freshwater inland aquifers, which we rely on for agriculture and drinking water. Saltwater incursion is already reshaping life in nations like Bangladesh , where one-quarter of the lands lie less than 7 feet above sea level.

A waterlogged road, caused by rainstorm and upstream flood discharge, in the Shaoguan, Guangdong Province of China, June 21, 2022

Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In addition to coastal flooding caused by sea level rise, climate change influences the factors that result in inland and urban flooding: snowmelt and heavy rain. As global warming continues to both exacerbate sea level rise and extreme weather, our nation’s floodplains are expected to grow by approximately 45 percent by 2100. In 2022, deadly flooding in Pakistan—which inundated as much as a third of the country—resulted from torrential rains mixed with melting glaciers and snow.

Warmer ocean waters and marine heat waves

Oceans are taking the brunt of our climate crisis. Covering more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface, oceans absorb 93 percent of all the heat that’s trapped by greenhouse gases and up to 30 percent of all the carbon dioxide emitted from burning fossil fuels.

Temperature-sensitive fish and other marine life are already changing migration patterns toward cooler and deeper waters to survive, sending food webs and important commercial fisheries into disarray. And the frequency of marine heat waves has increased by more than a third . These spikes have led to mass die-offs of plankton and marine mammals.

To make matters worse, the elevated absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean leads to its gradual acidification , which alters the fundamental chemical makeup of the water and threatens marine life that has evolved to live in a narrow pH band. Animals like corals, oysters, and mussels will likely feel these effects first, as acidification disrupts the calcification process required to build their shells.

Ecosystem stressors

Land-based ecosystems—from old-growth forests to savannahs to tropical rainforests—are faring no better. Climate change is likely to increase outbreaks of pests, invasive species, and pathogen infections in forests. It’s changing the kinds of vegetation that can thrive in a given region and disrupting the life cycles of wildlife, all of which is changing the composition of ecosystems and making them less resilient to stressors. While ecosystems have the capacity to adapt, many are reaching the hard limits of that natural capacity . More repercussions will follow as temperatures rise.

Climate change appears to be triggering a series of cascading ecological changes that we can neither fully predict nor, once they have enough momentum, fully stop. This ecosystem destabilization may be most apparent when it comes to keystone species that have an outsize- role in holding up an ecosystem’s structure.

Coffee plants destroyed by frost due to extremely low temperatures near Caconde in the São Paulo state of Brazil, August 25, 2021

Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Less predictable growing seasons

In a warming world, farming crops is more unpredictable—and livestock, which are sensitive to extreme weather, become harder to raise. Climate change shifts precipitation patterns, causing unpredictable floods and longer-lasting droughts. More frequent and severe hurricanes can devastate an entire season’s worth of crops. Meanwhile, the dynamics of pests, pathogens, and invasive species—all of which are costly for farmers to manage—are also expected to become harder to predict. This is bad news, given that most of the world’s farms are small and family-run. One bad drought or flood could decimate an entire season’s crop or herd. For example, in June 2022, a triple-digit heat wave in Kansas wiped out thousands of cows. While the regenerative agriculture movement is empowering rural communities to make their lands more resilient to climate change, unfortunately, not all communities can equitably access the support services that can help them embrace these more sustainable farming tactics.

Reduced soil health

Healthy soil has good moisture and mineral content and is teeming with bugs, bacteria, fungi, and microbes that in turn contribute to healthy crops. But climate change, particularly extreme heat and changes in precipitation, can degrade soil quality. These impacts are exacerbated in areas where industrial, chemical-dependent monoculture farming has made soil and crops less able to withstand environmental changes.

Food shortages

Ultimately, impacts to our agricultural systems pose a direct threat to the global food supply. And food shortages and price hikes driven by climate change will not affect everyone equally: Wealthier people will continue to have more options for accessing food, while potentially billions of others will be plummeted into food insecurity—adding to the billions that already have moderate or severe difficulty getting enough to eat.

The poison dart frog’s survival is currently threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Chris Mattison/Minden Pictures

It’s about far more than just the polar bears: Half of all animal species in the world’s most biodiverse places, like the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, are at risk of extinction from climate change. And climate change is threatening species that are already suffering from the biodiversity crisis, which is driven primarily by changes in land and ocean use (like converting wild places to farmland) and direct exploitation of species (like overfishing and wildlife trade). With species already in rough shape—more than 500,000 species have insufficient habitat for long-term survival—unchecked climate change is poised to push millions over the edge.

Climate change rapidly and fundamentally alters (or in some cases, destroys) the habitat that wildlife have incrementally adapted to over millennia. This is especially harmful for species’ habitats that are currently under threat from other causes. Ice-dependent mammals like walruses and penguins, for example, won’t fare well as ice sheets shrink. Rapid shifts in ocean temperatures stress the algae that nourishes coral reefs, causing reefs to starve—an increasingly common phenomenon known as coral bleaching . Disappearing wetlands in the Midwest’s Prairie Pothole Region means the loss of watering holes and breeding grounds for millions of migratory birds. (Many species are now struggling to survive, as more than 85 percent of wetlands have been lost since 1700). And sea level rise will inundate or erode away many coastal habitats, where hundreds of species of birds, invertebrates, and other marine species live.

Many species’ behaviors—mating, feeding, migration—are closely tied to subtle seasonal shifts, as in temperature , precipitation level, and foliage. In some cases, changes to the environment are happening quicker than species are able to adapt. When the types and quantity of plant life change across a region, or when certain species bloom or hatch earlier or later than in the past, it impacts food and water supplies and reverberates up food chains.

Wildfire smoke–filled air in Multnomah County, Oregon, September 16, 2020

Motoya Nakamura/Multnomah County Communications, CC BY NC-ND 4.0

Ultimately, the way climate change impacts weather, the environment, animals, and agriculture affects humanity as well. But there’s more. Around the world, our ways of life—from how we get our food to the industries around which our economies are based—have all developed in the context of relatively stable climates. As global warming shakes this foundation, it promises to alter the very fabric of society. At worst, this could lead to widespread famine, disease, war, displacement , injury, and death. For many around the world, this grim forecast is already their reality. In this way, climate change poses an existential threat to all human life.

Human health

Climate change worsens air quality . It increases exposure to hazardous wildfire smoke and ozone smog triggered by warmer conditions, both of which harm our health, particularly for those with pre-existing illnesses like asthma or heart disease.

Insect-borne diseases like malaria and Zika become more prevalent in a warming world as their carriers are able to exist in more regions or thrive for longer seasons. In the past 30 years, the incidence of Lyme disease from ticks has nearly doubled in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thousands of people face injury, illness , and death every year from more frequent or more intense extreme weather events. At a 2-degree Celsius rise in global average temperature, an estimated one billion people will face heat stress risk. In the summer of 2022 alone, thousands died in record-shattering heat waves across Europe. Weeks later, dozens were killed by record-breaking urban flooding in the United States and South Korea—and more than 1,500 people perished in the flooding in Pakistan , where resulting stagnant water and unsanitary conditions threaten even more.

The effects of climate change—and the looming threat of what’s yet to come—take a significant toll on mental health too. One 2021 study on climate anxiety, published in the journal Nature , surveyed 10,000 young people from 10 different countries. Forty-five percent of respondents said that their feelings about climate change, varying from anxiety to powerlessness to anger, impacted their daily lives.

A patient with dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, in Karachi, Pakistan, where the spread of diseases worsened due to flooding, September 2022

Fareed Khan/AP Photo

Worsening inequity

The climate crisis exacerbates existing inequities. Though wealthy nations, such as the United States, have emitted the lion’s share of historical greenhouse gas emissions, it’s developing countries that may lack the resources to adapt and will now bear the brunt of the climate crisis. In some cases, low-lying island nations—like many in the Pacific —may cease to exist before developed economies make meaningful reductions to their carbon emissions.

Even within wealthier nations, disparities will continue to grow between those rich enough to shield themselves from the realities of climate change and those who cannot. Those with ample resources will not be displaced from their homes by wars over food or water—at least not right away. They will have homes with cool air during heat waves and be able to easily evacuate when a hurricane is headed their way. They will be able to buy increasingly expensive food and access treatment for respiratory illness caused by wildfire smoke. Billions of others can’t—and are paying the highest price for climate pollution they did not produce.

Hurricane Katrina, for example, displaced more than one million people around the Gulf Coast. But in New Orleans , where redlining practices promoted racial and economic segregation, the city’s more affluent areas tended to be located on higher ground—and those residents were able to return and rebuild much faster than others.

Displacement

Climate change will drive displacement due to impacts like food and water scarcities, sea level rise, and economic instability. It’s already happening. The United Nations Global Compact on Refugees recognizes that “climate, environmental degradation and disasters increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements.” Again, communities with the fewest resources—including those facing political instability and poverty—will feel the effects first and most devastatingly.

A flood-damaged home in Queens, New York, December 1, 2021

K.C. Wilsey/FEMA

Economic impacts

According to the 2018 National Climate Assessment, unless action is taken, climate change will cost the U.S. economy as much as $500 billion per year by the end of the century. And that doesn’t even include its enormous impacts on human health . Entire local industries—from commercial fishing to tourism to husbandry—are at risk of collapsing, along with the economic support they provide.

Recovering from the destruction wrought by extreme weather like hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfires is also getting more expensive every year. In 2021, the price tag of weather disasters in the United States totaled $145 billion —the third-costliest year on record, including a number of billion-dollar weather events.

The first wave of impacts can already be felt in our communities and seen on the nightly news. The World Health Organization says that in the near future, between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year from things like malnutrition, insect-borne diseases, and heat stress. And the World Bank estimates that climate change could displace more than 140 million people within their home countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America by 2050.

But the degree to which the climate crisis upends our lives depends on whether global leaders decide to chart a different course. If we fail to curb greenhouse gas emissions, scientists predict a catastrophic 4.3 degrees Celsius , (or around 8 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming by the end of the century. What would a world that warm look like? Wars over water. Crowded hospitals to contend with spreading disease. Collapsed fisheries. Dead coral reefs. Even more lethal heat waves. These are just some of the impacts predicted by climate scientists .

Solar panel installation at a floating photovoltaic plant on a lake in Haltern am See, Germany, April 2022

Martin Meissner/AP Photo

Climate mitigation, or our ability to reverse climate change and undo its widespread effects, hinges on the successful enactment of policies that yield deep cuts to carbon pollution, end our dependence on dangerous fossil fuels and the deadly air pollution they generate, and prioritize the people and ecosystems on the frontlines. And these actions must be taken quickly in order to ensure a healthier present day and future. In one of its latest reports, the IPCC presented its most optimistic emissions scenario, in which the world only briefly surpasses 1.5 degrees of warming but sequestration measures cause it to dip back below by 2100. Climate adaptation , a term that refers to coping with climate impacts, is no longer optional ; it’s necessary, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

By following the urgent warnings of the IPCC and limiting warming, we may be able to avoid passing some of the critical thresholds that, once crossed, can lead to potentially irreversible, catastrophic impacts for the planet, including more warming. These thresholds are known as climate tipping points and refer to when a natural system "tips" into an entirely different state. One example would be Arctic permafrost, which stores carbon like a freezer: As the permafrost melts from warming temperatures, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Importantly, climate action is not a binary pass-fail test. Every fraction of a degree of warming that we prevent will reduce human suffering and death, and keep more of the planet’s natural systems intact. The good news is that a wide range of solutions exist to sharply reduce emissions, slow the pace of warming, and protect communities on the frontlines of climate impacts. Climate leaders the world over—those on major political stages as well as grassroots community activists—are offering up alternative models to systems that prioritize polluters over people. Many of these solutions are rooted in ancestral and Indigenous understandings of the natural world and have existed for millennia. Some solutions require major investments into clean, renewable energy and sustainable technologies. To be successful, climate solutions must also address intersecting crises—like poverty, racism, and gender inequality —that compound and drive the causes and impacts of the climate crisis. A combination of human ingenuity and immense political will can help us get there.

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Human activity affects global surface temperatures by changing Earth ’s radiative balance—the “give and take” between what comes in during the day and what Earth emits at night. Increases in greenhouse gases —i.e., trace gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that absorb heat energy emitted from Earth’s surface and reradiate it back—generated by industry and transportation cause the atmosphere to retain more heat, which increases temperatures and alters precipitation patterns.

Global warming, the phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near Earth’s surface over the past one to two centuries, happens mostly in the troposphere , the lowest level of the atmosphere, which extends from Earth’s surface up to a height of 6–11 miles. This layer contains most of Earth’s clouds and is where living things and their habitats and weather primarily occur.

Continued global warming is expected to impact everything from energy use to water availability to crop productivity throughout the world. Poor countries and communities with limited abilities to adapt to these changes are expected to suffer disproportionately. Global warming is already being associated with increases in the incidence of severe and extreme weather, heavy flooding , and wildfires —phenomena that threaten homes, dams, transportation networks, and other facets of human infrastructure. Learn more about how the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, released in 2021, describes the social impacts of global warming.

Polar bears live in the Arctic , where they use the region’s ice floes as they hunt seals and other marine mammals . Temperature increases related to global warming have been the most pronounced at the poles, where they often make the difference between frozen and melted ice. Polar bears rely on small gaps in the ice to hunt their prey. As these gaps widen because of continued melting, prey capture has become more challenging for these animals.

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global warming , the phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near the surface of Earth over the past one to two centuries. Climate scientists have since the mid-20th century gathered detailed observations of various weather phenomena (such as temperatures, precipitation , and storms) and of related influences on climate (such as ocean currents and the atmosphere’s chemical composition). These data indicate that Earth’s climate has changed over almost every conceivable timescale since the beginning of geologic time and that human activities since at least the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have a growing influence over the pace and extent of present-day climate change .

Giving voice to a growing conviction of most of the scientific community , the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was formed in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), published in 2021, noted that the best estimate of the increase in global average surface temperature between 1850 and 2019 was 1.07 °C (1.9 °F). An IPCC special report produced in 2018 noted that human beings and their activities have been responsible for a worldwide average temperature increase between 0.8 and 1.2 °C (1.4 and 2.2 °F) since preindustrial times, and most of the warming over the second half of the 20th century could be attributed to human activities.

AR6 produced a series of global climate predictions based on modeling five greenhouse gas emission scenarios that accounted for future emissions, mitigation (severity reduction) measures, and uncertainties in the model projections. Some of the main uncertainties include the precise role of feedback processes and the impacts of industrial pollutants known as aerosols , which may offset some warming. The lowest-emissions scenario, which assumed steep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2015, predicted that the global mean surface temperature would increase between 1.0 and 1.8 °C (1.8 and 3.2 °F) by 2100 relative to the 1850–1900 average. This range stood in stark contrast to the highest-emissions scenario, which predicted that the mean surface temperature would rise between 3.3 and 5.7 °C (5.9 and 10.2 °F) by 2100 based on the assumption that greenhouse gas emissions would continue to increase throughout the 21st century. The intermediate-emissions scenario, which assumed that emissions would stabilize by 2050 before declining gradually, projected an increase of between 2.1 and 3.5 °C (3.8 and 6.3 °F) by 2100.

Many climate scientists agree that significant societal, economic, and ecological damage would result if the global average temperature rose by more than 2 °C (3.6 °F) in such a short time. Such damage would include increased extinction of many plant and animal species, shifts in patterns of agriculture , and rising sea levels. By 2015 all but a few national governments had begun the process of instituting carbon reduction plans as part of the Paris Agreement , a treaty designed to help countries keep global warming to 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) above preindustrial levels in order to avoid the worst of the predicted effects. Whereas authors of the 2018 special report noted that should carbon emissions continue at their present rate, the increase in average near-surface air temperature would reach 1.5 °C sometime between 2030 and 2052, authors of the AR6 report suggested that this threshold would be reached by 2041 at the latest.

The AR6 report also noted that the global average sea level had risen by some 20 cm (7.9 inches) between 1901 and 2018 and that sea level rose faster in the second half of the 20th century than in the first half. It also predicted, again depending on a wide range of scenarios, that the global average sea level would rise by different amounts by 2100 relative to the 1995–2014 average. Under the report’s lowest-emission scenario, sea level would rise by 28–55 cm (11–21.7 inches), whereas, under the intermediate emissions scenario, sea level would rise by 44–76 cm (17.3–29.9 inches). The highest-emissions scenario suggested that sea level would rise by 63–101 cm (24.8–39.8 inches) by 2100.

The scenarios referred to above depend mainly on future concentrations of certain trace gases, called greenhouse gases , that have been injected into the lower atmosphere in increasing amounts through the burning of fossil fuels for industry, transportation , and residential uses. Modern global warming is the result of an increase in magnitude of the so-called greenhouse effect , a warming of Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere caused by the presence of water vapour , carbon dioxide , methane , nitrous oxides , and other greenhouse gases. In 2014 the IPCC first reported that concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides in the atmosphere surpassed those found in ice cores dating back 800,000 years.

Of all these gases, carbon dioxide is the most important, both for its role in the greenhouse effect and for its role in the human economy. It has been estimated that, at the beginning of the industrial age in the mid-18th century, carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere were roughly 280 parts per million (ppm). By the end of 2022 they had risen to 419 ppm, and, if fossil fuels continue to be burned at current rates, they are projected to reach 550 ppm by the mid-21st century—essentially, a doubling of carbon dioxide concentrations in 300 years.

A vigorous debate is in progress over the extent and seriousness of rising surface temperatures, the effects of past and future warming on human life, and the need for action to reduce future warming and deal with its consequences. This article provides an overview of the scientific background related to the subject of global warming. It considers the causes of rising near-surface air temperatures, the influencing factors, the process of climate research and forecasting, and the possible ecological and social impacts of rising temperatures. For an overview of the public policy developments related to global warming occurring since the mid-20th century, see global warming policy . For a detailed description of Earth’s climate, its processes, and the responses of living things to its changing nature, see climate . For additional background on how Earth’s climate has changed throughout geologic time , see climatic variation and change . For a full description of Earth’s gaseous envelope, within which climate change and global warming occur, see atmosphere .

What do global climate change and global warming look like? Surface temperature statistics paint a compelling picture of the changing climate: 2023, according to the European Union (link resides outside of ibm.com) climate monitor Copernicus, was the warmest year on record—nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels.

To gain a holistic understanding of the current climate crisis and future climate implications, however, it’s important to look beyond global average temperature records. The impacts of climate change may be organized into three categories:

• Intensifying extreme weather events
• Changes to natural ecosystems
• Harm to human health and well-being

While climate change is defined as a shift in long-term weather patterns, its impacts include an increase in the severity of short-term weather events.

• Heat waves: Dangerous heat waves are becoming more common and are one of the most obvious effects of climate change as the Earth’s temperature continues to rise.
• Droughts: Higher temperatures can cause faster water evaporation, making arid regions even more dry. Climate change-linked shifts in atmospheric circulation can further exacerbate drought conditions as rain bypasses dry regions.
• Wildfires: Droughts and faster water evaporation can lead to drier vegetation, fueling larger and more frequent wildfires. According to NASA (link resides outside of ibm.com), even typically rainy regions will be more vulnerable to wildfires and wildfire seasons are extending around the globe.
• Heavy rain and tropical storms: Climate change alters precipitation patterns, with NASA reporting more frequent periods of excess precipitation. Scientists project further increases (link resides outside of ibm.com) in tropical cyclone rainfall in particular, due to greater atmospheric moisture content.
• Increased coastal flooding: Sea level rises associated with global warming are leaving low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to greater flooding, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, link resides outside of ibm.com).

Due to climate change, natural ecosystems are undergoing long-term changes and declines in biodiversity. Here are a few examples:

• Sea ice loss and melting ice sheets: Declining levels of Arctic sea ice threaten the habitats of species such as polar bears and walruses. Polar bears hunt seals in the Arctic sea ice habitat while walruses rely on the ice as a place to rest when they’re not diving for food. In Greenland and Antarctica, melting ice sheets are contributing to rising sea levels, endangering coastal ecosystems around the world.
• Damage to coral reefs: Ocean temperature increases in warmer climates from Australia to Florida are causing coral reefs to lose colorful algae, leading to what’s known as “coral bleaching.”
• Ocean acidification: Marine life is also at risk from ocean acidification, stemming from greenhouse gas emissions and the greater concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, leading to chemical reactions that make oceans more acidic. Shellfish are especially vulnerable to ocean acidification, which NOAA describes as having “osteoporosis-like effects” on oysters and clams.
• Invasive species proliferation: Warmer temperatures allow invasive species to move to new areas, often to the detriment of native wildlife. The spread of the purple loosestrife plant in North America, for instance, has reduced nesting sites and resulted in the decline of some bird populations.
• Harm to estuarine ecosystems: Droughts reduce freshwater flows and increase salinity in estuaries, while greater precipitation increases stormwater runoff, introducing more sediment and pollution. These changes threaten the wildlife that rely on specific estuarine conditions to thrive.

Climate change is increasingly impacting the quality of life on Earth, affecting people’s health and economic well-being.

• Illnesses and fatalities: Rising global temperatures foster conditions for infectious diseases to spread, and extreme weather events cause tragic loss of life as well as illnesses. Poor air quality from wildfire smoke can exacerbate asthma and heart disease, for example, while heat waves can cause heat exhaustion. More than 60,000 people (link resides outside of ibm.com) died in European heat waves in 2022.
• Food insecurity: Droughts and scarcity of water supplies, severe storms, extreme heat and invasive species can cause crop failures and food insecurity. Most of those at risk of climate change-linked hunger are in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, according to the World Bank (link resides outside of ibm.com).
• Financial consequences: Climate change can hurt businesses and individuals’ financial well-being. For example, changing weather patterns have imperiled wine production in California, while rising sea levels threaten the future of Caribbean coastal resorts. Meanwhile, insurance companies are increasingly declining to provide property insurance in areas vulnerable to extreme weather, leaving homeowners there at greater financial risk.
• Damage to infrastructure: Wildfires, powerful storms and flooding can damage energy grids , leading to power outages, as well as transportation networks, hindering people’s ability to access services and goods to meet their daily needs. Damage to one type of infrastructure can lead to consequences for another: As noted by the U.S. government’s National Climate Assessment  (link resides outside of ibm.com), “failure of the electrical grid can affect everything from water treatment to public health.”

Though some of the impacts on Earth’s climate are irreversible, a wide range of organizations from the public and private sector are working on climate actions that address the causes of climate change. These include ongoing mitigation strategies and targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as emissions of carbon dioxide and methane.

Meeting these targets relies in part on the growth of clean, renewable energy production that reduces the world’s reliance on energy derived from the burning of fossil fuels. Other climate science innovation could also contribute to climate change mitigation measures, ranging from carbon capture technology to methods of neutralizing ocean acidity (link resides outside of ibm.com).

Existing sustainable technologies can also help companies lower their carbon footprint. Artificial intelligence-powered analysis, for example, can help companies identify what parts of their operations produce the most greenhouse gas emissions; carbon accounting can inform their strategies on reducing those emissions.

Of utmost importance, scientists say, is acting quickly.

“If we act now,” IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee said in a 2023 statement (link resides outside of ibm.com), “we can still secure a livable sustainable future for all.”

Put your sustainability initiatives into action by managing the economic impact of severe weather and climate change on your business practices through the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite .

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How ‘climate mainstreaming’ can address climate change and further development goals

Visiting researcher, Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph

LSE Fellow, Department of Gender Studies, University of Guelph

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Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy urges Canadians to consider climate change impacts in their everyday decisions.

The strategy calls such an approach “climate mainstreaming.” The approach states that:

“as climate impacts become more severe and frequent, and the costs mount, incorporating adaptation considerations in health, social, environmental, infrastructure and economic decisions-making is critical to ensure that our collective efforts keep pace.”

Similar statements are outlined in the 2023 press release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee stated, “mainstreaming effective and equitable climate action will not only reduce losses and damages for nature and people, it will also provide wider benefits.”

Global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43 per cent from 2019 to 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 C. At the 2023 United Nations climate conference (COP28) in Dubai, parties were deemed off track in meeting their Paris Agreement goals.

A rapid and meaningful expansion of climate mainstreaming — the integration of climate considerations into all development programs and policies — is vital for addressing the urgent global climate crisis.

Read more: Climate justice is a critical issue for the tourism industry

Why mainstream climate change?

Mainstreaming climate considerations ensures that responses to climate change are systemically embedded in all policies and actions, rather than treated as a separate issue. This integration allows for more comprehensive and cost-effective interventions by addressing multiple issues at once.

For instance, within an ongoing program focused on improving food safety in informal, outdoor markets through enhanced hygienic practices, mainstreaming might entail additional activities related to climate adaptation such as raising awareness among food vendors about the importance of refrigeration during heatwaves to prevent bacterial growth .

Failing to mainstream climate considerations can hinder climate action as well as result in maladaptation, which occurs when well-intentioned development actions inadvertently increase climate impacts. For example, seawalls can protect people and property from damage in the short term. However, if they are not part of a long-term plan that can adapt to changing conditions, they can trap communities in risky situations and increase their exposure to climate risks over time .

While attention to climate mainstreaming calls for the prioritization of climate considerations across all policy arenas, progress remains slow and uneven due primarily to an institutional resistance to change. Climate action is often seen as the responsibility of a single sector rather than the collective, and incremental changes are inferior to transformative ones.

Furthermore, climate mainstreaming is often narrowly interpreted as simply the addition of climate to existing structures and initiatives. Often derisively dubbed a “just add climate and stir” approach.

To help address these preconceptions, our research has explored how climate mainstreaming challenges resemble similar decades-long struggles to mainstream gender equality across international and national public policy agendas. The question we have asked is: what can climate mainstreaming learn from gender mainstreaming?

Insights from gender mainstreaming

The longer history of gender mainstreaming, including institutional investments dating back to 1990s, offers lessons about policy and institutional bottlenecks of mainstreaming. These lessons can help tackle political and institutional challenges of climate mainstreaming. The UN system, with clear gender and climate mainstreaming targets, offers a suitable arena for analysis.

In a new study published in 2024 , we reviewed documents of United Nations agencies working in the food and agriculture sector, which is strongly impacted by climate change. We found varying degrees of gender and climate mainstreaming across selected UN agencies.

Key areas where climate mainstreaming fell short compared to gender mainstreaming included: strategic planning, leadership, organizational culture and accountability.

Our review showed ways to improve climate mainstreaming. Here are three actions governments, development partners and industries can take now:

Use multiple strategies: draw upon gender mainstreaming good practices to adopt both broad climate initiatives and specific interventions.

Build institutional accountability: establish strong mechanisms to track progress in climate mainstreaming. The UN’s framework for gender mainstreaming can act as a useful model. This would help ensure transparency, monitoring and a stronger commitment to climate action.

Adopt a climate justice perspective: uphold the needs of climate change-vulnerable populations and prioritize collective human and environmental rights over economic growth. Ensure diverse stakeholders participate across all levels of decision-making.

Accountable and integrated climate justice interventions are prerequisites for a more sustainable and resilient future. Financing is another.

Financing is key

While mainstreaming is important, it is nothing without adequate financing. The 2015 Paris Agreement requires high-income countries to contribute $100 billion annually . However, this goal has not been met , and the existing funds are unevenly distributed.

Read more: A window of opportunity for climate and biodiversity

Historically disadvantaged countries are the least responsible for yet the most impacted by climate crisis . These countries are largely left to balance development and climate action investments in a generally unjust international financial system.

In 2022, official development assistance reached US$204 billion , but this still left nearly half of the humanitarian requirements unmet. Rich countries spent only 0.36 per cent of their total income on aid — slightly up from 0.33 per cent in 2021, but still much lower than the 0.7 per cent promised back in 1970.

With the financing to back it up, a climate mainstreaming perspective may just be the solution to addressing both global development and climate goals.

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Climate change.

Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Often climate change refers specifically to the rise in global temperatures from the mid-20th century to present.

Earth Science, Climatology

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Fracking is a controversial form of drilling that uses high-pressure liquid to create cracks in underground shale to extract natural gas and petroleum. Carbon emissions from fossils fuels like these have been linked to global warming and climate change.

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Climate is sometimes mistaken for weather. But climate is different from weather because it is measured over a long period of time, whereas weather can change from day to day, or from year to year. The climate of an area includes seasonal temperature and rainfall averages, and wind patterns. Different places have different climates. A desert, for example, is referred to as an arid climate because little water falls, as rain or snow, during the year. Other types of climate include tropical climates, which are hot and humid , and temperate climates, which have warm summers and cooler winters.

Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. These unexpected weather patterns can make it difficult to maintain and grow crops in regions that rely on farming because expected temperature and rainfall levels can no longer be relied on. Climate change has also been connected with other damaging weather events such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, floods, downpours, and winter storms.

In polar regions, the warming global temperatures associated with climate change have meant ice sheets and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate from season to season. This contributes to sea levels rising in different regions of the planet. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising temperatures, the resulting rise in sea level has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased flooding and erosion.

The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, like burning fossil fuels , like natural gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases what are called greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere . There, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise. This rise in the planet's temperature is called global warming. The warming of the planet impacts local and regional climates. Throughout Earth's history, climate has continually changed. When occuring naturally, this is a slow process that has taken place over hundreds and thousands of years. The human influenced climate change that is happening now is occuring at a much faster rate.

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The Science of Climate Change Explained: Facts, Evidence and Proof

Definitive answers to the big questions.

Credit... Photo Illustration by Andrea D'Aquino

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By Julia Rosen

Ms. Rosen is a journalist with a Ph.D. in geology. Her research involved studying ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica to understand past climate changes.

• Published April 19, 2021 Updated Nov. 6, 2021

The science of climate change is more solid and widely agreed upon than you might think. But the scope of the topic, as well as rampant disinformation, can make it hard to separate fact from fiction. Here, we’ve done our best to present you with not only the most accurate scientific information, but also an explanation of how we know it.

How do we know climate change is really happening?

• How much agreement is there among scientists about climate change?
• Do we really only have 150 years of climate data? How is that enough to tell us about centuries of change?
• How do we know climate change is caused by humans?
• Since greenhouse gases occur naturally, how do we know they’re causing Earth’s temperature to rise?
• Why should we be worried that the planet has warmed 2°F since the 1800s?
• Is climate change a part of the planet’s natural warming and cooling cycles?
• How do we know global warming is not because of the sun or volcanoes?
• How can winters and certain places be getting colder if the planet is warming?
• Wildfires and bad weather have always happened. How do we know there’s a connection to climate change?
• How bad are the effects of climate change going to be?
• What will it cost to do something about climate change, versus doing nothing?

Climate change is often cast as a prediction made by complicated computer models. But the scientific basis for climate change is much broader, and models are actually only one part of it (and, for what it’s worth, they’re surprisingly accurate ).

For more than a century , scientists have understood the basic physics behind why greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide cause warming. These gases make up just a small fraction of the atmosphere but exert outsized control on Earth’s climate by trapping some of the planet’s heat before it escapes into space. This greenhouse effect is important: It’s why a planet so far from the sun has liquid water and life!

However, during the Industrial Revolution, people started burning coal and other fossil fuels to power factories, smelters and steam engines, which added more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Ever since, human activities have been heating the planet.

Where it was cooler or warmer in 2020 compared with the middle of the 20th century

Global average temperature compared with the middle of the 20th century

+0.75°C

–0.25°

30 billion metric tons

Carbon dioxide emitted worldwide 1850-2017

Rest of world

Other developed

European Union

Developed economies

Other countries

United States

E.U. and U.K.

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What Is Climate Change?

Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates. These changes have a broad range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term.

Changes observed in Earth’s climate since the mid-20th century are driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere, raising Earth’s average surface temperature. Natural processes, which have been overwhelmed by human activities, can also contribute to climate change, including internal variability (e.g., cyclical ocean patterns like El Niño, La Niña and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation) and external forcings (e.g., volcanic activity, changes in the Sun’s energy output , variations in Earth’s orbit ).

Scientists use observations from the ground, air, and space, along with computer models , to monitor and study past, present, and future climate change. Climate data records provide evidence of climate change key indicators, such as global land and ocean temperature increases; rising sea levels; ice loss at Earth’s poles and in mountain glaciers; frequency and severity changes in extreme weather such as hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, floods, and precipitation; and cloud and vegetation cover changes.

“Climate change” and “global warming” are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Similarly, the terms "weather" and "climate" are sometimes confused, though they refer to events with broadly different spatial- and timescales.

What Is Global Warming?

Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s surface observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere. This term is not interchangeable with the term "climate change."

Since the pre-industrial period, human activities are estimated to have increased Earth’s global average temperature by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit), a number that is currently increasing by more than 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.36 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade. The current warming trend is unequivocally the result of human activity since the 1950s and is proceeding at an unprecedented rate over millennia.

Weather vs. Climate

“if you don’t like the weather in new england, just wait a few minutes.” - mark twain.

Weather refers to atmospheric conditions that occur locally over short periods of time—from minutes to hours or days. Familiar examples include rain, snow, clouds, winds, floods, or thunderstorms.

Climate, on the other hand, refers to the long-term (usually at least 30 years) regional or even global average of temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns over seasons, years, or decades.

Find Out More: A Guide to NASA’s Global Climate Change Website

This website provides a high-level overview of some of the known causes, effects and indications of global climate change:

Evidence. Brief descriptions of some of the key scientific observations that our planet is undergoing abrupt climate change.

Causes. A concise discussion of the primary climate change causes on our planet.

Effects. A look at some of the likely future effects of climate change, including U.S. regional effects.

Vital Signs. Graphs and animated time series showing real-time climate change data, including atmospheric carbon dioxide, global temperature, sea ice extent, and ice sheet volume.

Earth Minute. This fun video series explains various Earth science topics, including some climate change topics.

Other NASA Resources

Goddard Scientific Visualization Studio. An extensive collection of animated climate change and Earth science visualizations.

Sea Level Change Portal. NASA's portal for an in-depth look at the science behind sea level change.

NASA’s Earth Observatory. Satellite imagery, feature articles and scientific information about our home planet, with a focus on Earth’s climate and environmental change.

Header image is of Apusiaajik Glacier, and was taken near Kulusuk, Greenland, on Aug. 26, 2018, during NASA's Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) field operations. Learn more here . Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

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The visual communication of climate change by social movements has become an emerging subject of research in recent years. Much of the existing literature on visual climate change communication focuses on how environmental movements and protests are depicted by mainstream media outlets. This exploratory study examines the visual climate change communication by social movements themselves. Its focus is on one ‘new narrator’ in the mediated politics of climate change: Fridays for Future (FFF), arguably one of the most significant communicators of climate change. The research question seeks to understand how FFF activists narrate climate action through images posted on Instagram. I discuss examples from major branches of FFF and contribute to existing research by emphasising personalisation as a powerful tool in climate storytelling. The paper’s visual thematic analysis presents three themes that illustrate the personalisation of climate storytelling by FFF activists: localising the effects of global climate change, using performances to convey climate messages, and visualising contentious politics. The implications of this research further underpin the need to recognise climate activists as important actors in the visual communication of climate change.

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Introduction.

Fridays for Future (FFF) has become an authoritative voice in public climate change communication and mobilisation (Berker and Pollex, 2022 ). Starting with a teenager, Greta Thunberg, who began demonstrating in August 2018 outside the Swedish parliament to demand greater action on climate change, FFF had mobilised millions around the world by a year later (Taylor et al. 2019 ). This exploratory study presents research from a one-year project (2021–2022) on social movements’ climate change communication, something which has become an emerging subject of study in recent years (see also Belotti et al., 2022 ; Stammen and Meissner, 2022 ; Wahlström et al., 2019 ; Zamponi et al., 2022 ). It examines how FFF activists visually narrate climate action on Instagram to wider audiences. Claiming that the visual dimension is the most crucial in the movement’s climate activism (see also Casas and Williams, 2019 ; Doerr, 2017 ; Doerr et al., 2013 ; Mattoni and Teune, 2014 ; Uldam and Askanius, 2013 ), I focus on Instagram—a visual medium par excellence (Leaver et al., 2020 ). I explore in more detail one particular strategy of FFF’s visual climate storytelling: personalising climate change.

The focus on personalisation is my contribution to a rich literature on the visual communication of climate change (Anderson, 2009 ; Born, 2019 ; Culloty et al., 2019 ; DiFrancesco and Young, 2011 ; O’Neill and Smith, 2014 ; Painter et al., 2018 ; Schneider and Nocke, 2014 ). I draw on scholarship which has explored the role of personalisation in social media and its impact on social movements (Bennett and Segerberg, 2012 ; Gerbaudo, 2012 ; Milan, 2015 ). For instance, Bennett and Segerberg ( 2012 ) have shown that personalisation in social media can lead to more adaptable forms of activism, where collective identity is built through shared personal expressions. Gerbaudo ( 2012 ) points to the critical role of social media in providing a space for the personal narratives of activists which help create a sense of collective identities and actions. Milan ( 2015 : p. 894) argues that social media enables “personalised yet universal narratives,” allowing individual stories and experiences to resonate with broader social and political themes. This would reflect a shift in how social movements construct their identities and mobilise supporters, emphasising the centrality of personalisation in contemporary activism. Others contend that the use of personalised visual strategies can help to make messages more credible and relatable to younger audiences (Couldry and Hepp, 2017 ; Parmelee et al., 2022 ).

I refer to personalisation as the strategy by which individual FFF activists leverage their unique perspectives, stories and experiences to craft a personalised narrative of climate change and activism (see also San Cornelio et al., 2024 ). I thus understand personalised communication in terms of the individual rather than necessarily as part of a coherent organisation or coalition, which centrally customises the personalisation of political action (see for instance Bennett and Segerberg, 2011 ). Personalising climate change may take the form of self-made imagery, videos or stories that reflect the activists’ individual engagement with climate action. While current scholarship has made important contributions to our improved understanding of how climate protests are visualised by media outlets (e.g. Hayes and O’Neill, 2021 ; Painter et al., 2018 ; Schäfer and Schlichting, 2014 ), I seek to emphasise that climate activists and movements themselves are important actors in the visual communication of climate change (see also Doerr et al., 2015 ; Hopke and Hestres, 2018 ).

The next section situates the piece in the wider debate of visual climate change communication. I then outline the paper’s research design. The empirical section discusses personalised storytelling as a powerful tool for climate narratives. I present three themes which illustrate the personalisation of climate storytelling by FFF activists: localising the effects of global climate change, using performances to convey climate messages and visualising contentious politics. The concluding section addresses the implications of this study and points to further avenues of research.

On protest paradigms and personalisation in (social) media narratives about climate change

Communicating global climate change to public audiences has been an ongoing subject of study for many scholars in recent years. Much of the existing literature on visual climate change communication focuses on how environmental movements and protests are visually depicted by mainstream media outlets (Bergmann and Ossewaarde, 2020 ; Born, 2019 ; DiFrancesco and Young, 2011 ; Hayes and O’Neill, 2021 ; O’Neill, 2013 ; Painter et al., 2018 ). Scholars in communication research have introduced the term “protest paradigm” to describe the tendency of news media to (visually) portray social protests as deviant, disruptive or violent, even when they are predominantly peaceful (Boyle et al., 2012 ; Di Cicco, 2010 ; Kilgo and Harlow, 2019 ; Lee, 2014 ). The mainstream media’s dependence on official sources and framing of protests as disruptions would often marginalise activists and their causes (Corrigall-Brown and Wilkes, 2012 ). Consequently, the dominance of official narratives can silence perspectives that challenge existing power structures and hierarchies, resulting in their downplay or even disparagement (von Zabern and Tulloch, 2021 ).

As a result, climate protests have frequently fallen into the protest paradigm as traditional media organisations, with their extensive audiences and budgets, have wielded significant influence over news content (Hayes and O’Neill, 2021 ). With the rise of social media, however, these conditions have changed radically. Now climate movements and other social groups have the opportunity to tell their own stories and directly communicate to and with a wider public; including voices, which, for instance, are sceptical of or deny climate change (Chen et al., 2022 ; Kidd and McIntosh, 2016 ). One way to gain attention on social media is to generate emotionally appealing content in the form of memes, collages or performances which provoke responses and attract followers. This has led some observers to refer to FFF as ‘new narrators’ in the mediated politics of climate change (Bevan et al., 2020 : p. 1). Recent climate protests have thus been framed less by traditional media or elite stakeholders and increasingly by direct engagement with the online sphere.

For instance, Chen et al. ( 2022 ) found a significant divergence between the framing of the climate movement by mainstream media and by movement actors themselves on Twitter. Mainstream media primarily focused on global politicians’ (in)action toward climate policy, the consequences of climate change and the industry’s response to the climate crisis. Conversely, climate movement actors on Twitter emphasised advocating for political actions, policy changes as well as addressing social justice issues related to climate change (see also Raftopoulos and Specht, 2022 ). These findings highlight the transformative power of social media platforms in shaping discourses around political issues and collective action. They also illustrate the potential for these platforms to subvert the traditional protest paradigm found in mainstream media. Beyond this more asymmetrical relationship between climate movements and traditional media (see McCurdy, 2012 ), which suggests that traditional media often have more influence and control over the narrative surrounding climate-related issues compared to climate groups, social media allows climate activists (as well as deniers) to spread their narratives to global audiences on their own terms. It is within this context that this study aims to examine how Instagram, another popular social media platform, is used for climate activism by FFF.

At the same time, there is a growing body of work, which examines FFF, arguably one of the most successful climate movements in recent years, from various academic disciplines. These include communication and media studies (e.g. Haßler et al., 2021 ; von Zabern and Tulloch, 2021 ), environmental psychology (e.g. Sisco et al., 2021 ; Wallis and Loy, 2021 ) as well as social movement studies (e.g. Hunger and Hutter, 2021 ; Svensson and Wahlström, 2021 ). While this scholarship examines FFF with a wide range of questions about the attitudes, behaviours and motivations of FFF activists using a diverse set of methodological tools including computational social science and qualitative methods, a common thread among them is their analytical focus on materials and sources primarily based on language and text.

In contrast, this paper explores how FFF visually mediates climate action on social media. I build on work that has provided valuable insights into the use of visuals by social movements (e.g. Doerr et al., 2013 ; Doerr et al., 2015 ; McGarry et al., 2019 ; Neumayer and Rossi, 2018 ) and add my discussion of FFF activists’ personalised climate storytelling. I acknowledge FFF as a significant visual communicator of climate change, rather than merely a subject reported on by others such as mainstream media (see e.g. Hayes and O’Neill, 2021 ).

For examining FFF’s visual climate storytelling is still an under-addressed subject so far. An exception is Molder et al.’s ( 2022 ) analysis of Greta Thunberg’s Instagram account and San Cornelio et al.’s ( 2024 ) study of environmental influencers’ use of visual narratives on Instagram. Molder et al. ( 2022 ) utilise visual and textual components to scrutinise how Thunberg portrays the battle against climate change as a moral and ethical imperative. Their findings illustrate Thunberg’s strategic use of emotional appeals, particularly those of hope, to inspire collective action. Climate storytelling in Thunberg’s case is, hence, characterised by motivational language and visuals of her personal experience as a global celebrity. San Cornelio et al.’s ( 2024 ) examination of environmental influencers, who challenge traditional media narratives with their alternative visual stories, is insightful and, ultimately, corresponds to the paper’s findings. Concluding that eco-influencers steer away from fear-based content, alternative visual narratives would often feature positive imagery, personal achievements in sustainability and elements of popular culture like memes and humour aimed at mainstreaming environmental concerns.

While acknowledging this research, this paper, however, intends to show that the personalisation of climate storytelling goes beyond celebrity or influencer status since it is not difficult to imagine that, for instance, the personal experience of a global icon like Thunberg starkly differs from, say, “ordinary” FFF activists in terms of attention, impact, resources and public perception. In other words, I illustrate how personalisation is practised on a more grassroots level by showing that “ordinary” FFF activists, the paper’s subjects of study, leverage their perspectives, stories and experiences to build a personalised narrative of climate change. This personalised narrative, as I show in more detail in the empirical section, takes the form of localising the impacts of global climate change, performing climate messages and representing contentious politics visually. In this way, I add to the study of visual climate change communication, by expanding existing research on how environmental engagement, that is through the fostering of a personal connection with the climate crisis, can be mobilised and understood.

I conceptualise climate narration as the embedding of climate action into a story that better corresponds with the personal experiences of individuals. This can range from narratives about the impacts of climate change to stories of climate action. Personalisation is hence part of climate change narratives. So while personalisation speaks to the ‘who’ of these narratives, emphasising the individual perspectives and experiences, climate narration pertains to the ‘what’ and ‘how’, outlining the content and structure of these stories. It is the interplay between personalisation and climate narration that I argue shapes the relatable and engaging narratives of climate activism disseminated by FFF activists.

I draw here on scholarship that has contended that climate storytelling facilitates a sense of agency in the fight against climate change (Bloomfield and Manktelow, 2021 ;De Meyer et al., 2020 ; Harcourt et al., 2021 ; Lütkes et al., 2023 ). De Meyer et al., for example, propose adding to climate communication ‘agency as a story structure’ (2021: p. 6). By highlighting agency within a story plot, examples of action are shown to individuals or groups which help to enhance their sense of efficacy in addressing climate change issues. Scientific knowledge about climate change, usually heavily imbued with jargon, would be easier to understand and process and could initiate a deeper commitment on the part of the individual in addressing climate change (Harcourt et al., 2021 ). Lütkes et al. ( 2023 ) show the importance of storytelling in climate communication to showcase potential solutions and persuade individuals to actively participate in social and political transformation initiatives. I show that FFF activists seek to increase feelings of self-efficacy by personalising climate protests on social media rather than depicting them as an anonymous mass.

Research design

I discuss personalisation through a variety of content types shared on Instagram by FFF activists. These include collages, memes, videos and other performances that are grounded in the activists’ personal experiences and interpretations of climate change and activism. I adopted an inductive approach to data analysis using grounded theory techniques (Charmaz, 2014 ). This includes approaching the empirical material—about 400 posts in total covering the time span between 2019 and 2022 when the project ended (see below)—in an open manner, that is without preconceived categorisations in order to answer the research question of how FFF activists visually narrate climate action on Instagram. The open coding as well as the data-driven and iterative process is crucial for the research as it allows unexpected patterns or themes to emerge directly from the visual content. This ensures that the analysis remains grounded in the actual data rather than being constrained by the researcher’s initial assumptions or theoretical biases. In this way, the research design is flexible and evolves as I engage with the empirical material.

The method chosen draws on scholarship which has used (visual) thematic analysis to identify, analyse and report patterns in (visual) data (e.g. Braun and Clarke, 2006 ; Maguire and Delahunt, 2017 ; Trombeta and Cox, 2022 ). Thematic analysis is a flexible method that can be adapted to a variety of research questions and data types, making it particularly suitable for analysing visual and textual content on social media (Maguire and Delahunt, 2017 ). In selecting the empirical material, I proceeded as follows.

First, I started searching and screening the Instagram presence of selected, national branches of FFF. The images selected related to climate activism, particularly the activities and messages of FFF activists. This ensured that the data was relevant to the research question. Also, the images should showcase various aspects of visual storytelling, including individual and collective actions, protest events and personal narratives related to climate change. I am aware that FFF is not one coherent and unitary social movement. In fact, there are countless national and local chapters that operate under the FFF umbrella—making a study of ‘the’ movement virtually impossible. As a result, I opted for a research practical approach in which I examined the Instagram presence and posts of selected FFF branches only. In particular, I focused on major FFF chapters as measured by followers. Chapters with a higher number of followers can be expected to have greater visibility and influence on the platform. Their content is likely seen and interacted with by a larger audience, making them representatives of the movement’s narratives and methods of communication. Studying these chapters can provide insights into the most impactful strategies used to mobilise and engage supporters. Furthermore, major chapters are reflective of and/or may set trends within the movement’s communication strategies. Researchers can identify those patterns and themes.

Second, to maintain some geographic and cultural diversity, I examined major FFF chapters in so-called “Western”, that is France, Germany and Italy (as of November 2022: FFF France: 29k, FFF Germany: 546k, FFF Italy: 125k) and “non-Western” countries, that is Brazil, India and Mexico (FFF Brazil: 30k, FFF India: 46k, FFF Mexico: 19k) as well as the international edition of the movement (456k). Footnote 1 Such a selection helps to capture a wider range of local contexts and issues as current research on FFF usually focusses on European divisions of the climate initiative. The purpose is to illustrate that the personalisation of climate storytelling by FFF activists is visible across different socio-political contexts, geographical locations and levels of climate change impact and activism. Such a selection can allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how FFF activists adapt their narratives to local contexts while maintaining a coherent global message.

Third, I kept an eye on large-scale events, so-called global climate strikes taking place between 2019 and 2022. This period marks an important phase in the evolution of the global climate movement. FFF saw exponential growth during 2019 mobilising millions of people around the world, while the Covid-19 pandemic beginning in early 2020 posed significant challenges including the imperative of social distancing and the widespread prohibition of gathering in public spaces. By 2022, the end of the research project, vaccinations and the easing of those and other measures allowed a revival of the movement. The global climate strikes highlight moments of peak mobilisation and visibility for the climate movement. They offer insights into the increased and pointed practices of climate storytelling by FFF activists so as to mobilise supporters.

This selection process resulted in a data corpus of about 400 posts in total. Adhering to grounded theory techniques, the visual thematic analysis involved several steps. In the first step, I engaged with the visual data in depth. This included viewing the 400 Instagram posts multiple times to familiarise myself with the content, categorising initial impressions of how climate action is visually represented. The repeated engagement with the empirical material helped with the coding process. In the second step, I categorised the images based on subjects, identifying who or what is featured in the images (e.g. activists, signs, captions); settings, noting the location or environment depicted (e.g., at home, public places); and action, describing the activities or events taking place (e.g. protests, dances). Paying attention to these visual elements (e.g. subjects, settings, actions) allowed me, in a third step, then to identify and interpret the broader visual themes that recur across the dataset and that exemplify the personalisation of climate storytelling by FFF activists.

The decision to focus on Instagram stems from several key reasons. Firstly, Instagram is a prime example of a visual medium. Its core emphasis on visual content—photos and videos—makes it an excellent site of study for this research on visual storytelling and personalisation. The image-centric nature of the platform aligns with the paper’s focus on visual climate communication. Secondly, Instagram’s audience demographics correspond with the youth-centric nature of the FFF movement. The platform has a predominantly young user base, with a significant proportion of users aged between 18 and 34 (Dixon, 2023 ). FFF activists utilise this channel of communication and nurture emotional appeals by engaging audiences through self-made performances incorporating humour or viral Internet trends, memes, statements by individual activists and protest signs. These forms of visual communication are familiar to and resonate with younger audiences, who consider social media as ‘their’ channels (Belotti et al., 2022 ). This aligns with FFF’s target demographic and their strategy of mobilising the youth for climate change activism. Lastly, Instagram’s platform affordances, such as Stories and Reels provide FFF activists with a range of tools to craft and share their climate narratives in innovative ways, enabling them to use both ephemeral and long-lasting content, leverage user interactivity and promote engagement (Leaver et al., 2020 ).

For reasons of transparency I like to note that in the original submission to the journal, I included three self-made collages, which were supposed to illustrate elements of the personalised approach to visual climate storytelling by FFF activists. I selected photographs that do not fully reveal the faces of activists; in some instances, faces were covered by masks, and in cases where faces were visible, I anonymised them. However, as one reviewer rightfully pointed out, uploading images on social media does not render them public meaning that permission is to be obtained, if images will be shown outside of their original context. While I do not wish to engage in a debate over whether these activists have participated in public events and thus could rightfully be shown to an audience, I aim to exercise caution regarding potential harm to youth participants (Tiidenberg, 2018 ). Therefore, I removed the sample collages from the original submission. However, all references related to FFF are hyperlinked in the bibliography.

Personalising visual climate storytelling

It can be noted that personalisation, as it was defined here as a way by which FFF activists present their stories to convey a personal narrative of climate action, is a recurring pattern of the movement’s climate change communication on Instagram. I present three themes that illustrate the personalisation of climate storytelling by FFF activists: localising the effects of global climate change, using performances to convey climate messages and visualising contentious politics.

Localising the effects of global climate change

The use of personalisation here is drawn from an understanding of how individual FFF activists leverage self-made imagery to make their messages personal. This includes collages, memes and videos in which activists tell stories, make statements and articulate their demands of political leaders. Individual narratives are woven together into a collective identity, thereby creating a sense of community among the activists. This sense of community is facilitated by connections across different national FFF chapters. For example, for the global climate strike on 24 September 2021, activists in one location, Mexico, held a video call with fellow protestors in other locations, such as Colombia (FFF International, 2021a ). In these live calls, activists show their surrounding areas, including fellow protesters, their spaces of protest preparation and give an account of their activities. Often they explain the local background of their climate protests and report their experiences of the day (see also FFF International, 2021b , 2021c ). The images and stories shared span a variety of contexts, linking local initiatives to the global campaign thus constructing a unifying narrative of climate action. Videos, for instance, often take place in a domestic setting, at the home of activists, which is a distinct space for personal expression. In addition, short clips take place outside, usually in urban spaces, during climate protests giving a glimpse of the scale of participation.

These stories show how FFF activists not only convey individual experiences but also integrate them into a shared narrative of climate activism (see also Bennett and Segerberg, 2012 ). The linking of personal stories into a form of collective identity personalises the global issue of climate change and can mobilise both local and international communities through nuanced storytelling. In line with the movement’s master narrative of climate justice (see also Kalt, 2021 ), viewers of these videos learn to what extent the consequences of climate change differ according to local conditions. A common metaphor that is often used in regard to this by climate activists is the claim that while people may find themselves in the same storm they are not all sitting in the same boat (COP 26 Coalition 2021 ). Rather than focusing entirely on the global consequences of climate change, activists emphasise local problems that have an impact on the day-to-day lives of their audiences. National FFF branches address domestic audiences by focussing on the local consequences of climate change and relating these to political inaction and apathy by policymakers. The focus on local issues that create problems in the audience’s lives directly paves the way for action-oriented mobilisation (Chen et al., 2022 ).

The attempt to contextualise the global issue of climate change into specific local realities is evident in much of the imagery posted by FFF activists. The approach to highlight local or regional environmental challenges serves in many cases to critique and evaluate the effectiveness and commitment of local and national political responses to environmental crises. For instance, activists of FFF Germany, for example, focus on the European Union’s reliance on fossil fuels and, in light of the war in Ukraine, German energy dependence on Russia to underscore the vulnerabilities and ethical dilemmas of such dependencies (FFF Germany, 2022a ). By organising protests against the German energy company RWE, which negotiated with the government the eradication of the village of Lüzerath, a crucial symbol for German climate activism, to make space for the opencast mining of Garzweiler II, they challenge local energy policies and advocate for a transition to renewable energy sources (FFF Germany, 2022b ). Activists of FFF Brazil, on the other hand, primarily address the necessity to protect rainforests and indigenous communities (FFF Brazil, 2021a , 2021b ). The visuals and narratives used by the activists bring attention to deforestation, biodiversity loss and the infringement of indigenous rights, issues that are both locally significant and globally consequential. This highlights the dual responsibility of protecting local environments and contributing to global climate efforts. FFF India also engages with its domestic audience by showing activists combatting local problems such as waste management, pollution and environmental degradation in parts of India (FFF India, 2021a , 2021b ). By doing so, FFF India foregrounds the everyday environmental realities faced by Indian communities pointing to the responsibility of local populations.

These examples show how FFF activists seek to educate and mobilise local communities by making the impacts of climate change tangible and immediate. The local perspectives also evaluate the adequacy of political responses at local and national levels and emphasise the need for action aligned to specific local realities.

Performing climate messages

Some of the young activists entwine their climate messages with self-made performances and collages, which have been popularised by video-sharing platforms like TikTok (FFF International, 2021d , FFF International, 2021e ). These performances often incorporate elements of humour (FFF Germany, 2022c , 2022d ; FFF India, 2020a , FFF Italy, 2020a ) and activists lip-syncing trending audio snippets to help videos advertising climate strikes—such as the global protest on 25 March 2022—go viral (FFF Berlin, 2022a , 2022b ). Dancing to or lip-syncing popular songs to convey climate messages to younger audiences is a widely adopted personalisation strategy ((FFF Berlin, 2022c ; FFF Brazil, 2021c , 2021d ; FFF India, 2020b ).

In an illustrative performance, an activist from FFF India takes on the roles of both an indigenous elder and a generic scientist. Donning glasses and neat attire, she raises her index finger, warning the audience about issues such as species extinction and global warming (FFF India, 2020b ). Accompanying her climate message is the protest song Burn, Baby, Burn , which gained association with the Watts Riots of 1965—a series of violent confrontations between African Americans and the Los Angeles Police Department. Following a cut, the same activist switches to portraying governments, clad in a black suit, gesturing that they are not listening to scientists and indigenous elders. Instead, these governments persist in profiting from fossil fuels, factory farming, and land-use changes.

Memes are also used by climate activists as a tool of visual storytelling (FFF India, 2022 ; FFF International, 2021f , FFF Italy, 2020b , FFF Italy, 2020c , FFF Italy, 2022a ). For example, a meme from FFF Italy encourages the audience to support their call for sustainable and free public transportation. The meme features an overtly muscular dog in a typical bodybuilder posture—standing tall and flexing its muscles (FFF Italy, 2022a ). Attached to this dog is a German flag with the slogan ‘Biglietti di treni e bus a 9€ al mese’ (train and bus tickets for €9 per month). Adjacent to it is a lapdog, small and sitting, adorned with an Italian flag and the slogan ‘Bonus trasporti 60€ una tantum’ (one-off €60 transport bonus). Footnote 2 As a particular form of self-expression, memes function through humorous interventions and show a personalised way of addressing the topic of climate change. This use of humour and relatable imagery also shows the attempt to make complex issues accessible and engaging.

The incorporation of performances and memes into FFF’s climate communication highlights a nuanced understanding of digital media’s appeal to youth audiences. Dancing, lip-synching and memes are the visual codes the activists are utilising in their climate storytelling to appeal to the younger consumers of social media. As mentioned above, previous studies suggest that personalised visual strategies can help to make messages more credible and relatable to younger audiences (Couldry and Hepp, 2017 ; Parmelee et al., 2022 ). In light of this, I suggest that the use of such strategies in FFF’s Instagram content help it resonate more strongly with its youthful audience. So while the visual strategies of personalisation better echo the everyday experience of youth, they can also help to render the individual a part of a larger community—one that works together on an issue of common concern, namely the fight against climate change (see also Sobre-Denton, 2016 ). In this way, personalisation on social media facilitates the sense of community-building in youth climate activism (Bennett and Segerberg, 2012 ; Gerbaudo, 2012 ; Milan, 2015 ). As Stefania Milan puts it, this particular visibility of protest creates “personalised yet universal narratives, connecting individual stories into a broader context that gives them meaning” ( 2015 : p. 894).

Furthermore, by establishing localised and cross-generational social media channels like ‘ParentsForFuture’ or ‘TeachersForFuture,’ FFF adeptly utilises personalisation to address diverse audience segments, from national to community-specific levels. This focus on local environmental challenges can enhance audience’s feelings of self-efficacy, contrasting with the often overwhelming scope of global climate issues; issues which often impact communities differently. FFF activists can motivate individual action or broader participation in the movement by making climate action seem more impactful in individuals’ daily lives. Personalisation, hence, can work in mobilising collective action against climate change (see also San Cornelio et al., 2024 ).

Visualising contentious politics

Personalisation and the emphasis on the self-efficacy of climate activism forms a core component of FFF’s visual climate storytelling. This involves the portrayal of both individual and collective action, manifesting in diverse forms such as single photographs, collages and short videos showcasing individuals, groups and large crowds participating in the run-up to or during global climate protests (see, for instance, FFF Berlin, 2021 , 2022d ; FFF France, 2021 , 2022a ; FFF International, 2021g , FFF Italy, 2022b ). The visual content often features protestors holding banners, posters and signs laden with demands, as well as humorous, ironic phrases and political messages—prominently displayed during events like the global climate strike on 25 March 2022 (FFF Berlin, 2022e ; FFF Germany, 2022e ).

The movement underscores self-efficacy not only through the act of protest but also through the communal and social aspects of creating protest signage. Activists are shown painting protest signs highlighting the joint experience of doing something together against climate change (FFF France, 2022b ; FFF Germany, 2021 ). The depiction of such acts of protest serves a dual purpose: it visually communicates the means through which individuals can engage in climate action and, importantly, illustrates the impact individuals can have when coming together for a common cause.

Research has shown that the Covid-19 pandemic challenged the movement’s traditional modes of climate storytelling (Haßler et al., 2021 ; Hunger and Hutter, 2021 ; Rauchfleisch et al., 2021 ; Sorce and Dumitrica, 2021 ). Essentially relying on the organisation of mass protests in public spaces, the restrictions banning public gatherings as well as the imperative of social distancing dealt a significant blow to the storytelling abilities of the climate activists. This arguably has made the visualisation of agency through digital platforms even more crucial for the movement and its members.

Echoing De Meyer et al. ( 2021 ) on the importance of incorporating agency within climate communication narratives, it is crucial for FFF activism to show examples of climate action to audiences in order to enhance the sense of efficacy. Visualising agency through images of action shows a global audience, that individual contributions are impactful in addressing the climate crisis. This form of visual storytelling aligns to the observation made by scholars that FFF has altered mainstream climate change discourse by instilling the general idea that ‘every individual carries responsibility and can provoke change in his/her everyday acts’ (Drieschova, 2021 : p. 5). Thus, the activists’ use of personalisation and the emphasis on self-efficacy not only enhance the resonance of their messaging with a younger demographic but also serve to integrate individual experiences with the broader collective effort against climate change. The visual strategies employed by FFF activists help bridge the everyday experience of youth and their participation in a global movement, something which reinforces the message that climate action is both a personal responsibility and a collective endeavour.

It is also important to mention that images of action are a crucial mobilisation tool for social movements (Casas and Williams, 2019 ; Doerr, 2017 ; Doerr et al., 2013 ; Geise et al., 2021 ). Images can evoke emotional responses, convey the urgency of issues and inspire individual participation through the depiction of collective action. Visualising contentious politics, that showcase the impact of collective efforts, serves as proof that action is taking place and that change can be achieved. This can help counter feelings of apathy or helplessness and motivate people to join the fight against climate change.

I have examined how FFF activists visually narrate climate action on Instagram. Situating this paper in visual climate change communication and studies on FFF, I argued that the movement’s visual climate storytelling is still an under-addressed topic so far. I discussed examples from major branches of FFF and contributed to existing research our discussion of FFF activists’ personalised climate storytelling on Instagram. As social media allows actors to directly engage with both local and global audiences, it has altered the ways in which climate protests are visually conveyed to the wider public. Personalising climate change is one particular means of visual climate storytelling. I emphasised three themes that illustrate the personalisation of climate storytelling by FFF activists: localising the effects of global climate change, using performances to convey climate messages and visualising contentious politics.

These personal(ised) stories are political in that they help convey a (visual) narrative of “everyone can make a difference” alongside the movement’s overall demand of fundamental, systemic change. By highlighting personal experiences, these narratives can humanise the climate crisis, making it, for instance, more immediate and urgent. Such stories can render abstract, global issues into tangible, relatable experiences. However, visual posts on Instagram do not provide an objective look into the life of an activist, even if images and videos are made to appear that way; instead, they are curated windows, sometimes carefully crafted, offering a subjective account (Einwohner and Rochford, 2019 ).

The implications of this research underscore the importance of recognising climate activists as significant actors in the visual communication of climate change. The success of the movement as a global storyteller of the climate crisis makes it, and certainly other climate movements, worthy to add further research to existing studies lying at the intersection of cultural representations and narratives of climate change, environmental communication and social movement studies. Outstanding questions include ones about FFF’s use of further narrative strategies and elements in its climate storytelling.

Examples here might be visual analogies linking other crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the Israel-Hamas war to issues of climate change and action (e.g. linking climate change with other global crises can serve as a potent narrative strategy. Visual analogies can draw parallels between immediate, widely understood emergencies and the more abstract, long-term threat of climate change); the simplification of climate science-related jargon (e.g. FFF activists can help to make climate science more accessible and understandable to a broader audience so that their messages resonate with individuals regardless of their scientific literacy. This personalisation strategy can help in forging a stronger connection between audiences and climate narration, encouraging engagement and action); or, the gendered dimensions of FFF’s climate narratives, namely the apparent focus on young female activists (e.g. highlighting female voices, especially young activists, is another way to personalise climate storytelling as this focus not only showcases the inclusive, diverse nature of climate activism but also amplifies the message that climate change affects everyone, with youth and women playing crucial roles in the fight against it).

Another desideratum for further research concerns FFF’s reliance on the visibility of large-scale protests, which arguably helps uphold its status of practising grassroots democracy. This in turn endows its political claims with legitimacy. Or, the transmedial nature of FFF’s climate narratives, as certain statements and (visual) stories about climate action are posted across social media platforms. Especially exploring the impact of social media on producing alternative climate visuals, highlighting protest and political action instead of generic images of melting glaciers and polar bears on ice, thus appear to be promising for future scholarship.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Laurenz Krumbacher for contributing to the initial draft, assisting with the literature review, data collection and managing the bibliographic work. I acknowledge financial support by the Chair group International Political Economy of the University of Groningen.

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DS was primarily responsible for the conceptualisation, methodology, data collection, analysis and interpretation of the research. DS managed the project, wrote the initial draft as well as the revisions of the manuscript and supervised all stages of the research process. LK contributed to the initial draft, assisted with the literature review and data collection and managed the bibliographic work. LK has withdrawn from the manuscript due to other commitments.

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Climate Change: Evidence and Causes: Update 2020 (2020)

Chapter: conclusion, c onclusion.

This document explains that there are well-understood physical mechanisms by which changes in the amounts of greenhouse gases cause climate changes. It discusses the evidence that the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere have increased and are still increasing rapidly, that climate change is occurring, and that most of the recent change is almost certainly due to emissions of greenhouse gases caused by human activities. Further climate change is inevitable; if emissions of greenhouse gases continue unabated, future changes will substantially exceed those that have occurred so far. There remains a range of estimates of the magnitude and regional expression of future change, but increases in the extremes of climate that can adversely affect natural ecosystems and human activities and infrastructure are expected.

Citizens and governments can choose among several options (or a mixture of those options) in response to this information: they can change their pattern of energy production and usage in order to limit emissions of greenhouse gases and hence the magnitude of climate changes; they can wait for changes to occur and accept the losses, damage, and suffering that arise; they can adapt to actual and expected changes as much as possible; or they can seek as yet unproven “geoengineering” solutions to counteract some of the climate changes that would otherwise occur. Each of these options has risks, attractions and costs, and what is actually done may be a mixture of these different options. Different nations and communities will vary in their vulnerability and their capacity to adapt. There is an important debate to be had about choices among these options, to decide what is best for each group or nation, and most importantly for the global population as a whole. The options have to be discussed at a global scale because in many cases those communities that are most vulnerable control few of the emissions, either past or future. Our description of the science of climate change, with both its facts and its uncertainties, is offered as a basis to inform that policy debate.

A CKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following individuals served as the primary writing team for the 2014 and 2020 editions of this document:

• Eric Wolff FRS, (UK lead), University of Cambridge
• Inez Fung (NAS, US lead), University of California, Berkeley
• Brian Hoskins FRS, Grantham Institute for Climate Change
• John F.B. Mitchell FRS, UK Met Office
• Tim Palmer FRS, University of Oxford
• Benjamin Santer (NAS), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• John Shepherd FRS, University of Southampton
• Keith Shine FRS, University of Reading.
• Susan Solomon (NAS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Kevin Trenberth, National Center for Atmospheric Research
• John Walsh, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
• Don Wuebbles, University of Illinois

Staff support for the 2020 revision was provided by Richard Walker, Amanda Purcell, Nancy Huddleston, and Michael Hudson. We offer special thanks to Rebecca Lindsey and NOAA Climate.gov for providing data and figure updates.

The following individuals served as reviewers of the 2014 document in accordance with procedures approved by the Royal Society and the National Academy of Sciences:

• Richard Alley (NAS), Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University
• Alec Broers FRS, Former President of the Royal Academy of Engineering
• Harry Elderfield FRS, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge
• Joanna Haigh FRS, Professor of Atmospheric Physics, Imperial College London
• Isaac Held (NAS), NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
• John Kutzbach (NAS), Center for Climatic Research, University of Wisconsin
• Jerry Meehl, Senior Scientist, National Center for Atmospheric Research
• John Pendry FRS, Imperial College London
• John Pyle FRS, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge
• Gavin Schmidt, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Emily Shuckburgh, British Antarctic Survey
• Gabrielle Walker, Journalist
• Andrew Watson FRS, University of East Anglia

The Support for the 2014 Edition was provided by NAS Endowment Funds. We offer sincere thanks to the Ralph J. and Carol M. Cicerone Endowment for NAS Missions for supporting the production of this 2020 Edition.

F OR FURTHER READING

For more detailed discussion of the topics addressed in this document (including references to the underlying original research), see:

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2019: Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate [ https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc ]
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), 2019: Negative Emissions Technologies and Reliable Sequestration: A Research Agenda [ https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25259 ]
• Royal Society, 2018: Greenhouse gas removal [ https://raeng.org.uk/greenhousegasremoval ]
• U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), 2018: Fourth National Climate Assessment Volume II: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States [ https://nca2018.globalchange.gov ]
• IPCC, 2018: Global Warming of 1.5°C [ https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15 ]
• USGCRP, 2017: Fourth National Climate Assessment Volume I: Climate Science Special Reports [ https://science2017.globalchange.gov ]
• NASEM, 2016: Attribution of Extreme Weather Events in the Context of Climate Change [ https://www.nap.edu/catalog/21852 ]
• IPCC, 2013: Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) Working Group 1. Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis [ https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1 ]
• NRC, 2013: Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change: Anticipating Surprises [ https://www.nap.edu/catalog/18373 ]
• NRC, 2011: Climate Stabilization Targets: Emissions, Concentrations, and Impacts Over Decades to Millennia [ https://www.nap.edu/catalog/12877 ]
• Royal Society 2010: Climate Change: A Summary of the Science [ https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/publications/2010/climate-change-summary-science ]
• NRC, 2010: America’s Climate Choices: Advancing the Science of Climate Change [ https://www.nap.edu/catalog/12782 ]

Much of the original data underlying the scientific findings discussed here are available at:

• https://data.ucar.edu/
• https://climatedataguide.ucar.edu
• https://iridl.ldeo.columbia.edu
• https://ess-dive.lbl.gov/
• https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/
• https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/
• http://scrippsco2.ucsd.edu
• http://hahana.soest.hawaii.edu/hot/

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. It is now more certain than ever, based on many lines of evidence, that humans are changing Earth's climate. The Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences, with their similar missions to promote the use of science to benefit society and to inform critical policy debates, produced the original Climate Change: Evidence and Causes in 2014. It was written and reviewed by a UK-US team of leading climate scientists. This new edition, prepared by the same author team, has been updated with the most recent climate data and scientific analyses, all of which reinforce our understanding of human-caused climate change.

Scientific information is a vital component for society to make informed decisions about how to reduce the magnitude of climate change and how to adapt to its impacts. This booklet serves as a key reference document for decision makers, policy makers, educators, and others seeking authoritative answers about the current state of climate-change science.

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Effectiveness of 1,500 global climate policies ranked for first time

The world can take a major step to meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Accord by focusing on 63 cases where climate policies have had the most impact, new research has revealed. The findings have been published today in Science .

Our results inform contentious policy debates in three main ways. First, we show evidence for the effectiveness of policy mixes. Second our findings highlight that successful policy mixes vary across sectors and that policy-makers should focus on sector-specific best practices. Third our results stress that effective policies vary with economic development. Study co-author Dr Moritz Schwarz , an Associate at the Climate Econometrics Programme at the University of Oxford

The study, led by Climate Econometricians at the University of Oxford, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC), analysed 1,500 observed policies documented in a novel, high quality, OECD climate policy database for effectiveness. It is the first time a global dataset of policies has been compared and ranked in this way.

Using a methodology developed by Climate Econometrics at The Institute for New Economic Thinking at the Oxford Martin School (INET Oxford), the researchers measured ‘emission breaks’ that followed policy interventions. The break detection methodology, called indicator saturation estimation, developed at Climate Econometrics, allows break indicators for all possible dates to be examined objectively using a variant of machine learning.

The results were sobering: Across four sectors, 41 countries, two decades and 1,500 policies, only 63 successful policy interventions with large effects were identified, which reduced total emissions between 0.6 and 1.8 Gt CO2.

However, the authors say the good news is that policymakers can learn from the 63 effective cases where climate policies had led to meaningful reductions to get back on track.

The researchers have made the data available to policy-makers across the world, and have produced a sector by sector, country by country data visualisation in a dashboard .

Overall, the Team concluded:

• Climate policies are more effective as part of a mix:  In most cases, effect sizes of climate policies are larger if a policy instrument is part of a policy mix rather than implemented alone –for example combining carbon pricing with a subsidy.
• Developed and developing countries have different climate policy needs:  In developed countries, carbon pricing stands out as an effective policy, whereas in developing countries, regulation is the most powerful policy.
• The Paris emissions gap can be closed:  Focusing on the 63 cases of effective climate policies would close the current emissions gap to meet the Paris Targets by 26% -41%, a significant contribution.

Scaling up good practice policies identified in this study to other sectors and other parts of the world can in the short term be a powerful climate mitigation strategy…The dashboard that we make available to policy-makers provides an accessible platform to conduct country-by-country, sector-by-sector comparisons and to find a suitable policy mix for different situations. Study co-author Professor Felix Pretis , Co-Director of the Climate Econometrics Programme at Nuffield College, University of Oxford

Study co-author Ebba Mark , researcher at the Calleva Project at INET Oxford, said the world needed to get back on track to meeting the Paris Climate Accord targets. ‘Meeting the Paris Climate objectives necessitates decisive policy action as we are still falling short -  data from the UN estimates that there remains a median emissions gap of 23 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 . It is now clear that the persistence of this emissions gap is not only attributable to an ambition gap but also to a gap in the real versus expected outcomes of implemented policies. The 63 success stories identified in this study provide key information about how we can bridge the emissions gap more meaningfully going forward.'

What works: Examples from the UK and USA

The country by country analysis showed that the UK has made very successful progress in the electricity sector, with two adjacent breaks detected following the mid-2013 introduction of a carbon price floor that imposed a minimum price for UK power producers. However, the study did not find in other UK sectors any major emission reductions following a policy intervention beyond what would be expected based on long-term economic and population dynamics.

The US has managed to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector following actions taken in the aftermath of the financial crisis. While successful policy implementation in the transport sector is generally difficult and hence can be viewed as a positive example for the climate policy globally, the lack of any further climate policy successes in other sectors points to huge remaining challenges in the power sector or industry.

Dr Anupama Sen ,  Head of Policy Engagement at the Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment said: ' In more than 80%  of investments the total lifetime cost of a clean technology is considerably lower than that of a fossil technology. While the new UK government’s policies are moving in the right direction, they need to go further and faster to unlock these lower costs. New Oxford research now provides evidence that an optimal mix of policies can achieve this, and rapidly lower a country’s emissions.'

Further analysis can be found in INET Oxford’s accompanying Insight brief .

The study ‘Climate policies that achieved major emission reductions: Global evidence from two decades’ has been published in Science .

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The worldwide catastrophe of rising seas especially imperils Pacific paradises, Guterres says

FILE - Tourists watch the sun set along a popular beach in Tamuning, Guam, May 6, 2019. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the opening of the annual Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay)

High school students march for climate justice as Pacific leaders meet in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay)

Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, from left, Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters attend the opening of the annual Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay)

FILE - A section of land between trees is washed away due to rising seas on Nov. 6, 2015, in Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File)

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NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (AP) — Highlighting seas that are rising at an accelerating rate, especially in the far more vulnerable Pacific island nations, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued yet another climate SOS to the world. This time he said those initials stand for “save our seas.”

The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization Monday issued reports on worsening sea level rise, turbocharged by a warming Earth and melting ice sheets and glaciers. They highlight how the Southwestern Pacific is not only hurt by the rising oceans, but by other climate change effects of ocean acidification and marine heat waves.

Guterres toured Samoa and Tonga and made his climate plea from Tonga’s capital on Tuesday at a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum, whose member countries are among those most imperiled by climate change. Next month the United Nations General Assembly holds a special session to discuss rising seas .

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued yet another climate SOS to the world, highlighting seas that are rising at an accelerating rate, especially in the far more vulnerable Pacific island nations.

“This is a crazy situation,” Guterres said. “Rising seas are a crisis entirely of humanity’s making. A crisis that will soon swell to an almost unimaginable scale, with no lifeboat to take us back to safety.”

“A worldwide catastrophe is putting this Pacific paradise in peril,” he said. “The ocean is overflowing.”

A report that Guterres’ office commissioned found that sea level lapping against Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa had risen 21 centimeters (8.3 inches) between 1990 and 2020, twice the global average of 10 centimeters (3.9 inches). Apia, Samoa, has seen 31 centimeters (1 foot) of rising seas, while Suva-B, Fiji has had 29 centimeters (11.4 inches).

“This puts Pacific Island nations in grave danger,” Guterres said. About 90% of the region’s people live within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the rising oceans, he said.

Since 1980, coastal flooding in Guam has jumped from twice a year to 22 times a year. It’s gone from five times a year to 43 times a year in the Cook Islands. In Pago Pago, American Samoa, coastal flooding went from zero to 102 times a year, according to the WMO State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2023 report.

“Because of sea level rise, the ocean is transforming from being a lifelong friend into a growing threat,” Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, told reporters in Nuku’alofa on Tuesday.

While the western edges of the Pacific are seeing sea level rise about twice the global average, the central Pacific is closer to the global average, the WMO said.

Sea levels are rising faster in the western tropical Pacific because of where the melting ice from western Antarctica heads, warmer waters and ocean currents, UN officials said.

Guterres said he can see changes since the last time he was in the region in May 2019.

While he met in Nuku’alofa on Tuesday with Pacific nations on the environment at their leaders’ annual summit, a hundred local high school students and activists from across the Pacific marched for climate justice a few blocks away.

One of the marchers was Itinterunga Rae of the Barnaban Human Rights Defenders Network, whose people were forced generations ago to relocate to Fiji from their Kiribati island home due to environmental degradation. Rae said abandoning Pacific islands should not be seen as a solution to rising seas.

“We promote climate mobility as a solution to be safe from your island that’s been destroyed by climate change, but it’s not the safest option,” he said. Barnabans have been cut off from the source of their culture and heritage, he said.

“The alarm is justified,” said S. Jeffress Williams, a retired U.S. Geological Survey sea level scientist. He said it’s especially bad for the Pacific islands because most of the islands are at low elevations, so people are more likely to get hurt. Three outside experts said the sea level reports accurately reflect what’s happening.

The Pacific is getting hit hard despite only producing 0.2% of heat-trapping gases causing climate change and expanding oceans, the UN said. The largest chunk of the sea rise is from melting ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland. Melting land glaciers add to that, and warmer water also expands based on the laws of physics.

Antarctic and Greenland “melting has greatly accelerated over the past three to four decades due to high rate of warming at the poles,” Williams, who was not part of the reports, said in an email.

About 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the oceans, the UN said.

Globally, sea level rise has been accelerating, the UN report said, echoing peer-reviewed studies . The rate is now the fastest it has been in 3,000 years, Guterres said.

Between 1901 and 1971, the global average sea rise was 1.3 centimeters a decade, according to the UN report. Between 1971 and 2006 it jumped to 1.9 centimeters per decade, then between 2006 and 2018 it was up to 3.7 centimeters a decade. The last decade, seas have risen 4.8 centimeters (1.9 inches).

The UN report also highlighted cities in the richest 20 nations, which account for 80% of the heat-trapping gases, where rising seas are lapping at large population centers. Those cities where sea level rise in the past 30 years has been at least 50% higher than the global average include Shanghai; Perth, Australia; London; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Boston; Miami; and New Orleans.

New Orleans topped the list with 10.2 inches (26 centimeters) of sea level rise between 1990 and 2020. UN officials highlighted the flooding in New York City during 2012’s Superstorm Sandy as worsened by rising seas. A 2021 study said climate-driven sea level rise added $8 billion to the storm’s costs.

Guterres is amping up his rhetoric on what he calls “climate chaos” and urged richer nations to step up efforts to reduce carbon emissions, end fossil fuel use and help poorer nations. Yet countries’ energy plans show them producing double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than the amount that would limit warming to internationally agreed upon levels, a 2023 UN report found.

Guterres said he expects Pacific island nations to “speak loud and clear” in the next General Assembly, and because they contribute so little to climate change, “they have a moral authority to ask those that are creating accelerating the sea level rise to reverse these trends.”

Borenstein reported from Kensington, Maryland.

Follow Seth Borenstein and Charlotte Graham-McLay on X at @borenbears and @CGrahamMcLay

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What works: Groundbreaking evaluation of climate policy measures over two decades

An international research team has unveiled the first comprehensive global evaluation of 1,500 climate policy measures from 41 countries across six continents. Published in the journal Science , this unprecedented study provides a detailed impact analysis of the wide range of climate policy measures implemented over the last two decades. The findings reveal a sobering reality: many policy measures have failed to achieve the necessary scale of emissions reductions. Only 63 cases of successful climate policies, each leading to average emission reductions of 19 percent, were identified. The key characteristic of these successful cases is the inclusion of tax and price incentives in well-designed policy mixes.

Much of the debate about climate policy centers on which climate policy instruments work in reducing emissions, and which do not. Yet prior evaluations have focused on a limited range of headline policies, neglecting hundreds of other measures. This new study, led by researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) in collaboration with experts from the University of Oxford, the University of Victoria, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aims to fill this gap. An accompanying interactive website, the "Climate Policy Explorer," offers a comprehensive overview of the results, analysis and methods, and is available to the public.

"We systematically evaluated policy measures that have rarely been studied until now, providing new insights into well-designed combinations of complementary policy instruments. From this, we derive best practices -- for the building, electricity, industry and transport sectors, and in both industrialised countries and often neglected developing countries," explains lead author Nicolas Koch from PIK and MCC. "Our findings demonstrate that more policies do not necessarily equate to better outcomes. Instead, the right mix of measures is crucial. For example, subsidies or regulations alone are insufficient; only in combination with price-based instruments, such as carbon and energy taxes, can they deliver substantial emission reductions."

The study highlights specific examples to illustrate this point. For instance, the researchers show that bans on coal-fired power plants or combustion engine cars do not result in major emissions reductions when implemented alone. Successful cases only arise in tandem with tax or price incentives, as shown in the UK for coal-fired power generation or in Norway for cars.

In-Depth Analysis of 1,500 Policy Measures and 63 Success Stories

The researchers evaluated 1,500 policy interventions implemented between 1998 and 2022, covering the entire spectrum of climate policy instruments, from energy-related building codes to purchase subsidies for climate-friendly products, and carbon taxes. Using a new OECD database, which represents the most comprehensive inventory of climate policies worldwide to date, and an innovative approach combining machine learning methods with established statistical analyses, the team conducted a detailed impact evaluation of these policies, identifying those measures that achieved large-scale emissions reductions.

"While it remains challenging to precisely disentangle the effects of individual measures within a policy mix, our 63 success cases provide systematic insights into effective policy combinations, and show how well-designed policy mixes depend on sectors and the development level of countries," notes lead author Annika Stechemesser from PIK. "This knowledge is vital for supporting policymakers and society in the transition to climate neutrality."

Climate Policy Explorer: A Comprehensive Resource

The interactive Climate Policy Explorer offers detailed insights into specific countries, sectors, and policy measures. In the industrial sector, for example, China's pilot emissions trading systems significantly reduced emissions after a few years, complemented by reduced fossil fuel subsidies and stronger financing incentives for energy efficiency. In the electricity sector, the UK achieved major emissions reductions through a minimum carbon price, subsidies for renewable energy, and a coal phase-out plan. The US is an example of significant emission reductions in the transportation sector, resulting from a mix of tax incentives and subsidies for low-emitting vehicles and CO 2 efficiency standards. Germany's eco-tax reform and truck toll introduction is another notable success story in the transport sector.

These findings and more can be explored interactively on the Climate Policy Explorer website: http://climate-policy-explorer.pik-potsdam.de/

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• Annika Stechemesser, Nicolas Koch, Ebba Mark, Elina Dilger, Patrick Klösel, Laura Menicacci, Daniel Nachtigall, Felix Pretis, Nolan Ritter, Moritz Schwarz, Helena Vossen, Anna Wenzel. Climate policies that achieved major emission reductions: Global evidence from two decades . Science , 2024; 385 (6711): 884 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl6547

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Why Companies Should Embrace Disruptive Climate Activism

by Oliver Laasch and Tessa Wernink

Summary .   

Most companies’ climate targets are inadequate responses to the climate emergency. And while many companies are falling behind or exaggerating progress, other companies are responding by dialing back on their goals altogether. Employees, peer businesses, and activists are responding in turn. More disruptive management and corporate practices are urgently needed to address the climate emergency. The authors argue that instead of criminalizing and marginalizing climate activists — citing examples like and Amazon and ExxonMobil — companies should promote disruptive activism for their own well-being and for the global good. They cite three successful practices as well as companies that have implemented each: supporting external disruptive activism, enabling internally disruptive activism, and competing to disrupt.

According to the global MSCI index’s April report , most companies’ climate targets are inadequate  responses to the climate emergency. The global transition to net zero carbon emissions is “unfolding in bursts,” and while more companies are voluntarily setting science-based climate targets and disclosing emissions, listed companies’ inadequate targets mean they will burn through their carbon budgets by July 2026.

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