The Science of Climate Change
Global temperatures have been rising since the industrial revolution, and the rate at which they are increasing has accelerated in recent years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that the average global temperature has increased by 0.85°C (1.5°F) since the late 19th century. This may not seem like a lot, but it is having a significant impact on our planet.
One of the main drivers of this temperature increase is the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing the Earth's temperature to rise.
While global temperatures have been increasing, there have also been natural variations in temperature due to factors such as volcanic activity and changes in solar radiation.
However, the current rate of temperature increase is far greater than what would be expected from natural causes alone. In fact, 19 of the 20 warmest years on record have occurred since 2001.
If global temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, it could have catastrophic consequences. These include:
To combat this, we need to:
This will require significant changes in our energy systems, transportation, and land use practices.
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