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Causes-Intensive Farming
Intensive Farming-Another cause of global warming is intensive farming, not only with the ever-increasing livestock, but also with the plant protection products and fertilizers. In fact cattle and sheep produce large amounts of methane when digesting the food, while fertilizers produce nitrous oxide emissions. -
Climate Change-Its Causes-Fossil Fules
The massive use of fossil fuels is obviously the first source of global warming, as burning coal, oil and gas produces carbon dioxide – the most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere – as well as nitrous oxide.
Deforestation-The exploitation of forests has a major role in climate change. Trees help regulate the climate by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When they are cut down, this positive effect is lost and the carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere. -
Causes-Waste Disposal
Waste Disposal-Waste management methods like landfills and incineration emit greenhouse and toxic gases.
Mining-Modern life is highly dependent on the mining and metallurgical industry. Metals and minerals are the raw materials used in the construction, transportation and manufacturing of goods. From extraction to delivery, this market accounts for 5% of all greenhouse emissions. -
Causes-Overconsumption
Over consumption-On Biodiversity
Finally, over consumption also plays a major role in climate change. In fact, it is responsible for the over exploitation of natural resources and emissions from international freight transport, which both contributes to global warming. -
Climate Change-Effects
The increase of temperatures and the climate upheavals disturb the ecosystems, modify the conditions and cycles of plant reproduction. The scarcity of resources and climate change are changing life habits and migratory cycles of animals. We are already witnessing the disappearance of many species – including endemic species – or, conversely, the intrusion of invasive species that threaten crops and other animals. -
Effects-On Oceans
On Oceans-Because of global warming, permafrost and ice are melting massively at the poles, increasing the sea level at a rate never known before. In a century, the increase reaches 18 cm (including 6 cm in the last 20 years). The acidification of the oceans is also of great concern. In fact, the large amount of CO 2 captured by the oceans makes them more acidic, arousing serious questions about the adaptability of seashells or coral reefs. -
Effects-On Humans
On Humans
Human beings are not spared by these upheavals. Climate change is affecting the global economy. It is already shaking up social, health and geopolitical balances in many parts of the world. The scarcity of resources like food and energy gives to new conflicts.
Rising sea levels and floods are causing population migration. Small island states are in the front line. The estimated number of climate refugees by 2050 is 250 million people. -
Effects-On Weather
On Weather
For decades now, meteorologists and around the world have been watching the effects of global warming on the weather phenomena. And the impact is huge: more droughts and heat waves, more precipitations, more natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, storms and wildfires, frost-free season, etc. -
Solutions to Problems-Renewable Energies
The first way to prevent climate change is to move away from fossil fuels. What are the alternatives? Renewable energies like solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. -
Solutions-Energy and Water Efficiency
Producing clean energy is essential, but reducing our consumption of energy and water by using more efficient devices (e.g. LED light bulbs, innovative shower system) is less costly and equally important. -
Solutions to Problems-Sustainable Transportation
In order to reduce CO2 emissions from buildings – caused by heating, air conditioning, hot water or lightning – it is necessary both to build new low energy buildings and to renovate the existing constructions. -
Solutions to Problems- Sustainable Agriculture and Forest Management
Encouraging better use of natural resources, stopping massive deforestation as well as making agriculture greener and more efficient should also be a priority. -
Solutions to Problems- Responsible Consuming and Recycling
Adopting responsible consumption habits is crucial, be it regarding food (particularly meat), clothing, cosmetics or products. Last but not least, recycling is an absolute necessity for dealing with waste.