Climate change
The changing climate and
the greenhouse effect
Since the creation of Earth around 4,550 million years ago, the climate has been in a continuous state of transformation. Very cold periods of time, called glaciations, have alternated with other warmer periods of time. Several factors cause the climate to change: atmospheric conditions, variations to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun or volcanic eruptions.
Several factors cause the climate to change: atmospheric conditions, variations to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun or volcanic eruptions.
The Sun heats the surface of the Earth and this heats the surrounding air in the atmosphere. This layer then acts like a greenhouse; it prevents the Earth from cooling down and maintains an adequate temperature or the evelopment of life.
Since the creation of Earth around 4,550 million years ago, the climate has been in a continuous state of transformation. Very cold periods of time, called glaciations, have alternated with other warmer periods of time.
The greenhouse effect is produced as a result of energy-absorbing gases,like water vapour, carbon dioxide or methane, stopping the heat from escaping into outer space.
Humans are also responsible for altering the climate, since many human activities release gases into the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
The consequences
of climate change
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The continuous emission of these gases by industry, vehicles or heating is causing the amount of these gases to increase. The global warming of the planet is a result of this and it puts the natural balance of things at risk.
The general increase in temperatures on the surface of the Earth has negative consequences on the atmosphere. This affects human life on Earth:
Increase in ocean
temperatures
Increase of
sea levels
Changes to
ecosystem
Prolonged period
of drought
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Increase in fires
Ocean water evaporates easily, which leads to episodes of intense rain and floods. Tropical storms, hurricanes and cyclones now happen more often.
Masses of continental ice are melting little by little, which causes water levels to rise. This rise in sea levels could affect lots of coastal territories in the future
Living creatures are intimately connected to their environment. Climate change causes ecosystems to change and puts the survival of many species at risk.
These are especially serious in regions in the developing world whose population depends on growing crops.
The rise in temperatures leads to an increase in fires, causing numerous plants and animals to disappear. This has an impact on biodiversity.