Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. These gases create a warming effect by holding the sun's heat.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These changes can result from natural causes such as variations in solar activity or large volcanic eruptions. However, since the 1800s the main driver of climate change has been human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.
Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat and raising temperatures.
The main greenhouse gases causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane. These come from sources such as burning gasoline for cars or coal for heating buildings. Land clearing and deforestation also release carbon dioxide. Agriculture and oil and gas operations are major sources of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are the main sectors responsible for greenhouse gases.
There are many causes of the climate crisis. These include:
The climate crisis has many harmful effects, including increased loss of life and property. Here are some examples:
We can fight the climate crisis, but we can't do it alone. By sharing this information with others we can make a difference. To help stop the climate crisis:
If we do these things, we can help prevent the climate crisis.😃😃
Since the Industrial Revolution, global average temperatures have increased by about +1.1 °C.😥
About 1.2 trillion tons of ice melt each year.😥
Sea levels have risen about 20 cm (since 1880).😥
🌿🌿🌿 Normal: +0.5°C to +1.5°C 🌿🌿🌿
🌍🌍🌍 Medium (somewhat dangerous): +1.6°C to +3.0°C 🌍🌍🌍
🌋🌋🌋 High (very dangerous): +3.1°C to +5.0°C 🌋🌋🌋
What is net zero?
Simply put, net zero means reducing carbon emissions so that any remaining emissions are balanced by removal measures—such as natural sinks and permanent carbon storage—resulting in no net addition of carbon to the atmosphere.
Why are net zero emissions important?
Science shows that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and keep the planet habitable, we must limit global warming to well below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The Earth is currently about 1.2°C warmer than in the late 1800s and emissions continue to rise. To keep warming below 1.5°C, emissions must fall about 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by around 2050, as stated in the Paris Agreement.
How can we get to net zero?
Transitioning to a net zero world is one of humanity's greatest challenges. It requires transforming how we produce, consume and move. The energy sector is responsible for roughly three-quarters of current greenhouse gas emissions, and switching from polluting coal, gas and oil power plants to renewable sources like wind and solar will greatly reduce carbon emissions.