1. Introduction

Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns. While Earth’s climate has always varied, current changes are largely driven by human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

2. Causes of Climate Change

Natural Causes

  • Volcanic eruptions: Release ash and gases that can cool or warm the atmosphere.
  • Solar variability: Changes in solar output affect Earth’s temperature.
  • Ocean circulation: Alters heat distribution globally.

Anthropogenic Causes

  • Fossil fuel combustion (coal, oil, natural gas)
  • Deforestation: Reduces CO₂ absorption by trees.
  • Industrial processes: Emit various GHGs.
  • Agriculture: Methane from livestock, nitrous oxide from fertilizers.

3. The Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, maintaining Earth’s temperature. Human activities have intensified this effect, leading to global warming.

Greenhouse Effect Diagram

4. Evidence of Climate Change

  • Rising global surface temperatures (average increase of ~1.1°C since 1880)
  • Melting glaciers and polar ice caps
  • Sea level rise (global mean sea level increased by ~20 cm since 1880)
  • Increased frequency of extreme weather events (heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes)
  • Ocean acidification due to higher CO₂ levels

5. Flowchart: Climate Change Process

flowchart TD
    A[Human Activities] --> B[GHG Emissions]
    B --> C[Enhanced Greenhouse Effect]
    C --> D[Global Warming]
    D --> E[Climate System Changes]
    E --> F[Impacts on Ecosystems & Health]

6. Surprising Facts

  1. Clouds can both cool and warm Earth: Depending on their type and altitude, clouds may reflect sunlight (cooling effect) or trap heat (warming effect).
  2. Permafrost melting releases ancient viruses: Thawing permafrost can expose dormant microbes and viruses, some tens of thousands of years old.
  3. Climate change affects Earth’s rotation: Redistribution of water due to melting ice sheets alters Earth’s mass distribution, subtly changing its rotation speed and axis.

7. Climate Change and Health

Direct Impacts

  • Increased heat-related illnesses and deaths
  • Spread of vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue) as warmer climates expand habitats for mosquitoes and ticks
  • Respiratory issues from poor air quality and wildfire smoke

Indirect Impacts

  • Food insecurity: Crop failures due to droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns
  • Water scarcity: Reduced freshwater availability due to altered precipitation and glacial melt
  • Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and trauma from climate-related disasters

Recent Study:
A 2022 article in The Lancet (“The 2022 Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change”) highlights that climate change is increasing the risk of heat-related mortality, infectious diseases, and food insecurity worldwide. (Source)

8. Emerging Technologies

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Captures CO₂ emissions from sources like power plants and stores it underground or utilizes it in products.

Direct Air Capture (DAC)

Removes CO₂ directly from the atmosphere using chemical processes.

Geoengineering

Techniques such as solar radiation management (SRM) and ocean fertilization aim to deliberately alter Earth’s climate system.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computers use qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, enabling rapid modeling of climate systems and optimization of renewable energy grids.

AI-Powered Climate Modeling

Artificial intelligence processes vast climate data, improving prediction accuracy and identifying effective mitigation strategies.

9. Mitigation and Adaptation

Mitigation

  • Transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Reforestation and afforestation
  • Sustainable agriculture practices

Adaptation

  • Building resilient infrastructure (flood defenses, cooling centers)
  • Developing drought-resistant crops
  • Enhancing disaster response systems

10. Unique Research Insights

  • Microplastics and Climate: Microplastics in oceans can affect plankton populations, impacting carbon sequestration and oceanic carbon cycles.
  • Urban Heat Islands: Cities can be up to 7°C warmer than surrounding areas due to concrete, asphalt, and reduced vegetation.
  • Climate Feedback Loops: Melting ice reduces Earth’s albedo (reflectivity), causing more heat absorption and further ice melt.

11. Conclusion

Climate change is a complex, multifaceted challenge affecting ecosystems, economies, and human health. Understanding its mechanisms, impacts, and solutions is essential for science club members to engage in informed discussions and innovative problem-solving.

12. References

Melting Glacier