Global temperature is rising mainly due to human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases store the sun’s heat and cause the planet to warm.
The main causes of the increase in global temperature are:
- Burning fossil fuels: When coal, oil and natural gas are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps the sun’s heat.
- Deforestation: Cutting down trees releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that trees absorb.
- Agricultural: Agriculture releases methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are even more potent than carbon dioxide.
- Industrial process: Some industrial processes release greenhouse gases such as perfluorocarbon (PFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) into the atmosphere.
Importantly, these are just some of the consequences of the 1.5 degree Celsius increase in global temperature. Climate change is a complex problem and its impacts will be felt around the world.
Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
These are some of the consequences of the 1.5°C increase in global temperature
More intense and frequent heat waves: More extreme heat waves are expected around the world, impacting human health, agriculture and ecosystems.
Increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events: More droughts, floods, storms and other extreme weather events are expected.
Accelerated melting of glaciers and ice sheets: Rising global temperatures will lead to accelerated melting of glaciers and ice sheets and contribute to sea level rise.
Sea level rises: Sea level rise is expected to range between 0.26 and 0.77 meters by the end of the century, affecting coastal areas and low-lying islands.
Ocean acidification: The ocean’s absorption of CO2 increases its acidity, making it difficult for some marine organisms to survive.
Loss of biodiversity: Many plant and animal species are expected to become extinct due to climate change.
Impact on food security: Rising global temperatures will impact agriculture and food production, potentially increasing food insecurity.
Population shifts: Millions of people are expected to be displaced by climate change, particularly in coastal areas and developing countries.
Conflicts and violence: Climate change could increase competition for natural resources, leading to conflict and violence.
Economic impact: Climate change will have a significant impact on the global economy, with costs estimated at trillions of dollars.
Consequences of a 2°C increase in global temperature:
The consequences of an increase in global temperature of 2 degrees Celsius are even more serious than that of 1.5 degrees. Additional consequences include:
- Extreme heat waves: Heatwaves so strong that they could make some parts of the world uninhabitable are expected.
- Widespread Droughts and Floods: More frequent and severe droughts and floods are expected worldwide, impacting agriculture, food security and access to drinking water.
- Accelerated melting of glaciers and ice sheets: Accelerated melting of glaciers and ice sheets will cause sea levels to rise by up to 1 meter by the end of the century, impacting coastal areas and low-lying islands.
- Massive loss of biodiversity: Due to the increasing consequences of a 1.5 and 2 °C increase in global temperature, up to 30% of plant and animal species are expected to become extinct due to climate change.
- Mass displacement of the population: Millions of people are expected to be displaced by climate change, which could lead to humanitarian crises.
- Increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events: More hurricanes, typhoons, storms and other extreme weather events are expected.
- Ocean acidification: The ocean’s absorption of CO2 increases its acidity, making it difficult for many marine organisms to survive.
- Effects on human health: Climate change will increase the incidence of heat-related illnesses, malnutrition, respiratory diseases and other illnesses.
- Damage to infrastructure: Climate change will damage infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings and power grids.
- Conflicts and violence: Climate change could increase competition for natural resources, leading to conflict and violence.
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