Abstract:
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. It refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and average temperatures, primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. This abstract aims to provide a concise overview of climate change and its profound impact on the environment. The primary driver of climate change is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are the major greenhouse gases emitted through human activities. These gases trap heat within the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect, which raises global temperatures. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and affect various aspects of the environment. Rising global temperatures have resulted in melting polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to a rise in sea levels. This sea-level rise poses significant risks to coastal regions, with increased flooding, erosion, and loss of habitat for coastal ecosystems. Changing weather patterns are another consequence of climate change. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent and intense. These events have detrimental effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and human livelihoods, leading to increased risks of food and water scarcity, displacement, and loss of biodiversity. Climate change also influences natural systems such as forests, coral reefs, and polar ecosystems. Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and act as natural sinks for greenhouse gases. However, rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can lead to increased forest fires, insect infestations, and tree mortality, reducing their ability to absorb CO2 and exacerbating climate change. Coral reefs, known as the "rainforests of the sea," are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and ocean acidity. Warmer waters and ocean acidification result in coral bleaching, leading to the loss of vital reef ecosystems and the marine biodiversity they support. Furthermore, climate change disrupts the delicate balance of polar ecosystems. The Arctic and Antarctic regions are experiencing rapid ice loss, threatening iconic species like polar bears and penguins. These changes have profound implications for the food chain and ecosystem dynamics, impacting both marine and terrestrial organisms. In conclusion, climate change is a global crisis with severe consequences for the environment. Its impacts are evident through rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, sea-level rise, and ecological disruptions. Urgent global action is required to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, transition to sustainable energy sources, and adapt to the changing climate to safeguard our planet's ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
Page(s):
12-12
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, August 27-31, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023