Systems Change
Association
What is Climate Change?
Climate change, as defined by the United Nations, refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While natural processes like solar cycles have influenced these changes in the past, the current warming trend is mostly driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.
Burning fossil fuels, as well as unsustainable agricultural practices, lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions - such as carbon dioxide and methane - trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere through the greenhouse gas effect.
Download our Climate Change Terminology Handbook to learn more.
What is causing Climate Change?
Human Activities
Buildings
Transport
Industries
Agriculture
Fossil Fuels
(Oil, gas, coal etc)
Deforestation
( Land use)
Climate change is predominantly caused by human activities—such as building use, transportation, and industrial processes—that rely on fossil fuels (e.g., oil, gas, coal). For example, cars that run on petrol and buildings with gas stoves, heaters, and geysers contribute to emissions. Agriculture has also led to deforestation, as has the increase in livestock farming. These activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which increases emissions and reduces the Earth's ability to absorb carbon.
Impacts of Climate Change
Global Warming
Rising of Earth's average temperature due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, particularly fossil fuel usage.
Extreme Weather Events
Climate change leads to more frequent and intense weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, floods, and heavy rainfall.
Rising Sea Levels
Melting glaciers and polar ice caps, combined with thermal expansion of seawater, are causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal areas.
Water Cycle Disruption
Climate change affects precipitation patterns, leading to droughts in some areas and floods in others, impacting water availability.
Shifting Ecosystems
As temperatures rise, ecosystems and habitats shift, leading to species migration and altering agricultural and natural landscapes.
Biodiversity Loss
Changing climates disrupt ecosystems, threatening plant and animal species, especially those unable to adapt quickly to new conditions.
Ocean Acidification
Increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is also absorbed by oceans, leading to more acidic waters, which negatively affect marine life.
Impact on Human Health
Changing climate patterns contribute to the spread of diseases, malnutrition, heat-related illnesses, and stress on health systems.
The evidence
How does the Climate System work?
Exploring interconnections & feedback loops
The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps Earth warm enough for life by trapping some heat from the sun. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor act like a blanket, keeping the heat from escaping into space.However, human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and farming are adding too many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This thickens the "blanket," trapping more heat and causing the planet to warm, which leads to global warming or climate change.
Key Concepts
Understand the key ideas shaping the fight against climate change. These concepts help us make sense of the challenges we face and the solutions we need to protect our future.
Tipping Points
Planetary Boundaries
Target Net Zero
