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Weather changes hour to hour — but what does it mean when the whole climate itself starts changing?
Climate Change
Climate
long-term weather pattern
Change
a lasting shift over time
↓
Long-term change in weather patterns like temperature, rainfall and wind, caused mainly by human activity.
- Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing Earth.
- It is caused mainly by human activities .
- These include burning fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial pollution.
- These release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
But what exactly are these greenhouse gases everyone talks about?
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse
structure that traps heat
Gases
CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour
↓
Atmospheric gases that trap heat and increase warming when their amount rises.
- Greenhouse gases act like a greenhouse’s glass, trapping the Sun’s heat.
- They include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour.
- The more of these gases build up, the more heat gets trapped.
- This raises the Earth’s average temperature over time.
![3.7 Climate Change and Carbon Fo - Atmosphere and Climate - [Teachoo] - Concepts](https://cdn.teachoo.com/f03eeb02-675c-4ce2-8038-55d60acbdd47/greenhouse-gases-let-sunlight-in-but-hold-heat-back-raising-the-earths-average-temperature..jpg)
What exactly causes this recent climate change?
What causes climate change?
Causes
Human activities that warm the Earth
1. Fossil Fuels
Releases carbon dioxide
Example:
Coal plants, petrol vehicles
2. Deforestation
Fewer trees absorb less CO2
Example:
Clearing forests for farms
3. Industrial Pollution
Releases methane, N2O gases
Example:
Factories, chemical plants
- Human activity increases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour.
- These gases trap heat and raise global temperatures.
- This is called global warming .
And what are the real-world effects we’re already seeing?
What real-world effects is climate change causing?
Effects
Already visible worldwide
1. Weather Extremes
More floods and droughts
Example:
Extreme weather events
2. Melting Ice, Rising Seas
Glaciers melt, adding water
Seas rise, threaten coasts
Example:
Coastal cities at risk
3. Biodiversity Loss
Species struggle to survive
Example:
Changing habitats
- Climate change threatens ecosystems, human health and agriculture.
- It has a big impact on women and children especially.
- Tackling it needs collective effort from everyone.
Definition — Climate Change
Long-term changes in weather patterns like temperature, rainfall and wind.
Caused mainly by human activities that release greenhouse gases.
Caused mainly by human activities that release greenhouse gases.
So how do we actually measure our own personal contribution to this problem?
Carbon Footprint
Carbon
greenhouse gas emissions
Footprint
trace left by activity
↓
The total greenhouse gases released because of activities like transport, electricity use, water use, and waste.
- Your carbon footprint comes from energy use, transport and consumption.
- It includes what you buy, and the goods and services you use.
Step 1: My Daily Habits
Tick the options that best describe you, across four areas.
| Habit Area | Low Impact | High / Very High Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Walk, cycle, public transport or carpool | Private car for short trips; flights twice a year+ |
| Electricity | Switch off appliances when not in use | Frequently leave appliances on |
| Water | Use water judiciously, e.g. bucket bath | Long showers, running taps, wasted water |
| Waste/Plastics | Reuse, recycle, avoid single-use plastics | Disposable plastics, no recycling |
Step 2: Score Yourself
Low impact = 1 point, medium = 2, high = 3, very high = 4. Add up your total score across all four areas.
Step 3: My Climate Action Pledge
Think about two simple changes you can make to reduce your score, and write them down.
Once we know our footprint, how can we actually shrink it?
| Area | Action |
|---|---|
| Transport | Walk, cycle or use public transport instead of private cars |
| Electricity | Switch off lights, fans and appliances when not in use |
| Water | Use water carefully — for example, a bucket bath |
| Waste and Plastics | Reuse, recycle and avoid single-use plastics |
- Save energy and use renewable energy sources.
- Protect forests and plant trees.
- Use public transport , cycle or walk more often.
- Reduce waste and plastics , and use water carefully.
- Every small step counts towards a healthier, greener future .
Definition — Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gases released by human activities.
Includes energy use, transport, and production or consumption of goods.
Includes energy use, transport, and production or consumption of goods.
📝 What Have We Learned
- Climate change is a long-term shift in weather patterns.
- It is caused mainly by burning fuels, deforestation and pollution.
- Effects include floods, droughts and rising sea levels.
- Your carbon footprint is your share of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Small daily choices can reduce your footprint .
