Climate change today includes global warming, the ongoing rise in average global temperatures, and its broader effects on Earth’s climate. This current increase is primarily driven by human activities, especially fossil fuel burning since the Industrial Revolution. Fossil fuel use, deforestation, and various agricultural and industrial practices release greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, which has increased by about 50% and is at unprecedented levels.
The impacts of climate change are alarming: expanding deserts, more frequent heatwaves and wildfires, thawing permafrost in the Arctic, and increased extreme weather events like storms and droughts. Rapid environmental changes are forcing many species to relocate or become extinct. Even if efforts to reduce warming are implemented, some consequences like ocean heating and sea level rise will persist for centuries.
Climate change threatens human health and safety through increased flooding, extreme heat, food and water scarcity, and economic losses, also contributing to migration and conflict. The World Health Organization regards it as one of the greatest threats to global health in the 21st century.
Examples of its effects include intensified wildfires, frequent coral bleaching from marine heatwaves, and worsening droughts. With 2023 being the warmest year on record at +1.48 °C (2.66 °F) above pre-industrial levels, more warming could trigger critical tipping points, such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet.
Under the Paris Agreement, nations aim to limit warming to “well under 2 °C,” but current pledges suggest a rise of about 2.8 °C (5.0 °F) by century’s end. Limiting warming to 1.5 °C would require halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Transitioning away from fossil fuels involves conserving energy and using cleaner sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power. In addition, carbon can be sequestered through reforestation and sustainable agricultural practices.
