Climate change refers to changes in Earth’s climate system resulting from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, leading to large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Although natural climatic changes have occurred throughout history, human activities since the mid-20th century have caused an unprecedented impact on the climate system globally.

Climate change affects weather patterns and makes them less predictable, which can lead to challenges in agriculture, particularly in countries like India that rely on it. It also causes severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, cyclones, and droughts. Rising temperatures caused by climate change are melting polar ice caps at an alarming rate, causing sea levels to rise and damaging coastlines due to increased flooding and erosion.

Human activities are the primary driver of rapid climate change, and more than 90% of the gases that create a greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane emitted by burning fossil fuels for energy consumption, agriculture, deforestation, and manufacturing.

Temperature rise on land is twice the global average, leading to desertification, more frequent heat waves, and wildfires. Arctic temperatures are rising faster, contributing to melting permafrost, glacial retreat, and sea ice loss. Warmer temperatures are increasing rates of evaporation, causing more intense storms and weather extremes.

Climate change affects ecosystems by altering habitats and causing species relocation and extinction, especially in coral reefs, mountains, and the Arctic. Climate change also threatens people with food insecurity, water scarcity, flooding, infectious diseases, extreme heat, economic losses, and displacement. The World Health Organization considers climate change the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century.

Efforts to minimize future warming may be successful, but some effects will continue for centuries, including rising sea levels, rising ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification. To address climate change, it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the use of fossil fuels and promoting sustainable practices.

All of these factors contribute to climate change, and it will require a coordinated effort across industries and governments to address the issue and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Global warming, also known as climate change, refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature. The planet’s temperature has risen by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century, and it is projected to continue to rise in the coming decades. There are several factors that contribute to global warming, both natural and human-caused.

1. Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), are the primary contributor to global warming. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. The increase in atmospheric CO2 levels is primarily due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy and transportation, deforestation, and agriculture.
2. Deforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass. When forests are cut down or burned, the carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. Deforestation also reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, further contributing to global warming.
3. Agricultural practices: Agriculture is a significant contributor to global warming. The use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, livestock (especially cows) produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere during digestion.
4. Transportation: Transportation is another significant contributor to global warming. Cars, trucks, airplanes, and other vehicles burn fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The growth in transportation demand is projected to increase global CO2 emissions.
5. Industrial processes: Many industrial processes, such as manufacturing, chemical production, and cement production, require large amounts of energy, which often comes from burning fossil fuels. This process releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
6. Natural factors: While human activities are the primary contributor to global warming, natural factors such as volcanic eruptions and changes in solar radiation can also influence the Earth’s climate. However, these natural factors are relatively minor compared to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, global warming is primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation, deforestation, and agricultural practices are some of the leading contributors to global warming. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources are essential to mitigate the effects of global warming and prevent further damage to the Earth’s climate system.

Following can come out as a result of global warming:

1. Rising sea levels: The melting of ice sheets and glaciers, as well as the thermal expansion of warming ocean waters, are causing sea levels to rise. This has led to increased flooding in coastal regions, erosion of beaches and coastlines, and the displacement of people who live in low-lying areas.
2. Extreme weather events: Global warming is causing more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. These events can cause extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and natural ecosystems, as well as loss of life and displacement of people.
3. Changes in precipitation patterns: As the climate warms, precipitation patterns are changing, leading to more frequent and severe floods and droughts. This can affect agricultural productivity and food security, as well as access to water for human consumption and industrial use.
4. Loss of biodiversity: Many plant and animal species are at risk of extinction due to global warming, as their habitats are destroyed or altered by changing climate conditions. This can disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to cascading effects on other species and reducing the overall biodiversity of the planet.
5. Economic impacts: Global warming is expected to have significant economic impacts, including reduced agricultural productivity, increased healthcare costs due to air pollution and disease spread, and the displacement of people from coastal areas. These impacts could lead to significant social and political instability in affected regions.
6. Ocean acidification: As carbon dioxide is absorbed into the ocean, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which increases the acidity of the water. This process, known as ocean acidification, can harm marine life, especially organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build shells or skeletons, such as coral reefs.
7. Health impacts: Global warming can affect human health in many ways, including the spread of infectious diseases (such as malaria and dengue fever) by mosquitoes, increased exposure to air pollution, and heat-related illnesses and deaths during heat waves.

In conclusion, global warming is causing a wide range of consequences, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, changes in precipitation patterns, loss of biodiversity, economic impacts, ocean acidification, and health impacts. These consequences are expected to become more severe in the coming decades unless significant actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming.

India has following plans to check climate change:

India has recognized the threat of climate change and has taken several steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming. The following are some of the key initiatives taken by India to combat climate change:

1. Renewable energy: India is investing heavily in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. The government has set a target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, of which 100 GW will come from solar energy. India is also promoting the use of electric vehicles to reduce emissions from transportation.
2. Afforestation: India has launched a massive afforestation program, known as the Green India Mission, to increase the country’s forest cover and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government has set a target of increasing the country’s forest cover to 33% of its total land area.
3. Energy efficiency: India has launched several initiatives to promote energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and appliances. The government has set targets for energy efficiency improvements in various sectors, and it has launched programs to promote the use of energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
4. Climate adaptation: India is also taking steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as by building flood protection infrastructure, improving water management, and developing climate-resilient crops.
5. International cooperation: India is actively participating in international efforts to combat climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. India has committed to reducing its emissions intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels and to achieve 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

Despite these initiatives, India faces significant challenges in addressing climate change. The country still relies heavily on coal for electricity generation, and its rapidly growing economy and population will place increasing demands on energy and other resources. However, India’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change are encouraging, and the country has the potential to play a leadership role in the global effort to combat climate change.

National Action Plan for climate change: 

India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is a comprehensive plan aimed at mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change in India. The plan was launched in 2008, and it outlines a range of policies and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and enhance climate resilience.

The NAPCC is structured around eight national missions, each focused on a specific area of climate change mitigation or adaptation:

1. National Solar Mission: The mission aims to promote the development and use of solar energy in India, with a target of achieving 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022.
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: This mission aims to improve energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy, such as buildings, industry, and transportation.
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: The mission focuses on promoting sustainable urban development and improving the resilience of cities to climate change impacts.
4. National Water Mission: This mission aims to promote sustainable water management practices and increase water use efficiency in various sectors of the economy.
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: The mission focuses on protecting and conserving the Himalayan ecosystem, which is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
6. National Mission for a Green India: This mission aims to increase forest cover and improve forest quality, which can help sequester carbon and provide other ecosystem services.
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: The mission focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change impacts.
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: This mission aims to support research, development, and knowledge-sharing related to climate change and its impacts in India.

The NAPCC also includes several cross-cutting initiatives, such as the creation of a National Action Plan on Climate Change, the establishment of a National Clean Energy Fund, and the promotion of public awareness and education on climate change.

Overall, the NAPCC represents a comprehensive and ambitious plan to address the impacts of climate change in India. However, the success of the plan will depend on the effective implementation of the various missions and initiatives outlined within it.

International Efforts to check climate change:

International efforts to check climate change involve a range of policies, agreements, and initiatives that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance climate resilience. The following are some of the key international efforts to address climate change:

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The UNFCCC is an international treaty signed by nearly all countries in the world that sets out a framework for international cooperation to address climate change. The treaty provides a platform for negotiations and decision-making on global climate action, and it has led to the adoption of several key agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
2. Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015 by the parties to the UNFCCC. The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. The agreement requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.
3. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC is a scientific body established by the UN in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC has produced several landmark reports that have been instrumental in shaping international climate policy.
4. Green Climate Fund (GCF): The GCF is a financial mechanism established under the UNFCCC to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The fund provides financial resources for projects and programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
5. Mission Innovation: Mission Innovation is a global initiative launched in 2015 that aims to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. The initiative brings together 24 countries and the European Union, representing over 80% of global clean energy investment.
6. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs are a set of 17 goals adopted by the UN in 2015 that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Goal 13 specifically focuses on climate action, calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Overall, international efforts to check climate change involve a range of actors, including governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The success of these efforts will depend on strong political will, effective implementation of policies and initiatives, and broad-based public support for action on climate change.

Kyoto Protocol:

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that was adopted in 1997 as an extension of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The protocol sets legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for industrialized countries, which are collectively known as Annex I countries.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Annex I countries are required to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the period 2008-2012. The protocol includes several mechanisms for achieving these emissions reductions, including emissions trading, joint implementation, and the Clean Development Mechanism.

The Kyoto Protocol entered into force in 2005 and has been ratified by 192 countries. However, the United States, which is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, never ratified the treaty. In addition, several countries, including Canada and Russia, have withdrawn from the protocol in recent years.

Despite its limitations, the Kyoto Protocol has played an important role in raising awareness about the need for international cooperation on climate change and in establishing a framework for global action. The protocol also paved the way for the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which represents a more ambitious and comprehensive international effort to address climate change.

Paris Agreement:

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. These NDCs are reviewed and updated every five years, and countries are expected to progressively enhance their ambition over time.

The Paris Agreement also includes a commitment to provide financial resources to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The agreement established a goal of mobilizing $100 billion per year in climate finance by 2020, and this goal has since been reaffirmed.

The Paris Agreement entered into force in 2016 and has been ratified by 191 countries. The United States, which was a party to the agreement under the Obama administration, withdrew from the agreement in 2020 under the Trump administration. However, President Biden has since rejoined the agreement, and the United States is once again a party to the treaty.

The Paris Agreement represents a significant step forward in international efforts to address climate change, and it has been hailed as a landmark achievement in global cooperation. However, the success of the agreement will depend on strong political will, effective implementation of policies and initiatives, and broad-based public support for action on climate change.

REDD+

REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, as well as the conservation and sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. It is an international program that aims to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while also promoting sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.

The REDD+ program was established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2005, and it has since become a key component of global efforts to address climate change. The program provides financial incentives to countries that take measures to reduce deforestation and forest degradation, and it also supports sustainable forest management practices and conservation efforts.

The REDD+ program is based on the idea that forests are an important carbon sink, meaning they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When forests are destroyed or degraded, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. By reducing deforestation and forest degradation, and promoting sustainable forest management, the REDD+ program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

The REDD+ program has faced some challenges in its implementation, including concerns about the potential displacement of local communities and the need to ensure that financial incentives are distributed fairly and effectively. However, the program has also shown promise in promoting sustainable development and conservation, as well as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

Overall, the REDD+ program represents an important international effort to address climate change and promote sustainable development, while also recognizing the critical role of forests in mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity conservation.

How we can support at individual level to help:

There are several ways in which humans can help in checking climate change. Here are a few examples:

1. Reduce energy consumption: One of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. By reducing energy consumption and using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
2. Use renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power are clean and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. By using renewable energy sources, individuals can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the transition to a low-carbon economy.
3. Reduce meat consumption: The production of meat, particularly beef, is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to the large amounts of methane produced by livestock. By reducing meat consumption or transitioning to a plant-based diet, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
4. Reduce waste: The production and disposal of waste is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing waste and recycling as much as possible, individuals can help reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable consumption practices.
5. Support climate policies and initiatives: Individuals can support climate policies and initiatives at the local, national, and international levels, such as advocating for renewable energy, supporting carbon pricing, and promoting sustainable transportation options.
6. Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help to mitigate climate change. Individuals can plant trees in their communities or support reforestation efforts to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote biodiversity conservation.

Overall, individuals can play an important role in checking climate change by adopting sustainable practices, supporting climate policies and initiatives, and promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy. By working together, we can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future.