Climate change, a term that’s been increasingly heard in conversations worldwide, refers to the long-term alteration of Earth’s average temperatures and weather patterns. This phenomenon has been accelerating over the past century, with human activities playing a significant role in the rising temperatures that threaten both the planet and its inhabitants.
How Is Human Activity Contributing to Climate Change?
While the climate has naturally fluctuated throughout history, the rapid warming seen in recent years cannot be explained by natural causes alone. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human actions especially the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are the primary drivers of this change. These fuels are burned in power plants, factories, and vehicles, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases act like a blanket, trapping heat close to Earth’s surface and causing the planet to warm.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century, marked the turning point when fossil fuel use drastically increased. Since then, CO2 levels have soared, with current concentrations about 50% higher than those found in the recent past. In fact, CO2 levels today are around 420 parts per million, a significant rise from historical fluctuations between 180 and 300 parts per million over the last 800,000 years.
The Effects of Climate Change: What’s Happening Right Now?
Although a 1.2°C increase in global temperature may seem small, it has already led to significant changes in our environment. From more frequent and intense heatwaves to unpredictable rainfall patterns, the impacts of climate change are visible around the world. Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and disappearing Arctic ice are just a few examples of how our planet is reacting to this warming trend. Warmer oceans have also fueled stronger storms and hurricanes, affecting wildlife and people alike.
For instance, the severe storms, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, that struck the US in late 2024 are estimated to cause over $50 billion in damages. In East Africa, a severe drought in 2022 left more than 20 million people at risk of hunger, with studies showing that climate change made such extreme droughts up to 100 times more likely.
Why the 1.5°C Goal Matters
Scientists agree that keeping the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is crucial to limiting the worst impacts of climate change. In 2015, nearly 200 countries signed the Paris Agreement, aiming to cap global warming at this level. If the temperature rise surpasses 2°C, the consequences will be far more severe, with potentially devastating effects on sea levels, biodiversity, and vulnerable populations.
Limiting warming to 1.5°C could reduce the risk of irreversible tipping points, such as the collapse of ice sheets and drastic changes in ecosystems. More than 3 billion people are already highly vulnerable to climate change, and poorer nations, who contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions, are often the hardest hit.
What Is Being Done and What Can We Do?
To meet the 1.5°C target, global carbon emissions need to reach “net zero” by 2050, meaning any remaining emissions must be offset. Many countries have pledged to meet this goal, but emissions are still rising rapidly. While some progress is being made such as the growth of renewable energy and electric vehicles more substantial action is needed. At the COP29 summit in November 2024, wealthier nations promised to provide $300 billion annually to help developing countries tackle climate change, but experts argue this amount is insufficient.
Individuals can also make a difference by adopting more sustainable lifestyles. Simple actions like reducing energy use, flying less, eating less meat, and switching to electric vehicles can help lower personal carbon footprints. Though global change requires systemic shifts, individual actions can still contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving the planet for future generations.
