What is climate change ?

Climate change in a nutshell

Climate change is the result of changes in our weather patterns because of an increase in the Earth’s average temperature. This is caused by increases in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases soak up heat from the sun but instead of the heat leaving the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is trapped, making the Earth warmer. 

 

Global warming and climate change

The terms 'global warming' and 'climate change' are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.

• Global warming is the gradual increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature, due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Climate change is a broader term. It refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and rainfall.

 

The greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases have always been a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the sun's warmth and maintain the Earth's temperature at a level necessary to support life.

The problem we now face is that human actions are increasing the amount of the gases that trap heat. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to a warming of the Earth's surface.

Greenhouse gases and human activity

The main greenhouse gases generated by human activity are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane and nitrous oxide. There are also manufactured gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halocarbons and some of their replacements.
Greenhouse gases are produced by human activity, including:

• burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil or gas
• using energy generated by burning fossil fuels
• some aspects of farming, such as raising cattle and sheep, using fertilisers and growing some crops
• clearing land, including logging
• breakdown of food and plant wastes and sewerage
• some industrial processes, such as making cement and aluminium.

Thank you : www.climatechange.gov.au