causes of climate change

causes of climate change

Climate change is a worldwide most pressing problem which requires response from all international community. The phenomenon is associated with changes in behavior of the weather over a longer period of time. Climate is very essential to the world as it help determine the landscape, the plants and animals as well as humans in it. However climate change has become a popular and controversial topic because many people tend to believe it’s mostly the result of human activities which is not always the case. There are two causes of climate change natural causes; (Naturally variation in solar irradiance, variations in orbital parameters of earth and volcanic activities cause climate change) and human influence.

Natural causes

Volcanoes

Volcanoes contribute to climate change through the large volumes of sulphur dioxide, water vapor, dust and ash it emits during an eruption. These emissions can influence climate patterns for years. The gasses and dust particles tend to block the incoming sun rays partially which affects heat budget. Sulphur dioxide combines with water forming tiny droplets of sulphuric acid which takes the form of acidic rain which is harmful to the eco system.

Variations in orbital parameters

The distance between the earth and the sun varies over the course of the year.  As a result the distribution of solar energy is affected, causing the solar radiations reaching the earth to vary by 3.5% above or below the average solar constant.  Also the proximity to the equator affects climate of a place, equatorial regions receive maximum incoming solar radiations throughout the year. Thus as one move pole ward the solar energy decreases

Continental drift

The drifting of landmasses has an impact on climate as it changes the physical features of the landmasses, their position and the position of water bodies. In addition it changes the flow of ocean currents and wind which affect the climate. Continental drift continues every day; its said that the Himalayan range is rising by 1mm annually because the Indian land mass is drifting slowly towards the Asian land mass.

Variations in solar output

Variation in solar energy output affects the climate change. Studies indicate that sun energy output may be more variable with a decrease of 0.1% in the total amount of solar energy reaching the earth. Change in solar output with just 1 % per century would alter the earths average temperature by between 0.5^o-1^oC

Human influences

We can’t assume the effect humans cause on climate, ever since we landed on this world human have been affecting the climate day by day. Millions of years ago the impact was small since the population was less but as the population increase the impact increases. This is because the land which was covered by vegetation has to cleared to create space for building homes and other institutions. The energy sector is responsible for a quarter of carbon dioxide emission, a fifth of methane and a larger amount of nitrous oxides.  The industrial revolution and invention of motor engine has a huge impact on climate change.

Effects of climate change

The effects of climate change are complex. They can either be direct or indirect. Studies have shown that climate change can greatly affect many natural systems such as wildlife, forest, as well as human activities.  Example millions of people living in the coastal and islands are at risk of flooding from sea level rises and storm surges.

Climate change affects food security in several ways. Severe drought interrupts rainfall patterns , resulting in severe consequences such as crop failure and poor harvest, deterioration of pasture conditions ,livestock and wild life loss among others.

Water resources are important to the society as well as the ecosystem. Quality water is essential for the world as we depend on it for agriculture, energy production, recreation as well as drinking to sustain our health. This is at times disrupted by climate change such as runoff, floods or sea level rise.  Such effect can reduce the quality of water and even cause more severe damages.

In conclusion climate is suffused by change. Over the years climate has varied from cold to warm. However, the increasing population density, increase land use has led to more severe climate change, hence demanding for national actions to control it.