Climate change, a defining issue of our era, is primarily driven by human activities that release large amounts of greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. Central to these activities is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, heat, and transportation. These practices release carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, thereby trapping heat that would otherwise escape into space. Additionally, deforestation and land use changes further exacerbate the issue by reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2, upsetting the natural balance and leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. 

The ramifications of climate change are far-reaching and multifaceted, impacting nearly every aspect of life on Earth. As greenhouse gases accumulate, they enhance the planet’s natural “greenhouse effect”, leading to global warming – an increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. This warming triggers a cascade of effects: rising sea levels due to melting polar ice caps, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts, shifts in ecosystems and wildlife patterns, and threats to human health and food security. Furthermore, these impacts often have a domino effect, leading to additional environmental and societal challenges, such as mass migrations, economic instability, and increased geopolitical tensions.