Climate change refers to the long-term changes in global weather patterns that have been observed over the past century or so. These changes are largely attributed to human activities that have increased the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
Recent developments related to climate change
Climate change continues to be a significant global issue and has been receiving increased attention in recent years. Here are some recent developments related to this change:
- COP26: The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) took place in Glasgow, Scotland in November 2021. Leaders from around the world gathered to discuss strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Extreme weather events: There have been several extreme weather events around the world that have been linked to climate change. These include heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. Many experts believe that climate change is contributing to the frequency and severity of these events.
- Carbon pricing: Several countries and companies have announced plans to introduce carbon pricing schemes to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These schemes can take various forms, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, and are intended to create economic incentives for businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Renewable energy: The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is on the rise. Many countries and companies are investing in renewable energy infrastructure, and the cost of renewable energy technologies has been declining in recent years.
- Climate activism: Climate activism continues to be a prominent issue, with young people and environmental groups calling for urgent action. This has led to protests, school strikes, and other forms of activism aimed at raising awareness and putting pressure on governments and businesses to take action.
Overall, this remains a significant global challenge, and there is a growing sense of urgency around the need to take action to mitigate its impacts.