Climate refers to the long-term patterns and averages of weather conditions over an extended period, typically spanning decades. For instance, by averaging the daily weather data over a month or more, we can determine the climate of a specific region. In other words, it describes long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other climate characteristics.

Climate change can be observed in all layers of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere. The interactions among these spheres collectively influence changes in the climate system.

Global warming

Over the past 100 years, the global climate has experienced systemic changes, primarily characterized by warming.

As our understanding of the complex interactions within the climate system improves, especially through satellite measurements and weather observations, climate models are becoming more advanced. These models clearly indicate that the greenhouse effect is intensifying: atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have risen by 40% since the mid-19th century. In 1850, CO2 concentrations were below 300 parts per million (ppm), but by 2019, they had surpassed 420 ppm, a record high. The Earth's atmosphere has not contained this much carbon dioxide for hundreds of thousands of years.

Recently, the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that the global temperature in 2023 was 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels, setting a new record.

Factors that cause climate change

The causes of climate system change are categorized into natural and anthropogenic factors. Natural factors include variations in solar activity, volcanic activity, and internal climate variability.

Anthropogenic factors involve increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, changes in atmospheric aerosol concentrations, and alterations in land use and land cover.

A growing body of research confirms that rising greenhouse gas concentrations are a major driver of global climate and environmental change.

Greenhouse Effect

The atmosphere allows solar short-wave radiation to reach the Earth's surface. However, a significant portion of the long-wave thermal radiation released by the heated surface is absorbed and re-radiated by the atmosphere. This process increases the temperature of both the surface and the lower atmosphere. Because this effect is similar to how a greenhouse traps heat to cultivate crops, it is known as the "greenhouse effect."

The greenhouse effect is crucial for life on Earth because it helps regulate temperatures. However, an intensified greenhouse effect can harm the Earth's ecological environment. If this intensification continues, it could lead to potentially catastrophic consequences.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are natural and man-made gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit infrared radiation. Although they make up less than 0.1% of the total volume of the atmosphere, they play a crucial role in the Earth's energy budget.

Carbon cycle system

Carbon is the fundamental element for life on Earth. Most of the Earth's carbon is stored in the crust and rocks, with additional carbon stored in various pools such as oceans, the atmosphere, land, and ecosystems.

These carbon reservoirs interact and exchange carbon through the global carbon cycle, involving the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. However, changes in greenhouse gas concentrations have disrupted the balance of this carbon cycle, leading to a gradual increase in global temperatures.

Bottom line

The uncertainty in climate projections and the complexity of addressing climate change are ongoing challenges. To confront these issues and achieve sustainable development, it is crucial to translate scientific knowledge into effective action. While we cannot reverse the climate change that has already occurred, we can still influence future climate outcomes. Our actions today will shape the future climate of the planet.