Climate change has been a phenomenon present throughout the history of our planet, but the one we are currently facing has intensified mainly due to the human activityAs the world's population continues to grow, so does the demand for resources such as food, housing, and energy. This increased demand exerts a significant influence on the climate of our home, planet Earth. As a result, we are experiencing accelerated global warming, which contributes to the melting of glaciers and, in turn, causes a steady rise in sea levels.
When did humans begin to influence the climate?
Recent studies suggest that human influence on the climate began much earlier than previously thought. According to a study published by the American Geophysical Union, the problem of high temperatures has been associated with climate change since the year 1937Since then, several critical years have been documented, such as 1940, 1941, 1943-1944, 1980-1981, 1987-1988, 1990, 1995, 1997-1998, 2010 and 2014, in which unusually high temperatures have been recorded.
Researchers have found that the extensive use of industrial aerosols has partially masked the impact of humans on the climate, as these aerosols have a coolingHowever, observing various meteorological phenomena that exceed natural variability has led to the conclusion that numerous records have been broken over the past six years, especially in regions like Australia, which is less influenced by aerosol concentrations.
The disappearance of aerosols from the atmosphere has led to a return of warming. This effect has been evident in areas such as Central Europe, the United States, East Asia, and Australia, where a substantial increase in temperature has been noted. Except for Australia, which did not experience cooling periods in the 70s, the rest of the aforementioned areas did observe temperature drops attributable to aerosols.
It is pertinent to remember that climate change is not only manifested through rising temperatures. It also affects the biodiversity, the availability of water resources and the balance of ecosystems, which is leading nature to a state of crisis. Drastic changes are being seen in animal migration patterns, plant flowering, and other natural phenomena.
Human Influence on Climate Change
Human influence on climate has been a topic of scientific debate for decades. Industrial activity, the use of fossil fuels, and deforestation are just some of the practices that have contributed to the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). This increase in the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere has led to an exacerbated greenhouse effect, causing global warming that puts the stability of ecosystems at risk. You can read more about how the Deforestation contributes to global warming in our specific article.
For example, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has asserted that human activities are responsible for the continued rise in global average temperature since the 1950s. In particular, the IPCC has highlighted that temperature differences between seasons have been narrowing, a clear sign of climate change.
A study by researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences concluded that human influence on climate began much earlier than previously thought. This study indicates that seasonal differences in temperature have decreased significantly since the late 19th century, suggesting that human impact on climate is older than previously thought.
The Effect of Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases, such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, are crucial to understanding climate change. These gases are responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise. Despite being essential for life, human-caused emissions have significantly increased their concentration in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This gas is one of the main causes of global warming. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have increased its levels by 50% since the Industrial Revolution.
- Methane (CH4): Although less abundant, it is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. It is generated from agricultural activities and the decomposition of organic material.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): This gas is produced mainly by agricultural practices and has increased a 18% in the last hundred years.
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Although their use has been significantly reduced thanks to the Montreal Protocol, these industrial compounds have caused serious damage to the ocean layer. ozone.
As humanity continues to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, temperatures are expected to continue to rise. Scientists warn that without drastic action, we could face an increase of between 1,5 and 4 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, which would have devastating consequences not only for the environment, but also for human health and the global economy. If you want to better understand these projections and their implications, check out our analysis on how long the current climate change will last.
Consequences of Climate Change
The effects of climate change are diverse and manifest themselves through phenomena such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts, and the loss of biodiversity. The planet's most vulnerable populations are the ones who suffer the most from these consequences, as are the ecosystems that are at risk due to the loss of biodiversity. habitats and changes in food chains.
Among the most notable consequences are:
- Rising sea levels: Melting glaciers and rising ocean temperatures are causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
- Extreme Weather Events: There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of phenomena such as hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts, affecting both agriculture and infrastructure.
- Biodiversity loss: Many species are being forced to adapt rapidly to changes in their habitat or migrate to new areas, while others are in danger of extinction.
- Impact on Human Health: Climate change contributes to the increase in diseases, especially in vulnerable populations, and is associated with the increase in health problems. respiratory y cardiovascular.
An important aspect to consider is that climate change is not a problem that affects only future generations; the effects are immediate and can be observed in diverse geographic areas and economic sectors. However, collective action and the implementation of sustainable policies can mitigate some of these consequences. To learn more about current policies, you can read our article on climate change. the climate change summit, COP29.
