Episode Details

Introduction

The planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, disrupting ecosystems and human societies worldwide. Understanding climate change—long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns—is crucial for addressing this global crisis and building a sustainable future. This article draws on authoritative sources like the IPCC and UN reports to explain the science, causes, and impacts, empowering readers to take informed action.

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

These activities release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere like a blanket. According to the IPCC's latest assessments, global temperatures have risen by about 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, with human influence responsible for virtually all warming over the last 200 years. This rapid change is faster than any period in at least the last 2,000 years.

Natural factors, like solar variability or volcanic activity, contribute minimally today—less than 0.1°C of warming—while anthropogenic emissions dominate. For instance, CO2 levels are now over 420 parts per million (ppm), the highest in millions of years.

What Causes Climate Change?

Climate change is caused by an imbalance in the Earth's energy system, where more heat is trapped than released. Primary causes include:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry releases CO2, which accounts for about 75% of emissions. Methane from agriculture and landfills, and nitrous oxide from fertilizers, amplify the effect.
• Deforestation and Land Use Changes: Forests absorb CO2, but clearing land for agriculture or urban development reduces this "carbon sink," releasing stored carbon.
• Industrial Processes: Activities like cement production and chemical manufacturing emit potent gases like hydrofluorocarbons.

Data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 2025 shows that greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise, with CO2 increasing by 2.5 ppm annually. Without intervention, temperatures could rise 3-5°C by 2100, leading to catastrophic impacts.

External links for more: IPCC Report on Climate Change Causes and UN Environment Programme on Emissions.

How Do Human Activities Drive Climate Change?

Human activities like burning fossil fuels generate greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures. Climate scientists have shown that humans are responsible for virtually all global heating over the last 200 years. Human activities are causing greenhouse gases that are warming the world faster than at any time in at least the last two thousand years.

For example, the energy sector contributes 73% of emissions, per 2025 UN data. Transportation adds 14%, and agriculture 24% when including land use. Urbanization exacerbates this, with cities responsible for 70% of global CO2.

Recent studies highlight feedback loops: Warming permafrost releases methane, accelerating change. In 2025, events like Siberian heatwaves underscore this.

What Are the Main Consequences of Climate Change?

The consequences of climate change now include, among others, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity.

• Extreme Weather: Increased frequency of heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes. The 2025 WMO report note