11

Introducing the
Environmental History
of Climate Change

Significant Ideas

Climate Change occurs due to natural causes, but people have realised that the
current rate of climate degradation is caused by humans.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a United Nations

body that provides scientific information to governments at all levels to help
them develop climate policies.

Life on Earth exists thanks to a combination of three factors: our distance from
the Sun, the chemical composition of our atmosphere, and the presence of the
water cycle.

According to the United Nations, climate change is the long-term change in temperatures
and weather patterns that can occur naturally or be influenced by human activities.
While the term weather describes short-term changes in the environment, climate refers
to changes over a longer period of time in a region. The recent report from the IPCC
emphasises that human activities are unequivocally responsible for global climate change.
To make a positive difference, it is crucial to remain educated and well-informed about
climate change since we are the ones who caused it and have the power to stop it. The
IPCC was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environmental Panel and the World
Meteorological Organisation. It plays a significant role in addressing concerns regarding
global warming. It continuously assesses various aspects of climate change, including
scientific, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts, as well as response strategies.
Rather than conducting independent scientific research, the IPCC consolidates and
synthesises key research from around the world to establish a consensus.

The Power of Education in Combating Climate Change

The study of climate change is essential for several reasons. The impact of climate
change and its consequences not only affects our livelihoods and lives but also poses a
threat to our very existence on Earth. Understanding the causes and effects of climate
change is crucial to comprehending and addressing this phenomenon. This knowledge
is particularly important for young people, as it enables them to grasp and mitigate

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 the repercussions of global warming. By educating themselves about climate change,
they can modify their behaviour, adapt to the global emergency we face, and even
inspire others to take action.
Education will play a vital role in the battle against climate change in the years to
come. Studies have shown that when students engage in climate science courses,
their perspectives on climate-related issues undergo long-lasting transformations.
Even after five years of completing such courses, students continue to maintain strong
personal connections with climate change concerns. Some students choose careers
directly related to climate action, while others become engaged in their communities,
educating others and advocating for policy changes. Many students change their daily
behaviours as a result of their studies on climate change, contributing to the collective
effort to adapt to the global emergency.

COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH

EDUCATION
Universal Education A green economy will require
increases awareness and a strong education system
improves the ability to to produce specialists trained
comprehend information, in science, technology,
evaluate risks and engineering and mathematics
increase preparedness (STEM).

Environment Education
School must reflect the
must be promoted as an
environmental principles
independent subject or a
by energy efficient
transversal theme in the
systems to promote a
school curriculum along
close relationship with
with dedicated training
the environment.
programme.

Combating Climate Change through Education

Research suggests that the impact of just one course can result in an individual
reduction of emissions by over 2.5 metric tonnes per year. If a significant number
of people were to undergo this transformative process, the cumulative emissions
reductions could rival those achieved through larger-scale initiatives. By acquiring
knowledge about climate change, its causes, impacts, and more, young people
are empowered to understand and confront the consequences of global warming.
Together, armed with this knowledge, we can initiate changes that prioritise the well-
being of our planet.

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 Glossary
Millennial: involving or occurring over one thousand years
Centennial: relating to, lasting for, or completing a period of 100 years
Green economy: characterised by low carbon emissions, low pollution, renewable energy
resource efficiency, and the prevention of biodiversity and ecosystem loss.

Climate Change and Early Civilizations

Climate change has been a factor influencing human societies since the advent of
civilization and the development of agriculture approximately 10,000 years ago. These
climatic fluctuations have had profound effects on various aspects of human cultures
and societies. They range from annual and decadal climate variations to significant
shifts occurring over centennial and millennial timescales. Such changes are believed
to have played a role in shaping early crop cultivation, domestication, and animal
husbandry. Throughout history, human societies have adapted in response to climate
variations, although evidence also exists of societies and civilizations collapsing due
to rapid and severe climatic shifts. The collapses of various civilizations, such as the
Anasazi Indians in southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico
(200 CE–1300 CE) in North America, Tiwanaku in Bolivia, Akkadians in Mesopotamia,
the Indus Valley in current day India and Pakistan, the Mayans (250 CE–900 CE) in
Meso-America, and the Roman Empire from 625 BCE to its fall in 476 CE, have all
coincided with sudden changes in climate, often marked by droughts.

Examining Centuries of Climate Change

Over the past 12,000 years, the Earth’s climate has remained stable, which has played
a crucial role in the development of human civilization. This stability has allowed for
the advancement of agriculture, animal domestication, settlement establishment, and
cultural progress.
During the last millennium, there have been variations in the climate occurring
on a century-long scale, indicating that no two centuries have been identical. Both
historical records and proxy data from various sources, such as marine and lake
sediments, tree rings, corals, cave deposits, and ice cores, support this notion. ‘The
Little Ice Age’, a period lasting from the 14th to the 19th centuries, was characterised
by cold temperatures in Europe, the North Atlantic region, and other parts of the
world. However, this icy period concluded within the last 150 years, and the 20th
century witnessed significant warming trends in many regions.
The warming of the 20th century can be attributed partly to the end of the Little Ice
Age, when temperatures were relatively low. Though some natural factors, including
variations in the Earth’s orbit (Milankovitch cycles), reductions in solar energy emissions,
variations in ocean currents, and tectonic and volcanic activity, cause changes in global
temperature, most climate scientists suggest that the primary cause is the accumulation
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Although warm years occurred intermittently during the Ice Age period, there were
varying theories as to how they happened. It was suggested that the Earth had been

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 subjected to an ice age earlier in geologic time. By the late 18th century, some geologists
had found ample evidence of distinct time periods in the past, each with their own
unique climate conditions. During these periods, the climate underwent changes. In
other words, they discovered that climate changes occurred during different “Climate
Ages.” Louis Agassiz’s ‘Ice Age Theory’, for instance, was among many other theories,
and it proposed that glaciers covered Europe and much of North America. In 1937, for
the first time, he scientifically supported his theory. Furthermore, the timing of the
coldest periods varied across regions, with some areas experiencing relative warmth
while others faced extremely cold conditions. It was seen later that the movement
of Alpine glaciers beyond their historical boundaries resulted in the destruction of
farms, churches, and villages in countries like Switzerland and France. Frequent cold
winters and cool, rainy summers led to crop failures, destroyed wine harvests, and
caused famines in northern and central Europe. Increasing pack ice and storminess
in the North Atlantic during the early 15th century isolated the Norse colonies in
Greenland from the rest of Norse civilization, leading to the demise of the western
colony due to famine and the abandonment of the eastern colony. Iceland also became
increasingly disconnected from Scandinavia during this time. The North Atlantic cod
fisheries suffered as ocean temperatures dropped in the 17th century.

TIMELINE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Svante Arrhenius constructs the first climate model of the influence of atmospheric
1896 carbon dioxide (CO2 ).
Era of large-scale petroleum development begins with the opening of Texas and Persian
1920-25 Gulf oil fields.
Milutin Milankovitch publishes "Mathematical Climatology and the Astronomical Theory
1930 of Climatic Changes" to explain the causes of Earth's ice ages.
Roger Revelle and Hans E. Suess write that "human beings are now carrying out a large
1957 scale geophysical experiment" in a paper examining CO2 uptake by the oceans.
Curve developed by American climate scientist Charles David Keeling begins to track
1960 atmospheric CO2 concentrations. CO2 concentration in 1960≈315 parts per million (ppm).
1973 First oil shock

1974 First evidence of chlorine chemicals being involved in ozone depletion is published.

1979 Second oil shock

1980 Keeling Curve: CO2 concentration in 1980≈ 337 ppm.

First Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report notes pattern of past
1990 warming while signaling that future warming is likely.
United Nations conference in Rio de Janeiro creates the UN Framework Convention on
1992 Climate Change.
Kyoto Protocol is created with the intent to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
1997 industrialized countries. The U.S., the largest GHG emitter at the time, does not sign on.
2000 Keeling Curve: CO2 concentration in 2000≈367 ppm.

2001 Third IPCC report notes that warming resulting from GHG emissions has become very likely.

2005 Kyoto Protocol goes into effect. All major industrialized countries sign on except the U.S.

2006 China becomes the world's largest GHG emitter.

2007 Fourth IPCC report notes that effects of global warming are occurring.

2011 Canada withdraws from the Kyoto Protocol.

2013 Keeling Curve: CO2 concentration in 2013 ≈ 400 ppm.

Paris Agreement (which replaces the Kyoto Protocol) is adopted by nearly 200 countries,
2015 including the U.S.
2016 Paris Agreement goes into effect.

2021 Sixth IPCC report notes unequivocally that human activity has brought widespread and
rapid changes to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Timeline of Climate Change

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 Before the onset of the Little Ice Age, northern and central Europe experienced
a period of relatively mild weather known as the ‘Medieval Warm Period,’ which
lasted from approximately 1000 CE to the first half of the 13th century, as evidenced
by ice cores from Greenland. This era saw favourable conditions for abundant
crops in much of Europe, with mild summers and winters. Vineyards and wheat
farming thrived at higher latitudes and elevations compared to present times. Norse
communities engaged in fishing, hunting, and exploration along the Labrador coast
of Newfoundland, while their colonies in Iceland and Greenland prospered. However,
similar to the Little Ice Age, the ‘Medieval Warm Period’ was not uniformly warm
across the globe, and there is no evidence of high temperatures during this time
everywhere in the world.

Glossary
Polar Ice Caps: dome-shaped sheets of ice found near the North and South Poles.
Continental Ice Sheets: a mass of glacial ice covering more than 50,000 square kilometres
(19,000 square miles). Ice sheets contain about 99% of the fresh water on Earth and are
sometimes called continental glaciers. Today, there are only two ice sheets in the world:
the Antarctic ice sheet and the Greenland ice sheet.
Ice Age: ice age occurs when the Earth and its atmosphere experience long periods of
reduced temperatures, resulting in large areas of the Earth being covered with Polar
and Continental ice sheets, mountain and valley glaciers, and sea ice for millions, tens
of millions, or even hundreds of millions of years. As the Earth’s climate alternates
between ice ages and greenhouse periods, there may be periods of warming or cooling
during an ice age. The greenhouse periods are hotter, longer-lasting periods with
carbon dioxide levels 10-20 times higher than today and no ice on the planet. They
cover 70% of the last two and a half billion years. Scientists estimated seventeen cycles
between the glacial and interglacial periods. The last ice age peaked around 20,000
years ago, when global average temperatures were approximately 5 degrees colder
than they are today.
Carbon Sinks: The soil, oceans, plants, and forests absorb more carbon from the atmosphere
than they release and are known as carbon sinks.
Carbon source: a product that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Examples
of carbon sources include the burning of fossil fuels like gas, coal, and oil, deforestation,
and volcanic eruptions.

Hotlink
Scanning this QR code will take you to a Quest staff-written article
about the Keeling Curve. It is scientific evidence that indicates that
carbon dioxide is accumulating in our atmosphere.
The Keeling Curve Explained | KQED
https://www.kqed.org/quest/73187/the-keeling-curve-explained#:~

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 ATMOSPHERIC CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION
430

420
annual cycle of CO2
410

Atmospheric CO2 (parts per million)

400

390

380
Jan. April July Oct. Jan.
370

360

350
Keeling Curve
340

330

320

310
1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
Year

Keeling Curve

Understanding Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and the Greenhouse Effect

When certain gases, known as greenhouse gases, build up in the Earth’s atmosphere,
they contribute to the greenhouse effect. Naturally occurring gases such as, carbon
dioxide, methane, water vapour, fluorinated gases, and substances commonly known
as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are among the culprits present in the atmosphere.
These greenhouse gases build up and trap heat from the sun, creating the greenhouse
effect. This trapped heat causes the Earth’s temperature to rise, resulting in global
warming. While Global Warming is the climatic change on Earth that causes it to warm
and heat up, the greenhouse effect occurs naturally and constantly due to sunlight and
the atmospheric blanket layer.

THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

A part of the solar
radiation is reflected Some of the infrared radiation passes
by the Earth and the through the atmosphere. Some
atmosphere absorbed by GHG and re-emitted in all
directions by the atmosphere.

This warms the

Atmosphere Earth's surface
and the lower
Earth's Surface atmosphere.

Some radiation is
absorbed by the
Earth's surface
and warms it. Infrared radiation
is emitted by
Earth's surface

Greenhouse effect

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 Q Question
ū Why is water vapour also considered a Greenhouse gas?
Greenhouse gases have a dual role in the Earth’s atmosphere. They allow sunlight to
penetrate and reach the surface while also trapping heat that would otherwise escape
back into space. This trapping effect can be likened to the insulating glass walls of
a greenhouse. The greenhouse effect plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth’s
climate at a comfortable level. Without the greenhouse effect, surface temperatures
would be approximately 33°C (60°F) colder, leading to freezing conditions that would
be inhospitable for many forms of life. On the other hand, too many greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere result in trapping a lot of the earth’s radiation and warming the
earth a lot. This, in turn, is the cause of droughts, desertification, forest fires, water
scarcity, and food shortages.
Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s and early 1800s, human
activities have significantly contributed to the release of greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. Over the past century, these emissions have risen dramatically, with an
overall increase of 70% between 1970 and 2004. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the
most prominent greenhouse gas, experienced an almost 80% increase during this
period. Empirical data unequivocally indicates a consistent rise in atmospheric CO2
concentrations since 1958. Initially, the average concentration was around 316 parts
per million by volume (ppmv), but it has now exceeded 400 ppmv. Present-day levels
of atmospheric carbon dioxide surpass the natural range observed over the previous
years.
The primary source of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is the combustion
of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This emission occurs through various
means, including the use of fossil fuels in vehicles (cars, trucks, trains, and planes)
and power plants. Deforestation contributes to carbon dioxide emissions through two
distinct mechanisms. Firstly, the decay of plant matter, particularly trees, releases
substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Secondly, living trees
absorb carbon dioxide, but deforestation reduces their numbers, resulting in a higher
concentration of this gas in the atmosphere.
Methane is another significant greenhouse gas, primarily produced by landfill waste
decomposition, livestock rearing, and the extraction and processing of fossil fuels such
as coal and natural gas. Nitrous oxide, on the other hand, is generated through the
burning of fossil fuels, the manufacturing of fertilisers, and the use of agricultural
technologies.
Many human activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and increase
air pollution. Burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation emits carbon
dioxide, contributing to both air pollution and climate change. This affects both local
air quality and the global climate. In many cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi, air
pollution is a significant concern, causing health issues and affecting quality of life. In
fact, air pollution is the main cause of climate change. Burning fossil fuels and mass
cutting of forests are human activities that cause an increase in the emission of carbon
dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The pollutants trap

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 heat inside the atmosphere through the “greenhouse effect”. Ozone in the atmosphere
warms the climate, while other suspended particulate matter could have either a
warming or cooling effect on the climate.

Venus’ atmosphere consists mostly of carbon dioxide, accounting for 96% of its
composition. Furthermore, the atmosphere on Venus is 100 times denser than
that on Earth. As a result, a substantial greenhouse effect occurs, leading to an
Elsewhere!

extremely high temperature of 462°C, which is even capable of melting lead. While
the greenhouse effect plays a major role in Venus’ excessive heat, its proximity
to the Sun also contributes to its extreme temperatures. Without an atmosphere,
Venus’s absolute temperature would be half of what it is now due to the greenhouse
doubling effect.

Fluorinated gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons

(HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are used in refrigeration systems and
aerosol cans. These gases are also classified as greenhouse gases and contribute to
their overall buildup in the atmosphere. Their accumulation leads to the enhanced
greenhouse effect, causing global warming by trapping more heat than normal.

Q Question
ū How is ozone layer depletion related to climate change?

The Impact of Increasing Greenhouse Gases

When there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air contaminants in
the atmosphere, they capture sunlight and solar radiation that has already bounced off
the Earth’s surface. Typically, this radiation would dissipate into space, but due to the
prolonged presence of these contaminants in the atmosphere, they retain the heat, leading
to an increase in global temperatures. The greenhouse effect occurs as a consequence of
these heat-retaining contaminants, collectively known as greenhouse gases.

Key Fact
The release of methane through the burps and dung of livestock is considered a significant
concern and an opportunity to combat global warming. Approximately 14% of human-
caused climate emissions are attributed to cows and other farm animals. To reduce methane
levels, potential solutions include exploring alternative diets for cattle, minimising food
loss and waste, and decreasing the production of meat and dairy products.
What’s the beef with cows and the climate crisis? | Cop26 | The Guardian

What does climate change include?

Climate change refers to the recurring modifications in the Earth’s climate system,
resulting from various factors such as atmospheric variations and interactions with
geological, chemical, biological, and geographical elements. The impacts of climate
change are far-reaching and have become more pronounced since the mid-20th

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 Estimations of past and future global warming
6.0 A2

average global surface warming (°C)

A1B
5.0 B1
4.0 Baseline year 2000 CO2 concentrations
20th century
3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

–1.0

A1FI
A1B
A1T

A2
B1

B2
1900 2000 2100

Estimations of past and future Global Warming

century, primarily due to human activities. Climate Change includes both, the human
activity induced emissions of greenhouse gases that drive ‘global warming’ and the
resulting ‘large-scale shifts in global weather patterns.’
One very noticeable effect of climate change is the accelerated melting of polar ice due
to rising temperatures. This phenomenon, in turn, causes rising sea levels, leading to
increased floods and coastal erosion. The primary cause of this rapid climate change
is the indiscreet string of non- eco friendly human activities, which puts humanity’s
very existence at risk.
Another consequence of climate change is the disruption of weather patterns,
which leads to unpredictability. This unpredictability poses significant challenges
for agricultural practises, especially in vulnerable nations like India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Nepal, etc. that are heavily dependent on farming. Unforeseen and
unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult to grow and maintain cropping
patterns. Furthermore, climate change contributes to the occurrence of more frequent
and severe hurricanes, floods, cyclones, and other destructive weather phenomena.
Natural processes in the Earth’s climate system can either speed up or slow down global
warming. ‘Climate feedback’ refers to processes in the Earth’s climate system that can
amplify or dampen the effects of climate change. For example, when temperatures
rise, it can cause ice to melt, reducing the amount of sunlight reflected. This leads
to more heat absorption, further warming the planet. To slow down global warming,
‘carbon sinks’ can store carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These “sinks” include
forests and oceans that absorb carbon dioxide.
Land temperatures have been rising at a rate approximately twice that of the global
average temperature. This means temperatures on land surfaces are increasing at a
faster pace compared to the average temperature of the entire Earth. This results in
desertification, more frequent heat waves, and increased wildfire activity. The Arctic

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 region is particularly affected, experiencing permafrost melting, glacier retreat, and
sea ice loss.
Warmer temperatures cause increased evaporation rates, leading to more water
vapour in the atmosphere. This water vapour condenses into clouds, increasing storm
intensity and weather extremes. Climate change also upsets ecosystems, which means
that many species have to move or go extinct. Coral reefs, mountainous areas, and the
Arctic are the most at risk. These areas are especially vulnerable because they have
adapted to specific environmental conditions that are changing as a result of rising
temperatures. From coral bleaching to glacial melting, climate change disturbs the
ecosystems where many species live.
The consequences of climate change pose numerous threats to individuals, including
food insecurity, water scarcity, flooding, the spread of infectious diseases, extreme heat
events, economic losses, and forced displacement. The World Health Organisation has
recognised climate change as the greatest threat to global health in the twenty-first
century, largely due to these human-induced effects.
Even with successful efforts to limit future warming, certain effects of climate change
will persist for thousands of years. Rising sea levels, increasing ocean temperatures,
and ocean acidification are among the long-lasting impacts. According to various
reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these effects will
become more severe if global warming continues to rise, particularly surpassing
1.5 °C (2.7 °F). Additionally, higher levels of warming increase the likelihood of reaching
critical ‘tipping points’ that can have irreversible consequences.

Hotlink
To get a brief overview of the causes, effects, and solutions to tackle
climate change, scan this QR code and watch the video.
sources: https://www.the guardian.com

People protesting against Climate Change

Source: https://img.freepik.com/free-photo/people-protesting-together-against-global-
warming_23-2149040383.jpg?w=2000

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 According to the 2015 Paris Accord, it is crucial to limit the global temperature rise to
1.5 degrees Celsius. Climate experts believe that by staying below this target, humans
and the planet can mitigate some of the most severe consequences of climate change.
However, without human intervention, the Earth is currently on a trajectory to surpass
the 1.5-degree threshold within 20 years and could reach 3 degrees of warming within
a century.
The potential outcomes of even a 2-degree increase in global warming are alarming.
NASA estimates that under such conditions, nearly all coral reefs would face
extinction, a significant drought would impact an additional 61 million people, annual
deadly heat waves would become more prevalent, an extra 270 million individuals
could experience water scarcity, and severe weather events would increase both in
frequency and severity.
To stabilise the climate system and mitigate the effects of climate change, the
only solution is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving this goal would
necessitate substantial and widespread changes. Understanding the impact of
climate change on our environment and taking appropriate action necessitates
extensive research, as changes in the Earth’s climate have a profound impact on
our planet’s ecosystems.
With accurate information, we can comprehend how climate change affects us, why
temperatures are rising rapidly, and how we can contribute to addressing the issue.
The loss of sea ice due to rising temperatures is already impacting coastal ecosystems.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and are projected to continue increasing. If no
action is taken, climate change will exacerbate natural disasters and harm ecosystems.
We are already witnessing increased pollution and food shortages in the United States
as a result of shifting climates. As climate change progresses, the marine ecosystem
is at a higher risk of significant damage, jeopardising ocean-dwelling species and
reducing food availability in coastal areas.
The effects of climate change are not limited to a specific region; they are universal.
While initially impacting those with fewer resources, the repercussions will eventually
affect every person on Earth.

Delayed Acknowledgement of Climate Change

Approximately a century has transpired since the term ‘global warming’ was initially
coined. In 1896, Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius postulated that human activities
could significantly increase the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, a
notion later corroborated by Thomas Chamberlin in 1902. It wasn’t until 1987 that
evidence from Antarctica’s Vostok further established the role of carbon dioxide.
Despite scientific recognition and acceptance of this phenomenon in the late 1950s
and early 1960s, it took until the late 1980s for the general public to suddenly recognise
the grave danger posed by global warming.
The prevailing belief among the majority of people was that the oceans would absorb
the excess CO2, which led to scepticism. The delay in recognising climate change
can be attributed to two main factors: the significance of global mean temperature

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 (GMT) data sets and the decline in global temperatures, as well as the need for a
global environmental consciousness. The global temperature curve exhibited a
general downward trend from 1940 until the mid-1970s, prompting many scientists
to debate the possibility of another major ice age. Furthermore, the understanding
of the unpredictable nature of the historical climate in the 1970s contributed to this
apprehension.
Advancements in paleoceanography, the study of past seas through deep-sea
sediments, revealed the existence of at least 32 glacial-interglacial cycles in the last
2.5 million years, contrary to the previously accepted four cycles. The emergence of
a rising global annual mean temperature curve in the early 1980s cast doubt on the
theory of global cooling. The sudden upsurge in the global temperature curve in the
late 1980s gave rise to the hypothesis of global warming. The warmest recorded years
globally were 1998 and 2010, and this warming trend has persisted until the present,
with 2010 being deemed the warmest year due to the influence of El Niño.
The terms ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ gained support due to extensive
media coverage and the publication of dramatic stories in the late 1980s and 1990s.
This increased support for the concept of global warming. By the late 1990s, politicians,
medical professionals, and economists started taking the threat of climate change
seriously, leading to a greater awareness and acceptance of the fact that climate
change is real and predominantly caused by human activity. In the 1980s, concerns
among scientists also arose regarding other greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) and
the role of oceans as heat reservoirs.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, an increasing number of research teams began
working on climate models. When the findings of 14 general circulation models (GCMs)
were collectively compared in 1992, they showed general agreement, supporting the
predictions of global warming. GCMs are a specific type of climate model that employs
mathematical representations of atmospheric and oceanic circulations, often used for
studying other planetary environments.
Science seeks evidence, and the currently available evidence has convincingly
demonstrated that climate change is an undeniable reality.

Six Major Lines of Evidence for Climate Change:

1. The analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) levels in the atmosphere indicates that the
combustion of fossil fuels is the primary source of additional carbon, as indicated
by the isotopic composition of these gases.
2. Experimental observations conducted in both laboratory settings and the
atmosphere demonstrate that these gases possess the capability to absorb heat.
3. Significant alterations in global temperatures and the rise in sea levels have been
observed during the past century.
4. The cryosphere (ice world) and atmosphere have experienced notable
transformations, including the retreat of sea ice and glaciers, as well as the
occurrence of extreme weather events, which have been extensively documented.

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 5. Natural phenomena such as sunspots and volcanic eruptions cannot explain
the observed warming trend over the last century, according to compelling
evidence.
6. Our understanding now encompasses historical climatic shifts occurring over
extended periods, and the role played by GHGs in regulating the climate.

Conflict Pollution: The Hidden Costs of Conflict

Throughout history, conflicts have been known to contribute to climate change. Due
to the large number of trucks, cargo, transport, and warplanes and containers, as well
as warships, used by the military to meet operational needs and for regular training
and maintenance, the military uses a lot of fossil fuels. This contributes directly to
air pollution, makes our planet’s carbon footprint bigger, and adds to the problem of
global warming. If the US military, for instance, were considered a nation, it would
rank 47th globally in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. This is because contemporary
warfare tactics such as bombings and other forms of aggression not only result in the
direct destruction of wildlife and the loss of biodiversity through collateral damage
from conflicts, which can lead to the demise of up to 90% of large animals in affected
regions, but the pollution in the air is also caused by excessive use of its vast defence
infrastructure. “Conflict pollution” describes the environmental pollution resulting
from military activities. This pollution contaminates the air, land, and water, posing a
serious threat to human habitation.
The Cost of Wars Project in the USA estimated in 2017 that US military pollution
had accounted for 1.2 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. This, it was
estimated, was equivalent to the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by
257 million passenger cars annually. The Cost of Wars Project also found that the total
emissions related to war-activity in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria released
over 400 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide alone, besides other toxic gases.
Research at Durham University and Lancaster University has shown that the US
military is and has been one of the largest climate polluters, as it consumes more
liquid fuels and emits more carbon-dioxide than most countries.
World War I had profound ecological consequences because of trench warfare. The
digging of trenches disrupted the soil, destroying the habitats of plants and animals.
Also, the logging of forests to create trenches led to increased soil erosion. These
environmental impacts persisted beyond the Cold War era and continue to affect the
ecosystem to this day.
World War II also had significant environmental consequences. Chemical contamination
and aerial warfare negatively impacted global flora and fauna populations as well as
species diversity.
One of the largest oil spills in history occurred during the Gulf War in 1991.
Destroying underground oil wells to generate smoke and deflect air strikes was seen
as advantageous. However, this led to the release of greenhouse gases, resulting in
a significant decline in air quality due to the Kuwaiti oil fires. Subsequent research

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 has characterised the spill as an act of environmental terrorism, highlighting its
detrimental effects on marine animals, ecosystems, and coastal sediments. In 2017, it
was discovered that isolated bay regions contained dangerous levels of hydrocarbons,
posing a threat to the survival of the creatures residing there. The oil spill also coated the
feathers of seabirds, causing the deaths of numerous species, including approximately
30,000 grebes and cormorants.
The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had wide-ranging environmental
consequences. Wars bring violence and destruction. Beyond bombs and bullets,
which cause an increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions,
wars destroy critical resources like farms, livestock, gardens, land, and civilian
infrastructure. This has led to food scarcity, disrupted economic activities,
threatened survival, and hindered the lives of both people and wildlife. This situation
has resulted in displacement, starvation, and death, jeopardising food security and
other factors.

Wars bring violence and destruction

Source: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vvF9CwYqL.jpg

Do It Yourself
Many people are making deliberate dietary changes and embracing “veganism.”
Investigate the relationship between veganism and climate change, as well as how
it may benefit the environment.

Conclusion
The Earth’s climate has changed dramatically over time. Long periods of calm were
punctuated by varying lengths and severity of change. Climate change has caused
mass extinction events, wiping out many plant and animal species.

Climate Change 14

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 References
1. “10 Reasons why Climate Change is Important” wwf.org.uk
URL: http://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/10-reasons-why-climate-change-important
Accessed on: October 11, 2023
2. “A Brief History of Climate Change” bbc.com
URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-15874560
Accessed on: October 11, 2023
3. Climate Change: Evidence and Causes royalsociety.org
URL:https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/climate-change-evidence-causes/basics-of-climate-
change/
Accessed on: October 11, 2023
4. “Greenhouse Effect” education.nationalgeograhic.org URL:https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/
projects/climate-change-evidence-causes/basics-of-climate-change/
Accessed on: October 11, 2023
5. “Greenhouse Effect” britannica.com
URL: https://www.britannica.com/science/greenhouse-effect
Accessed on: October 11, 2023
6. “Greenhouse Effect on Other Planets” energyeducation.ca
URL: https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Greenhouse_effect_on_other_planets
Accessed on: October 11, 2023

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