Climate change: causes and effects for the planet
Climate change is a very serious problem that concerns everyone on planet earth. Because we are all inhabitants of the earth, and without its good conditions we would not be able to live normally.
In fact, over the years the climate has changed abruptly in the world, precisely because of human activity. In addition to this, global warming is one of those affecting the climate around the planet.
Many tend to believe that it is the same thing, but it is not. Here we will see their difference, the causes and consequences that have produced climate changes on planet earth. Also how we can help through the simple, but essential task of recycling our waste. Keep reading this post; it is of interest to everyone.
What is climate change?
It is a variation of the climate throughout the planet earth, caused by human activity or also by natural causes of climate over long periods of time. However, nowadays such variation has been increasing at a higher rate than a few years ago.
What is global warming?
It is the change in the temperature of the planet that is reflected in the atmosphere, as well as in the oceans. Global warming is caused by gases or fuel burning, which is done by man himself. Deforestation and other human activities also play a role.
Differences between climate change and global warming
– Climate change will be seen in climate measurement for a long time. Therefore, climate change includes significant changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other influences that occur over decades or longer.
– Global warming refers to the recent steady increase in global average temperature near the earth’s surface.
– The warming is caused primarily by “the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.”
– In addition, global warming is causing changes in weather patterns. Global warming itself is only one aspect of climate change.
Causes of climate change
According to the United Nations (UN), the cause of climate change is due to several aspects of which will be discussed below:
- The increase in greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities is like a blanket, which covers our planet, absorbs the sun’s heat and increases the temperature.
- Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. These come from burning fossil fuels, such as the gasoline we use to drive cars or the coal we use to heat buildings.
- On the other hand, the clearing of land and forests also releases carbon dioxide.
- Landfills are another source of greenhouse gases. The energy, industry, agriculture and waste management sectors are the main emitters of greenhouse gases.
So we can say that the main cause of climate change is global warming, which has multiple negative effects on physical, biological and human systems, as well as other effects.
As already mentioned, the greenhouse effect is a natural process that allows the earth to maintain the conditions necessary for life: the atmosphere retains part of the sun’s heat, therefore, if there is no greenhouse effect, the average temperature of the earth will be 18ºC below zero.
The atmosphere is made up of several gases, which work in the right proportions. The problem is that when human activities increase the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, it retains too much heat, which leads to an increase in the average temperature of the earth, and the so-called global or global warming occurs, which is consistent with what was mentioned above by the UN.
How does climate change affect the planet?
The effects of climate change include everyone, regardless of race, gender, language, age or any other field, whether political, social, family and/or economic. On the other hand, global warming has endangered flora, fauna and human beings.
It is possible to indicate that the effects of climate change are found at three main levels: physical, biological and human systems.
1. Physical systems
The earth’s physical system manifests itself as the melting of polarities, which in turn leads to the retreat of glaciers, melting of snow, warming and melting of permafrost, flooding of rivers and lakes, drought of rivers and lakes, coastal erosion, sea level rise, and extreme events.
2. Biological systems
In biological systems, the death of animals and plants occurs in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In addition, the search for places that can provide greater security for survival has led to forest fires and the migration of flora and fauna.
3. Human system
In the human system, there is damage and destruction to harvest and food production, disease and death. The economical means of survival and migration of climate refugees have also been destroyed and are increasing.
Importance of recycling for climate change
Climate change is increasing every period of time. But, recycling contributes to climate change in a positive way, because it is one of the keys to reduce global warming, and it is as basic as separating the garbage we produce every day, and it has a very important impact on the environment.
With this activity, the world can reduce 700 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, which is equivalent to a reduction of approximately 100 kilograms of carbon dioxide per person per year.
It should be noted that carbon dioxide is one of the most dangerous gases for the environment and is directly related to the increase in temperature of the entire earth. Therefore, recycling also contributes to climate change, because it means less energy consumption.
In fact, when we recycle wood, cardboard, glass, metal or plastic, we reduce the extraction, transportation and processing of new raw materials for production, and we help reduce energy consumption in all processes.
In this way, recycling companies in Phoenix Arizona is essential to help climate change slow down a bit. And one of the most impactful recycling companies in Arizona is called Juniors Recycling AZ.
In conclusion, we can mention that climate change is everyone’s problem, therefore, we must do everything possible to contribute to the environment, through recycling and always be aware of the timely information that the United Nations Organization indicates.
In this way, all the efforts made by each country will not be in vain and all together we will help to reduce climate change.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to make a change in society and the planet by recycling your garbage.
