essay about climate in english

Climate Change Essay

500+ words essay on climate change.

Climate change is a major global challenge today, and the world is becoming more vulnerable to this change. Climate change refers to the changes in Earth’s climate condition. It describes the changes in the atmosphere which have taken place over a period ranging from decades to millions of years. A recent report from the United Nations predicted that the average global temperature could increase by 6˚ Celsius at the end of the century. Climate change has an adverse effect on the environment and ecosystem. With the help of this essay, students will get to know the causes and effects of climate change and possible solutions. Also, they will be able to write essays on similar topics and can boost their writing skills.

What Causes Climate Change?

The Earth’s climate has always changed and evolved. Some of these changes have been due to natural causes such as volcanic eruptions, floods, forest fires etc., but quite a few of them are due to human activities. Human activities such as deforestation, burning fossil fuels, farming livestock etc., generate an enormous amount of greenhouse gases. This results in the greenhouse effect and global warming which are the major causes of climate change.

Effects of Climate Change

If the current situation of climate change continues in a similar manner, then it will impact all forms of life on the earth. The earth’s temperature will rise, the monsoon patterns will change, sea levels will rise, and storms, volcanic eruptions and natural disasters will occur frequently. The biological and ecological balance of the earth will get disturbed. The environment will get polluted and humans will not be able to get fresh air to breathe and fresh water to drink. Life on earth will come to an end.

Steps to be Taken to Reduce Climate Change

The Government of India has taken many measures to improve the dire situation of Climate Change. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency for climate change issues in India. It has initiated several climate-friendly measures, particularly in the area of renewable energy. India took several steps and policy initiatives to create awareness about climate change and help capacity building for adaptation measures. It has initiated a “Green India” programme under which various trees are planted to make the forest land more green and fertile.

We need to follow the path of sustainable development to effectively address the concerns of climate change. We need to minimise the use of fossil fuels, which is the major cause of global warming. We must adopt alternative sources of energy, such as hydropower, solar and wind energy to make a progressive transition to clean energy. Mahatma Gandhi said that “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not any man’s greed”. With this view, we must remodel our outlook and achieve the goal of sustainable development. By adopting clean technologies, equitable distribution of resources and addressing the issues of equity and justice, we can make our developmental process more harmonious with nature.

We hope students liked this essay on Climate Change and gathered useful information on this topic so that they can write essays in their own words. To get more study material related to the CBSE, ICSE, State Board and Competitive exams, keep visiting the BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on climate change Essay

What are the reasons for climate change.

1. Deforestation 2. Excessive usage of fossil fuels 3. Water, Soil pollution 4. Plastic and other non-biodegradable waste 5. Wildlife and nature extinction

How can we save this climate change situation?

1. Avoid over usage of natural resources 2. Do not use or buy items made from animals 3. Avoid plastic usage and pollution

Are there any natural causes for climate change?

Yes, some of the natural causes for climate change are: 1. Solar variations 2. Volcanic eruption and tsunamis 3. Earth’s orbital changes

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Climate change essay

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. It is a phenomenon driven primarily by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Understanding the background of climate change and why it is crucial to address is essential for comprehending the urgency of this issue. In this essay, we will explore the causes, impacts, and solutions to this critical issue while delving into why climate change is of paramount importance.

Background of Climate Change

The background of climate change dates back to the late 19th century when scientists first began to observe an increase in global temperatures. However, it wasn't until the latter half of the 20th century that comprehensive research and data collection revealed the alarming rate at which our planet was warming. The primary driver of this phenomenon is the emission of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), resulting from human activities.

Why Climate Change Is Important

• Environmental Impact: Climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. Rising temperatures disrupt habitats, leading to species migration or, in some cases, extinction. Ecosystems such as coral reefs and polar regions are particularly vulnerable, with profound implications for the balance of life on Earth.
• Human Well-being: The impacts of climate change extend to human health and well-being. Increased temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, putting vulnerable populations at risk. Changing weather patterns can disrupt food production, leading to food shortages and price spikes. Additionally, extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods can result in devastating economic losses and displacement of communities.
• Economic Consequences: Climate change has direct economic implications. The costs of responding to climate-related disasters, adapting to changing conditions, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions are substantial. However, the economic benefits of transitioning to a green, sustainable economy are also considerable, including job creation and reduced healthcare costs associated with air pollution.
• Global Cooperation: Climate change is a global issue that requires international cooperation. It transcends national borders, as emissions from one country can impact the climate worldwide. Initiatives like the Paris Agreement signify the recognition that addressing climate change necessitates collaboration among nations. Failure to do so not only hinders global progress but also jeopardizes the future of our planet.

Solutions to Climate Change

Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and concerted efforts from individuals, communities, governments, and businesses. Here are some key solutions:

• Transition to Renewable Energy: Moving away from fossil fuels and adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower is essential. Investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure are critical for reducing emissions.
• Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. This includes adopting energy-efficient technologies and promoting public transportation.
• Reforestation and Forest Conservation: Protecting existing forests and reforesting areas can help capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Initiatives like the Bonn Challenge exemplify how nations can collaborate to combat deforestation and restore ecosystems.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture contributes significantly to global emissions, but sustainable practices can mitigate its environmental impact. Techniques such as no-till farming and regenerative agriculture reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector.
• International Agreements: Commitment to international agreements like the Paris Agreement is crucial for coordinating global efforts to combat climate change. Countries like China, the United States, and the European Union play pivotal roles in shaping international climate policy through their participation in such agreements.
• Climate Education: Raising awareness and educating the public about climate change is essential for fostering a collective sense of responsibility. Projects like the Climate Reality Leadership Corps educate and inspire individuals to advocate for climate policies and sustainability in their communities.

The background of climate change, driven by human activities and characterized by rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions, highlights the urgency of the issue. Climate change is important because it affects the environment, human well-being, the economy, and requires global cooperation. By understanding the significance of this challenge, we can work collectively to implement solutions, mitigate its impacts, and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all. The time to act is now, as the consequences of inaction are too severe to ignore.

Example: Climate change essay 300 words

Climate change is a global crisis that demands our immediate attention. The evidence is overwhelming: rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events are all indicators of a planet in peril. The primary driver of this crisis is human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

To combat climate change, we must reduce our carbon footprint. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is essential. We also need to adopt energy-efficient technologies, promote sustainable agriculture, and protect our forests and oceans. Individual actions matter, too, from conserving energy at home to reducing waste.

Climate change knows no borders, and international cooperation is critical. The Paris Agreement is a significant step forward, with countries pledging to limit global warming. However, more action is needed to meet the ambitious targets.

In conclusion, climate change is the defining challenge of our time. It threatens our environment, economies, and way of life. But by taking collective action and making sustainable choices, we can address this crisis and secure a better future for generations to come.

Example: Climate change essay 500 words

Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a current crisis affecting the planet. The evidence is clear: global temperatures are rising, sea levels are creeping upward, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are driving this crisis.

To address climate change, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is a crucial step. Energy efficiency improvements in industries, buildings, and transportation can significantly reduce emissions. Sustainable farming practices and the protection of our forests and oceans are vital for carbon sequestration.

International cooperation is essential. The Paris Agreement, signed by nearly every country, sets targets to limit global warming. However, we must do more to meet these goals and avoid catastrophic consequences.

Individual actions matter as well. Conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable businesses can contribute to the solution. Climate education and advocacy are powerful tools in raising awareness and driving change.

In conclusion, climate change is an urgent and multifaceted crisis that affects every aspect of our lives. It requires a coordinated effort from individuals, governments, and businesses worldwide. By taking immediate and decisive action, we can mitigate its impacts and build a sustainable future.

Example: Climate change essay 1000 words

Climate change is the defining challenge of our era, posing a threat to the very existence of our planet and all life it sustains. The evidence is undeniable: temperatures are rising, ice caps are melting, and extreme weather events are occurring with increasing frequency. These changes are not the result of natural variability but are primarily driven by human activities.

The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and unsustainable agricultural practices release vast amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to global warming. The consequences are dire, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human well-being.

To address climate change, we must take immediate and comprehensive action. Here are key strategies:

• Transition to Renewable Energy: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower is essential. Investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure are critical for reducing emissions.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable farming practices, such as no-till farming and regenerative agriculture, can reduce emissions from the agricultural sector while enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
• Forest Conservation and Reforestation: Protecting existing forests and reforesting degraded areas are crucial for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Bonn Challenge and similar initiatives demonstrate the potential of global reforestation efforts.
• International Agreements: Commitment to international agreements like the Paris Agreement is vital for coordinating global efforts to combat climate change. Countries must honor their commitments and work together to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
• Climate Education and Advocacy: Raising public awareness and educating individuals about climate change is essential. Projects like the Climate Reality Leadership Corps empower individuals to become climate advocates and drive change in their communities.

In conclusion, climate change is an urgent and complex issue that requires a multifaceted response. It demands action at every level, from individuals making sustainable choices in their daily lives to governments implementing policies that prioritize the environment. The consequences of inaction are too severe to ignore, and the time to act is now to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

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Essay on Global Warming

• Updated on  
• Apr 27, 2024

Being able to write an essay is an integral part of mastering any language. Essays form an integral part of many academic and scholastic exams like the SAT, and UPSC amongst many others. It is a crucial evaluative part of English proficiency tests as well like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. Major essays are meant to emphasize public issues of concern that can have significant consequences on the world. To understand the concept of Global Warming and its causes and effects, we must first examine the many factors that influence the planet’s temperature and what this implies for the world’s future. Here’s an unbiased look at the essay on Global Warming and other essential related topics.

Short Essay on Global Warming and Climate Change?

Since the industrial and scientific revolutions, Earth’s resources have been gradually depleted. Furthermore, the start of the world’s population’s exponential expansion is particularly hard on the environment. Simply put, as the population’s need for consumption grows, so does the use of natural resources , as well as the waste generated by that consumption.

Climate change has been one of the most significant long-term consequences of this. Climate change is more than just the rise or fall of global temperatures; it also affects rain cycles, wind patterns, cyclone frequencies, sea levels, and other factors. It has an impact on all major life groupings on the planet.

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What is Global Warming?

Global warming is the unusually rapid increase in Earth’s average surface temperature over the past century, primarily due to the greenhouse gases released by people burning fossil fuels . The greenhouse gases consist of methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, water vapour, and chlorofluorocarbons. The weather prediction has been becoming more complex with every passing year, with seasons more indistinguishable, and the general temperatures hotter.

The number of hurricanes, cyclones, droughts, floods, etc., has risen steadily since the onset of the 21st century. The supervillain behind all these changes is Global Warming. The name is quite self-explanatory; it means the rise in the temperature of the Earth.

Also Read: What is a Natural Disaster?

What are the Causes of Global Warming?

According to recent studies, many scientists believe the following are the primary four causes of global warming:

• Deforestation 
• Greenhouse emissions
• Carbon emissions per capita

Extreme global warming is causing natural disasters , which can be seen all around us. One of the causes of global warming is the extreme release of greenhouse gases that become trapped on the earth’s surface, causing the temperature to rise. Similarly, volcanoes contribute to global warming by spewing excessive CO2 into the atmosphere.

The increase in population is one of the major causes of Global Warming. This increase in population also leads to increased air pollution . Automobiles emit a lot of CO2, which remains in the atmosphere. This increase in population is also causing deforestation, which contributes to global warming.

The earth’s surface emits energy into the atmosphere in the form of heat, keeping the balance with the incoming energy. Global warming depletes the ozone layer, bringing about the end of the world. There is a clear indication that increased global warming will result in the extinction of all life on Earth’s surface.

Also Read: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources

Solutions for Global Warming

Of course, industries and multinational conglomerates emit more carbon than the average citizen. Nonetheless, activism and community effort are the only viable ways to slow the worsening effects of global warming. Furthermore, at the state or government level, world leaders must develop concrete plans and step-by-step programmes to ensure that no further harm is done to the environment in general.

Although we are almost too late to slow the rate of global warming, finding the right solution is critical. Everyone, from individuals to governments, must work together to find a solution to Global Warming. Some of the factors to consider are pollution control, population growth, and the use of natural resources.

One very important contribution you can make is to reduce your use of plastic. Plastic is the primary cause of global warming, and recycling it takes years. Another factor to consider is deforestation, which will aid in the control of global warming. More tree planting should be encouraged to green the environment. Certain rules should also govern industrialization. Building industries in green zones that affect plants and species should be prohibited.

Also Read: Essay on Pollution

Effects of Global Warming

Global warming is a real problem that many people want to disprove to gain political advantage. However, as global citizens, we must ensure that only the truth is presented in the media.

This decade has seen a significant impact from global warming. The two most common phenomena observed are glacier retreat and arctic shrinkage. Glaciers are rapidly melting. These are clear manifestations of climate change.

Another significant effect of global warming is the rise in sea level. Flooding is occurring in low-lying areas as a result of sea-level rise. Many countries have experienced extreme weather conditions. Every year, we have unusually heavy rain, extreme heat and cold, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

Similarly, as global warming continues, marine life is being severely impacted. This is causing the extinction of marine species as well as other problems. Furthermore, changes are expected in coral reefs, which will face extinction in the coming years. These effects will intensify in the coming years, effectively halting species expansion. Furthermore, humans will eventually feel the negative effects of Global Warming.

Also Read: Concept of Sustainable Development

Sample Essays on Global Warming

Here are some sample essays on Global Warming:

Essay on Global Warming Paragraph in 100 – 150 words

Global Warming is caused by the increase of carbon dioxide levels in the earth’s atmosphere and is a result of human activities that have been causing harm to our environment for the past few centuries now. Global Warming is something that can’t be ignored and steps have to be taken to tackle the situation globally. The average temperature is constantly rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the last few years.

The best method to prevent future damage to the earth, cutting down more forests should be banned and Afforestation should be encouraged. Start by planting trees near your homes and offices, participate in events, and teach the importance of planting trees. It is impossible to undo the damage but it is possible to stop further harm.

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Essay on Global Warming in 250 Words

Over a long period, it is observed that the temperature of the earth is increasing. This affected wildlife, animals, humans, and every living organism on earth. Glaciers have been melting, and many countries have started water shortages, flooding, and erosion and all this is because of global warming. 

No one can be blamed for global warming except for humans. Human activities such as gases released from power plants, transportation, and deforestation have increased gases such as carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere.                                              The main question is how can we control the current situation and build a better world for future generations. It starts with little steps by every individual. 

Start using cloth bags made from sustainable materials for all shopping purposes, instead of using high-watt lights use energy-efficient bulbs, switch off the electricity, don’t waste water, abolish deforestation and encourage planting more trees. Shift the use of energy from petroleum or other fossil fuels to wind and solar energy. Instead of throwing out the old clothes donate them to someone so that it is recycled. 

Donate old books, don’t waste paper.  Above all, spread awareness about global warming. Every little thing a person does towards saving the earth will contribute in big or small amounts. We must learn that 1% effort is better than no effort. Pledge to take care of Mother Nature and speak up about global warming.

Also Read: Types of Water Pollution

Essay on Global Warming in 500 Words

Global warming isn’t a prediction, it is happening! A person denying it or unaware of it is in the most simple terms complicit. Do we have another planet to live on? Unfortunately, we have been bestowed with this one planet only that can sustain life yet over the years we have turned a blind eye to the plight it is in. Global warming is not an abstract concept but a global phenomenon occurring ever so slowly even at this moment. Global Warming is a phenomenon that is occurring every minute resulting in a gradual increase in the Earth’s overall climate. Brought about by greenhouse gases that trap the solar radiation in the atmosphere, global warming can change the entire map of the earth, displacing areas, flooding many countries, and destroying multiple lifeforms. Extreme weather is a direct consequence of global warming but it is not an exhaustive consequence. There are virtually limitless effects of global warming which are all harmful to life on earth. The sea level is increasing by 0.12 inches per year worldwide. This is happening because of the melting of polar ice caps because of global warming. This has increased the frequency of floods in many lowland areas and has caused damage to coral reefs. The Arctic is one of the worst-hit areas affected by global warming. Air quality has been adversely affected and the acidity of the seawater has also increased causing severe damage to marine life forms. Severe natural disasters are brought about by global warming which has had dire effects on life and property. As long as mankind produces greenhouse gases, global warming will continue to accelerate. The consequences are felt at a much smaller scale which will increase to become drastic shortly. The power to save the day lies in the hands of humans, the need is to seize the day. Energy consumption should be reduced on an individual basis. Fuel-efficient cars and other electronics should be encouraged to reduce the wastage of energy sources. This will also improve air quality and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming is an evil that can only be defeated when fought together. It is better late than never. If we all take steps today, we will have a much brighter future tomorrow. Global warming is the bane of our existence and various policies have come up worldwide to fight it but that is not enough. The actual difference is made when we work at an individual level to fight it. Understanding its import now is crucial before it becomes an irrevocable mistake. Exterminating global warming is of utmost importance and each one of us is as responsible for it as the next.  

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Essay on Global Warming UPSC

Always hear about global warming everywhere, but do we know what it is? The evil of the worst form, global warming is a phenomenon that can affect life more fatally. Global warming refers to the increase in the earth’s temperature as a result of various human activities. The planet is gradually getting hotter and threatening the existence of lifeforms on it. Despite being relentlessly studied and researched, global warming for the majority of the population remains an abstract concept of science. It is this concept that over the years has culminated in making global warming a stark reality and not a concept covered in books. Global warming is not caused by one sole reason that can be curbed. Multifarious factors cause global warming most of which are a part of an individual’s daily existence. Burning of fuels for cooking, in vehicles, and for other conventional uses, a large amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and methane amongst many others is produced which accelerates global warming. Rampant deforestation also results in global warming as lesser green cover results in an increased presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is a greenhouse gas.  Finding a solution to global warming is of immediate importance. Global warming is a phenomenon that has to be fought unitedly. Planting more trees can be the first step that can be taken toward warding off the severe consequences of global warming. Increasing the green cover will result in regulating the carbon cycle. There should be a shift from using nonrenewable energy to renewable energy such as wind or solar energy which causes less pollution and thereby hinder the acceleration of global warming. Reducing energy needs at an individual level and not wasting energy in any form is the most important step to be taken against global warming. The warning bells are tolling to awaken us from the deep slumber of complacency we have slipped into. Humans can fight against nature and it is high time we acknowledged that. With all our scientific progress and technological inventions, fighting off the negative effects of global warming is implausible. We have to remember that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors but borrow it from our future generations and the responsibility lies on our shoulders to bequeath them a healthy planet for life to exist. 

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Climate Change and Global Warming Essay

Global Warming and Climate Change are two sides of the same coin. Both are interrelated with each other and are two issues of major concern worldwide. Greenhouse gases released such as carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere cause Global Warming which leads to climate change. Black holes have started to form in the ozone layer that protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. 

Human activities have created climate change and global warming. Industrial waste and fumes are the major contributors to global warming. 

Another factor affecting is the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and also one of the reasons for climate change.  Global warming has resulted in shrinking mountain glaciers in Antarctica, Greenland, and the Arctic and causing climate change. Switching from the use of fossil fuels to energy sources like wind and solar. 

When buying any electronic appliance buy the best quality with energy savings stars. Don’t waste water and encourage rainwater harvesting in your community. 

Also Read: Essay on Air Pollution

Tips to Write an Essay

Writing an effective essay needs skills that few people possess and even fewer know how to implement. While writing an essay can be an assiduous task that can be unnerving at times, some key pointers can be inculcated to draft a successful essay. These involve focusing on the structure of the essay, planning it out well, and emphasizing crucial details.

Mentioned below are some pointers that can help you write better structure and more thoughtful essays that will get across to your readers:

• Prepare an outline for the essay to ensure continuity and relevance and no break in the structure of the essay
• Decide on a thesis statement that will form the basis of your essay. It will be the point of your essay and help readers understand your contention
• Follow the structure of an introduction, a detailed body followed by a conclusion so that the readers can comprehend the essay in a particular manner without any dissonance.
• Make your beginning catchy and include solutions in your conclusion to make the essay insightful and lucrative to read
• Reread before putting it out and add your flair to the essay to make it more personal and thereby unique and intriguing for readers  

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Ans. Both natural and man-made factors contribute to global warming. The natural one also contains methane gas, volcanic eruptions, and greenhouse gases. Deforestation, mining, livestock raising, burning fossil fuels, and other man-made causes are next.

Ans. The government and the general public can work together to stop global warming. Trees must be planted more often, and deforestation must be prohibited. Auto usage needs to be curbed, and recycling needs to be promoted.

Ans. Switching to renewable energy sources , adopting sustainable farming, transportation, and energy methods, and conserving water and other natural resources.

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Digvijay Singh

Having 2+ years of experience in educational content writing, withholding a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Science and a strong interest in writing educational content for students enrolled in domestic and foreign study abroad programmes. I believe in offering a distinct viewpoint to the table, to help students deal with the complexities of both domestic and foreign educational systems. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, I aim to inspire my readers to embark on their educational journeys, whether abroad or at home, and to make the most of every learning opportunity that comes their way.

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This was really a good essay on global warming… There has been used many unic words..and I really liked it!!!Seriously I had been looking for a essay about Global warming just like this…

Thank you for the comment!

I want to learn how to write essay writing so I joined this page.This page is very useful for everyone.

Hi, we are glad that we could help you to write essays. We have a beginner’s guide to write essays ( https://leverageedu.com/blog/essay-writing/ ) and we think this might help you.

It is not good , to have global warming in our earth .So we all have to afforestation program on all the world.

thank you so much

Very educative , helpful and it is really going to strength my English knowledge to structure my essay in future

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Global warming is the increase in 𝓽𝓱𝓮 ᴀᴠᴇʀᴀɢᴇ ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴜʀᴇs ᴏғ ᴇᴀʀᴛʜ🌎 ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ

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Essay on Climate Change in 1000 words

• 06 Mar, 2024

Climate change is an important global issue that is affecting the environment, human societies, and economies adversely. In this essay on climate change, we will understand the effect of climate change highlighting its causes, consequences, and possible solutions.

Causes of climate change

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is the primary cause of climate change. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes, release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

Another significant factor contributing to climate change is the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from sources like livestock agriculture and the melting of permafrost. Methane has a much higher warming potential compared to carbon dioxide, making it a significant driver of climate change.

Furthermore, the destruction of natural carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands, exacerbates climate change. These ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate the climate. However, deforestation and land-use changes result in the loss of these crucial carbon sinks, leading to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Effects of climate change

The effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe. One of the most visible impacts is the rise in global temperatures. This increase leads to various consequences, including the melting of ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns.

Melting ice caps not only contribute to rising sea levels but also disrupt ecosystems and threaten the survival of polar species like polar bears and penguins. Additionally, the loss of ice reduces the Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight, further contributing to warming.

Changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events are also significant impacts of climate change. Some regions experience more frequent and intense droughts, while others face increased rainfall and flooding. These changes in weather patterns have severe implications for agriculture, water availability, and human settlements.

Furthermore, climate change poses a threat to biodiversity. As temperatures rise, many species struggle to adapt or migrate to suitable habitats, leading to biodiversity loss. This loss of plant and animal species disrupts ecosystems and affects the services they provide, such as pollination and nutrient cycling.

The role of human activities in climate change

Human activities play a crucial role in driving climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy production and transportation, releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions are the primary driver of the observed increase in global temperatures.

Deforestation is another significant contributor to climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to regulate the climate. However, widespread deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urbanization leads to the release of stored carbon and reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb greenhouse gases.

Industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, also release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions, along with those from agriculture, waste management, and other sources, contribute to the overall greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent climate change.

Climate change mitigation strategies

To address climate change, mitigation strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize the climate system. One crucial approach is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power offer sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner future.

Another important mitigation strategy is improving energy efficiency. By implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices, we can reduce energy consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions. This includes measures such as energy-efficient buildings, appliances, and transportation systems.

Furthermore, sustainable agriculture practices can contribute to climate change mitigation. Implementing techniques like organic farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture can enhance carbon sequestration in soils and reduce emissions from the agricultural sector.

Climate change adaptation measures

While mitigation strategies focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation measures aim to prepare for and minimize the impacts of climate change. These measures include developing resilient infrastructure, implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events, and enhancing water resource management.

Adapting to climate change also involves protecting and restoring ecosystems. Coastal areas, for example, can benefit from the preservation of mangrove forests and the creation of artificial reefs to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels and storm surges.

Additionally, promoting climate-resilient agriculture practices, such as crop diversification and improved irrigation techniques, can help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions and ensure food security.

The importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change

Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and collaboration. As a global issue, no single country can tackle it alone. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to bring countries together to limit global warming and adapt to its impacts.

Through these agreements, countries commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, supporting developing nations in climate change adaptation, and providing financial assistance for climate-related projects.

International cooperation also fosters knowledge sharing and the development of innovative solutions to combat climate change. By working together, countries can pool resources, share best practices, and create a collective impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience.

Current initiatives and policies to combat climate change

Numerous initiatives and policies have been implemented worldwide to combat climate change. Many countries have set renewable energy targets, incentivized the adoption of electric vehicles, and introduced carbon pricing mechanisms to reduce emissions.

Additionally, governments and organizations have invested in research and development of clean technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, to further mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, businesses and industries are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability and are adopting eco-friendly practices. From sustainable supply chains to corporate social responsibility initiatives, companies are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.

The role of individuals in combating climate change

While international cooperation and government policies are vital, individual actions also play a significant role in combating climate change. Simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing energy consumption, recycling, and using public transportation, can make a difference.

Individuals can also support sustainable businesses and organizations, advocate for renewable energy, and raise awareness about climate change through education and activism. By engaging in these actions, individuals contribute to the collective effort to address climate change.

Conclusion: The need for urgent action on climate change

In conclusion, climate change is a complex and urgent global issue with far-reaching consequences. The causes of climate change are primarily attributed to human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The impacts of climate change are already being felt, with rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common.

However, there is hope. Through mitigation strategies like transitioning to renewable energy and adopting sustainable agriculture practices, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Adaptation measures, such as developing resilient infrastructure and protecting ecosystems, can help us prepare for and minimize the impacts of climate change.

International cooperation is crucial in addressing climate change, as no country can solve it alone. By working together, we can share knowledge, pool resources, and create a collective impact. Governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in combating climate change, and every action counts.

The need for urgent action on climate change cannot be overstated. It is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of social justice and economic stability. By taking action now, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. Let us join hands and work towards a world that is free from the shackles of climate change.

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• Global Warming Essay

Essay on Global Warming

The last few decades have been monumental when it comes to technological development. Humans have developed systems and machines that make our lives easier. Especially during the early modern period from the early 16th century to as far as the late 18the century, also commonly referred to as “The Scientific Revolution” or “The Enlightenment”, modern technology leapt ahead in development in such a short time frame compared to all of history.

However, with the development of society, there has been a severe detriment to the quality of Earth’s environment. One of the most massive threats to the condition of the planet is climate change. Inadequate research and reckless misuse of natural resources are some of the core reasons for the deteriorating condition of the planet.

To understand the concept of Global Warming and its causes and effects, we need to take an in-depth look into many factors that affect the temperature of the planet and what that means for the future of the world. Here is an objective look at the topic of Global Warming and other important related topics.

What is Climate Change?

Ever since the industrial and scientific revolution, Earth is slowly being used up for its resources. Moreover, the onset of the exponential increase in the world’s population is also very taxing on the environment. 

Simply put, as the need for consumption of the population increases, both the utilisation of natural resources and the waste generated from the use of said resources have also increased massively. 

One of the main results of this over the many years has become climate change. Climate change is not just the rise or fall of temperature of different areas of the world; it is also a change in the rain cycles, wind patterns, cyclone frequencies, sea levels, etc. It affects all major life groups on the planet in some way or the other.  

What is Global Warming?

Global Warming is often considered an effect of Climate change. Global Warming is the rapid increase in the temperature of the Earth’s environment that is causing many life-threatening issues to arise.

Global Warming is a dangerous effect on our environment that we are facing these days. Rapid industrialization, increase in the population growth and pollution are causing a rise in Global Warming. Global Warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the earth's surface during the last century. One of the reasons why Global Warming is dangerous is because it disturbs the overall ecology of the planet. This results in floods, famine, cyclones and other issues. There are many causes and results of this warming and is a danger for the existence of life on earth.

The sign of Global Warming is already visible with many natural phenomena happening around globally, affecting each living species.

Here is some data that can help to give a more precise understanding of the reality of Global Warming in the last few years:

On average, the world’s temperature is about 1.5°C higher than during the start of the industrial revolution in the late 1700s. That may not seem a lot to you, but that is an average estimate. This number is only increasing. Many parts of the world face far more severe changes in temperature that affect the planet’s overall health.

In 1950, the world’s CO 2 emissions were at 6 billion tonnes which had quadrupled in volume until 1990, just 40 years later to 22 billion tonnes. Not only that, unchecked CO 2 emissions today have reached a whopping 35 billion tonnes.

The most evident causes of Global Warming are industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, and sophisticated human activities. These human activities have led to an increase in the emission of Greenhouse Gases, including CO₂, Nitrous Oxide, Methane, and others.

Causes of Global Warming

A variety of reasons causes Global Warming. Some of which can be controlled personally by individuals but others are only expected to be solved by communities and the world leaders and activists at the global level.

Many scientists believe the main four reasons for Global Warming, according to recent studies, are:

Greenhouse gases

Deforestation

Per capita carbon emissions

Global Warming is certainly an alarming situation, which is causing a significant impact on life existence. Extreme Global Warming is resulting in natural calamities, which is quite evident happening around. One of the reasons behind Global Warming is the extreme release of greenhouse gases stuck on the earth surface, resulting in the temperature increase.

Similarly, volcanoes are also leading to Global Warming because they spew too much CO₂ in the air. One of the significant causes behind Global Warming is the increase in the population. This increase in the population also results in air pollution. Automobiles release a lot of CO₂, which remains stuck in the earth.

This increase in the population is also leading to deforestation, which further results in Global Warming. More and more trees are being cut, increasing the concentration of CO₂.

The greenhouse is the natural process where the sunlight passes through the area, thus warming the earth's surface. The earth surface releases energy in the form of heat in the atmosphere maintaining the balance with the incoming energy. Global Warming depletes the ozone layer leading to the doom's day.

There is a clear indication that the increase in Global Warming will lead to the complete extinction of life from the earth surface.

Solution for Global Warming

Global Warming can not be blamed on individuals; however, it can be tackled and maintained from worsening starting at the individual level. Of course, industries and multinational conglomerates have higher carbon emissions levels than an average citizen. Still, activism and community effort are the only feasible ways to control the worsening state of Global Warming.

Additionally, at the state or government level, world leaders need to create concrete plans and step programmes to ensure that no further harm is being caused to the environment in general. 

Although we are almost late in slowing down the Global Warming rate, it is crucial to find the right solution. From individuals to governments, everyone has to work upon a solution for Global Warming. Controlling pollution, population and use of natural resources are some of the factors to consider. Switching over to the electric and hybrid car is the best way to bring down the carbon dioxide.

As a citizen, it is best to switch over to the hybrid car and to use public transport. This will reduce pollution and congestion. Another significant contribution you can make is to minimize the use of plastic. Plastic is the primary cause of Global Warming taking years to recycle.

Deforestation is another thing to consider that will help in controlling Global Warming. Planting of more trees should be encouraged to make the environment go green.

Industrialization should be under certain norms. The building of industries should be banned in green zones affecting plants and species. Hefty penalties should be levied on such sectors contributing towards Global Warming.

Effects of Global Warming

Global Warming is a real problem that many want to prove as a hoax for their political benefit. However, as aware citizens of the world, we must make sure only the truth is presented in the media.

Various parts of the environment, both flora and fauna, are directly adversely affected by the damages caused by Global Warming. Wildlife being in danger is ultimately a serious threat to the survival of humanity as we know it and its future.

The effect of Global Warming is widely seen in this decade. Glacier retreat and arctic shrinkage are the two common phenomena seen. Glaciers are melting in a fast way. These are pure examples of climate change.

Rise in sea level is another significant effect of Global Warming. This sea-level rise is leading to floods in low-lying areas. Extreme weather conditions are witnessed in many countries. Unseasonal rainfall, extreme heat and cold, wildfires and others are common every year. The number of these cases is increasing. This will indeed imbalance the ecosystem bringing the result of the extinction of species.

Similarly, marine life is also widely getting affected due to the increase in Global Warming. This is resulting in the death of marine species and other issues. Moreover, changes are expected in coral reefs, which are going to face the end in coming years.

These effects will take a steep rise in coming years, bringing the expansion of species to a halt. Moreover, humans too will witness the negative impact of Global Warming in the end.

FAQs on Global Warming Essay

1. What Global Warming will Cause?

Global warming will have a massive impact on our earth in the end. Flood, extreme weather conditions, famine, wildfire and many more will be the result. There will be hotter days, which will also increase the wildfire and famine. In the past years, many meteorological bureaus have added purple and magenta to the forecast.

Another impact of global warming will be rising sea levels. Increased ocean temperatures will lead to the melting of glaciers and ice caps. Increase in the sea level will lead to floods in many low-lying areas.

The overall ecosystem of nature will be an imbalance. This will affect nature in the long-term.

2. Why Does Global Warming Happen?

There are many reasons for the cause of global warming. There are certain gases in the atmosphere called greenhouse gases. The energy then radiates from the surface; the greenhouse gases trap longwave radiation. We humans have added to the atmospheric blanket of greenhouse affecting the living species. Warming of air, oceans, and land is how global warming happens.

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Climate Change Essay | Essay on Climate Change for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Veerendra

Essay on climate change: Climate change, which is brought about by urbanization, is a grave issue that we are dealing with. Climate change is an issue that we all are worried about and whose impact is felt by all of us. It is still an unknown fact to the scientists whether this climate change is the sole reason that is causing global warming or not. It is even a tricky job to separate climate change from global warming because it is an intertwined subject. Climate change should be brought under control as soon as possible.

We have compiled some long and short essays for the use of the readers. You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more

Long and Short Essay on Climate Change for Students and Kids in English

Given below is an extended essay of approximately 400-500 words and is for the students of standards 7, 8, 9, and 10 and a short piece of nearly 100-150 words for the students of standard 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Long Essay on Climate Change in English 500 words

The definition of climate states that the word “climate’ is used to refer to long term periodic variations in the weather patterns that are observed over centuries. Ever since the Earth was created, it is going through many changes simultaneously, and this leads to climate change. Climate change happens cyclically, it had started from a colder ice age, and at the very present, it is much warmer than it was two million years ago. All these millions of life forms we see today on Earth is because of the non-stop energy received from the Sun, which is the ultimate source of energy, which is continuously fuelling the weather system.

To jot down a few notable changes, the world is experiencing arbitrary droughts, unexpected weather patterns and sudden rainfall and snowfall, there is a constant fluctuation in the temperatures leading to disasters like a forest fire, and the weather is no longer predictable enough. The changes are random, and it is getting stressful day by day even to keep track of the changes occurring. These changes have drastically influenced human lives in both positive and negative ways.

You can read more global warming essays

Ever since evolution has taken place, humans are continually using nature for their benefits. This has resulted in Some of these are – huge carbon dioxide content in the environment and other harmful materials in the atmosphere and water, the regular use of the fossil fuels has led to the complete exhaustion of it. The constant exploitation of natural resources and not taking any significant steps to make the situation better and ultimately resulted in the accumulation of harmful gases in the environment. The ozone layer depletion caused by greenhouse gases is also due to climate change.

These changes that we have caused to the ecosystem are not reversible. The only thing we can do is try to make the biosphere a better place to live in. Because in the upcoming days it is predicted that the Earth’s temperature will rise day by day leading to the extinction of life and this is because of the increasing amount of greenhouse gases being released in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases trap in the heat which is supposed to be emitted.

Short Essay on Climate Change in English 150 words

Today one of the hottest topics around the globe is “Climate Change” which is threatening our life on Earth. Climate change refers to the adverse change in the environment and its impacts on the living organisms on Earth. The climate of Earth has become warmer over the last two million years for which, climate change and global warming is responsible. The absurd increase in the atmospheric temperature leads to various drastic changes in the Earth, for example, season shift. Deforestation, the burning of fossil fuels, and other human activities are the most important reasons for global warming, which causes a variation in the climate.

Forest fire, intense rainfall, melting of the glaciers are so the horrific climate changes brought around by global warming. We need to prevent global warming to live a peaceful and happy life. Afforestation should be practised, and the exploitation of the existing natural resources must be immediately cut down. Climate change and global warming are some severe issues that demand attention so that Earth can heal.

10 Lines on Climate Change Essay 150 words

• Climate change is a miserable threatening to all living forms on Earth.
• The usual definition of the word climate has lost its meaning because the environment has become unpredictable. One cannot figure out when the weather is going to change.
• The leading causes of climate changes are overusing of fossil fuels, deforestation, and exploitation of all other natural resources.
• The results of climate change are not very soothing; it consists of increased temperature, melting of glaciers, intense rainfall and frequent forest fires.
• The rate at which the Earth’s temperature is increasing is alarming, and if this continues, the Earth’s temperature will rise by 1 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius in the next decade.
• Climate change and global warming are adversely affecting agriculture.
• Greenhouse gases play a significant role in climate change.
• Day by day, the ozone layer is getting depleted.
• We soon have to start using sustainable resources of energy as the natural resources are almost extinct.
• If global warming and climate change are not brought under control, the end is near.

Frequently Asked Questions on Climate Change Essay

Question 1. What is precisely meant by the term Global warming?

Answer: Global warming refers to the average increase in Earth’s temperature. It is caused due to greenhouse gases which mainly consists of methane, carbon dioxide, CFC’s or Chloro Fluro Carbons, etc.

Question 2. Is climate change interchangeable with global warming?

Answer: The words “climate change” and “global warming” are easily interchangeable, but the term climate change includes global warming and its adverse effect on humankind and the living world.

Question 3. What are the outcomes of global warming?

Answer: The effects of global warming are disturbing. Due to excessive urbanization, the Earth’s temperature is regularly increasing, and glaciers are melting in the poles. If global warming is not controlled, eventually, the existing life forms on Earth will end soon.

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Home / For Educators: Grades 6-12 / Climate Explained: Introductory Essays About Climate Change Topics

Climate Explained: Introductory Essays About Climate Change Topics

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Climate Explained, a part of Yale Climate Connections, is an essay collection that addresses an array of climate change questions and topics, including why it’s cold outside if global warming is real, how we know that humans are responsible for global warming, and the relationship between climate change and national security.

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Climate Change Basics: Five Facts, Ten Words

Backgrounders for Educators

To simplify the scientific complexity of climate change, we focus on communicating five key facts about climate change that everyone should know. 

Why should we care about climate change?

Having different perspectives about global warming is natural, but the most important thing that anyone should know about climate change is why it matters.  

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Human activity affects global surface temperatures by changing Earth ’s radiative balance—the “give and take” between what comes in during the day and what Earth emits at night. Increases in greenhouse gases —i.e., trace gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that absorb heat energy emitted from Earth’s surface and reradiate it back—generated by industry and transportation cause the atmosphere to retain more heat, which increases temperatures and alters precipitation patterns.

Global warming, the phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near Earth’s surface over the past one to two centuries, happens mostly in the troposphere , the lowest level of the atmosphere, which extends from Earth’s surface up to a height of 6–11 miles. This layer contains most of Earth’s clouds and is where living things and their habitats and weather primarily occur.

Continued global warming is expected to impact everything from energy use to water availability to crop productivity throughout the world. Poor countries and communities with limited abilities to adapt to these changes are expected to suffer disproportionately. Global warming is already being associated with increases in the incidence of severe and extreme weather, heavy flooding , and wildfires —phenomena that threaten homes, dams, transportation networks, and other facets of human infrastructure. Learn more about how the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, released in 2021, describes the social impacts of global warming.

Polar bears live in the Arctic , where they use the region’s ice floes as they hunt seals and other marine mammals . Temperature increases related to global warming have been the most pronounced at the poles, where they often make the difference between frozen and melted ice. Polar bears rely on small gaps in the ice to hunt their prey. As these gaps widen because of continued melting, prey capture has become more challenging for these animals.

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global warming , the phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near the surface of Earth over the past one to two centuries. Climate scientists have since the mid-20th century gathered detailed observations of various weather phenomena (such as temperatures, precipitation , and storms) and of related influences on climate (such as ocean currents and the atmosphere’s chemical composition). These data indicate that Earth’s climate has changed over almost every conceivable timescale since the beginning of geologic time and that human activities since at least the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have a growing influence over the pace and extent of present-day climate change .

Giving voice to a growing conviction of most of the scientific community , the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was formed in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), published in 2021, noted that the best estimate of the increase in global average surface temperature between 1850 and 2019 was 1.07 °C (1.9 °F). An IPCC special report produced in 2018 noted that human beings and their activities have been responsible for a worldwide average temperature increase between 0.8 and 1.2 °C (1.4 and 2.2 °F) since preindustrial times, and most of the warming over the second half of the 20th century could be attributed to human activities.

AR6 produced a series of global climate predictions based on modeling five greenhouse gas emission scenarios that accounted for future emissions, mitigation (severity reduction) measures, and uncertainties in the model projections. Some of the main uncertainties include the precise role of feedback processes and the impacts of industrial pollutants known as aerosols , which may offset some warming. The lowest-emissions scenario, which assumed steep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2015, predicted that the global mean surface temperature would increase between 1.0 and 1.8 °C (1.8 and 3.2 °F) by 2100 relative to the 1850–1900 average. This range stood in stark contrast to the highest-emissions scenario, which predicted that the mean surface temperature would rise between 3.3 and 5.7 °C (5.9 and 10.2 °F) by 2100 based on the assumption that greenhouse gas emissions would continue to increase throughout the 21st century. The intermediate-emissions scenario, which assumed that emissions would stabilize by 2050 before declining gradually, projected an increase of between 2.1 and 3.5 °C (3.8 and 6.3 °F) by 2100.

Many climate scientists agree that significant societal, economic, and ecological damage would result if the global average temperature rose by more than 2 °C (3.6 °F) in such a short time. Such damage would include increased extinction of many plant and animal species, shifts in patterns of agriculture , and rising sea levels. By 2015 all but a few national governments had begun the process of instituting carbon reduction plans as part of the Paris Agreement , a treaty designed to help countries keep global warming to 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) above preindustrial levels in order to avoid the worst of the predicted effects. Whereas authors of the 2018 special report noted that should carbon emissions continue at their present rate, the increase in average near-surface air temperature would reach 1.5 °C sometime between 2030 and 2052, authors of the AR6 report suggested that this threshold would be reached by 2041 at the latest.

The AR6 report also noted that the global average sea level had risen by some 20 cm (7.9 inches) between 1901 and 2018 and that sea level rose faster in the second half of the 20th century than in the first half. It also predicted, again depending on a wide range of scenarios, that the global average sea level would rise by different amounts by 2100 relative to the 1995–2014 average. Under the report’s lowest-emission scenario, sea level would rise by 28–55 cm (11–21.7 inches), whereas, under the intermediate emissions scenario, sea level would rise by 44–76 cm (17.3–29.9 inches). The highest-emissions scenario suggested that sea level would rise by 63–101 cm (24.8–39.8 inches) by 2100.

The scenarios referred to above depend mainly on future concentrations of certain trace gases, called greenhouse gases , that have been injected into the lower atmosphere in increasing amounts through the burning of fossil fuels for industry, transportation , and residential uses. Modern global warming is the result of an increase in magnitude of the so-called greenhouse effect , a warming of Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere caused by the presence of water vapour , carbon dioxide , methane , nitrous oxides , and other greenhouse gases. In 2014 the IPCC first reported that concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides in the atmosphere surpassed those found in ice cores dating back 800,000 years.

Of all these gases, carbon dioxide is the most important, both for its role in the greenhouse effect and for its role in the human economy. It has been estimated that, at the beginning of the industrial age in the mid-18th century, carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere were roughly 280 parts per million (ppm). By the end of 2022 they had risen to 419 ppm, and, if fossil fuels continue to be burned at current rates, they are projected to reach 550 ppm by the mid-21st century—essentially, a doubling of carbon dioxide concentrations in 300 years.

A vigorous debate is in progress over the extent and seriousness of rising surface temperatures, the effects of past and future warming on human life, and the need for action to reduce future warming and deal with its consequences. This article provides an overview of the scientific background related to the subject of global warming. It considers the causes of rising near-surface air temperatures, the influencing factors, the process of climate research and forecasting, and the possible ecological and social impacts of rising temperatures. For an overview of the public policy developments related to global warming occurring since the mid-20th century, see global warming policy . For a detailed description of Earth’s climate, its processes, and the responses of living things to its changing nature, see climate . For additional background on how Earth’s climate has changed throughout geologic time , see climatic variation and change . For a full description of Earth’s gaseous envelope, within which climate change and global warming occur, see atmosphere .

Essay on Climate Change

The adverse change in the temperature and the weather of the Earth is termed as Climate Change.

We live in a world where industries became vital. Our lives get simpler and now we have a more luxurious life than ever before. But this comfort is temporary. For the sake of making life easier and more comfortable, we are ignoring the future of the earth. The growth of the modern era has led to an increase in many environmental issues. One of the most dangerous issues is climate change. Today we are ignoring this issue easily but the day is not too far when we have to pay for it. Therefore, to understand this concern more clearly, we will discuss Climate change in detail.

Short and Long Climate Change Essay in English

Here, I’m presenting long and short essays on Climate Change in English for students under the word limit of 100 – 150 Words, 200 – 250 words, and 500 – 600 words. This topic is useful for students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in English. These provided essays on Climate Change will help you to write effective essays, paragraphs, and speeches on this topic.

Climate Change Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Climate change is the unusual shift in the climate of the earth.

2) It has an adverse effect on the environment.

3) Human activities like deforestation, pollution, etc can cause climate change.

4) Natural disasters like floods, forest fires, etc are some other causes.

5) It can cause the end of life on earth.

6) It has an adverse effect on the plants and animals around us.

7) Climate change can cause the melting of glaciers and the rise in oceans.

8) It also affects the natural balance of the ecosystem.

9) Climate change is a global issue that cannot be underestimated.

10) To balance life on the earth, we should control climate change.

Short Essay on Climate Change (250 – 300 Words)

Introduction

Whenever the normal temperature or weather of a certain region changes, we call this phenomenon, climate change. As its effect, humans are suffering unwanted rainfall, hotter summer, and colder winters than ever. When climate change happens, the temperature can rise drastically.

Consequences of Climate Change

The environment on Earth is getting worse because of climate change. If the earth’s temperatures keep going up in the future, all of the living things on the planet will die out. The balance of life and the environment on earth will be disturbed. The various species of flora and fauna will be extinct. Disasters like drought, and flood, will become common. Climate change became vulnerable after the growth of industrialization and modernization.

Causes of Climate Change

The climate is changing quickly because of many different things. A lot of this change has been caused by human actions as well as by natural forces. Some of the man-made activities that are causing climate change are the burning of fossil fuels, pollution from vehicles, deforestation, animal farming, etc. Greenhouse gases are the major source of climate change. Volcanic eruptions, floods, etc are some natural causes that are responsible for contributing to climate change.

Even though natural forces can’t be controlled, people must make sure they don’t do things that lead to climate change. If it will continue, life on the earth will come to a halt. The world would be a safer place to live if everyone will work together to stop most of the climate changes that are happening. Moreover, if the steps are taken properly, and if the goals are reached on time, the future will be better.

Long Essay on Climate Change (500 Words)

Currently, climate change is a big problem for the whole world and this change is making the world more vulnerable. The effects of the world’s climate problems might not be the same everywhere. Changes in the climate can be seen as early as the beginning of the industrial revolution. As we can see, every summer now sets a new record for the highest temperatures ever for that season. The environment and ecosystem are both affected by climate change.

What is Climate Change?

Changes in the earth’s weather and climate are called “climate change”. In other words, changes in temperatures and weather patterns that last for a long time are called climate change. It highlights how the atmosphere has changed over periods that range from decades to millions of years. The weather is getting worse and worse every day due to various internal as well as external factors.

Reasons for Climate Change

There is not only one factor responsible for climate change; many natural and man-made activities can be blamed for the same. Some of the natural causes of climate change may include volcanic eruptions, floods, forest fires, solar radiation, and so on. However, a lot of them have been caused by people. Climate change is mostly caused by cutting down trees, burning fossil fuels, using chemical fertilizers, making the air dirty, letting industrial waste into the air, etc. Because of these things, carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases get into the air. As a result, the world encounters another part of climate change which is global warming.

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has numerous negative effects on every living thing on earth. This is also bad for the environment. Climate change is causing the ocean level to rise, glaciers to melt, CO2 in the air to rise, forests and wildlife to die out, and aquatic life to be disturbed. It also affects the air, water, and land where we live. It causes things like droughts, heavy rain, floods, storms, heat waves, forest fires, and so on. Due to changes in the Earth’s climate, many species of plants and animals have become extinct.

How Climate Change can be Controlled?

The Indian government has taken a lot of steps to fix the terrible effects of climate change. We should use as few fossil fuels as possible since they are the main cause of global warming. To solve this problem, you need to make people more aware of the issue and take strict steps to protect and preserve the environment. Sustainable development is the way to go if we want to deal with climate change in a good way.

If we don’t do anything and things keep going the way they are now, one day people will no longer be able to live on the surface of the earth. It is not too late to start over and try to fix the damage we have already done to the environment. Therefore, we should try every step to make our mother earth healthy.

I hope the above provided essay on Climate Change will be helpful in understanding the cause, effect, and methods to prevent climate change.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Climate Change

Ans. We cannot reduce climate change in a few days but by following proper steps we can control it.

Ans. Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, etc are some of the countries with the best climate.

Ans. A moderate climate is the best for humans to survive.

Ans. Tropical, temperate, equatorial, and polar are the four climate zones of the earth.

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Climate Change Essay for Students in English | 500+ Words Essay

December 10, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Climate Change in English 500 Words

Below we have provided Climate Change Essay, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students.

Change in the overall environmental conditions of our planet Earth is referred to as climate change. There is a significant difference between weather and climatic changes. While weather changes over short time intervals, climate refers to a change happening over an elongated period.  The global mean temperature has been rising persistently, and this has been happening across both land and sea areas.

This has been a burning issue for inhabitants all over the world. Climate change can affect millions of lives, including our entire ecosystem. Plants, animals, birds, other species are its victims as well. If not attended to, it can lead to catastrophic outcomes that can endanger the entire human civilization. A couple of factors are responsible for this change. The swift change in the Earth’s climate is mainly caused due to human activities.

How did Climate Change Start?

Scientists have reported that climate started changing in the latter half of the 19th century. However, some state that it can be as early as the 1500’s. Both instances have one thing in common that this occurred due to human activities. It was only the last century when we started discovering the effects of climate change. Global warming and climate change are closely linked. The rising temperature of the Earth is caused by the greenhouse effect. It is a phenomenon that deals with trapping of heat in the atmosphere of the earth.

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapour allow the sunlight to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. However, they trap this heat and do not let it slip back into space. Carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere has significantly risen after the industrial revolution. Fossil fuel and deforestation contribute to the increase in the level of carbon dioxide. It has the potential to last as long as a hundred years.

Even if all human activities are shut down, still the temperature of the earth will continue to rise. One of the concerning issues which have come up to the surface recently is the ozone layer depletion. The chlorofluorocarbons, along with the greenhouse gases, are responsible for breaking down the ozone molecules and thus forming a hole in the ozone layer. This has enabled the harmful ultraviolet rays to enter the Earth’s atmosphere and do all the more damage.

Causes of Climate Change

Climatic change is indeed a critical issue that needs to be governed. But what is its causing element? Do we know the real culprit? To understand the climatic changes, it is essential to know the underlying causes. Various factors are responsible for climate change. Out of these, two primary factors need to be highlighted. These are natural means and human activities.

Natural Means

Natural causes like volcanic eruptions, tectonic plate movement, ocean currents, Earth’s orbital variations, solar radiations, and internal variability hugely contribute to climate change. Volcanic eruptions pump out huge volumes of ash, debris, lava, and gases which influence the climatic patterns.  They also release tiny particles containing sulfur dioxide which gets to the stratosphere. These particles can reflect solar radiation out to space. Ocean currents play a vital role in the distribution of heat energy as well as the regulation of weather and climate.

Melting snow and ice can alter the earth’s climate and cause less energy to be reflected, which means even more warming. Earth’s orbital shift can trigger climatic changes like the strength of the seasons. Internal variability is caused due to interactions within the climatic systems. El Nino effect and the Arctic Oscillation are examples of the same.

Human Activities

Man made activities have always proved to have some sort of negative impact on our environment. Some of the human reasons which affect our climate include deforestation, industrialization, air pollution, and burning of fossil fuels. The global rise of temperature has resulted in more floods, droughts , frequent rains, extreme levels of heat, etc. Thirty billion tonnes of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere each year. Most of these accumulating carbons come from fossil fuels.

Moreover, pollution aggravates the situation. Now the oxygen level is decreasing with the sharp rise in the level of carbon dioxide. Besides, with the greenhouse effect and varying climatic conditions, natural habitats for many animals have been destroyed. Wildfires and the burning of crops have endangered several species. Many of these species are now extinct. Our activities not only harm us but also harm our surrounding biodiversity.

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has adverse effects on our lives. The entire ecosystem is vulnerable to its consequences. Apart from rising carbon dioxide levels, we can see the rise in ocean levels. This is because they have been warming up all these years. Glaciers and ice caps of the mountains are melting. Accelerated sea levels and intense heat waves are some other effects. Forest life is endangered too. Mass migration of species can be noticed. Wildlife is declining at a steady pace.  The bleaching of Coral reefs is another problem. Lives of aquatic creatures are also at stake.

The marine ecosystem will be devastated at this rate. With this rapid transformation of ecosystems, mass extinction is likely to happen.  Human lives are no different. Human beings are prone to chronic diseases. Moreover, climate also affects other realms like agriculture, transportation, water supplies, power requirements, etc. Agriculture would be the worst-hit sector, especially in the regions which are coping up with malnutrition.

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Essay on Global Warming in English

Table of Contents

Essay on Global Warming: Climate change poses a serious Warning to our environment today. The rapid growth of industries, population, and pollution is play a part in the problem of climate change. Climate change means the Earth’s surface temperature has been increasing over the past century.

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Also Check: Essay on Climate Change

Global warming is a serious problem for our environment right now. Things like factories growing quickly, more people, and pollution are making global warming worse. It means the Earth’s surface is getting hotter on average over the past hundred years.

For a while now, the Earth’s temperature has been going up. This has affected animals, people, and everything that lives here. Ice is melting in places like glaciers, causing water shortages, floods, and erosion in some countries. All of this happens because of global warming.

Global warming means the slow increase in the Earth’s overall atmospheric temperature. Many things we do are slowly making the temperature rise. It’s causing our ice glaciers to melt quickly, which is really bad for the Earth and people.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the rising global temperatures of the Earth’s atmosphere. It’s primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and deforestation. As a result, we see melting polar ice and rising sea levels. This change in temperature can also lead to extreme weather events and affect our ecological balance. Efforts like sustainable energy adoption, promoting renewable resources, and international agreements like the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol aim to combat this issue. Understanding global warming is crucial because of its significant environmental impact and the need for climate adaptation.

Global Warming Causes

Global warming is a big concern for our planet. Let’s understand its causes in simple words:

• Greenhouse gases: Think of these like a blanket around the Earth. When we release more of these gases, especially carbon dioxide emissions and methane emissions, the Earth gets warmer.
• Fossil fuels: When we burn coal, oil, and gas for energy, we release a lot of harmful gases into the Earth’s atmosphere. This is a major reason behind the global temperature rise.
• Deforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases. When we cut down trees, we lose a big helper in fighting global warming.
• Carbon footprint: Everything we do, from driving cars to using electricity, leaves a mark called a carbon footprint. The bigger our footprint, the more we contribute to global warming.
• Industrial processes: Factories and industries release gases that contribute to the warming. This has a huge environmental impact.
• Melting polar ice and rising sea levels: As the Earth gets warmer, ice in the poles melts. This makes the sea levels rise, which is a result and cause of global warming.
• Ozone depletion: The ozone layer protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. But certain actions of ours damage this layer, making the Earth warmer.
• Farming and agriculture : Practices like rice cultivation produce methane, a greenhouse gas. Cows also produce methane, adding to the problem.

Effects of Global Warming

Global warming is causing our planet to heat up. When people talk about “climate change”, they’re often referring to the changes happening because of global warming. So, what effects is this warming having on our world?

• Rising Sea Levels : One major problem is the melting polar ice. As ice in places like Antarctica and Greenland melts, it causes sea levels to rise. This can lead to flooding in coastal areas.
• Extreme Weather : We’re seeing more extreme weather events. This means more intense storms, hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
• Hotter Temperatures : The global temperature rise is making summers hotter and winters milder in many places.
• Melting Glaciers : Not just the polar ice, but glaciers around the world are melting too. This glacier retreat can affect the water supply for many people.
• Harm to Animals and Plants : Biodiversity loss is a big concern. Many animals and plants can’t cope with the changes, leading to a disruption in ecosystems.
• Ocean Changes : The extra carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is causing ocean acidification. This makes it harder for creatures like coral and some shellfish to survive.
• Human Health Risks : Warmer temperatures can lead to health problems. It can also spread diseases carried by mosquitoes, like malaria.
• Deforestation : While deforestation is more a cause than an effect, the loss of trees makes global warming worse. Trees help absorb CO2, which is one of the greenhouse gases causing the Earth’s atmosphere to warm up.
• Shift in Habitats : With the Earth’s atmosphere changing, many animals are moving to different places to find suitable living conditions.
• Economic Impact : There’s an environmental impact, but also an economic one. For instance, farmers can struggle with unpredictable weather, affecting food prices.

Article on Global Warming

Global Warming Solutions

Global warming is a real concern, but there are solutions that can help slow down the temperature rise on Earth. Let’s discuss some of them in simple terms:

• Green Technology : Adopting green technologies means using methods and devices that don’t harm the environment. For instance, instead of burning coal, we can use solar panels to produce electricity.
• Renewable Resources : These are natural sources of energy that won’t run out, like sun and wind. By investing more in solar power and wind energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels .
• Reduce Carbon Footprint : This means trying to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas ) we release into the Earth’s atmosphere . Simple actions like turning off lights when not needed or walking instead of driving can make a difference.
• Reforestation : Planting more trees is essential. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, which helps in tackling carbon dioxide emissions . On the flip side, deforestation , or cutting down trees, can accelerate global warming.
• Conservation Efforts : This involves using resources wisely. For instance, turning off the tap while brushing or using both sides of the paper.
• Educate on Climate Change : Knowledge is power. When more people understand the real dangers of global warming and climate change , they’re more likely to take action.
• Supporting Policies : There are international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement aimed at reducing the adverse effects of global warming. Supporting such policies and initiatives can have a global impact.
• Clean Energy Solutions : This involves developing and using energy methods that produce less pollution. Think of electric cars or biofuels.
• Climate Adaptation : This means making changes to better deal with the effects of global warming. For example, if an area is facing frequent flooding due to rising sea levels , building higher sea walls might be a solution.
• Reduce Methane Emissions : Methane is another greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. By managing waste better and reducing leakage from oil and gas industries, we can curb its release.

Long and Short Essay on Global Warming in English

Global Warming Essay: Global warming has been on the agenda for quite a while now everybody has heard about it but does anybody actually care or try to do at least something to save our planet from this problem even if the average global temperature rises just a few degrees, a host of other changes are likely to occur. Global warming is the continuous rise in warming of the earth surface due to the increased level of carbon dioxide gas in the environment global warming has become a big issue which need to be solved by the positive initiation of countries all across the globe.

Global Warming is caused mainly due to human-induced factors. The main cause of global Warming is the uncontrolled emission of greenhouse gases due to activities like industrialization and the burning of fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases cause the ad to trap the Sun’s heat from escaping back into the atmosphere, resulting in a raised earth’s surface temperature. Though the rise in earth’s temperature is within 1 degree C, it is still causing noticeable affects on the environment. Unexpected climatic changes, floods, droughts, rise in ocean water levels, melting glaciers, and depleting aquatic and land species are only a few devastating effects of Global Warming.

We have provided below for your knowledge and information, short and long essays on Global Warming in English for your knowledge and written in simple yet effective English language so that they can be easily memorized and also presented when n.

After going through these global warming essays, you will know about the causes and effects of global Warming, which human activities and what gases cause global Warming is green house effect, the greenhouse is taken to prevent global Warm, how global Warming affects sea level and causes floods, how it cause species depletion of both land and aquatic species.

These essays will be beneficial for beneficial/college events wherein you are required to write an essay on global Warming, give a speech, or participate in a debate on global Warming.

Essay on Global Warming in 100 Words

Global Warming is a major atmospheric issue all over the world. Our earth’s surface is becoming hot day by this ay trapping the Sun’s heat and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The bad effects of it are increasing daily and causing major problems to the living of human beings. It has become the subject of significant social issues which need social awareness to a great level. People should know its meaning, causes, effects, and solutions to solve it immediately. People should come together and try to solve it to save the lifeboat.

Essay on Global Warming in 150 Words

Global Warming is a big issue in the atmosphere on one earth, which causes a continuous rise in the e surface temperature. It has been estimated that in the next 50 or 100 years, the earth’s temperature would be increased to a great level, creating a big problem for living on earth. The highly known and most basic cause of increasing the earth’s temperature is continuous rise in the e atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Rise in the carbon level is due to the use fossil fuels like coal and oil, deforestation (cut down of plants) by the human beings on earth. Decreasing the number of The decreasing on the earth increases the level of carbon dioxide, as plants are the main source of the using carbon dioxide released by humans (as a by-product of respiration) and other means. Increasing level of the increasing temperature creates lots of problems like sea level becomes hotter and glaciers melt, flood, strong storms, diseases, death, etc.

Also Check: Global Warming Paragraph

Essay on Global Warming in 200 Words

Global Warming is the steady and continuous rise in the level of earth temperature. Out t earth’s surface is becoming hotter day by day just because of some unnoticeable habits of human beings all across the world. Global Warming has become the most worrying threat to the earth’s atmosphere as it is reducing the life possibilities on the earth daily through a steady declining process.

Before planning the solutions to the global warming must think about its causes and effects on the atmosphere to ensure the right direction of getting full relief from this issue. The continuous Warming of the earth warming is the earthshaking emission of CO2 in the environment. However, the increasing level of CO2 is caused due to many reasons like deforestation, use of coal, oil, gas, burning of fossil l fuels, burning of gasoline for transportation, unnecessary use of electricity, etc., which in turn causes rise in earth temperature.

Again it becomes the reason for rising sea levels, flooding, storms, cyclone, ozone layer damage, changing weather patterns, fear of epidemic diseases, lack of food, death, etc. We cannot blame any single entity for this as every human being is responsible for the increasing threat of global Warming which can be solved only by the global awareness and kind efforts of everyone.

Paragraph on Global Warming

Essay on Global Warming in 250 Words

It is a steady process of continuous rise in the level of Earth temperature. Global Warming has become one of the biggest problems faced by the world now. It is believed that increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on the earth are the main reasons for heating the earth’s atmosphere. If it is not noticed and solved immediately by the efforts of all countries worldwide, it would boom its effects and cause end of life on the earth with a day.

Its threatening effects ang day by day and creating danger for human life. However Global Warming is the leading and only reason of rising sea levels, flooding, changes in weather patterns, storms, cyclone, epidemic, lack of food, death, etc. The only solution to solve the issue of global Warming is the individual level social awareness. People must be aware of its meaning, cause, harmful effects, and other things about global Warming to get it warming worldwide and make the possibilities of life on earth forever as usual.

People should stop producing C02 by just eliminating their lousy eliminating as controlling the use of oil, coal and gas, inhibiting cut, ting plants (as they are the main source of absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen), minimizing the use of electricity, etc. Just small changes in everyone’s life all over the world, we can stop the huge negative changes in the atmosphere by lessening the effects of global Warming and even stopping it.

Essay on Global Warming in 300 Words

It is the continuous rise in warming of the earth’s surface due to the increased level of carbon dioxide gas in the environment. Global Warming has become a big issue which need to solved that needs positive initiation by countries all over the world. With a gradual increase, the earth’s temperature calls various threats as well as makes the and makes life’s existence. It enhances the gradual and permanent changes in the earth’s climate and thus affecting nature’s balance.

As the Earth gets hotter, it causes many problems and upsets how nature works. This heat change makes long-term differences in our weather, affecting nature. The rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) has big impacts too.

Rise in the CO2 level, the earth impacts the human life to a g level through continued heat waves, sudden occurrence of a strong storms, unpredictable and unexpected cyclone, damage to ozone layer, floods, the heavy rain, drought, lack, and food, diseases, death etc. It has researched that increasing emissions of CO2 in the atmosphere is because of the nonstop burning of constantans, usage of fertilizers, cutting forests, extra use of electricity, gases used in refrigerator etc. According to the e statistics, it has noted that by 2020 global Warming may boom its bad effects if it is not taken under control as CO2 emissions are increasing continuously.

The increasing level of CO2 causes greenhouse effect on the earth in which all the greenhouse gases (water vapour, CO2, methane, ozone) absorbs thermal radiation, which in turn re-radiated to all directions and come back to earth surface causing increase in the temperature of earth surface and also lead to global Warming.

In order to stop the life threatening effects of the global Warming, we should take a permanent break from all the bad habits causing increase in the CO2 level and other green house gases leading to the green house effect and then earth surface warming. We should stop deforestation, lessen the use of electricity, stop the burning of wood, etc.

Essay on Global Warming in 400 Words

Global Warming the big environmental issue we facing today as a greatest challenge which we need to get it solved permanently. In fact, global Warming is the continuous and steady process of increasing in the temperature of earth surface. It needs to discussed widely by all countries worldwide to stop the effects of it. It has impacted the nature’s balance, biodiversity and also climatic conditions of the earth over decades.

Green house gases like CO2, methane are the main reasons of increasing the global Warming on the earth which directly impacts the rising sea levels, melting ice caps, glaciers, unexpected changing climate which represents life threats on the earth. According to the statistic, it has estimated that earth temperature has increased to a great level since mid 20th century due to the increased atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations globally because of the increased demand of the human living standard.

It has measured that year like 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991 as the warmest six years of the past century. This increasing global Warming calls the unexpected disasters on the earth like flood, cyclones, tsunami, drought, landslides, ice melting, lack of food, epidemic diseases, death etc thus causing imbalance to the nature’s phenomenon and indicating end of life existence on this planet.

Increasing global Warming lead to the more water evaporation from earth into the atmosphere, which in turn become a greenhouse gas and again causes rise in the global Warming. Other processes like burning of fossil fuels, use of fertilizers, rise in other gases like CFCs, tropospheric ozone and nitrous oxide are also the reasons of global Warming. The ultimate causes of such reasons are the technological advancement, population explosion, increasing demand of industrial expansion, deforestation, priority towards urbanization, etc.

Essay on Global Warming in 800 Words

What is Global Warming

Global Warming is a gradual process of heating of earth’s surface and also whole environment including oceans, ice caps, etc. The global rise in atmospheric temperature has clearly noticed in the recent years. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in the past century there is increase in the earth’s surface average temperature by around 1.4 degree Fahrenheit (means 0.8 degrees Celsius). It has also estimated that global temperature may increase by another 2 to 11.5 degrees F in the next century.

Causes of Global Warming

There are many causes of global Warming , some are natural causes and some human made causes. The most important cause and of global Warming is greenhouse gases which generated by some natural processes as well as human activities. The increase in the level of green house gases has seen in the 20 th century because of the increasing population, economy and use of energy. Increasing demand of industrialization in the modern world to fulfill almost each need is causing the release of variety of green house gases through many industrial processes in the atmosphere.

The release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas has increased in the recent years by 10-fold. The release of carbon dioxide gas varies according to the natural and industrial processes including photosynthesis and oxidation cycles. Methane is another green house gas release in the atmosphere by the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials. Other greenhouse gases are like oxides of nitrogen (nitrous oxide), halocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chlorine and bromine compounds, etc. Such green house gases get collected to the atmosphere and disturb the radiative balance of atmosphere. They have capability to absorb heat radiations and cause Warming of the earth surface.

Another cause of global Warming is ozone depletion means declination of ozone layer over Antarctica. Ozone layer is declining day by day by increasing release of chlorofluorocarbon gas. A human generated cause of global Warming. Chlorofluorocarbon gas used at many places as aerosol propellants in the industrial cleaning fluids and also in the refrigerators, the gradual release of which causes declination to the ozone layer in the atmosphere.

What is Ozone Layer

Ozone layer causes protection to the earth surface by inhibiting the harmful sun rays to coming to the earth. However, gradually declining ozone layer is the big indication of increasing global Warming of the earth surface. Harmful ultraviolet sun rays entering to the biosphere and get absorbed by the green houses gases which ultimately increase the global Warming. According to the statistics, it has estimated that the size of ozone hole has been twice the size of Antarctica (more than 25 million km2) by 2000. There is no any clear trend of ozone layer declination in the winter or summer seasons.

Presence of various aerosols in the atmosphere is also causing earth’s surface temperature to increase. Atmospheric aerosols are fully capable to scatter (causes cooling to the planet) and absorb (makes air warm) the solar and infrared radiations. They are also capable to change the microphysical and chemical properties of the clouds and possibly their lifetime and extent. The increasing amount of aerosols in the atmosphere is because of human contribution. Dust produced by agriculture, organic droplets and soot particles produced by biomass burning, and aerosols produced by the industrial processes through the burning of wide variety of products in the manufacturing process. However various emissions by means of transport generate different pollutants which get converted to the aerosols through many chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

The effects of global Warming have been very clear in the recent years because of increasing sources of global Warming. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it has recorded that there were 150 glaciers located in the Montana’s Glacier National Park however because of increasing effect of global Warming, only 25 glaciers left. Huge level climate changes are making hurricanes more dangerous and powerful. Natural storms are getting so strong by taking energy from temperature difference (of cold upper atmosphere and warm Tropical Ocean). Year 2012 has recorded as hottest year since 1895 and year 2013 together with 2003 as the warmest year since 1880.

Global Warming causes lot of climate changes in the atmosphere such as increasing summer season, decreasing winter season, increasing temperature, changes in air circulation patterns, jet stream, rain without season, melting ice caps, declining ozone layer, occurrence of heavy storms, cyclones, flood, drought, and so many effects.

Solutions of Global Warming

Many awareness programmes and programmes to reduce global Warming have run and implemented by the government agencies, business leaders, private sectors, NGOs, etc. Some of the damages through global Warming cannot returned by the solution (like melting of ice caps). However, we should not get back and try everyone’s best to reduce effects of global Warming by reducing the human causes of global Warming. We should try to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and adopt some climate changes which are already happening for years. Instead of using electrical energy we should try using clean energy or energy produced by solar system, wind and geothermal. Reducing the level of coal and oil burning, use of transportation means, use of electrical devices, etc., may reduce the global Warming to a great level.

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Essay on Global Warming FAQs

What is a short essay on global warming.

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in Earth's temperature due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, causing climate changes and environmental problems.

What are the 10 effects of global warming?

Ten effects of global warming include rising temperatures, melting ice caps, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, disruption of ecosystems, threats to wildlife, water scarcity, food insecurity, health risks, and economic impacts.

What is global warming in an essay?

Global warming is the ongoing process of Earth's temperature rising due to human activities, leading to environmental changes and potentially harmful consequences for life on the planet.

What causes global warming in 100 words?

Global warming is primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the Earth's temperature rising.

What is global warming in 80 words?

Global warming refers to the gradual heating of the Earth's surface due to human-induced activities like burning fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to changes in climate patterns, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and threatening the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity on our planet.

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• Published: 13 August 2024

Reducing climate change impacts from the global food system through diet shifts

• Yanxian Li   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1947-7541 1 ,
• Pan He   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1088-6290 2 , 3 ,
• Yuli Shan   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5215-8657 4 ,
• Ye Hang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1368-905X 4 ,
• Shuai Shao   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9525-6310 6 ,
• Franco Ruzzenenti 1 &
• Klaus Hubacek   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2561-6090 1  

Nature Climate Change ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Climate-change impacts
• Climate-change mitigation

How much and what we eat and where it is produced can create huge differences in GHG emissions. On the basis of detailed household-expenditure data, we evaluate the unequal distribution of dietary emissions from 140 food products in 139 countries or areas and further model changes in emissions of global diet shifts. Within countries, consumer groups with higher expenditures generally cause more dietary emissions due to higher red meat and dairy intake. Such inequality is more pronounced in low-income countries. The present global annual dietary emissions would fall by 17% with the worldwide adoption of the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet, primarily attributed to shifts from red meat to legumes and nuts as principal protein sources. More than half (56.9%) of the global population, which is presently overconsuming, would save 32.4% of global emissions through diet shifts, offsetting the 15.4% increase in global emissions from presently underconsuming populations moving towards healthier diets.

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Food choices impact both our health and the environment 1 , 2 . The food system is responsible for about one-third of global anthropogenic GHG emissions 3 , 4 and climate goals become unattainable without efforts to reduce food-related emissions 5 , 6 . However, not everyone contributes the same way to food-related emissions because of disparities in lifestyle, food preferences and affordability within and across countries 7 , 8 , 9 . High levels of food consumption (especially animal-based diets), one of the leading causes of obesity and non-communicable diseases 10 , 11 , lead to substantial emissions 9 , 12 . Simultaneously, >800 million people still suffer from hunger and almost 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet 13 . Ending hunger and malnutrition while feeding the growing population by extending food production will further exacerbate climate change 14 , 15 . Given the notable increase in emissions driven by food consumption despite efficiency gains 16 , changing consumer lifestyles and choices are needed to mitigate climate change 17 .

Research shows that widespread shifts towards healthier diets, aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 18 , offer solutions to this complex problem by eradicating hunger (SDG 2), ensuring health (SDG 3) and mitigating emissions (SDG 13) 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 . Numerous dietary options have been proposed as guidelines for diet shifts 1 , 23 , 24 . The planetary health diet 12 , proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, stands out as a prominent option. It aims to improve health while limiting the impacts of the food system within planetary boundaries by providing reference intake levels for different food categories 9 , 25 . It is flexibly compatible with diversities and preferences of regional and local diets 12 . Previous research has estimated changes in country-specific environmental impacts, including GHG emissions 26 , 27 , 28 and water consumption 25 , resulting from adopting the planetary health diet. However, there is limited evidence on how different population groups will contribute differently in this process 7 .

Food consumption and associated emissions differ as a result of disparities in consumer choices guided by social and cultural preferences, wealth and income 29 . Quantifying food-related emissions along the entire supply chain for different products and population groups provides information for emission mitigation through changing consumer choices 17 . With the improved availability of household consumption data, recent studies have revealed inequality in energy consumption 30 , 31 and carbon emissions 17 , 32 , 33 , 34 . Although there are several studies on income- or expenditure-specific food-related emissions within individual countries based on survey-based data 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , previous studies have not assessed global food-related emissions with a detailed breakdown into specific products and population groups. Furthermore, reducing the overconsumption of wealthy or otherwise overconsuming groups can increase the availability of resources for reducing hunger and malnutrition 7 . However, it remains unclear how emissions from different population groups would change in response to global diet shifts.

To fill these gaps, this study evaluates GHG emissions (CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O) throughout the global food supply chains (including agricultural land use and land-use change, agricultural production and beyond-farm processes) 16 induced by diets, termed ‘dietary emissions’, in 2019 and the potential emission changes of global diet shifts. Food loss and waste during household consumption 25 , 39 , 40 have been subtracted from the national food supply to obtain dietary intake. We quantify dietary emissions of 140 products 16 (classified into 13 food categories 12 ) on the basis of the global consumption-based emissions inventory of detailed food products 16 . By linking detailed food intake amounts to the food consumption patterns of 201 global expenditure groups (grouped according to the per capita total expenditure of each group) from the household-expenditure dataset 41 based on the World Bank Global Consumption Database (WBGCD) 42 , we analyse the unequal distribution of dietary emissions in 139 countries or areas, covering 95% of the global population. Despite limitations, the total expenditure of consumers, which effectively reflects patterns in household income, consumption and asset accumulation, is a useful approximation to represent levels of income and wealth 31 , 43 . Additionally, we build a scenario of shifting from diets in 2019 to the global planetary health diet to estimate emission changes ( Methods ). This study investigates differences in dietary emissions among regions, countries and population groups, identifying areas where efforts are needed to mitigate emissions during the global transition towards a healthier and more planet-friendly diet.

Present dietary emissions across countries

In this study, dietary emissions account for emissions along the entire global food production supply chains, which are allocated to final consumers of diets. We use the term ‘GHG footprints’ to specifically refer to the dietary emissions of an individual over 1 year 17 , 34 . The total dietary emissions and country-average per capita GHG footprints show different distributions across countries in 2019 (Fig. 1a ; for detailed food categories see Supplementary Figs. 1 – 9 ). The present total global dietary emissions reach 11.4 GtCO 2 e (95% confidence interval 8.2–14.7 Gt) (details of uncertainty ranges in Supplementary Tables 1 and 2 ). China (contributing 13.5% of emissions) and India (8.9%), the world’s most populous countries (Supplementary Table 3 ), are the largest contributors to global dietary emissions. Alongside Indonesia, Brazil, the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Russia, Japan and Mexico, the top ten contributors represent 57.3% of global dietary emissions but with very unequal per capita emissions within and between countries. We find the highest country-average per capita footprints in Bolivia, with 6.1 tCO 2 e, followed by Luxembourg, Slovakia, Mongolia, the Netherlands and Namibia, with >5.0 tCO 2 e (Supplementary Discussion 2.1 ). Haiti (0.36 tCO 2 e) and Yemen (0.38 tCO 2 e) have the lowest country-average footprints, followed by Burundi, Ghana and Togo. Insufficient food intake of residents due to limited food affordability 44 , 45 is the root cause of low footprints in these low- and lower-middle-income countries 46 .

a , Total and per capita dietary emissions for 139 countries/areas. b , Regional dietary emissions from different food categories and populations. The bar chart (left primary axis) shows the regional emission amounts and the line chart (right secondary axis) shows the number of regional populations. Columns are ordered by the descending per capita GDP of regions (Supplementary Tables 5 and 6 ). USA, United States; AUS, Australia; WE, Western Europe; CAN, Canada; JPN, Japan; RUS, Russia; ROEA, Rest of East Asia; EE, East Europe; CHN, China; ROO, Rest of Oceania; NENA, Near East and North Africa; BRA, Brazil; ROLAC, Rest of Latin America and the Caribbean; ROSEA, Rest of Southeast Asia; IDN, Indonesia; IND, India; ROSA, Rest of South Asia; and SSA, Sub-Saharan Africa. Details for the division and scope of regions are shown in Supplementary Fig. 10 and Supplementary Tables 7 and 8 . Country classification by income levels is based on the World Bank 46 . Credit: World Countries basemap, Esri ( https://hub.arcgis.com/datasets/esri::world-countries/about ).

Source data

While animal-based (52%) and plant-based (48%) products contribute nearly equally to global dietary emissions 4 , 16 , the latter accounts for 87% of calories in global diets (Supplementary Table 4 ). The three main sources of emissions, namely red meat (beef, lamb and pork) (5% of calories), grains (51%) and dairy products (5%), contribute to 29%, 21% and 19% of global emissions, respectively. The substantial emissions from red meat and dairy products are attributed to their considerably higher emissions per unit of calories compared to other categories (Supplementary Table 4 ).

To highlight emission differences at a regional level, we further group the country-level results into 18 regions according to geographical locations and development levels (Fig. 1b and Supplementary Fig. 10 ). In most regions, animal-based products contribute fewer calories (less than a quarter) (Supplementary Data 21 ) but yield more emissions than plant-based products, especially in Australia (84% from animal-based products), the United States (71%) and the region Rest of East Asia (71%) where residents excessively consume both red meat and dairy products. However, the consumption of plant-based products in Indonesia (83% of total calories), Rest of Southeast Asia (92%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (77%) accounts for the most emissions, at 92%, 73% and 64%, respectively. Southeast Asia including Indonesia has a high-emission proportion from grains (42%) due to the prevalent meals dominated by rice. The typical food basket in Sub-Saharan Africa is broadly made up of grains, tubers, legumes and nuts 25 , 47 , representing over half of the regional emissions.

Unequal distribution of dietary emissions within countries

We find substantial differences in per capita GHG footprints within countries and regions. To clearly present the distribution of footprints within each country and region, individuals are sorted in ascending order of their total expenditure levels and then sequentially allocated to ten expenditure deciles with equal population size (Supplementary Fig. 11 and Fig. 2a ). As expenditures increase, individuals tend to have higher levels of footprints, with the largest increase attributed to red meat and dairy products. Richer populations usually have higher per capita footprints related to animal-based products than the poorer in most regions (Fig. 2b ). However, there are differences in per capita footprints within expenditure deciles. For example, even in high-income countries such as Australia and Japan, the dietary intake of red meat for some people in the poorest deciles falls below the recommended levels (Supplementary Data 15 ). Rest of East Asia is one exception, with the poorest decile having high footprints due to a substantial intake of red meat, as seen in Mongolia where beef and mutton are the most common dish 48 .

a , GHG footprints from all types of food categories. The size of the bubble refers to the average total expenditure represented by the decile. b , GHG footprints from different food categories. The colours of bubbles in a and b indicate expenditure deciles ranging from the poorest in blue to the wealthiest in red and are comparable only within each region.

Footprints related to plant-based products in specific regions show a different trend from animal-based products as expenditures increase. The middle expenditure groups are responsible for the highest footprints associated with grains in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia and the highest footprints of tubers, vegetables and fruits (mainly starchy tropical fruits 49 ) in the Rest of Oceania. These locally produced, high-carbohydrate products are traditional staple foods. In poor countries, agricultural policy primarily targets improving the productivity of staple food, with little investment in the market and facilities for nutrient-rich products 50 , 51 . Consequently, the need for dietary diversity for middle- and low-income people is not adequately addressed 50 , leading to increased consumption of these lower-cost products. However, wealthier consumers can afford more expensive products, such as red meat, reducing their reliance on these staple products.

We use the GHG footprint Gini (GF-Gini) coefficient, calculated on the basis of data from 201 expenditure groups, to measure the dietary emission inequality within a country (Fig. 3 ), with 0 indicating perfect equality and 1 indicating perfect inequality. The inequality of dietary emissions tends to decline with the increase of the per capita GDP of a country, especially for animal-based products. We find the highest inequality of dietary emissions of food products generally in low-income countries, most of which are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the highest spending 10% of the population contributes 40% of the regional emissions from red meat, 39% from poultry and 35% from dairy products. In contrast, high-income countries generally have relatively low inequality with high levels of emissions despite country-to-country variations. The GF-Gini coefficients for all types of products of most Western European countries are <0.20 (Supplementary Tables 9 and 10 ), which is lower than for other high-income countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan.

a – j , The x axis represents the country-average per capita GDP, and the y axis represents the national GF-Gini coefficients of all types of ( a ) and different ( b – j ) food categories. b , Beef, lamb and pork. c , Dairy products. d , Poultry, eggs and fish. e , Grains. f , Tubers and starchy vegetables. g , Vegetables and fruits. h , Legumes and nuts. i , Added fats. j , All sugars. Logarithmic regression (red solid line) and locally weighted regression analysis (blue dotted line) are used to determine the relationship between the national GF-Gini coefficient (dependent variable) and the country-average per capita GDP (independent variable). The coefficients of determination ( R 2 ) and the exact P values from the two-sided Student’s t -test for the logarithmic regression are indicated in each subgraph. The error bands (grey shaded areas) represent 95% confidence intervals around the fitted logarithmic regression lines. Blue, orange and green dots represent all types of products, animal-based products and plant-based products, respectively.

Dietary emission shares across consumer groups

There are notable differences in dietary emission shares associated with food categories across expenditure deciles between regions (Fig. 4 ). In high-income countries, expenditure groups have relatively similar patterns of dietary emissions, with large shares of red meat and dairy products contributing the largest amount of emissions. Even poor consumer groups in high-income countries tend to be more likely to be able to afford animal-based products as a result of relatively lower prices for dairy products, eggs, white meat and processed red meat. This contrasts with the high prices of animal-based products due to supply constraints in most low- and lower-middle-income countries 52 , 53 . Except in high-income countries, starchy staple foods (including grains and tubers), with low prices but high-carbohydrate content 44 , 54 , constitute a large proportion of dietary emissions because of the high level of consumption, especially in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. As individuals’ expenditures increase in these countries, emission shares from starchy staple foods in total emissions decrease substantially. These changes demonstrate that as the affordability of food increases, populations tend to adopt instead more diverse diets composed of fewer starchy staple foods and more meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. This trend generally aligns with Bennett’s Law 25 , 55 , 56 . For example, research shows that with rapid economic growth, China’s urban or high-income groups increase their intake of non-starchy foods to fulfil their requirements of dietary diversity 35 , while poorer groups, often engaging in strenuous physical jobs, predominantly consume inexpensive starchy staple foods. One exception is Rest of Oceania, where poorer groups have higher percentages of emissions from not only tubers but also vegetables and fruits. Owing to relatively low expenditure on food, poor populations in this island region usually choose locally cultivated tubers and fruits (such as cassava, taro and bananas) 57 , 58 with high intensities of land-use emissions 59 .

The numbers at the bottom of each bar represent the expenditure levels of regional expenditure deciles, ranging from the poorest (1) to the wealthiest (10). Food categories are shown in the colour legend. a , United States. b , Australia. c , Western Europe. d , Canada. e , Japan. f , Russia. g , Rest of East Asia. h , Eastern Europe. i , China. j , Rest of Oceania. k , NENA. l , Brazil. m , ROLAC. n , Rest of Southeast Asia. o , Indonesia. p , India. q , Rest of South Asia. r , Sub-Saharan Africa.

Emission changes from adopting the planetary health diet

To estimate the emission changes from a global diet shift, we build a hypothetical scenario by assuming that everyone in all countries adopts the planetary health diet ( Methods ). Results indicate that the global dietary emissions would decrease by 17% (1.94 (1.51–2.39) GtCO 2 e) compared with the 2019 level (details of the uncertainty ranges can be found in Supplementary Tables 11 and 12 ). The presently overconsuming groups (56.9% of the global population) would save 32.4% of global emissions through diet shifts, more than offsetting the 15.4% increase in global emissions from the presently underconsuming groups (43.1% of the global population) as a result of adopting healthier diets (Supplementary Table 13 ). National dietary emissions in 100 countries would decline by 2.88 GtCO 2 e, whereas the other 39 countries (mainly low- and lower-middle-income countries 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia) would have an increase in emissions by 938 MtCO 2 e (Fig. 5a ; for detailed food categories see Supplementary Figs. 12 – 20 ).

a , Volume changes and percentage changes of national emissions for 139 countries/areas. b , Regional emission changes from different food categories. Abbreviations of 18 regions and the source of the base map are listed in Fig. 1 caption.

Countries would be affected differently regarding emission changes by adopting the planetary health diet, reflected in the percentage change in national emissions (Fig. 5a ). Uzbekistan (−74%), Australia (−70%), Qatar (−67%), Turkey (−65%) and Tajikistan (−64%) would see the largest percentage decrease. In comparison, most of the countries with an estimated considerable percentage increase are located in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, with the largest percentage increase from Iraq (+155%). Notably, with the increase in per capita GDP, the percentage change in overall dietary emissions of countries shows a shift from a positive to a negative trend, primarily led by changes in animal-based emissions (Supplementary Fig. 21 ).

Global emission reduction would be dominantly driven by red meat and grains (Fig. 5b ). The reduction in meat, eggs and fish would lead to 2.04 GtCO 2 e of emission reduction, of which 94% is driven by the decrease in red meat. China (22%), the United States (15%) and Brazil (14%) would be the largest contributors to emission reduction associated with a decrease in red meat consumption. A decline in grains would result in 914 MtCO 2 e of emission reduction, of which 56% would happen in Asia. A further 240 and 89 MtCO 2 e reduction in emissions would come from reduced sugars and tubers, respectively. However, increased proteins (legumes and nuts and dairy products), added fats and vegetables and fruits would partly offset the above-reduced emissions by 41%. Intake of legumes and nuts would increase in all regions, leading to a further 757 MtCO 2 e of emissions, whereas most of the emission increase related to added fats (largely vegetable oils) (279 Mt) and dairy products (143 Mt) would take place in Sub-Saharan Africa, China and other Asian countries. Global dietary emissions associated with vegetables and fruits would increase by 163 Mt, despite declines in China and Rest of Oceania.

The decline in per capita GHG footprints would be achieved primarily in wealthy consumer groups in high- and upper-middle-income countries, while increased footprints would occur mainly in poor groups in most countries (Fig. 6a ). Results show that the shifts of chief protein sources from animal-based to plant-based proteins according to the planetary health diet 12 would contribute the most to changes in footprints globally (Fig. 6b ). For example, in Australia, Brazil, Canada and the United States where diets are dominated by red meat and dairy products, the top and upper-middle expenditure groups would have notable reductions in footprints. However, most populations in South and Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa would have a considerable increase in footprints because of the present low levels of red meat intake. Meanwhile, the present intake of plant-based proteins in all countries is below the recommended level 25 . Footprints related to legumes and nuts would increase for most expenditure groups in all regions to meet nutrient demands. This increase is particularly substantial in Rest of Oceania, Brazil, Indonesia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the consumed legumes and nuts are domestically produced with high land-use emission intensities 59 , 60 , assuming the present production and trade patterns remain unchanged.

a , Changes in GHG footprints from all types of food categories. The size of the bubble refers to the average total expenditure represented by the decile. b , Changes in GHG footprints from different food categories. The colours of bubbles in a and b indicate expenditure deciles ranging from the poorest in blue to the wealthiest in red and are comparable only within each region.

Discussion and conclusions

This study uncovers the extent of inequality of dietary emissions within countries based on detailed expenditure data 17 , 34 and underlines the dependence of dietary emissions on expenditure and income levels. Emissions aggregated at expenditure deciles may lose some fine-grained information from the 201 expenditure groups. For example, people from the lowest expenditure groups in affluent countries may experience malnutrition or even hunger, which is not adequately captured at a decile level. Nevertheless, the GF-Gini coefficient calculated from 201 groups provides an accurate reflection of emission inequality. Results show that affluent countries consume high-emission diets but show relatively lower levels of inequality, whereas many poor countries tend to have diets with lower emissions but higher levels of inequality.

The objective of the diet shift scenario is to assess the potential implications of emission mitigation of the food system resulting from changing consumer choices. Widespread diet shifts offer dual benefits by moving 43.1% of the global population out of underconsumption and mitigating 17% of global dietary emissions. The simulated changes in the volume of global emissions under the planetary health diet approximate the findings by ref. 26 (Supplementary Discussion 1 ). However, worldwide diet shifts require tailored policies targeted at regions, countries, expenditure groups and products instead of ‘one-size-fits-all’ policies.

We find that, compared to plant-based products, animal-based products, particularly red meat and dairy products, exhibit greater potential for reducing both emission volumes and emission disparities among different expenditure groups. Priorities lie in reducing the overconsumption of specific emission-intensive products in affluent countries (particularly the high-expenditure groups), such as beef in Australia and the United States, to achieve health 9 , 12 and climate benefits 25 , 26 , 28 . Incentives, such as implementing subsidies or taxation on environmental externalities through food or carbon pricing 61 , ecolabelling 62 and expanding the availability of less emission-intensive products (for instance, menu design for diverse vegetarian foods 63 ), can encourage consumers to make dietary changes. Moreover, a well-designed (primarily urban) food environment can reshape residents’ dietary patterns 35 and the parallel development of urban planning and infrastructure can alleviate the time and financial burdens of shifts to healthier diets 64 . However, in countries such as Mongolia, where diets heavily rely on red meat and dairy products because of their traditional nomadic lifestyle and limited accessibility of diverse foods, especially in rural areas 48 , diet shifts may not be feasible but there is a need to improve national nutritional education 48 .

Low-income countries face more severe challenges in reaching healthier diets. On the one hand, diet shifts require increased food consumption in these countries. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the planetary health diet requires a 3.4-fold increase in dairy consumption for the entire population and a 69-fold increase for the poorest decile (Supplementary Fig. 22 ). However, Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia, which have experienced stagnating agriculture production efficiency for decades 8 , cannot produce domestically nor afford to import the food required for diet shifts 65 . It is crucial to enhance the production efficiency of feed and food crops through various measures such as crop and soil management techniques 8 , 66 and the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties and hybrids 67 , 68 . Moreover, increasing the proportions of nutrient-rich products in food imports 65 and reducing restrictive trade policies which tend to raise food prices 25 , 69 help to address this challenge. On the other hand, poor populations often opt for lower-cost, calorie-dense but less nutritionally beneficial foods. High cost and low affordability remain the largest barriers for these individuals to select healthier diets 44 , 54 , 70 , 71 . Others 44 found that >1.58 billion low-income populations worldwide cannot afford the cost of the planetary health diet. Therefore, policy efforts (for instance, pricing interventions 72 , technical assistance to reduce food production costs 73 and so on) should focus on making food more affordable and accessible, especially for lower expenditure groups 37 , 74 . However, studies indicate that lower food prices may decrease the income of agricultural households 75 , 76 , widen wealth gaps between individuals employed in food- and non-food sectors, especially in low-income agrarian countries and exacerbate rural poverty 1 , 77 . In this sense, policies aimed at promoting diet shifts should be deliberately and cautiously designed with vulnerable groups in mind to reduce inequality 37 , 61 .

Lastly, altered food demand due to diet shifts can induce notable structural adjustments within the global agri-food system. Although this study does not assess the feasibility of countries supplying sufficient food if the planetary health diet was adopted, results indicate that the composition of global food production would change considerably to adapt to the substantial changes in demand 8 , 25 , 77 . The diet shifts would necessitate the global supply (in calorie content) of red meat decrease by 81%, all sugars by 72%, tubers by 76% and grains by 50%, while that of legumes and nuts increase by 438%, added fats by 62% and vegetables and fruits by 28% (Supplementary Data 16 ). Research 77 , 78 confirms that changed food demand could cause fluctuating prices of agricultural products and land in global markets, triggering spillover effects between different food categories or to other non-food sectors (for example, stimulating biofuel production) and partly offsetting the benefits of diet shifts. Therefore, policy-making should focus on alleviating these effects. Incentives such as increased subsidies or tax breaks can generate new economic opportunities and motivations for industries that need to scale up production to meet the heightened demand for products (for example, plant-based proteins). By contrast, for emission-intensive food industries that need to downsize, measures such as gradual crop substitution 25 , 79 could be adopted to optimize production and reduce the costs of production transformations while safeguarding the interests of producers.

In this study, we first assess the GHG emissions from diets comprising 140 products 16 (Supplementary Table 14 ) in 139 countries or areas (we collectively use the term ‘country’ because most of them are individual countries) (Supplementary Data 1 ) in 2019 based on the global consumption-based emission inventory of detailed food products from ref. 16 . The inventory 16 provides data (in mass units) of GHG emissions (including CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O) generated during supply chain processes, including agricultural land use and land-use change (LULUC), agricultural activities and beyond-farm processes (excluding emissions from household and end of life) 4 . All emissions are allocated to final consumers of food products. The year 2019 (the latest year before the COVID-19 pandemic) is selected as a baseline year, which can reflect the level of present dietary intake without the interference of the pandemic 80 , 81 . Subsequently, dietary emissions from different expenditure groups are quantified by matching diets with the household-expenditure dataset 42 to reflect the differences and potential inequality of dietary emissions. Finally, to measure the magnitude of the emission impact of the global diet shift, we model the transition from diets in 2019 to the widespread adoption of the planetary health diet. The research framework of this study is shown in Supplementary Fig. 23 .

The following data sources are mainly used in this study. The consumption-based food emissions inventory 16 is based on data derived from the FAOSTAT 82 , comprising national emission accounts of supply chain processes and data on food trade and production. Data on food loss and waste throughout the global supply chain and at the household level as well as food supply data, all used for linking emissions with diets, are obtained from FAOSTAT 83 and previous research 25 , 39 . The household-expenditure data 41 are built on the basis of the WBGCD 42 and further refined and supplemented by consumer expenditure surveys from high-income countries 17 , 41 to bridge the dietary emissions with different expenditure groups. Detailed data sources used for calculation are provided in Supplementary Table 15 . Data processing, assumptions and uncertainties for all calculations are also given.

Dietary energy intake and emissions

Accounting of food consumption and supply chain emissions.

The estimation of the present dietary emissions and the emission changes for adopting the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet 12 is based on the accounting framework designed by ref. 16 . They assess global GHG emissions induced by the consumption of food products in 181 countries based on the physical trade flow approach 84 , 85 . Consumption-based GHG emissions along global supply chains, including local production and international trade, are calculated as follows 16 , 84 :

where E i,r refers to the consumption-based GHG emission of product i in country r . G i / P i represents the vector of direct emission intensity of product i from entire food supply chain processes, of which G i denotes total emissions generated from entire supply chain process of product i , P i is the production vector of product i . \({(I-{A}^{i})}^{-1}\) is the trade structure of product i , of which A i is the matrix of export shares and I is the identity matrix with the same dimension as matrix A i . DMI i refers to the vector of direct material input of product i and DMC i,r is the vector of domestic material consumption of product i in country r with values set to zero for other countries. The DMI of a country is defined as the total inputs of products and the DMC is defined as the amount of products consumed domestically. DMI equals DMC plus exports of products (or production plus imports). F i refers to the vector of total (or consumption-based) emission intensity of product i from food supply chain processes, that is, total emissions induced by per unit of domestic consumption of product i . All variables in equation ( 1 ) are in units of mass (metric tonnes).

Feed products are excluded from diets because emissions from feed crops have been allocated to livestock products that consume feed during production 16 . Food loss and waste (FLW) along supply chains and households are subtracted to quantify the net intake amount of food products from the household stage.

Dietary calorie conversions

We use the annual per capita food supply (FS) quantity of 140 food products from the supply utilization accounts of FAOSTAT 83 and population from the United Nations 86 to calculate the total supply amount of product i in country r (FS i,r , in the unit of mass):

where \({{\rm{FS}}}_{{\rm{per}}}^{i}\) denotes the per capita supply of product i per year and p r refers to the population in country r .

To be consistently matched with the DMC , the FS values should be limited within the coverage of the DMC and values that exceed this range are removed. At the same time, to aggregate food products into food categories and compare their nutritional contents with the reference level from the planetary health diet, we convert the quantity of food consumption or supply into calorie content using product-specific nutritive factors (calories per unit weight of product) 87 , 88 from FAO (Supplementary Table 14 ).

Subtracting food loss and waste at the household level

The food supply derived from FAOSTAT datasets does not exclude FLW that happens during household consumption 25 . FLW before dietary intake can be divided into two parts: the FLW during supply chain processes (including agricultural production, postharvest handling and storage, processing and packaging and distribution) as well as the FLW during the food preparation and supply for household consumption 39 , 40 . The food supply value provided by FAOSTAT only excludes FLW during supply chain processes. Therefore, we exclude household FLW using the method by ref. 25 to calculate the annual dietary intake for each product as follows:

where DI i,r and \({{\rm{DI}}}_{{\rm{per}}}^{i,r}\) refer to the national and per capita caloric intake amount of product i in country r each year, respectively. \({{\rm{FS}}}_{{\rm{energy}}}^{i,r}\) and \({{\rm{FS}}}_{{\rm{energy}\_per}}^{i,r}\) are the national and per capita supply quantity (in calorie content) of product i annually, respectively. Parameter \({f}_{{\rm{FLW}}}^{\;i,r}\) is the FLW factor in the household consumption stage 39 of food product i in country r . Others 39 provide regional FLW factors, expressed as the weight percentage of food that is lost or wasted at different stages of food production and consumption, for different food categories. As a result, household food waste is subtracted from the FS to obtain the dietary intake amount of each product. Detailed household FLW factors are shown in Supplementary Table 16 .

Quantifying dietary GHG emissions

Our equation ( 1 ) can be transformed into the following equation to calculate the total emission intensity of food calorie consumption:

where \({F}_{{\rm{energy}}}^{\,i,r}\) represents total emissions per unit of calorie content of product i in country r , \({{\rm{DMC}}}_{{\rm{energy}}}^{i,r}\) refers to total calorie content of product i consumed domestically in country r . Then, emissions from the dietary intake (without FLW) of product i in country r ( \({E}_{{\rm{intake}}}^{\,i,r}\) ) are calculated as follows:

Classification of food categories

The EAT-Lancet Commission report provides coverage of different food categories in the planetary health diet and their recommended caloric intake levels at 2,500 kcal for adults each day 12 (Supplementary Table 17 ). In this study, we classify 140 products into 13 aggregated food categories according to the planetary health diet 12 , including grains, tubers or starchy vegetables, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, red meat (beef, lamb and pork), chicken and other poultry, eggs, fish, legumes, nuts, added fats (both unsaturated and saturated oils) and all sugars. On the basis of the data availability of the FAOSTAT 4 , 82 , the food products in this study include both primary and processed products (primary and secondary food processing) which can be classified into specific food categories 16 . Ultraprocessed products that combine ingredients from several food categories, such as ice creams made from both dairy and sugar, are not considered. Detailed coverages of each food category and their mapping relationship with specific products are shown in Supplementary Table 18 .

Matching diets with the household-expenditure dataset

We explore the dietary emissions from consumers with different expenditure levels (defined as expenditure groups) using the household-expenditure dataset 41 for the year 2011. The dataset, containing 116 countries and almost 90% of the global population (Supplementary Table 19 ), is primarily based on the household survey microdata from the WBGCD 42 , supplemented by consumer expenditure surveys of national statistical offices from high-income countries such as the United States and European countries 17 , 41 . For every country in the dataset, 201 expenditure groups (grouped according to the per capita total expenditure of each group) and the corresponding population share are listed. The annual per capita expenditure of people in different expenditure groups ranges from <US$50 to ~US$1 million per year (expressed in 2011 Purchasing Power Parities, PPP) 31 , 34 . For each expenditure group, the expenditure for 33 different sectors of goods and services (including 11 food items) and the corresponding expenditure share in national consumption of each sector are provided 31 , 34 , 41 . For some affluent (or poor) countries that do not have a sufficient representative number of people at the bottom (or top) end of the expenditure spectrum, the population in the corresponding expenditure groups is empty. Expenditure shares of 11 food items are matched with the 140 products in this study (Supplementary Table 20 ). We calculate the dietary intake of different food products for each expenditure group in each country by multiplying the food expenditure share of groups with the total dietary intake amounts of food products of each country.

This study assumes that the amount of food consumption is proportionate to food expenditures and the purchasing price for the same product is unchanged across 201 groups ignoring higher prices for high-quality or luxury food items within the same food category. Although the assumption of an unchanged purchasing price is an unsolved limitation shared by similar studies using monetary expenditure data 31 , 34 , 41 , household expenditures on food can still effectively highlight the differences in food consumption and emissions across consumer groups with different affordability of, and spending on, food. We also assume that the proportion of food sources from local production and trade for the same food category remains constant across the 201 groups. In other words, the magnitude of dietary emissions is solely determined by the size and pattern of food expenditure of each group and the associated supply chains for each food consumption item.

For countries that are major food consumers (and emitters) but without data in WBGCD, expenditure shares from countries with similar development levels and eating habits and neighbouring geographical locations are used to calculate the distribution of their food expenditure. We finally select 201 expenditure groups in 139 countries/areas, covering 95% of the global population in 2019 (Supplementary Table 3 and Supplementary Data 3 ). Details for dealing with missing data are provided in Supplementary Table 7 . Countries or areas are then classified into 18 regions for comparison according to geographical locations (Supplementary Table 8 ). The WBGCD expenditure data from the year 2011 are adjusted to PPP in 2019 to represent the expenditure level of populations in figures. Results of emissions from 13 types of food categories of 201 expenditure groups at the national and regional levels are shown in Supplementary Data 8 , 10 and 11 .

Analysis of GF-Gini coefficients

Calculation of gf-gini coefficients.

This study uses the GF-Gini coefficient 33 , 89 , which is based on the well-known Gini coefficient 90 , to measure the inequality of GHG footprints from 201 expenditure groups within countries, regions and globally. The GF-Gini coefficient ranges from 0 to 1, indicating the emission distribution across expenditure groups changes from perfect equality to perfect inequality. The GF-Gini coefficient of each food category is calculated as 33 :

where Gini j indicate the GF-Gini coefficient of food category j (including product i , i  = 1, 2, 3, …, n ). Expenditure groups and their population are reordered in ascending order of per capita GHG footprint of food category j and m refers to the reordered number of groups ( m  = 1, 2, 3, …, 201). \({D}_{m}^{j}\) and \({Y}_{m}^{j}\) represent the proportions of population and GHG footprints (of food category j ) for each expenditure group, respectively. \({T}_{m}^{j}\) is the cumulative proportion of GHG footprints of each expenditure group. The results of national, regional and global GF-Gini coefficients are shown in Supplementary Tables 9 and 10 .

Regression analysis

We use the regression approach to examine the relationship between the national GF-Gini coefficients and the per capita GDP 91 , 92 of 139 countries/areas. The GF-Gini coefficient of each country is regarded as the dependent variable ( y ) and the national per capita GDP acts as the independent variable ( x ). Initially, locally weighted regression is applied to illustrate the trend lines within the scatterplot. Subsequently, we test different regression methods for validation based on the general trend. Ultimately, we found that logarithmic regression is the most fitting for dietary emissions of most food categories, particularly in the case of animal-based products. Thus, the logarithmic regression is applied.

Scenario of the planetary health diet

Scenario setting and assumptions.

To estimate the emission changes resulting from the transition from the 2019 diet to the global planetary health diet, we build a hypothetical scenario by assuming that individuals belonging to 201 different expenditure groups in all countries will all reach the reference intake level of 13 types of food categories 12 . First, we assume that the proportion of food sources from local production and trade in each country is unchanged, that is, emission changes from dietary shifts would be calculated on the basis of emissions from local production and imports accounting for emissions along global food supply chains, similar to studies by refs. 25 , 26 . At the same time, emission changes induced by decreased food consumption in countries following the planetary health diet, such as carbon uptake from agriculture abandonment 59 or emission increase from non-food biomass production in saved agricultural land 77 , are not considered in this study. Second, we assume that agricultural and food-related production technology, trade patterns and emission intensities of food supply chain processes remain unchanged during the diet transition. Third, fluctuations in food prices induced by altered food demand or the affordability of the planetary health diet for different consumer groups are not considered in this study.

Diet gaps for different food categories

The diet gap (DG) reflects gaps between present dietary intake and the planetary health diet 12 , 25 , as follows:

where \({{\rm{DG}}}_{{\rm{per}}}^{j,r}\) is defined as the percentage ratio of the present per capita caloric intake of food category j in country r each year ( \({{\rm{DI}}}_{{\rm{per}}}^{\,j,r}\) ) to the annual reference level ( \({{\rm{DI}}}_{{\rm{EAT}}\_{\rm{per}}}^{i}\) ). \({{\rm{DI}}}_{{\rm{EAT}\_day\_per}}^{\,j}\) is the recommended per capita caloric intake of food category j each day 12 (Supplementary Table 17 ). We assume a uniform annual calorie reference level for each food category across all populations in all countries. We allow flexibility in local diets by keeping the composition of each food category unchanged, requiring only that the calorie content reaches the reference level. According to the definition, present food intake is considered insufficient compared with reference levels when DG is <100%, while it is deemed excessive and should be reduced when DG is >100%. Daily per capita caloric intake of food categories from 201 expenditure groups of countries or regions are shown in Supplementary Data 12 and 13 . We calculate the DG for food categories of 201 expenditure groups at national and regional levels (Supplementary Data 14 and 15 ).

According to equation ( 1 ), the total emissions per unit of calorie content of food category j in country r ( \({F}_{{\rm{energy}}}^{\;j,r}\) ) can be calculated as:

where E j,r refers to the national emissions due to consumption of food category j in country r . Thus, emission changes for adopting the planetary health diet are calculated as follows:

where \(\Delta {E}_{{\rm{intake}}}^{\;j,r}\) represents the national emission changes of food category j in country r , \({E}_{{\rm{intake}}}^{\;j,r}\) is the national emissions from intake of food category j in country r . Changes in dietary emissions of food categories from 201 groups are shown in Supplementary Data 9 . The number of people with increased/decreased emissions from 201 groups is shown in Supplementary Data 19 .

Uncertainty analysis

We assess the uncertainty range of dietary emissions from different food products using a Monte Carlo approach, which simulates the uncertainties caused by activity data, emission factors and parameters in each emission process 16 , 59 , 93 . More details can be found in Supplementary Methods 1 .

Limitations

This study has the following limitations regarding data analysis and scenario setting.

In terms of data analysis, this study is limited by the data availability. First, we use regional household food loss and waste factors of aggregated food categories without more detailed product division at the national level because of a lack of data. There might also be differences between calculated and actual food intake amounts that are unable to be removed, such as animal bones or fruit skins 25 . Second, we use the consumer household-expenditure dataset based on WBGCD for the year 2011, which provides the most precise and detailed differentiation of consumer groups and their consumption patterns within countries so far. We assume that the shares in food expenditure and population for each expenditure group are the same as in 2011. Third, we assume that the composition of different products aggregated in one category consumed by expenditure groups is the same as the national consumption composition and there is no difference in the price of food products purchased by people from different expenditure groups. In addition, data for some populous high- or upper-middle-income countries are missing from the household-expenditure dataset. However, the countries are the world’s major food consumers and emitters, their emission changes due to diet shifts are important for the global food system. We use the expenditure shares of similar countries in the household-expenditure dataset to allocate the distributions of food expenditure in these countries.

In terms of scenario setting, we focus on the impact induced by changes in consumer choices without changing the proportion of food supply sources (domestic production and imports). We do not consider altering the proportions of supply sources and associated emissions in this study. However, future studies may explore the impacts of the production side and supply chains for diet shifts. Moreover, as we focus on the present emission inequality and mitigation potentials within the food system, we assume that the income and expenditure levels of expenditure groups remain unchanged. However, a shift in food supply may affect household income and subsequently alter the household food budgets, especially for populations employed in, or countries reliant on, food-related sectors. Additionally, as a result of data and model limitations, this study does not consider price fluctuations induced by food demand and subsequent changes in household affordability or spillover effects (between food categories or to non-food sectors). Future studies may combine assessment models incorporating elasticities to project the long-term feasibilities and consequences of diet shifts.

Reporting summary

Further information on research design is available in the Nature Portfolio Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

Data for LULUC, agricultural and beyond-farm emissions and data for physical food consumption are curated by the FAO and can be freely obtained from FAOSTAT 82 , available from ref. 16 . Data of food loss and waste rate are retrieved from FAOSTAT 82 and ref. 25 . The global household-expenditure data are obtained from the World Bank 42 and refs. 17 , 41 . Population data used in this study are obtained from World Population Prospects of the United Nations 86 . Data on per capita GDP in countries can be collected from the World Bank 91 and the International Monetary Fund 92 . Supplementary datasets are also available on Zenodo ( https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11934909 ) 94 . Source data are provided with this paper.

Code availability

Data collection is performed in MATLAB and Microsoft Excel. Code developed for data processing in MATLAB and R in this study is available from Zenodo ( https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11880402 ) 95 .

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos 72243004, 32101315, 71904098). Y.S. and S.S. acknowledge support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 72243004). Yu Li acknowledges support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 32101315). P.H. acknowledges support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under a Young Scholar Programme Grant (grant no. 71904098). Yanxian Li and Y.H. acknowledge the funding support by the China Scholarship Council PhD programme. We thank Y. Zhou for supporting visualization and J. Yan for assisting in writing and revising. For the purpose of open access, a CC BY public copyright license is applied to any author accepted manuscript arising from this submission.

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Yanxian Li, Franco Ruzzenenti & Klaus Hubacek

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Yuli Shan & Ye Hang

School of Public Administration, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China

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Yanxian Li, Y.S. and K.H. designed the research. Yanxian Li performed the analysis with support from P.H., Yu Li, Y.H. and S.S. on analytical approaches and visualization. Yanxian Li led the writing with efforts from P.H., Y.S., F.R. and K.H. Y.S. and K.H. supervised and coordinated the overall research. All co-authors reviewed and commented on the manuscript.

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Li, Y., He, P., Shan, Y. et al. Reducing climate change impacts from the global food system through diet shifts. Nat. Clim. Chang. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02084-1

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Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability in FWS

8/20/2024 By | JSKI Staff

Among the 214 First-Year Writing Seminars being offered during the Fall 2024 semester, 14 courses (listed below) invite students to research and write about topics related to climate change and environmental sustainability.

Fall 2024 FWS on topics related to climate change and environmental sustainability

Arch 1901 sem 101 | diasporic architectures and environments (priyanka sen).

What defines “diaspora” and how does this discourse shape architecture and the environment? How might larger global issues such as climate change, human rights, migration patterns, and continued economic disparities contribute to forms of diaspora? How do these affect the built environment? In this course, we will examine these intertwined questions by studying a broad range of twentieth century global diasporic trajectories, focusing on themes like spatial representation, defining architectural sites as home(land), gendered migration, and diasporic connections to land. The course includes a wide selection of readings from architectural history, science and technology studies, environmental history, and gender studies, as well as other mediums including film and literature. Students will engage in diverse writing tasks including a film review, short narrative essays, and creative writing exercises.

ARCH 1901 SEM 103 | Space and Power: Landscapes of Control and Resistance (Maria Luisa Palumbo)

How does power inform the organization of physical space? We will put architecture into conversation with political theory, geography, anthropology, and philosophy. We will read and write about the relevance of space for the production of colonialism, capitalism, nation-states, race, and gender, as well as for the search for new balances and ecologies. Authors will include—but also move beyond—influential theorists of power and spatial organization such as Foucault, Lefebvre, and Le Corbusier. We will ask, can histories of architecture and landscape help us to understand the emergence and functioning of colonialism and capitalism? Written responses to readings and peer group work will lead to longer essays and independent projects.

ASIAN 1111 SEM 101 | Embodied Deep Ecological Living (Yanting Li)

How to negotiate the flood of news of environmental disasters? What is required of being a human responsibly in the biosphere? This seminar is designed for students who have genuine interests in practicing deep ecological living. Together, we will think through the questions above and many more. Throughout the semester, you will be guided to develop your “auto- theory” of eco-criticism, and apply your auto-theory to creative projects relevant to your interests and expertise (art, community or business project, etc.). Potential writing assignments include curatorial statement, manifesto of deep ecology, etc. Potential readings and viewing materials include Dao De Jing, George Bataille, Anna Tsing, poems by Gu Cheng, Timothy Morton, Chinese artists Xu Bing and Guo Fengyi, Princess Mononoke, etc.

BIOEE 1640 SEM 101 | Ethno-Eco-Botany: Exploring the Natural World Through Traditional Knowledge (Camille Blevins)

How can we cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world by using lessons from traditional knowledge? This course will delve into concepts in ethno-eco-botany, allowing students the unique opportunity to explore this intersection while developing strong writing skills that can be used throughout their time at Cornell. Throughout this course, we’ll explore diverse forms of traditional knowledge, focusing on a variety of cultures and how they leverage their strong connections to their environment. Therefore, this course aims to foster an understanding of the connection between humanity and the natural world. Students can expect to read both scholarly work and readings from Robin Kimmerer’s repertoire. Writing assignments will include grant proposals, descriptive natural world observations, an argumentative essay, and a reflection essay. 

BIOEE 1640 SEM 103 | Sand and Surf: Beach Biology, Geomorphology and Conservation (Heath Cook)

Did you know that beaches make up 70% of the world’s coastlines? Probably not, as beaches are one of the most poorly understood coastal habitats. This course aims to teach you about their biology, geomorphology, and conservation as these popular holiday spots face increasing threats, including sea-level rise and urban development. During the course, we will develop a range of written pieces to educate scientific and non-scientific audiences on these overlooked habitats. We will also focus on learning to search for and read scientific literature, paraphrasing text from other sources, and citations/referencing using Zotero. This is the perfect course to transport you mentally out of the Ithaca’s fall semester as the temperature starts to drop, while improving your writing, and increasing your awareness of these unique and threatened habitats.

COMM 1105 SEM 101 | Action or Despair? Media Representations of Climate Change (Andrei Guruianu)

How we think about the climate crisis is shaped by the stories that various media tell us about our relationship with nature. From films such as The Day After Tomorrow and Elizabeth Kolbert’s book Field Notes From a Catastrophe to Banksy’s street art and news reports, we are presented with a vision of the future filled with despair and hopelessness. Do such messages work to raise awareness and drive change, or do they instill a sense of fatalism that prevents us from taking meaningful action? In this course we will think and write about how climate change is conceptualized and communicated in a range of assignments including critical interpretation of texts, a comparative analysis paper, a book or film review and a researched argument essay.

CRP 1109 SEM 101 | Cities and Regions: Transformative Climate Justice (Yousuf Mahid)

Whose knowledge counts concerning the climate-change solutions, and how does the knowledge translate into action? This course emphasizes such questions and centers on systemic oppression in conceptualizing "transformative approaches" to climate justice. Course questions will assist students in thinking critically about the complexity of the climate crisis and prepare them for writing assignments. The course readings draw primarily from critical scholarship grounded in multiple disciplines involving geography, anthropology, history, and planning. The writing assignments in this course help students form their values and empathy toward the planet Earth, reflect on a personal level, and strengthen their skills for effective communication. These assignments include expository essays, critical reflection, book reviews, etc. 

ENGL 1130 SEM 101 | Writing the Environment: Place and Displacement (Samantha O'Brien)

What does it mean to write and read about “place”? How can language help us celebrate and make sense of the physical world? In this course, we will explore the notion of “setting” in literature, film, and art more broadly with a particular attention to indigeneity, ecological disaster, and memory. Writing assignments will range from profiling a place of choice to literary analysis. Art explored in this course may include: essays by Robin Wall Kimmerer, fiction by Lauren Groff and Samanta Schweblin, and films by Hayao Miyazaki.

ENGL 1130 SEM 102 | Writing the Environment: Eco-Anxiety—Apathy to Action (Imogen Osborne)

In March 2017, the American Psychological Association validated the notion of “eco-anxiety”—defined as a “chronic fear of environmental doom”—by publishing a primer on therapeutic practice in an era of ecological disaster. In this course we will study the writings of activists and leaders promoting environmental change alongside works of literary fiction, poetry and nonfiction that grapple with the psychological effects of environmental disaster. Texts include Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, Jorie Graham’s To 2040, Hiyao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke amongst others. Writing assignments will span critical and creative projects, encouraging students to reflect on and generate ideas about the role reading, writing and communication can play in recovering a sense of empowerment and community in the face of global disaster.

ENGL 1168 SEM 110 | Cultural Studies: Communicating Climate Change (Caroline Levine)

Many of us like stories of personal experience. But this preference for stories on the individual human scale may be one reason that contemporary societies have struggled to develop effective responses to climate change: ordinary storytelling modes aren’t adequate to the long time spans and vast reaches of environmental change. This course will ask you to read, write, and design many different forms and genres in order to experiment with the problem of communicating climate change, from pie-charts to science fiction and from poetry to documentary film. What can each form tell us about climate change that the others cannot?

GDEV 1200 SEM 101 | Reading the Landscape: Ecology, Power, and Transformation (Emily Baker)

The complex challenges facing our world today demand a different approach. By taking a long view on social and ecological transformation, we are better prepared to envision futures for our collective thriving. This course draws upon history, ecology, and critical social theory in interdisciplinary explorations of landscapes and life on the land. We will read cases from the US and across the world, including work from Robin Wall Kimmerer, Ivette Perfecto, and Annie Proulx. Through online storytelling, grant proposals, argumentative essays, personal narratives, and research essays, we will build competence and confidence in successful, evidence-based writing that transfers across disciplines.

HE 1151 SEM 101 | Children’s Environmental Identity: Awareness to Action (Abigail Brown)

How did your childhood experiences shape your connection with nature? What stories do we tell children about environmental issues? How can we design children’s learning to support pro-environmental behaviors? This seminar will leverage formal and informal writing as a vehicle for understanding and supporting environmental identity development (EID) from childhood and throughout life, particularly in the face of environmental crises. Students will journey from self-reflection through academic exploration of EID to the analysis and comparison of media like children’s books and TV shows. Students will ultimately develop their own children’s media to enhance EID and environmental action. To inform these exercises, students will engage with their own experiences, children themselves, and with a range of materials including scientific literature, news articles, and children’s books. 

HE 1151 SEM 102 | Environmental Justice and the Consumer (Paige Tomfohrde)

Today’s consumers confront a myriad of problems: environmental impacts, social justice concerns, and aligning consumer roles with personal values. This writing intensive course asks students to consider environmental and social justice passions and engage with them in a series of written assignments designed to help you learn how to engage with written activism. Using an environmental justice approach grounded in intersectionality, this course explores our roles as consumers in and outside of capitalism, our relationship with the products we buy, and the connection we have (or don’t) to the corporations and individuals who sell and make our things. Embracing written work from activists, journalists, and scholars, we will work together to shape our own ideas of environmental justice activism in the consumer landscape.

WRIT 1450 SEM 101 | Communicating Big Ideas: Climate Change Rhetoric (Scott Sorrell)

Record heat and historic floods, epic droughts and raging wildfires. These are just a few examples of how the world is changing due to anthropogenic (or human-induced) climate change. increasingly being In this class we will read and write about issues of environmental justice from different genres and disciplinary perspectives. Some of the questions we will address include: how scientists talk to policy makers, how young people connect to the natural world and each other, how indigenous people make use of traditional knowledge to keep the land in balance, and how people across the globe speak out for climate justice.

Welcome (back) FWS Instructors!

Welcome, Class of 2028!

Knight Prize & Award Winners 2023

Peter Loewen named dean of Arts and Sciences

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Guest Essay

Europe’s Crackdown on Environmental Dissent Is Silencing Voices the World Needs to Hear

By Christopher Ketcham

Mr. Ketcham is writing a book about direct climate action and citizen rebellion in defense of nature. He is the author of “This Land: How Cowboys, Capitalism, and Corruption Are Ruining the American West.”

A British court last month issued extraordinarily harsh prison sentences to five climate activists convicted of helping to plan a series of road blockades in London. One of the activists, Roger Hallam, 58, a co-founder of the direct action groups Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, got five years. The others were each sentenced to four years.

Mr. Hallam’s crime wasn’t that he participated in the protest, which snarled London’s major beltway, the M25, during four days in November 2022. He merely gave a 20-minute talk on Zoom, a few days before the event, to explain the tactics of civil disobedience and emphasize its value as society’s failure to curb carbon emissions is increasing the chance of catastrophe within our lifetimes. He also stated during the Zoom call that he thought the action should go forward.

This is only the latest example of a wave of repressive government measures against climate protesters across Europe. The crackdown has come in response to a rise in demonstrations and disruptive tactics such as blocking roads and access to airports, defacing art in museums and interrupting sporting events.

Reflecting growing public frustration with such tactics, Rishi Sunak, the former British prime minister, endorsed this tough approach last year after two climate protesters were sentenced to prison terms of three years and two years and seven months for creating a public nuisance by climbing Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Kent. Forty hours of traffic gridlock followed after authorities closed the crossing.

“Those who break the law should feel the full force of it,” Mr. Sunak asserted , writing on X. “It’s entirely right that selfish protesters intent on causing misery to the hard-working majority face tough sentences. It’s what the public expects and it’s what we’ve delivered.”

But Michel Forst, the United Nations special rapporteur on environmental defenders, sees this crackdown as “a major threat to democracy and human rights,” as he put it in a report in February.

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Tourist in Swiss Alps left in tears after capturing viral post of massive glacier melt

An english software developer's vacation photograph has gone viral, showing the effects of climate change on switzerland's rhône glacier.

Fifteen years minus one day between these photos. Taken at the Rhone glacier in Switzerland today. Not gonna lie, it made me cry. pic.twitter.com/Inz6uO1kum — Duncan Porter (@misterduncan) August 4, 2024

Glaciers in the Swiss Alps don’t look like they used to, with one tourist’s viral vacation photo illustrating the effects of a warming planet at one of Switzerland’s natural wonders. 

Duncan Porter, a software developer from England, took to X over the weekend to share a before and after composite photograph taken 15 years apart at Rhône Glacier with his wife, Helen. 

There’s a “staggering” difference between the Rhône Glacier the couple visited in August 2009 and the Rhône Glacier they returned to this month, Porter said. The large mass of ice that once coated the mountain range has melted quickly since Porter’s last visit, leaving behind pools of gray water right at the surface. 

“Fifteen years minus one day between these photos," Porter wrote in the caption. "Taken at the Rhône glacier in Switzerland today. Not gonna lie, it made me cry."

Over 4 million people have come across Porter’s post since Sunday, which has garnered thousands of comments from climate change deniers to people who are equally heartbroken by the development.

‘Drastically different’ circumstances documented over a short period

Porter’s intention was to share the “drastically different” circumstances captured in the recent photograph, telling The Guardian that “these things are supposed to happen over really long time periods.

"What people should focus on is the speed of change," he says.

The region is warming about twice as fast as the global average, with scientists documenting that Swiss glaciers have lost 10% of their water volume in the last two years alone, according to reporting by The New York Times. 

The last time that much ice had melted in the region occurred over a period of 30 years, between 1960 and 1990, according a news release from the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences. 

Rhône Glacier’s latest look hasn’t come as much of a surprise to glacier scientist Daniel Farinotti, who has witnessed the glacier retreat by about a third of a mile since he began to study it in 2007, the Times reported. 

The Swiss government is actively searching for solutions to address the changes in climate, which are set to threaten Swiss alpine customs as the country’s largest glaciers, Aletsch and Rhône, shrink, the newspaper reported. 

There’s a ‘huge amount’ you can do, English tourist says 

While Porter’s picture may have left a lot of people “feeling quite helpless,” he says that based on his experience there’s a “huge amount” you can do day to day, The Guardian reported. 

Porter, who is part of a local climate action group committee, says that taking part in local community projects is just one of many “wonderful” ways you can make a difference.

He also advocated for people to push for systemic change through the ways they vote and shop, according to The Guardian. 

Iran partner with FAO and Green Climate Fund to strengthen climate resilience

Tehran - The Department of Environment (DOE) as National Designated Authority (NDA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at fortifying its resilience to climate change.

The newly signed project, titled “Strengthening Iran’s access to GCF with national ownership, knowledge-based policies and sound technologies,” represents a crucial step towards aligning national strategies with climate action and promoting sustainable development.

Iran, like many nations, faces the challenge of climate change and grappling with its adverse effects, including escalating droughts and catastrophic floods further exacerbating water scarcity issues affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, food production and economy. In response, Iran's National Strategic Action Plan on Climate Change 2017 outlines a comprehensive roadmap for climate adaptation and mitigation, contingent upon securing financial and technical support under the United Nations Framework Cooperation on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Engaging all key stakeholders including government, private sector and NGOs, the inception workshop for this project is held on 19 August, marking the official launch of this crucial initiative and setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards achieving climate resilience in the country.

This transformative initiative between the Islamic Republic of Iran, GCF and FAO aims to fortify the country's resilience to climate change through a multifaceted approach.

By fostering closer coordination with GCF and other climate finance institutions, establishing direct access to GCF resources, and integrating climate change considerations into development planning, the project seeks to pave the way for strategic climate investment promotion.

Additionally, by facilitating access to advanced climate-resilient technologies and engaging both targeted sectors and the private sector in climate action initiatives, Iran aims to develop a robust pipeline of climate projects aligned with national priorities and GCF standards.

Anticipated outcomes include enhanced national coordination mechanisms, the development of a strategy for direct access to the GCF, an updated GCF Country Programme, and the establishment of a comprehensive National Climate Change Knowledge Hub (NCCKH).

The establishment of NCCKH will serve as a vital resource for disseminating technical knowledge and raising public awareness, ultimately contributing to enhanced national resilience and sustainable development.

• DOI: 10.17507/tpls.1408.13
• Corpus ID: 271838928

The Perspectives of English-for-Academic-Purposes Instructors Towards the Transfer Climate

• Maryam A. Almuhanna
• Published in Theory and Practice in… 9 August 2024
• Education, Linguistics

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36 References

Transfer climate and eap education: students’ perceptions of challenges to learning transfer.

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