Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change: An Urgent Global Issue
Climate change is the gradual, long-term transformation of weather patterns and average temperatures on Earth. The primary cause is human activities such as burning fossil fuels, clearing forests, and industrial processes which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
This affects trapping heat, resulting in a warmer planet.
Key Impacts of Climate Change
Rising Temperatures: Warmer global temperature has led to more severe weather conditions like heat waves, droughts and heavy rainfalls.
Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers: This causes sea levels to rise, leading to coastal erosion and flooding.
Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean causes acidification that damages marine ecosystems.
Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Erratic rainfall patterns can result in water scarcity or surfeit at various places.
Loss of Biodiversity: Many plants and animals are finding it difficult to adapt to altered environments hence this leads to their habitats being destroyed and extinction occurring.
The Significance of Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability entails safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems on earth for future generations. It involves responsible use of resources, waste reduction