Warming Planet: Key Facts on Climate Change

Speedy summary:

• Global warming as 1850: Earth has warmed by about 2°F (1.1°C).
• Causes of climate change: Human activities,including burning fossil fuels and deforestation,emitting greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane.
• Key impacts: Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, increased frequency of heatwaves, floods, droughts, intense wildfires; Arctic sea ice is rapidly melting.
• Vulnerable populations: About 3.6 billion people live in areas highly exposed to the effects of climate change; developing nations are most affected.
• Economic cost: Climate change could cost $1.7 trillion to $3.1 trillion per year by 2050 globally.
• scientific consensus: Climate change is real and predominantly human-caused; Earth’s temperature has risen approximately 0.36°F (0.2°C) every decade since the early 1980s.

Indian Opinion analysis:

India faces meaningful challenges from climate change due to its geography and socio-economic structure. the country’s vast coastline makes it vulnerable to rising sea levels and associated flooding risks while mountainous regions contend with glacial melting spurred by global warming. Increased temperatures amplify the likelihood of droughts in agricultural belts critical for food security.India’s duty involves balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability-an imperative given its role as one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases but also home to millions who contribute minimally yet suffer disproportionately from climate impacts due to poverty.

On a policy level, India’s commitment under international frameworks like the Paris Agreement demonstrates constructive action but highlights remaining gaps concerning renewable energy transition and carbon emission targets alignment.

Read More: Live Science Article