*What is Climate Change?*
*Climate change* refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns.
While climate can change naturally over thousands of years, the rapid warming we see today is mainly caused by human activities since the 1800s.
In simple terms: *The Earth is getting warmer, faster than usual, and the weather is becoming more extreme.*
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*1. MAIN CAUSES*
Human activities release "greenhouse gases" into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat like a blanket around the Earth.
- *Burning fossil fuels*: Coal, oil, and gas used for electricity, cars, factories, and planes. This is the biggest cause.
- *Deforestation*: Cutting down forests. Trees absorb CO2. Fewer trees = more CO2 in the air.
- *Agriculture and livestock*: Cows produce methane. Fertilizers and rice fields also release greenhouse gases.
- *Industry and waste*: Factories, cement production, and landfills release CO2 and methane.
*2. MAIN EFFECTS*
- *Rising global temperatures*: More heatwaves and warmer oceans.
- *Extreme weather*: More intense hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires like the ones near Reno.
- *Melting ice and rising sea levels*: Glaciers and polar ice melt, threatening coastal cities.
- *Loss of biodiversity*: Animals and plants struggle to adapt. Some species go extinct.
- *Food and water insecurity*: Droughts reduce crop yields. Changing rain patterns affect drinking water.
- *Health impacts*: More heat-related illnesses and spread of diseases.
*3. POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS*
We need action from governments, companies, and individuals.
- *Clean energy*: Switch from coal and oil to solar, wind, and hydro power.
- *Energy efficiency*: Better insulation, LED lights, public transport, and electric vehicles.
- *Protect and plant forests*: Stop deforestation and invest in reforestation.
- *Sustainable agriculture*: Reduce food waste, eat less meat, use less fertilizer.
- *Adaptation*: Build flood defenses, drought-resistant crops, and early warning systems for disasters.
- *International cooperation*: Countries working together through agreements like the Paris Agreement.
