Findings, Impacts and Solutions for Climate Change

A research project by:

Samhitha Nadendla (14)

Findings, Impacts and Solutions for Climate Change

Executive Summary

Climate change is one of the biggest problems that the world is facing today. Climate change is a long-term change in Earth’s temperature and weather patterns. It mostly happens because of human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation and pollution. This affects our environment, health and our future. If we ignore it and don’t do something about it now, we could face more floods, heatwaves, shortages and global warming will increase.

The consequences of climate change are widespread and affect natural ecosystems, human health, economies, and social systems. Global temperatures have already increased by approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, leading to melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and more intense heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts. These changes threaten biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and water availability, while increasing risks such as diseases and illnesses.

However, there are still many solutions we can use to tackle this problem, because if we don’t now, it will greatly affect us in the future.

Switching to clean and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power is essential because they produce little or no greenhouse gases and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Expanding renewable energy use worldwide also helps create jobs in new industries. Protecting and restoring forests is also key, as they act like natural carbon sinks and absorb carbon dioxide, support biodiversity and water systems.

You can also improve energy efficiency, through better insulation, energy-saving appliances, and fuel-efficient vehicles, as it reduces emissions and saves money. Individual actions like using public transport, recycling, conserving energy, and choosing sustainable products also contribute to solving climate change. Education and awareness also help encourage environmentally friendly habits.

By addressing climate change, we can also help solve other global problems, such as extreme weather events, deforestation, food and water shortages, and public health issues.

This report will explore the causes and current findings related to climate change, examine its impacts on the environment and society, and discuss practical approaches and solutions that can help reduce these effects and protect our future.

Introduction

The effects of climate change are already happening around the world, with increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and storms. In recent years, regions like Europe and North America have experienced record-breaking temperatures and devastating wildfires that have caused widespread damage and loss of life. Melting ice sheets in the Arctic and Antarctic are contributing to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities through flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.

Wildlife and natural ecosystems are also under pressure. Coral reefs, which are important for marine biodiversity, are suffering from bleaching due to warming oceans, while forests face increased risks from drought, pests, and fires.

Globally, extreme climate-related disasters, including floods, wildfires, and drought,now make up more than 80% of all natural disasters, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on both natural and human systems.

These changes are already affecting people’s lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.6 billion people live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, and by 2030–2050 climate impacts could lead to 250,000 additional deaths per year from causes like malaria, malnutrition, and heat stress alone.

In addition to health impacts, climate change threatens food and water security, economic stability, and social wellbeing. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and developing countries, often face the greatest risks and have the least capacity to adapt.

Findings

Scientific research shows that climate change is primarily driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation accounts for the largest share of these emissions. Deforestation and land-use changes further contribute by reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂.

The global warming trend, mentioned earlier, is directly linked to increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, as confirmed by data from ice cores, satellite observations, and temperature records worldwide.

Extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. For example, heatwaves in Europe have set multiple temperature records in recent years, with a 2019 heatwave in France reaching 46°C (115°F), the highest ever recorded in the country.

Sea levels have risen by about 20 cm (8 inches) since 1900 due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. This rise increases the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, threatening millions living in coastal regions.

Impacts

Environmental Impacts

Loss of biodiversity: Many species face increased risks of extinction due to changing habitats and temperature shifts. Coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef, are severely affected by ocean warming and acidification, leading to widespread coral bleaching

Forest degradation: Increased drought and wildfires have weakened forests worldwide, reducing their ability to act as carbon sinks and protect biodiversity.

Lack of water: Changing rainfall patterns and melting glaciers affect freshwater availability, leading to droughts in some regions and floods in others.

Human and Social Impacts

Health risks: Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns increase the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, worsen malnutrition due to food shortages, and cause heat stress-related illnesses.

Economic costs: Climate disasters damage infrastructure, disrupt agriculture cause economic losses. For example, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season caused over $40 billion in damages in the U.S. alone.

Social inequality: Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and developing countries, are disproportionately affected due to limited resources for adaptation and recovery.

Approach

Tackling climate change requires a wide-ranging approach, with efforts from governments, industries, and individuals all playing a role. The main focus should be on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the changes we can’t avoid, and building a more sustainable future.

One of the most important steps in addressing climate change is shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. These energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gases, making them essential in the fight against global warming. Not only does this reduce emissions, but investing in renewable energy also creates jobs and boosts energy security for countries around the world.

We can also make a big impact by using energy more efficiently. This means things like better insulation in homes, using energy-efficient appliances, and driving electric or fuel-efficient vehicles. On a larger scale, industries can upgrade machinery and buildings to reduce their energy use. Even small changes in our daily lives, like turning off lights when not needed, can contribute to cutting down on emissions.

Forests, wetlands, and oceans naturally absorb CO₂, helping to slow down the rate of climate change. Protecting existing forests, restoring damaged ecosystems, and planting trees are all essential parts of the solution. Healthy ecosystems also help maintain biodiversity, improve water quality, and protect communities from extreme weather events.

The way we grow food plays a huge role in climate change. Sustainable farming practices, like crop rotation and better management of livestock, can lower emissions. Reducing food waste and promoting plant-based diets also reduce the environmental impact of the agriculture industry.

Since some effects of climate change are already unavoidable, we need to adapt to them. This includes developing early warning systems for extreme weather events, improving water management, and building stronger, more resilient infrastructure. It’s also essential to provide resources to vulnerable communities to help them cope with climate impacts

For effective climate action, strong government policies are crucial. This includes introducing measures like carbon taxes, regulations on emissions, and offering incentives to encourage clean energy solutions. On a global scale, international agreements such as the Paris Agreement bring nations together to set collective targets for reducing emissions and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Raising awareness about climate change is also important. By educating people on the issue, we can encourage sustainable habits and build public support for climate policies. Engaging communities through schools, media, and local programs helps spread the message.

Conclusion

Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it’s something we’re already experiencing around the world. From extreme weather to rising sea levels and disappearing ecosystems, the effects are growing. Most of these changes are being driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

This report shows just how serious the situation is, but it also makes it clear that we still have time to act. There are many solutions already available, like switching to renewable energy, protecting natural ecosystems, and using resources more efficiently. At the same time, we also need to adapt to changes that can’t be avoided, especially in communities that are most at risk.

Addressing climate change isn’t something that any one person or country can do alone. It requires cooperation between governments, businesses, and individuals. Everyone has a role to play, whether it’s through policy, innovation, or everyday choices.