Climate change refers to a change in the global climate pattern. Our planet has witnessed changes in the climatic pattern over the centuries. However, the changes that have occurred from the mid to the late 20th century are more apparent. The level of carbon dioxide has increased exceedingly in the atmosphere and this has led to major change in the climate on the Earth. Besides, there are several natural forces such as solar radiation, variation in the orbit and volcanic eruptions that have been influencing the climatic conditions of the Earth since centuries. Here is a look at the main causes of the changes in the climatic conditions and ways to curb its negative impact.
Climate Change Causes
There are a number of factors that have contributed towards weather change in the past and continue to do so. These include the variations in solar energy received on the Earth, eruption of volcanoes, orbital changes and plate tectonics. Besides, a number of human activities have also led to the changes in the climatic conditions, particularly over the past few decades. The change that has taken place in the recent past is also referred to as outcome of global warming. Let us learn about each of these factors in detail:
Solar Radiation
The rate at which Sun’s energy is received and the rate at which it is dispersed in the space decides the equilibrium temperature and climate of our planet. The winds, ocean currents and other mechanisms carry this energy around the globe thereby impacting the climatic conditions of different regions. Long-term as well as short-term changes in solar intensity have an impact on the global climate.
Volcanic Eruption
The volcanic eruptions that are known to impact the Earth’s climate are the ones that erupt more than 100,000 tons of SO2 in the stratosphere. Such eruptions occur a number of times in a century and have a cooling effect on the Earth’s atmosphere for the next few years as it partly blocks the transmission of solar radiation to the Earth’s surface.
Orbital Variations
Even slight changes in the Earth’s orbit cause modifications in the seasonal distribution of sunlight received on its surface. There are three types of orbital changes – changes in the Earth’s eccentricity, precession of The Earth’s axis and modification in the tilt angle of the Earth’s axis of rotation. Together these three lead to Milankovitch cycles that have a huge effect on the climate.
Plate Tectonics
The motion of tectonic plates reconfigures the land and oceans on the Earth and generates topography over a period of millions of years. This, in turn, leads to a change in the global climatic conditions.
Conclusion
The climatic conditions are degrading by the day. While the negative impact on the climate caused by the natural factors discussed above cannot be controlled, the human influences (that have contributed to a major change in the climate lately) on the same can be curbed. Human activities that lead to air, land and water pollution and in turn impact the weather negatively must be restricted. Each of us should contribute his bit to control this global issue.
Thanks for reading...
Don't forget to...
Like...
Comment...
Subscribe...!
Thank you...!😘😘😘
Let us learn about each of these factors in detail: