Climate Change: Acting Now May Already Be Too Late

Abstract

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The imbalance between incoming and outgoing radiation in the atmosphere is responsible for the climate change. The shifts in temperatures and weather patterns may be natural (e.g., through variations in the solar cycle) but since the early 20th century, human activities have been the main driver of climate change (e.g., through increased greenhouse gas emissions). Climate is changing in an accelerating pace. By 2100, the global mean temperatures may increase by up to 5.4oC. Climate change is a serious threat to ecosystem and health. It causes alterations to the physical environment of the planet Earth and impacts life of humans, animals, and plants. In humans, climate change creates water and food insecurity, increased morbidity/mortality, and population movement. Climate change disproportionately affects the vulnerable subjects (e.g., children, elderly, indigenous, and poor). Preventive measures are urgently needed to avoid irreversible consequences.