UNDERSTANDING THE

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE
CHANGE: AN
EDUCATIONAL
PRESENTATION FOR
STUDENTS
INTRODUCTION
Climate change and Global warming are
the most pressing global issues we face today.
In this presentation, we will discuss there
concept, causes, international efforts to reduce
the emission of greenhouse gases and finally
India's efforts to tackle climate change
CLIMATE CHANGE
DEFINITON AND CONCEPT
WHATIS CLIMATE
CHANGE?

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted

phenomenon that refers to long-term shifts in
global and regional climate patterns. It
encompasses a broad range of interconnected
processes, impacts, and drivers that are
intricately linked to human activities, natural
variability, and feedback mechanisms within the
Earth's climate system.
WHATIS CLIMATE CONCEPT
CHANGE?

At its core, climate change is driven by the enhanced

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted greenhouse effect, which arises from the accumulation of
greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the Earth's atmosphere. Human
phenomenon that refers to long-term shifts in activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation,
global and regional climate patterns. It and industrial processes, have significantly increased the
encompasses a broad range of interconnected concentrations of GHGs such as carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases trap
processes, impacts, and drivers that are outgoing infrared radiation, leading to an overall warming of
intricately linked to human activities, natural the planet, a phenomenon known as global warming.
variability, and feedback mechanisms within the
Overall, the concept of climate change highlights the urgent
Earth's climate system. need to address the human-induced alterations to the Earth's
climate system to ensure a sustainable and habitable future for
generations to come.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has far-reaching

effects, including rising sea
levels,extreme weather
events, and loss of
biodiversity. It also has
negative impacts on human
health, agriculture, and
economy. These effects will only
worsen if we don't take action.
 CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

MAN MADE NATURAL

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The primary cause of climate change is

the emission of greenhouse gases
such as carbon dioxide, methane, and
nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in
the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a
warming effect. Human activities
such as burning fossil fuels and
deforestation are major contributors
to greenhouse gas emissions.
 MAN MADE CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
There are several man-made causes of changes in climate. Here are some of the
significant factors:

1.Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas,
for energy production and transportation is the largest source of anthropogenic
greenhouse gas emissions. When these fuels are burned, carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent
greenhouse gas, is released into the atmosphere.

2.Deforestation: Large-scale deforestation, particularly in tropical regions,

contributes to climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2
from the atmosphere. When forests are cleared or burned, the stored carbon is released,
increasing CO2 levels. Additionally, deforestation reduces the
Earth's capacity to absorb CO2, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
1.Industrial Processes: Various industrial activities release greenhouse gases. For
instance, the production of cement involves the release of substantial amounts of
CO2 during the chemical process. Industrial processes also emit other potent
greenhouse gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs),
and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), used in various applications like refrigeration,
electronics, and manufacturing.

Transportation: The combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, including cars, trucks,

ships, and airplanes, is a significant source of CO2 emissions. The reliance on
fossil fuel-powered transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas
emissions globally.

Waste Management: Improper waste management, particularly the decomposition

of organic waste in landfills, produces methane. Landfills are a significant source of
methane emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a higher warming
potential than CO2.

Topic page New topic

 NATURAL CAUSES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Natural causes have historically played a role in climate change. While
human activities are currently the primary driver of climate change, there are
natural factors that can also influence the Earth's climate. Some significant
natural causes include:

1.Solar Variability: Changes in solar radiation due to variations in the Sun's

energy output can impact the Earth's climate. The Sun undergoes natural
cycles, such as sunspot cycles, which can result in slight fluctuations in the
amount of solar energy reaching the Earth. These variations, although
relatively small, can have some influence on climate patterns.

2.Volcanic Activity: Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of volcanic

gases, aerosols, and ash into the atmosphere. Volcanic aerosols can reflect
sunlight back into space, resulting in a temporary cooling effect on the
Earth's surface. However, volcanic eruptions can also release greenhouse
gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to long-term
warming.
1.Natural Climate Oscillations: The Earth's climate system exhibits natural
oscillations that can influence climate patterns over periods of years to
decades. Examples of naturalNATURAL CAUSES
climate oscillations include FOR CLIMATE
the El Niño- CHANGE
Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the
Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). These oscillations can lead to shifts in
regional weather patterns and affect global climate conditions.

2.Orbital Variations: Changes in the Earth's orbit and tilt, known as

Milankovitch cycles, occur over long timescales and influence the amount
and distribution of solar radiation received by the Earth. These natural
variations can contribute to long-term changes in climate, including the onset
and duration of ice ages.

3.Natural Feedback Mechanisms: Certain natural processes, known as

feedback mechanisms, can amplify or dampen the effects of climate change.
For example, the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost can
amplify global warming by releasing additional carbon dioxide and methane
into the atmosphere. Conversely, increased vegetation growth in response to
higher carbon dioxide levels can act as a negative feedback by absorbing
more carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

Topic page New topic

 GLOBAL WARMING
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. It is primarily caused
by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and a gradual rise in
temperatures.

The Earth's atmosphere contains certain gases, known as greenhouse gases, which naturally regulate the planet's temperature
by trapping some of the heat from the sun. This natural greenhouse effect is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However,
human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and
agriculture, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. When fossil fuels are burned for energy,
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global
warming because trees absorb CO2 as part of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared, this CO2 is released back into the
atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are also released through agricultural
activities, livestock production, and certain industrial processes.
As the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, more heat is trapped, leading to a rise in global
temperatures. This rise in temperature has various consequences, including:

1. Melting ice caps and glaciers: Higher temperatures cause ice to melt, contributing to rising sea levels and the loss of habitat
for polar species.
2. Changing weather patterns: Global warming can lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, storms, and heavy
rainfall events, affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and human communities.
3. Ocean acidification: Increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere lead to the absorption of more CO2 by the oceans, resulting in
ocean acidification. This can harm marine life, including coral reefs and shellfish.
4. Biodiversity loss: Many plant and animal species face challenges adapting to rapid changes in temperature, resulting in
habitat loss and potential extinction.
5. Disruption of ecosystems: Global warming can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, affecting food chains and the
interdependencies between species.
6. Addressing global warming requires global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to clean and renewable
energy sources, promote sustainable practices in agriculture and land use, conserve forests and other ecosystems, and adapt
to the changes already occurring. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to unite countries in
combating climate change and limiting global warming to manageable levels.
 INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE EFFECT
Therewarming
Global have been referssignificant international
to the long-term increase in theefforts
averageto reduce greenhouse
temperature gas emissions
of the Earth's climate system. It isand mitigate
primarily caused
by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and a gradual rise in
the effects
temperatures.
of global warming. Some of the key initiatives and agreements include:
1. Paris Agreement
2. United
The Earth's Nationscontains
atmosphere Framework Convention
certain gases, known as on Climate
greenhouse Change
gases, which (UNFCCC)
naturally regulate the planet's temperature
by
3. trapping
Kyotosome of the heat from the sun. This natural greenhouse effect is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However,
Protocol
human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and
4. Intergovernmental
agriculture, have significantlyPanel onthe
increased Climate Change
concentration (IPCC) gases in the atmosphere.
of greenhouse
5. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
6. Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. When fossil fuels are burned for energy,
7. Carbon pricing initiatives
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global
warming because trees absorb CO2 as part of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared, this CO2 is released back into the
atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are also released through agricultural
activities, livestock production, and certain industrial processes.
 KYOTO PROTOCOL
The Kyoto
Global Protocolrefers
warming is an to
international treaty
the long-term adoptedin
increase inthe
1997 under the
average United Nations
temperature Framework
of the Convention
Earth's climate on Climate
system. Changecaused
It is primarily
(UNFCCC). It aimed to
by human activities address
that global
release warming gases
greenhouse and reduce greenhouse
into the gas emissions.
atmosphere, leading toThe protocol
the hasof
trapping several key components:
heat and a gradual rise in
temperatures.
1.Emission Reduction Targets: The Kyoto Protocol established binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, also known as Annex I countries. These
countries agreed to reduce their overall emissions of six greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur
hexafluoride)
The Earth'sbyatmosphere
specific percentages compared
contains to 1990
certain levels.known
gases, The targeted reduction varied
as greenhouse amongwhich
gases, countries, with an average
naturally target
regulate theof about 5% below
planet's 1990 levels
temperature
during the period from 2008 to 2012.
by trapping some of the heat from the sun. This natural greenhouse effect is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However,
human activities,
2.Flexible Mechanisms:particularly the burning
The protocol introduced of fossil fuels
three market-based (coal, oil,
mechanisms and
to help natural
countries gas),their
achieve deforestation, industrial
emission reduction targets: processes, and
a. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): It allowed developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and receive certified
agriculture, have significantly
emission reduction increased
credits (CERs) for theachieved.
the reductions concentration of greenhouse
This mechanism gasessustainable
aimed to promote in the atmosphere.
development and technology transfer.

b. Joint Implementation (JI): It enabled developed countries to collaborate on emission reduction projects and receive emission reduction units (ERUs) as credits.

Carbon dioxide
c. Emissions Trading:(CO2)
Annex I is the primary
countries greenhouse
could trade their assignedgas emitted
amount by human
units (AAUs) to buyactivities. When
or sell emission fossilproviding
allowances, fuels are burnedin for
flexibility energy,
meeting their
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global
targets.
warming
3.Compliance because trees The
and Reporting: absorb
KyotoCO2 as established
Protocol part of photosynthesis.
a compliance systemWhen forests
to ensure are cleared,
that countries this
meet their CO2 reduction
emission is released back
targets. into the
Countries were
atmosphere.
required Other
to submit greenhouse
regular gases,
reports on their such
emissions andasmeasures
methane (CH4)
taken to meetand
theirnitrous oxide (N2O), are also released through agricultural
commitments.
activities, livestock production, and certain industrial processes.
The Kyoto Protocol's commitment period was from 2008 to 2012. After this period, countries engaged in negotiations to establish a successor agreement, leading to the
adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. The Kyoto Protocol has since expired, but its mechanisms and principles have influenced subsequent climate agreements.
It's important to note that not all countries participated in the Kyoto Protocol. Some notable countries, such as the United States, did not ratify the treaty. Nonetheless,
the Kyoto Protocol played a significant role in raising global awareness about climate change and setting the stage for further international cooperation in addressing
the issue.
 PARIS AGREEMENT
The Paris Agreement
Global warmingis refers
an international
to thetreaty that was adopted
long-term increasein 2015 underaverage
in the the Unitedtemperature
Nations Framework Convention
of the Earth'son climate
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
system. It is a landmark
It is primarily caused
agreement aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts. The key objectives of the Paris Agreement are to:
by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and a gradual rise in
temperatures.
1.Limit global warming: The agreement aims to keep the global average temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to
limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is considered crucial to avoiding the most severe impacts of climate change.

The Earth's
2.Mitigation atmosphere
of greenhouse contains
gas emissions: Thecertain gases,requires
Paris Agreement known as greenhouse
countries gases,
to make efforts which
to reduce naturally
their greenhouse gasregulate thetoplanet's
emissions and temperature
regularly report on their
emissions and progress
by trapping sometowards
of thetheir targets.
heat from Each
thecountry
sun. isThis
expected to set its
natural own nationallyeffect
greenhouse determined contributions
is essential (NDCs),
for which outline
sustaining theirEarth.
life on targets and actions to
However,
reduce emissions.
human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and
agriculture,
3.Adaptation have change:
to climate significantly increased
The agreement thetheconcentration
recognizes need to strengthen of greenhouse
societies' gases
ability to adapt in impacts
to the the atmosphere.
of climate change. It encourages countries to develop
and implement adaptation strategies, provide support to vulnerable communities, and enhance resilience to climate-related challenges.

4.Climate finance: Developed countries are expected to provide financial resources to support developing countries in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The
agreement
Carbon aims to mobilize
dioxide (CO2) significant
is thefinancial
primary flows, both from public
greenhouse gasand private sources,
emitted by humanto help activities.
developing countries
Whentransition to low-carbon
fossil fuels and climate-resilient
are burned for energy,
pathways.
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global
warming because
5.Technology transfer andtrees absorb
capacity CO2
building: as part
The Paris of photosynthesis.
Agreement When
promotes international forests
cooperation are cleared,
in technology this CO2
development is released
and transfer, back
as well as intobuilding
capacity the
initiatives, to support developing countries in their climate action efforts.
atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are also released through agricultural
activities, livestock
6.Transparency production,
and accountability: and certain
The agreement establishesindustrial processes.
a robust transparency framework, requiring countries to regularly report on their emissions, progress towards their
targets, and support provided and received. It also includes a global stocktaking process to assess collective progress towards the agreement's goals.
The Paris Agreement is a significant global effort to address climate change, involving almost all countries in the world. Its adoption marked a major milestone in international
climate action. While the agreement sets a framework for global cooperation, its success relies on the collective efforts and commitment of all countries to implement ambitious
climate actions, enhance climate resilience, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable future.
 INDIA TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
India,warming
Global as a developing
refers to the country
long-term with a large
increase population
in the average and diverse
temperature economy,
of the Earth's faces Itseveral
climate system. is primarily caused
by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and a gradual rise in
challenges
temperatures.
in tackling climate change. However, the Indian government has taken various
measures and initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainable development. Here are
some
The keyatmosphere
Earth's actions taken bycertain
contains India: gases, known as greenhouse gases, which naturally regulate the planet's temperature
by trapping some of the heat from the sun. This natural greenhouse effect is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However,
human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and
1.Renewable Energy Expansion:
agriculture, have significantly increased theIndia has setofambitious
concentration greenhouse targets foratmosphere.
gases in the renewable energy deployment.
The country aims to achieve 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, including
solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. The government has implemented various policies and
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. When fossil fuels are burned for energy,
incentives to promote renewable energy investments and increase the share of clean energy in
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global
the
national energy
warming because mix.
trees absorb CO2 as part of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared, this CO2 is released back into the
atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are also released through agricultural
activities, livestock Solar
2.International production, and certain
Alliance (ISA):industrial
Indiaprocesses.
co-founded the ISA, an alliance of countries to promote
the adoption of solar energy worldwide. The ISA aims to mobilize investment, share knowledge,
and promote solar technology transfer to promote clean energy access and reduce reliance on fossil
fuels.
1.Energy Efficiency Measures: INDIAIndia TO hasTACKLE CLIMATE
implemented CHANGE
several programs and initiatives to improve
energy efficiency in various sectors. This includes the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme,
Global warming
which refers to
sets energy the long-term
efficiency increase
targets forin energy-intensive
the average temperature of the Earth's
industries, andclimate system. It is
the UJALA primarily caused
scheme,
by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and a gradual rise in
which promotes the use of energy-efficient LED lighting.
temperatures.

2.Climate Adaptation
The Earth's atmosphere and certain
contains Resilience: Indiaashas
gases, known developed
greenhouse gases,the National
which naturallyAction Plan
regulate the on Climate
planet's temperature
by trapping some of the heat from the sun. This natural greenhouse effect is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However,
Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) to address climate change
human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and
adaptation andsignificantly
agriculture, have resilience. Thesethe
increased plans includeofmeasures
concentration greenhouseto manage
gases water resources, promote
in the atmosphere.
sustainable agriculture, enhance coastal resilience, and strengthen disaster management.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. When fossil fuels are burned for energy,
3.Afforestation and Forest Conservation: The Indian government has initiated programs such
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global as
the Green
warming India
because Mission
trees andasthe
absorb CO2 partCompensatory
of photosynthesis.Afforestation
When forests are Fund
cleared,Act
this to
CO2increase the
is released country's
back into the
forest cover
atmosphere. andgreenhouse
Other promotegases,
afforestation. These
such as methane initiatives
(CH4) and nitrousaim
oxideto(N2O),
enhance carbon
are also releasedsequestration,
through agricultural
activities, livestock production, and certain industrial processes.
conserve biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services.
1.Electric Mobility: India INDIA TO TACKLE
is promoting CLIMATE
electric mobility as a meansCHANGEto reduce vehicular emissions.
The government has introduced various incentives and policies to encourage the adoption of
Global warming
electric refers(EVs)
vehicles to the long-term increasecharging
and establish in the average temperature ofacross
infrastructure the Earth's
theclimate system. It is primarily caused
country.
by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and a gradual rise in
temperatures.
2.International Cooperation: India actively participates in international climate negotiations and
collaborates with other
The Earth's atmosphere countries
contains on climate
certain gases, known as change
greenhouse initiatives.
gases, whichThe country
naturally hasthealso
regulate been
planet's involved
temperature
by trapping some of the heat from the sun. This natural greenhouse effect is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However,
in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient
human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and
Infrastructure (CDRI) toincreased
agriculture, have significantly promote theglobal climate
concentration action. gases in the atmosphere.
of greenhouse
While India is taking significant steps to address climate change, it faces challenges related to
sustainable development, energy access, and economic growth. The government continues to work
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. When fossil fuels are burned for energy,
on balancing these priorities while ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
such as in power plants, vehicles, and industries, CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to global
warming because trees absorb CO2 as part of photosynthesis. When forests are cleared, this CO2 is released back into the
atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), are also released through agricultural
activities, livestock production, and certain industrial processes.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, climatechange is a complex

issue that requires global action. We
must all work together to reduce our impact on
the environment and create a more sustainable
future. By taking action now, we can
help mitigate the worst effects of climate change
and create a better world for future generations.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
CONCLUSION
1. https://unfccc.int/about-us/regional-collaboration-centres/the-ciaca/about-carbon-pricing#:~:text=Carbon%20pricing%20curbs%20greenhouse%20gas,development%20
compatible%20with%20climate%20protection
.

2. https://unfccc.int/sb58

3. https://carbonpricingdashboard.worldbank.org/

4. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2021/09/five-things-to-know-about-carbon-pricing-parry

5. cdp.net/en/climate/carbon-pricing
SIDDHI MAITHANI
X XI-E

THANKS