Changes in the Earth’s climate can be attributed to the following factors: ocean currents, solar variations, volcanic eruptions, orbital changes of the earth and man-made activities.
The oceans are a significant part of Earth’s climate system. Interactions between the atmosphere and the oceans lead to the El Niño phenomenon which happens every two to six years. Also, changes in the circulation of the ocean could affect the climate by the movement of carbon dioxide out or into the atmosphere.
In a volcanic eruption, large amounts of gases (sulfur dioxide, dust, water vapour and ash released into the atmosphere could influence patterns in the climate for years. Volcanoes also produce aerosols that cause a cooling effect on Earth. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is also produced by volcanoes. However, the amount of this gas produced by volcanoes is relatively insignificant when compared to the carbon dioxide that is produced by man.
The Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees at right angles with its orbital path. Any change in the tilt angle, however small it may be, can cause changes in the climate pattern of the Earth. A large tilt results to colder winters and warmer summers. A small tilt results to milder winters and cooler summers.
Prolonged small changes in the sun’s output of energy can lead to climate changes. Scientific studies have shown that solar variations were responsible for the climatic changes in the previous years.
However, much of the cause of the Earth’s climate change in recent years can be attributed to man-made activities that create or generate greenhouse gasses, and not because of solar variations. Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation and agriculture all release greenhouse gases that contribute to changes in the Earth’s climate.
It has now become a common scenario for people to complain about the issue of climate change. Many companies and governments have now set aside special funds to be able to cater for the issue of this change. This wave of pro-action has emerged out of a situation where the human race has been involved in destroying the world by creating the most unsuitable conditions that have resulted in changes in the climate of the world. While in the past the weather conditions and climatic conditions were understandable and within limits, today, there are several extreme conditions that occur. These have led to loss of lives, property and livelihood.
The issue of climate change is an issue that has attracted plenty of attention because of the far reaching effects of the acts that human beings are engaged in today. The effects of these acts are far reaching and as much as they may seem insignificant, they are actually quite pivotal in the changes that happen over time. The changes that are happening today are not happening because of the activities of today but rather because of the activities of the past. This means that the activities of today are more likely to cause a change in the climatic conditions of the future.
Today’s climate is very uncomfortable and is continuously tending towards being totally unpredictable because of the various changes that the world has been subjected to. The little things that we as human beings do without regard for the climate are actually the things that build up into huge effects on the climate thus we end up experiencing substantial climate change over time. The various changes that are taking place today can however be reversed if the entire human race becomes a part of the drive to make the earth a better place for the future. If each person makes an effort to make the earth cleaner, safer and more reliable, there is a chance that there will be a better home for the people of the future.
