According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), climate change is progressing rapidly and systematically. The decade from 2011 to 2020 was recorded as the hottest period in history, with the global average temperature rising by 1.1°C.
Global warming is merely the beginning of a climate crisis that could threaten human life. So, what exactly is causing this rapid climate change—and what real solutions can we pursue? Let’s explore the facts in this article.
What Are the Real Impacts of Climate Change?
Simply put, long-term climate change affects global weather patterns and temperatures. This results in unpredictable conditions involving heat, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall.
The main cause is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, including:
- Methane (CH₄)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
These gases trap heat from solar radiation, raising the Earth’s temperature beyond normal levels. When this condition becomes excessive, it can trigger several alarming consequences, such as:
- Rising sea levels
- Ecosystem disruption due to acid rain
- More frequent and intense storms
- Flooding
- Drought
These phenomena can damage the environment and pose serious threats to human health.
Read More: The Crucial Role of Alternative Electricity Sources in Shaping Our Future
What Are the Main Causes of Climate Change?
Human activities that are harmful to the environment—such as the use of fossil fuels and deforestation—have led to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Below are the key factors contributing to climate change:
1. Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The greenhouse effect is a natural process essential for sustaining life on Earth. It allows the atmosphere to absorb some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface and reflect it back, helping keep the planet warm.
However, when greenhouse gas concentrations rise too high, excessive heat becomes trapped in the atmosphere. This leads to a rise in the Earth’s average temperature and intensifies climate change.
Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Critical for the Planet’s Future?
2. Deforestation
Deforestation not only removes trees that naturally absorb carbon but also releases stored CO₂ back into the atmosphere when trees are cut or burned.
Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and store it. Destroying forests reverses this process, increasing atmospheric carbon levels and intensifying the greenhouse effect.
3. Industrial Activities and the Energy Sector
Heavy industries, coal-fired power plants, and transportation systems rely heavily on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, their emissions pollute the air and contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect.
This dependency is a major driver of the climate crisis. It’s time for us to collectively support a transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources—meeting both industrial and public energy needs without harming the planet.
4. Fast Fashion and Consumerism
The rise of fast fashion also plays a role in greenhouse gas emissions. Large-scale clothing production consumes vast amounts of energy.
Environmental damage doesn’t stop at manufacturing—textile waste generated by the “buy-and-throw-away” culture adds further harm.
Textile waste is difficult to decompose and is not as easily recyclable as organic waste. The higher the rate of consumption and production, the greater the carbon footprint.
Read More: Top Benefits of Natural Gas, More Than Just Low Emissions
How LNG Can Be a Solution to Climate Change?
As global energy demands rise, the world needs solutions that are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly. In this context, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a promising transitional energy source.
Compared to other fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, LNG emits significantly less carbon dioxide (CO₂) when burned.
LNG also has practical advantages in storage and distribution. In its liquid form, it takes up less space and can be transported to remote areas that traditional energy networks cannot reach.
This makes LNG known as a “bridge fuel” to renewable energy. In other words, using LNG is a critical transitional step that supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change.
