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Climate Change: A Global Update
This article examines the impact of climate change, focusing on CO2 emissions, warming temperatures, and rising sea levels. It highlights the significant changes already occurring and discusses the responsibility of different regions and sectors.
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- How much has the Earth warmed?
- The global temperature has risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the 20th-century average, with the most significant increases occurring in the past five years. This seemingly small average masks drastic local variations, leading to extreme heat, crop failures, and increased frequency of severe weather events.
- Which region emits the most CO2?
- While Asia and Africa show increasing CO2 emissions, a per capita analysis reveals that high-income Western nations, including the US and Australia, and countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia, are among the highest emitters. The responsibility for CO2 reduction is debated, with factors like economic strength and population size considered.
- How much has the sea level risen?
- Global sea levels have risen nearly 25 cm over the past 140 years, with about one-third of that rise occurring in the last 25 years. The Arctic is experiencing faster warming and sea-level rise than other regions, while regional variations exist, with some areas experiencing minimal change while others, such as island nations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, face severe threats.
- How have CO2 emissions changed in past centuries?
- Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels have steadily increased. Initially, natural carbon sinks absorbed much of the CO2. However, current emissions exceed the capacity of these sinks, resulting in a continuous rise of atmospheric CO2.
- What are the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions?
- The energy sector is the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions (28%), followed by the industrial sector (22%). Deforestation, particularly in countries like Russia, Brazil, and Canada, significantly contributes, releasing stored carbon and reducing the planet's capacity to absorb CO2.