Climate change

Climate change refers to long-term variations in temperatures and weather patterns. These changes can occur naturally, for example through solar activity or major volcanic eruptions. However, since the 19th century, human activities have been the primary driver of climate change, mainly through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Burning these fuels generates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping the sun's heat and raising temperatures. This phenomenon, known as global warming, is the main cause of the climate change we are experiencing today.

Understanding climate change is essential for addressing its consequences and developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. Measuring the carbon footprint is a crucial tool in this process, as it allows us to quantify the impact of our activities on the planet and take action to reduce it.

Causes of climate change

Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that enables the Earth to maintain a habitable temperature. Certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap part of the solar radiation reflected by the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping into space.

However, increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities have intensified this effect, causing accelerated global warming. Major sources of these emissions include:

• Burning fossil fuels: energy generation, transport and industry are the main contributors to CO2 emissions.
• Deforestation: trees absorb CO2, so deforestation reduces the planet's capacity to remove this gas from the atmosphere.
• Agriculture: livestock farming and rice cultivation are significant sources of methane emissions.
• Industrial processes: certain processes release GHGs such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The role of human activity

The scientific evidence is clear: current climate change is primarily caused by human activity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international authority on the subject, concluded in its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6, 2021) that it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land, and that human activities have already caused roughly 1.1 to 1.2 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels.

Consequences of climate change

Rising sea levels

Melting glaciers and polar ice, combined with the thermal expansion of water as temperatures rise, are causing sea levels to rise. This threatens coastal communities, infrastructure and ecosystems.

Extreme weather events

Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms. These events cause material damage, loss of life and the displacement of populations.

Impact on biodiversity

Climate change is altering ecosystems and endangering many species. Ocean acidification, shifts in migration patterns and habitat loss are among the threats faced by wildlife.

Impact on human health

Climate change affects human health through increased vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, respiratory illnesses and heat stress.

Mitigation and adaptation to climate change

Mitigation: reducing emissions

Mitigation focuses on reducing GHG emissions through:

• Transitioning to renewable energy: replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal.
• Energy efficiency: improving energy use in buildings, transport and industry.
• Forest conservation: protecting and restoring forests as carbon sinks.
• Clean technology development: investing in technologies that capture and store carbon.

Adaptation: adjusting to impacts

Adaptation focuses on preparing for unavoidable impacts, including:

• Resilient infrastructure: building structures that can withstand extreme weather events.
• Water management: implementing water conservation measures and flood management systems.
• Sustainable agriculture: developing agricultural practices resilient to climate change.
• Early warning systems: establishing systems to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events.

Social aspects of climate change

The social aspects of climate change encompass how our social interactions and socioeconomic structures affect GHG emissions.

Consumption patterns and lifestyle

Our consumption habits, from food to transport and leisure, have a direct impact:

• Goods and services: the production, transport and disposal of goods and services generate GHG emissions. Choosing local, durable and environmentally friendly products can significantly reduce our footprint.
• Diet and food production: industrial agriculture contributes heavily to GHG emissions. Adopting a more sustainable, plant-based diet with reduced meat consumption can make a significant difference.
• Mobility and transport: transport, especially air travel and private vehicles, generates considerable emissions. Prioritising public transport, cycling and electric mobility are more sustainable alternatives.

Equity and social justice

Climate change does not affect everyone equally. Vulnerable communities, often with the least responsibility for global emissions, are typically the most affected.

• Unequal impacts: developing countries and marginalised communities often face greater risks, such as droughts, floods and displacement.
• Historical responsibility: developed nations have a historical responsibility for cumulative GHG emissions, requiring a greater commitment to mitigation and adaptation.
• Just transition: the move towards a low-carbon economy must be inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind while creating new opportunities for all.

Governance and public policy

Government policies and governance play a critical role in shaping behaviour and fostering a sustainable environment.

• Incentives and regulations: policies promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility drive emissions reductions.
• International cooperation: climate change is a global problem requiring global solutions. International cooperation is essential to set ambitious goals, share technologies and finance climate action.
• Citizen participation: the active engagement of civil society in decision-making and policy implementation is key to achieving a just and effective transition.

Legal framework and international agreements

Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation. Key agreements and frameworks include:

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): provides a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change.
• Kyoto Protocol: sets emission reduction targets for developed countries.
• Paris Agreement: establishes a global framework to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and prepare their sustainability reporting, turning climate data into concrete action. Discover how Manglai can help you.