Climate change refers to the long term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperature, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases.

Impacts of Climate Change –

1. Climate change harms ecosystems, causing rising temperatures, melting ice and extreme weather. This disrupts habitats, endangers animals and kills plants. Polluted air, water and soil follow, failing crops and threatening human health, food and our planet’s very survival and future. According to IPCC, climate change causes 75% coral bleaching (2016), 30% biodiversity loss (2020),14% sea-level rise (2020) and 1°C temperature increase (2020).
2. Climate change harms health by causing heat strokes, breathing issues and diseases from bugs and dirty water. Mental stress and anxiety rise. Food and water shortages worsen. Vulnerable groups like children, elderly and pregnant women, are most affected. (WHO estimates 250,000 extra deaths annually by 2050).
3. Climate change harms society by causing displacement, food and water shortages, poverty, conflict, cultural loss, health issues and economic disruption. By 2050, 143 million vulnerable people face migration, threatened livelihoods, security and human rights, disproportionately affecting women, children and the poor.

Climate change devastates ecosystems, health and society by causing irreversible damage. Urgent collective action is necessary to mitigate its impacts, protect vulnerable populations and ensure a sustainable future for all.