Climate encompasses the statistics of temperature, humidity,
atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and other
meteorological elements in a given region over a long period of time.
Climate can be contrasted to weather, which is the present condition of
these same elements and their variations over shorter time periods.
Climate may be inherently variable as evidenced by the irregularity
ofthe seasons from one year to another. This variability is normal and may
remain partially understood. It is related to changes in ocean currents,
volcanic eruptions, solar radiation and other components of the climate
system. In addition, our climate also has its extremes (such as floods,
droughts, hail, tornadoes and hurricanes), which can be devastating.
However, in recent decades, a number of indicators and studies show more
and more evidence of climate warming across the globe. A disturbing
phenomenon that challenges human habits and activities which are
responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
The greenhouse effect is the process by which absorption and
emission of infrared radiation by gases in the atmosphere warm a planet's
lower atmosphere and surface. It was proposed by Joseph Fourier in 1824
and was first investigated quantitatively by Svante Arrhenius in 1896.
Naturally occurring greenhouse gases have a mean warming effect of
about 33 °C (59 °F). Human activity since the Industrial Revolution has
increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to
increased radiative forcing from CO2, methane, tropospheric ozone, CFCs
(chlorofluorocarbon) and nitrous oxide. The concentrations of CO2 and
methane have increased by 36% and 148% respectively since 1750. These
levels are much higher than at any time during the last 650,000 years, the
period for which reliable data has been extracted from ice cores, Over the
last three decades of the 20th century, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per
capita and population growth were the main drivers of increases in
greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 emissions are continuing to rise due to the
burning of fossil fuels and
land-use change.
Pollution is the degradation of natural environment by external
substances introduced directly or indirectly. Human health, ecosystem
quality and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity may be affected and altered permanently by pollution. Pollution occurs when ecosystems cannot get rid
of substances introduced into the environment. The critical threshold of its
ability to naturally eliminate substances is compromised and the balance of
the ecosystem is broken.
The sources of pollution are numerous. The identification of these
different pollutants and their effects on ecosystems is complex. They can
come from natural disasters or the result of human activity, such as oil
spills, chemical spills, nuclear accidents. These can have terrible
consequences on people and the planet where they live: destruction of the
biodiversity, increased mortality of the human and animal species,
destruction of natural habitat, damage caused to the quality of soil, water
and air.
Preventing pollution and protecting the environment necessitate the
application of the principles of sustainable development. We have to
consider satisfying the needs of today without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their needs. This means that we should remedy
existing pollution, but also anticipate and prevent future pollution sources
in order to protect the environment and public health. Any environmental
damage must be punishable by law, and polluters should pay
compensation for the damage caused to the environment. Сократи текст, не изменяя его. Просто оставь текст для доклада