Meaning and Causes of Climate Change for JSS 1

Climate Change

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. state the meaning of climate change;
2. discuss factors that influence climate change.

Meaning of Climate Change

Climate change refers to a significant and lasting change in the average weather patterns that a region or the entire Earth experiences over a long period.

Weather describes the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period, such as whether it is hot, cold, rainy, or sunny today. Climate, on the other hand, describes the average weather conditions of a place over many years, usually 30 years or more. When these long-term average conditions change, it is called climate change.

These changes can include shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, wind patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events like floods or droughts. For example, a place that used to have regular rainfall might start experiencing longer dry seasons or heavier, more unpredictable rains.

Factors Influencing Climate Change

Several human activities contribute to changes in the Earth’s climate. These activities release certain gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the planet to warm up. This warming affects weather patterns globally.

Burning Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are natural resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. They include coal, crude oil, and natural gas.

When people burn fossil fuels, they release gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases act like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun and causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. This process is a major cause of climate change.

Fossil fuels are burned for many everyday activities. Examples of these activities include:

1. Driving vehicles: Cars, buses, and trucks use petrol or diesel, which are made from crude oil. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide.
2. Generating electricity: Many power plants burn coal or natural gas to produce electricity for homes, schools, and industries.
3. Industrial activities: Factories use fossil fuels to power machinery and produce goods.
4. Cooking and heating: Some homes use kerosene or cooking gas (LPG), which are also fossil fuels, for cooking and heating.

The more fossil fuels are burned, the more heat-trapping gases are released, leading to greater changes in the climate.

Littering of Non-Biodegradable Materials

Non-biodegradable materials are substances that do not break down naturally in the environment over a long period. They remain in their original form for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Polythene bags, plastic bottles, and plastic containers are common examples of non-biodegradable materials. When these items are littered, they contribute to climate change in several ways:

1. Production of plastics: The process of making plastic products requires a lot of energy, which often comes from burning fossil fuels. This releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
2. Landfill emissions: When non-biodegradable waste is mixed with organic waste in landfills (large dumpsites), the organic waste decomposes without oxygen. This process produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that traps much more heat than carbon dioxide.
3. Environmental damage: Littered plastics can block drainage systems, leading to floods. They can also harm soil quality and water bodies, affecting plants and animals. While not a direct cause of climate change, this damage disrupts natural ecosystems that help regulate the climate.

Reducing the use of non-biodegradable materials and disposing of them properly can help lessen their impact on the environment and climate.