Understanding Climate Change
A Crucial Global Challenge
Climate change is more than just a buzzword; it’s a pressing reality impacting our world today. At its core, climate change refers to a significant and sustained alteration in the Earth’s climate system. These alterations can be triggered by natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions, but the primary driver in recent times has been human activity, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. This excess greenhouse gas traps more heat from the sun, leading to a warming effect that is already impacting natural and human systems worldwide. By releasing vast amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere, we have disrupted the delicate balance that regulates the Earth’s temperature.
Why does this matter?
If left unchecked, these changes can be irreversible. The science is clear and compelling.
The negative effects of climate change include:
- More frequent and severe weather events such as floods and droughts
- Changes in temperature and increased precipitation
- Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps
- Negative impacts on food production, water availability, and general health
- Rising of sea level and consequent disappearance of land
These impacts are not evenly distributed, with certain regions and populations being particularly vulnerable, exacerbating existing inequalities and posing significant challenges for sustainable development.
The Impact of Climate Change in Malta
Understanding and addressing climate change requires a global perspective informed by local realities. Malta, with its Mediterranean climate, is not immune to the effects of climate change. In Malta, climate patterns reflect broader global trends but with local nuances.
Impacts of climate change in Malta include:
- Overall rate of warming of 0.71°C over the past century
- Strongest warming trend in the summer period
- Decrease in average daily sunshine hours
- Sea surface temperature increase at a rate of +0.05°C/year over the last 40 years
- Direct influence on biodiversity and marine ecosystems
- Rising of sea level and consequent disappearance of land
A Call to Action
It is essential that we understand the causes and effects of climate change and take steps to mitigate and adapt to its impacts.
Mitigation: Reducing the sources of greenhouse gases.
Adaptation: Minimising the vulnerability of natural and human systems to climate change effects.
