'Climate change' refers to the change in the earth’s climate. It is usually due to natural causes, but in the last 150 years, it is believed that the actions of human beings have played a decisive role.

What are the causes of man-made climate change (the so-called anthropogenic effects)?
The industrial revolution massively increased the use of fossil fuels and the presence of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).  These gases retain heat in the atmosphere, which has caused abnormal warming - the ‘greenhouse effect’ - contributing markedly to global warming.

The use of oil and natural gas causes an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere, ultimately amounting to 1.4 ppm per year, and has produced a rise in temperature. It is expected to be an increase of 1 ° C by 2020 and 2 ° C by 2050.

According to IPCC, "There is clear evidence of human influence on climate and it is likely that greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by man have already contributed substantially to the observed warming over the past 50 years. To reverse course, would require a drastic cut of at least 60% of greenhouse gas emissions.”

What are the consequences and effects?

Impacts on ecosystems
• extreme weather, with increased precipitation in the northern hemisphere and drought in the South
• melting of polar ice caps and mountain snowpack
• rise in sea level
• flooding and drought
• disappearance of coastal and oceanic ecosystems, risk to coastal areas and small islands

Health impacts
• increased risk of infections
• epidemics

Economic Impacts
• collapse of the food reserves produced in coastal areas: fish farming, aquaculture and agriculture will be particularly vulnerable
• migration of populations from coastal areas to more sheltered inland areas
• reduction of global GDP due to extreme weather events


What are the solutions or alternatives:

Energy Use
• Reduction of energy consumption: drastic reduction of oil dependence
• Rational use of energy and increased energy efficiency, renewable-based
• Conversion of industry to achieve energy recovery in production processes

Urban Changes
• Radical change in our transportation system, through the use of biomass, biofuels, electricity
• Redevelopment of building energy efficiency through improvements in design, use of passive solar and green building materials and practices

Economics
• Implementation of tools and policies to encourage a full accounting of the environmental costs of various energy choices
• Policies for adaptation and mitigation of adverse effects caused by climate change

Social Policy
• Implement gender aware policies, since women are most affected by climate change (especially in developing countries)
• Attention to local resources