Climate change is reshaping our world in ways that'll directly... Show more
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29 Dec 2025
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Understanding Climate Change: Causes and Impacts
1 / 5
What Causes Climate Change?
You've probably heard that humans are causing climate change, but there's actually a mix of natural and human factors at play. The key difference is that current warming is happening much faster than natural changes ever did.
Natural causes include massive volcanic eruptions that can temporarily cool Earth by blocking sunlight, changes in the sun's energy output, and shifts in Earth's orbit around the sun (called Milankovitch cycles) that happen over thousands of years. These natural factors used to control Earth's climate completely.
However, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have taken the driver's seat. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas pumps carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Deforestation removes trees that would normally absorb COโ, whilst agriculture (especially cattle farming) releases methane - a greenhouse gas that's even more potent than COโ.
Key Point: Human activities now dominate climate change, releasing greenhouse gases 100 times faster than natural processes ever did.
The Greenhouse Effect Gone Wrong
The greenhouse effect is actually essential for life on Earth - without it, our planet would be a frozen wasteland! Greenhouse gases naturally trap some of the sun's heat in our atmosphere, keeping temperatures just right for life.
The problem is the enhanced greenhouse effect. We're pumping so many extra greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that we're trapping too much heat. The main culprits are carbon dioxide (from burning fossil fuels), methane (from farming and waste), and nitrous oxide (from fertilisers and industry).
Climate change is already causing dramatic environmental impacts. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities as ice caps melt, whilst extreme weather events like hurricanes and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. Ocean acidification is killing coral reefs as oceans absorb excess COโ.
Reality Check: The last decade included 9 of the 10 hottest years ever recorded - this isn't a distant future problem, it's happening now.
How Climate Change Affects People
Climate change isn't just about polar bears and melting ice - it's already impacting human lives in serious ways. Food security is at risk as changing weather patterns affect crop yields, potentially leading to higher prices and shortages of your favourite foods.
Water supply issues are emerging as glaciers (which provide fresh water for billions) melt away and rainfall patterns shift. Some regions face severe droughts whilst others deal with devastating floods. Health risks are increasing too - heatwaves can be deadly, and diseases like malaria are spreading to new areas as temperatures rise.
The economic costs are staggering. Climate migration is forcing people to leave their homes due to rising seas and extreme weather, creating climate refugees. Infrastructure damage, disrupted trade, and rising insurance costs are hitting economies hard - costs that ultimately affect everyone through taxes and prices.
Think About It: Climate change could affect your future career choices, from new green jobs emerging to traditional industries being transformed.
Global Efforts to Fight Climate Change
The world is finally taking climate change seriously through international agreements. The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to 1.5ยฐC above pre-industrial levels - a target scientists say is crucial to avoid catastrophic impacts.
Countries are pursuing various strategies. Many are investing heavily in renewable energy like wind and solar power to replace fossil fuels. Carbon taxes make pollution expensive, encouraging businesses to go green. Afforestation programmes plant trees to absorb COโ naturally.
You can make a difference too by reducing your carbon footprint. This includes using energy-efficient appliances, choosing public transport over cars, and even reducing meat consumption since livestock farming produces significant methane emissions.
There are two main approaches: mitigation (preventing more greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere) and adaptation (adjusting to changes we can't prevent). Smart planning involves both strategies working together.
Empowering Fact: Young people are driving much of the pressure for climate action - your voice and choices genuinely matter in this fight.
Climate Change in the UK
The UK is experiencing climate change firsthand with warmer temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased coastal flooding risks. Summers are getting hotter and drier whilst winters bring more intense storms and flooding.
Coastal erosion threatens communities around Britain's coastline as sea levels rise. This isn't just a problem for future generations - places like the Norfolk coast are losing metres of land each year right now.
The UK government has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, meaning any remaining emissions will be balanced by removing COโ from the atmosphere. This involves massive changes to how we generate energy, heat homes, and transport goods and people.
Understanding these changes helps you make sense of current events and prepares you for the transformations you'll witness in your lifetime. From new green technologies to changing landscapes, climate change will shape the world you'll inherit.
Your Future: The career opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation are growing rapidly - this knowledge could open doors for you.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Climate Change
Most popular content in Geography
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Climate Change: Causes and Impacts
Climate change is reshaping our world in ways that'll directly affect your future - from the weather you'll experience to the jobs available and places you might live. Understanding how human activities are driving these changes and what we can... Show more
What Causes Climate Change?
You've probably heard that humans are causing climate change, but there's actually a mix of natural and human factors at play. The key difference is that current warming is happening much faster than natural changes ever did.
Natural causes include massive volcanic eruptions that can temporarily cool Earth by blocking sunlight, changes in the sun's energy output, and shifts in Earth's orbit around the sun (called Milankovitch cycles) that happen over thousands of years. These natural factors used to control Earth's climate completely.
However, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have taken the driver's seat. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas pumps carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Deforestation removes trees that would normally absorb COโ, whilst agriculture (especially cattle farming) releases methane - a greenhouse gas that's even more potent than COโ.
Key Point: Human activities now dominate climate change, releasing greenhouse gases 100 times faster than natural processes ever did.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Greenhouse Effect Gone Wrong
The greenhouse effect is actually essential for life on Earth - without it, our planet would be a frozen wasteland! Greenhouse gases naturally trap some of the sun's heat in our atmosphere, keeping temperatures just right for life.
The problem is the enhanced greenhouse effect. We're pumping so many extra greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that we're trapping too much heat. The main culprits are carbon dioxide (from burning fossil fuels), methane (from farming and waste), and nitrous oxide (from fertilisers and industry).
Climate change is already causing dramatic environmental impacts. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities as ice caps melt, whilst extreme weather events like hurricanes and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. Ocean acidification is killing coral reefs as oceans absorb excess COโ.
Reality Check: The last decade included 9 of the 10 hottest years ever recorded - this isn't a distant future problem, it's happening now.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How Climate Change Affects People
Climate change isn't just about polar bears and melting ice - it's already impacting human lives in serious ways. Food security is at risk as changing weather patterns affect crop yields, potentially leading to higher prices and shortages of your favourite foods.
Water supply issues are emerging as glaciers (which provide fresh water for billions) melt away and rainfall patterns shift. Some regions face severe droughts whilst others deal with devastating floods. Health risks are increasing too - heatwaves can be deadly, and diseases like malaria are spreading to new areas as temperatures rise.
The economic costs are staggering. Climate migration is forcing people to leave their homes due to rising seas and extreme weather, creating climate refugees. Infrastructure damage, disrupted trade, and rising insurance costs are hitting economies hard - costs that ultimately affect everyone through taxes and prices.
Think About It: Climate change could affect your future career choices, from new green jobs emerging to traditional industries being transformed.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Global Efforts to Fight Climate Change
The world is finally taking climate change seriously through international agreements. The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to 1.5ยฐC above pre-industrial levels - a target scientists say is crucial to avoid catastrophic impacts.
Countries are pursuing various strategies. Many are investing heavily in renewable energy like wind and solar power to replace fossil fuels. Carbon taxes make pollution expensive, encouraging businesses to go green. Afforestation programmes plant trees to absorb COโ naturally.
You can make a difference too by reducing your carbon footprint. This includes using energy-efficient appliances, choosing public transport over cars, and even reducing meat consumption since livestock farming produces significant methane emissions.
There are two main approaches: mitigation (preventing more greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere) and adaptation (adjusting to changes we can't prevent). Smart planning involves both strategies working together.
Empowering Fact: Young people are driving much of the pressure for climate action - your voice and choices genuinely matter in this fight.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Climate Change in the UK
The UK is experiencing climate change firsthand with warmer temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased coastal flooding risks. Summers are getting hotter and drier whilst winters bring more intense storms and flooding.
Coastal erosion threatens communities around Britain's coastline as sea levels rise. This isn't just a problem for future generations - places like the Norfolk coast are losing metres of land each year right now.
The UK government has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, meaning any remaining emissions will be balanced by removing COโ from the atmosphere. This involves massive changes to how we generate energy, heat homes, and transport goods and people.
Understanding these changes helps you make sense of current events and prepares you for the transformations you'll witness in your lifetime. From new green technologies to changing landscapes, climate change will shape the world you'll inherit.
Your Future: The career opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation are growing rapidly - this knowledge could open doors for you.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Climate Change
Most popular content in Geography
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user