1Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. While some climate change is natural, scientists are in overwhelming agreement that since the mid-twentieth century, human activities have been the main driver of rapid and damaging changes to the Earth's climate.
2The primary cause of human-driven climate change is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. When these fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and causing global temperatures to rise, a process known as the greenhouse effect.
3The consequences of a warming planet are wide-ranging and serious. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at an accelerating rate, causing sea levels to rise and threatening low-lying coastal areas with flooding. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts and powerful storms are becoming more frequent and more intense.
4The natural world is also suffering. Many plant and animal species are being pushed towards extinction as their habitats change faster than they can adapt. Coral reefs, which support a quarter of all ocean life, are bleaching and dying as ocean temperatures rise.
5Governments around the world have agreed to take action. The Paris Agreement of 2015 committed nations to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are growing rapidly, and many countries are working to reduce their carbon emissions. However, scientists warn that much greater and faster action is needed.
Match each word to its correct meaning.
Burning fuels releases carbon dioxide. Coral reefs are due to rising ocean temperatures. Heatwaves and are becoming more frequent. Renewable energy helps reduce emissions.