PPT: Climate Change | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

 Page 1


Climate 
Change
Page 2


Climate 
Change
Understanding Climate Change 3 The Basics
Climate change represents one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Before 
diving into complex policies and impacts, let's understand the fundamental science behind it.
What we'll cover
Basic definitions and mechanisms
Greenhouse gases and their sources
Evidence and impacts
Natural vs. human causes
Global and Indian policies
Page 3


Climate 
Change
Understanding Climate Change 3 The Basics
Climate change represents one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Before 
diving into complex policies and impacts, let's understand the fundamental science behind it.
What we'll cover
Basic definitions and mechanisms
Greenhouse gases and their sources
Evidence and impacts
Natural vs. human causes
Global and Indian policies
What is Climate 
Change?
Climate change refers to significant, long-term alterations in Earth's 
climate patterns, including:
Changes in average temperature
Shifts in rainfall patterns
Alterations in wind patterns and seasonal timing
While climate has changed naturally throughout Earth's history, the 
current rate of change is unprecedented and primarily driven by 
human activities since the mid-20th century.
Page 4


Climate 
Change
Understanding Climate Change 3 The Basics
Climate change represents one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Before 
diving into complex policies and impacts, let's understand the fundamental science behind it.
What we'll cover
Basic definitions and mechanisms
Greenhouse gases and their sources
Evidence and impacts
Natural vs. human causes
Global and Indian policies
What is Climate 
Change?
Climate change refers to significant, long-term alterations in Earth's 
climate patterns, including:
Changes in average temperature
Shifts in rainfall patterns
Alterations in wind patterns and seasonal timing
While climate has changed naturally throughout Earth's history, the 
current rate of change is unprecedented and primarily driven by 
human activities since the mid-20th century.
The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms Earth's surface. Without it, our planet would 
be too cold for life as we know it.
01
Step 1: Incoming Solar 
Radiation
Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and 
warms the Earth's surface.
02
Step 2: Heat Reflection
Earth reflects some heat back toward space as 
infrared radiation.
03
Step 3: Heat Trapping
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some 
of this heat, warming the planet.
04
The Problem
Human activities have dramatically increased 
greenhouse gas concentrations, enhancing this 
effect and causing global warming.
Page 5


Climate 
Change
Understanding Climate Change 3 The Basics
Climate change represents one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Before 
diving into complex policies and impacts, let's understand the fundamental science behind it.
What we'll cover
Basic definitions and mechanisms
Greenhouse gases and their sources
Evidence and impacts
Natural vs. human causes
Global and Indian policies
What is Climate 
Change?
Climate change refers to significant, long-term alterations in Earth's 
climate patterns, including:
Changes in average temperature
Shifts in rainfall patterns
Alterations in wind patterns and seasonal timing
While climate has changed naturally throughout Earth's history, the 
current rate of change is unprecedented and primarily driven by 
human activities since the mid-20th century.
The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms Earth's surface. Without it, our planet would 
be too cold for life as we know it.
01
Step 1: Incoming Solar 
Radiation
Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and 
warms the Earth's surface.
02
Step 2: Heat Reflection
Earth reflects some heat back toward space as 
infrared radiation.
03
Step 3: Heat Trapping
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some 
of this heat, warming the planet.
04
The Problem
Human activities have dramatically increased 
greenhouse gas concentrations, enhancing this 
effect and causing global warming.
Major Greenhouse 
Gases & Their 
Sources
75%
Carbon Dioxide 
(CO ¢)
Primary source: Burning 
fossil fuels (coal, oil, 
natural gas) for electricity, 
transportation, and 
industry.
16%
Methane (CH ¤)
Sources: Agriculture 
(especially rice paddies 
and livestock), landfills, 
and natural gas systems. 
25x more potent than CO¢.
6%
Nitrous Oxide 
(N ¢O)
Sources: Agricultural 
fertilizers, industrial 
processes, and 
combustion. 298x more 
potent than CO¢.
3%
F-gases
Sources: Industrial 
processes, refrigeration, 
and consumer products. 
Some are thousands of 
times more potent than 
CO¢.