Climate change: Scientists' warnings and global observatory studies reveal the acceleration of the phenomenon and its catastrophic effects

Arabia Weather - Specialists from the climate department at the Arabia Weather Center are following the most prominent repercussions of climate change, as the planet Earth is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the pace of climate change, according to the latest studies and scientific research conducted by leading global observatories such as the European Copernicus Observatory and the World Meteorological Organization, as these studies reveal There is a noticeable increase in global temperatures and rising sea levels, which portends dire consequences for environmental and human systems.

Scientific warnings supported by data

European Copernicus Observatory data for 2023 showed that the Earth's average temperature has increased by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, and this increase indicates an acceleration in the pace of global warming, with the last five years recorded as the warmest years in modern history. Dr. Janos Botter, a senior scientist at Copernicus, emphasized that “the continuing rise in temperatures is leading to radical changes in global weather patterns, increasing the severity and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.”

Copernicus Observatory studies

Based on analysis of climate data over the past decades, the Copernicus Observatory has published a detailed report showing that the North and South Poles are experiencing unprecedented melting of icebergs. The report warned that the continuation of this melting would lead to sea levels rising by up to one meter by the end of the current century, threatening to submerge large areas of populated coastlines.

World Meteorological Organization: confirms the risks

For its part, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that the year 2023 witnessed a record rise in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, with carbon dioxide concentration reaching 417 parts per million, which is its highest level in human history. Professor Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, said: “The continuing increase in greenhouse gas emissions is a direct result of human activity, especially the use of fossil fuels, and is exacerbating the effects of climate change.”

Catastrophic impacts on environmental and human systems

Studies indicate that climate change threatens biodiversity and leads to loss of natural habitats, putting many animal and plant species at risk of extinction. Climate change also negatively affects agriculture and food security, as agricultural crops are exposed to severe damage due to drought, floods, and sudden climate changes.

The need for urgent global action

These data underscore the urgent need for immediate and global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to current and future climate changes. Scientists and policy makers have called for strengthening international efforts to transition to renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and adopt strict environmental policies to reduce the effects of climate change.

Scientifically: What is climate change?

Arabian weather specialists said that climate change is a long-term change in average weather patterns worldwide or in a specific region. This change could be the result of natural processes within the climate system or the result of human activities that change the composition of the atmosphere. The causes of climate change include:

Human activities Greenhouse gas emissions: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) to produce energy releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and prevent it from escaping into space, increasing Earth's temperature.

Deforestation: Cutting down trees reduces the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by plants, which increases CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.

Agriculture and Industry: Agricultural activities produce gases such as methane from livestock farming and nitrous oxide from fertilizer use. Industrial processes release pollutants that exacerbate global warming.

Natural causes

Solar changes: Fluctuations in solar activity can affect the Earth's climate, but these changes do not explain the rapid rise in temperatures in recent decades.

Changes in the Earth's orbits: Changes in the Earth's orbit and the tilt of its axis affect the distribution of solar radiation reaching the planet, leading to climate cycles such as ice ages.

Volcanic eruptions: Volcanoes release large amounts of gases and particles into the atmosphere, which can temporarily cool the Earth by blocking sunlight.

Implications of climate change

Global temperatures rise: Global average temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century. This increase leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

Sea level rise: As a result of the melting of ice at the poles and icebergs, and the expansion of water when heated, sea level has risen at a rate of more than 20 cm since the late 19th century, threatening low-lying coastal areas.

Change in precipitation patterns: Some areas are witnessing an increase in the amount of rain and floods, while other areas are suffering from severe drought.

Extreme weather events: An increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, storms, floods, droughts, and heat waves, leading to severe environmental, human, and economic damage.

Impact on ecosystems: Climate change threatens biodiversity by changing the habitats of animals and plants, which may lead to the extinction of some species.

Food and water security: Changes in climate affect agricultural production and water supplies, leading to food and water shortages in some regions, and negatively impacting global food security.

Arab weather specialists: Climate change is knocking on the doors of the Arab world and is not isolated from extreme weather phenomena

Specialists in the Climate Department at the Arabia Weather Center said, after studies and research, that climate change in the Arab world poses a major challenge, as the region faces many negative impacts that affect the environment, economy, and societies. Below is a detailed look at climate change in the Arab world, its causes, and its repercussions. , and potential risks.

Causes of climate change in the Arab world

The specialists at the Arabia Weather Center have divided the causes of climate change in the Arab world into:

Local and global human activities:

Greenhouse gas emissions: Industrial activities, transportation, and power generation in Arab countries contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions, although the region is not among the largest global contributors to emissions.

Rapid urbanization: Rapid population growth and urbanization lead to increased energy consumption and environmental degradation.

Geographical location: Many Arab countries are located in desert or semi-desert areas, which makes them more vulnerable to climate change.

Climate change has repercussions in the Arab world, and according to specialists, these repercussions are:

Rising temperatures: The region has witnessed significant increases in temperatures, leading to severe and frequent heat waves.

Water scarcity: The Middle East and North Africa region is one of the driest regions in the world. Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity due to decreasing rainfall rates and increasing evaporation rates.

Desertification and land degradation: The problem of desertification is increasing due to rising temperatures and lack of rainfall, which leads to the loss of agricultural land and an increase in unsuitable soil for agriculture.

Extreme weather events: An increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as sand and dust storms, which negatively affect health and infrastructure.

Sea level rise: Coastal countries such as Egypt (Nile Delta) and the Gulf countries face the risks of sea level rise, which threatens low-lying coastal areas and increases the risk of flooding.

Food security: Climate changes affect agricultural production, contributing to reducing yields and increasing demand for water, which threatens food security in the region.

Scientific studies and reports on climate change in the Arab world:

European Copernicus Observatory: Explains the effects of climate change on the Middle East and North Africa region by monitoring rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall rates.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Provides reports on changing weather patterns in the region, and their effects on water resources and agriculture.

Solutions and response:

Climate specialists in the Ard Group, of which ArabiaWeather is a part, confirmed that there is still an opportunity to reduce climate change, and among the solutions provided by the specialists in the group are:

Adaptation: Adopting flexible agricultural policies, improving water resource management, using modern irrigation techniques, and growing drought-resistant crops.

Mitigation: Investing in renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

Regional and international cooperation: enhancing cooperation between Arab countries and other countries to confront the challenges of climate change through the exchange of knowledge and technology.

Climate specialists confirmed that climate change poses a major challenge to the Arab world, as environmental, economic and social challenges are increasing. Addressing these challenges requires joint efforts at the local, regional and international levels to adopt sustainable strategies aimed at adapting to climate impacts and reducing emissions.

God is the best protector and He is the most merciful.