Klimarapport til paperturn UK - Flipbook - Side 9
CLIMATE CHANGE
– ACCORDING TO THE IPCC
Climate change refers to signi昀椀cant, long-term alterations in the Earth’s climate system, primarily caused
by human activities that increase the concentration of
greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.
This phenomenon results in shifts in weather and precipitation patterns, rising global temperatures, more frequent
extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions
to water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems, and human
health. Scienti昀椀c consensus con昀椀rms that the rapid warming observed over the past century is largely due to the
burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial
processes.
GREENHOUSE GASES AND GLOBAL WARMING
The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂),
methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and 昀氀uorinated gases.
These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating
the so-called greenhouse effect, which causes the planet
to warm. Each gas has a different ability to retain heat,
measured by its Global Warming Potential (GWP).
GWP indicates the warming effect of a gas compared to
CO₂ over a given time horizon — typically 100 years.
For example, methane has a GWP approximately 28–36
times higher than CO₂, while nitrous oxide has a GWP of
around 265–298.
THE ROLE OF THE IPCC
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
is the United Nations body responsible for assessing
scienti昀椀c knowledge related to climate change. The IPCC
produces comprehensive assessment reports that summarise the latest research on climate science, impacts,
and mitigation strategies. These assessments play a crucial role in informing policymakers and guiding international climate action, including agreements such as the Paris
Agreement. The IPCC’s work highlights the urgent need
for global cooperation to reduce emissions and adapt to a
changing climate.
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