Climate change is a term we hear frequently, but understanding its distinct from global warming is essential. Global warming is a component of climate change. Human activities and lifestyles contribute to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, resulting in an increase in the planet’s temperature. This leads to climate variations that wouldn’t naturally occur, altering conditions that were previously absent.
The greenhouse effect is a vital natural process for sustaining life on Earth. The atmosphere retains some of the Sun’s heat, and without this effect, the Earth’s average temperature would plummet to approximately -18ºC, making life challenging. Greenhouse gases trap heat, preventing it from reflecting back into space. However, these gases also harm the ozone layer, which shields us from the Sun’s harmful radiation. The issue today is that increased greenhouse gas emissions are causing the Earth’s temperature to rise, leading to excessive warmth—this is the root of global warming.
Air pollution significantly degrades the quality of the air we breathe, particularly in cities and urban areas, posing serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can reduce life expectancy, with estimates indicating over eight months lost in the European Union alone. Moreover, certain gaseous pollutants have carcinogenic properties, posing direct threats to human health.
Numerous factors contribute to air pollution, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust fumes, and household heating methods—all of which compromise respiratory health during inhalation.
