2 minScientific Concept
Scientific Concept

Climate Change

What is Climate Change?

Climate Change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels coal, oil and gas, which produces heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

Historical Background

The scientific consensus on climate change solidified in the late 20th century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established in 1988, provides comprehensive assessments of climate change science. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992, leading to international efforts to address climate change.

Key Points

7 points
  • 1.

    Driven by greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels.

  • 2.

    Leads to rising global temperatures, sea-level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events.

  • 3.

    Impacts include water scarcity, food insecurity, and displacement of populations.

  • 4.

    Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • 5.

    Adaptation involves adjusting to the current and future effects of climate change.

  • 6.

    The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

  • 7.

    Key greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)

Visual Insights

Impacts of Climate Change

Mind map illustrating the various impacts of climate change on different sectors.

Climate Change Impacts

  • ●Environmental Impacts
  • ●Economic Impacts
  • ●Social Impacts

Recent Developments

5 developments
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Increased focus on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

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Growing investments in renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power.

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Debate on carbon pricing mechanisms and carbon border adjustment mechanisms.

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Increased awareness of the role of nature-based solutions in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

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COP28 (2023) focused on the Global Stocktake and accelerating climate action.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Delhi Government's Flood Preparedness Plan Shared with National Green Tribunal

24 Feb 2026

The news highlights the practical implications of climate change at the local level. It demonstrates how cities like Delhi are grappling with the increased risk of flooding due to changing rainfall patterns. This news underscores the need for proactive adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure and implementing early warning systems. It also reveals the challenges of inter-agency coordination and the importance of accurate data for effective flood management. Understanding climate change is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for why these flood preparedness measures are necessary. Without this understanding, the news might seem like a routine administrative matter, rather than a response to a growing climate threat. The news also highlights the importance of long-term planning and investment in climate resilience to protect urban populations and infrastructure.

Source Topic

Delhi Government's Flood Preparedness Plan Shared with National Green Tribunal

Environment & Ecology

UPSC Relevance

Highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology) and GS Paper 1 (Geography). Frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains. Understanding climate change is crucial for analyzing environmental policy, international relations, and sustainable development.

Impacts of Climate Change

Mind map illustrating the various impacts of climate change on different sectors.

Climate Change Impacts

Extreme weather events

Ecosystem degradation

Reduced agricultural productivity

Damage to infrastructure

Displacement and migration

Increased health risks

Connections
Environmental Impacts→Economic Impacts
Economic Impacts→Social Impacts
Social Impacts→Environmental Impacts

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Delhi Government's Flood Preparedness Plan Shared with National Green Tribunal

24 February 2026

The news highlights the practical implications of climate change at the local level. It demonstrates how cities like Delhi are grappling with the increased risk of flooding due to changing rainfall patterns. This news underscores the need for proactive adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure and implementing early warning systems. It also reveals the challenges of inter-agency coordination and the importance of accurate data for effective flood management. Understanding climate change is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for why these flood preparedness measures are necessary. Without this understanding, the news might seem like a routine administrative matter, rather than a response to a growing climate threat. The news also highlights the importance of long-term planning and investment in climate resilience to protect urban populations and infrastructure.