Weekly Question: This year, analyze the causes of global climate anomalies and their harms to humanity

Reply 1# fangqiong: Nine phenomena of environmental pollution and degradation on Earth. 1. Air pollution. Definition of air pollution: In a clean atmosphere, the presence of trace gases is negligible. However, in certain sections of the atmosphere, trace substances that were not previously present have appeared; their quantity and duration can both have adverse effects and cause harm to humans, animals, plants, as well as goods and materials. Air pollution is a phenomenon in which the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere reaches harmful levels, thereby damaging ecosystems and the conditions necessary for human survival and development, and causing harm to people or objects. The causes of air pollution include both natural and human factors, with human factors being particularly significant, such as industrial exhaust gases, combustion, vehicle emissions, and nuclear explosions. With the rapid development of human economic activities and production, large amounts of energy are consumed, and at the same time large quantities of waste gases and particulate matter are released into the atmosphere, severely affecting the quality of the atmospheric environment, especially in densely populated cities and industrial areas. So-called dry and clean air refers to air that is obtained by removing water vapor and impurities from the atmosphere in its natural state (which consists of a mixture of gases, water vapor, and impurities); its main component is nitrogen, accounting for 78.09% ； Oxygen, making up 20.94% ； Argon, accounting for 0.93% ； Various other trace gases with concentrations of less than 0.1% (such as neon, helium, carbon dioxide, krypton). Classification of air pollutants Air pollutants can be mainly divided into two categories: natural pollutants and human-made pollutants. It is usually the human-made pollutants that cause environmental hazards, and they primarily originate from fuel combustion as well as large-scale industrial and mining activities. Particulates: Refer to liquid or solid substances in the atmosphere; also known as dust. Sulfur oxides: A general term for the oxides of sulfur, including sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, disulfur trioxide, sulfur monoxide, etc. Oxides of carbon: Primarily include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Nitrogen oxides: A general term for the oxides of nitrogen, including nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, dinitrogen trioxide, etc. Hydrocarbons: Compounds formed from carbon and hydrogen elements, such as hydrocarbon gases like methane and ethane. Other harmful substances: such as heavy metals, fluorine-containing gases, chlorine-containing gases, and so on. The harms of air pollution: Air pollution has a significant impact on the climate. The pollutants emitted as a result of air pollution affect both local areas and the global climate; in particular, its impact on the global climate is likely to be severe in the long term. Firstly, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing. Fuels contain various complex components, and when burned they produce various harmful substances. Even when fuels free from impurities are burned completely, water and carbon dioxide are still generated. It is precisely because of fuel combustion that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere keeps rising, disrupting the natural balance of carbon dioxide and potentially leading to the \"greenhouse effect,\" which causes the Earth’s temperature to rise. Second, the ozone layer is being damaged. After the atmosphere is polluted, the harm it causes to humans varies depending on factors such as the source and nature of the pollutants as well as their duration of presence; differences in meteorological conditions and geographical environments in the polluted areas; and variations in people’s age and health status. Harmful substances in the atmosphere primarily enter the human body and cause harm through the following three routes: (1) by being inhaled directly by humans; (2) by adhering to food or dissolving in water, thereby entering the body through consumption ； (3) Enters the human body through contact or irritation of the skin. Among these, inhalation through breathing is the main route of entry into the human body and poses the greatest harm. The harms of air pollution to humans can be roughly divided into acute poisoning, chronic poisoning, and carcinogenesis. Atmospheric protection: Many environmental problems are transboundary or even global in nature, such as air pollution issues like the greenhouse effect and ozone layer depletion. These can only be gradually resolved through the joint efforts of countries around the world. In the early 1970s, people began to realize that chlorofluorocarbons could be harmful to the environment and started looking for alternatives. By the mid-1980s, evidence of ozone layer depletion had become increasingly clear, and calls for joint action grew louder. By 1987, representatives from many ** countries gathered in Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, and signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This agreement is a pioneering international treaty to address global environmental pollution; its aim is to control the consumption of chlorofluorocarbons and other substances that damage the ozone layer, in order to protect Earth’s \"shield\" as well as humanity itself. The amended Montreal Protocol is a binding international agreement. According to the regulations, emissions of chlorofluorocarbons and other restricted substances in industrial countries must be reduced immediately, with the use of such substances to be phased out completely by the year 2000. Developing countries** may continue to increase the consumption of these substances to a limited extent until 1996; thereafter, they should gradually reduce such consumption, and by the year 2010 must completely cease using these harmful substances. In addition to the time-related advantages, this agreement also includes two provisions favorable to developing countries: one is the establishment of a temporary multilateral fund to assist them in adopting technologies that replace CFCs ； The other is the technology transfer clause, which requires signatory countries to transfer their best technologies on “fair and most favorable terms”. Our country has joined the amended Montreal Protocol and has formulated **action plans to fulfill its international obligations, including establishing an organizational structure to oversee the protection of the ozone layer, formulating regulatory standards for relevant industries, actively conducting research on alternatives and alternative technologies, and providing financial support for enterprises to undertake technological upgrades using such alternatives. II. Acid Rain Some people consider acid rain to be a silent crisis, as well as the most severe environmental threat we have faced in history – an invisible enemy. This is not an exaggeration. With industrialization and increasing energy consumption, acidic emissions are also on the rise. These emissions enter the air and, through a series of processes, give rise to acid rain. Controls have been put in place on acidic emissions, yet acid rain still occurs. Atmospheric dust may be another cause of the acid rain problem. Acidic emissions cause water vapor to condense in the free atmosphere due to the presence of condensation nuclei in the 0.1–10 μm range; these particles then grow further through processes such as collision and coalescence, thereby forming cloud droplets and raindrops. Within the cloud, cloud droplets collide with each other or with aerosol particles, while absorbing gaseous pollutants from the atmosphere; chemical reactions occur within these cloud droplets, and this process is known as in-cloud removal of pollutants or rain removal. As raindrops fall, they wash away the gases and aerosols present in the air through which they pass; chemical reactions also occur within the raindrops themselves. This process is known as the subsidence or washing away of pollutants. These processes are the mechanisms by which precipitation removes gaseous and particulate substances from the atmosphere, and acidification is formed as a result of these processes. Atmospheric dust. Recent findings indicate that acid rain is a much more complex phenomenon than previously thought. The results of the study indicate that alkaline compounds present in the atmosphere play a surprisingly crucial role. Alkalis counteract the effects of acid rain by neutralizing acidic pollutants. We found that people focus all their attention on acidic substances in the atmosphere, obscuring the fact that alkali emissions have also decreased. It seems that many factors are reducing the amount of these alkalis in the atmosphere, thereby exacerbating the ecological impact of acid rain. Ironically, several of these factors are precisely the measures that countries have taken **to improve air quality. Most of the bases in the atmosphere can be found in airborne particles known as atmospheric dust. These dust particles are rich in minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, which act as alkalis when dissolved in water. Atmospheric dust particles are formed from multiple sources. The combustion of fuel, as well as industrial activities such as cement production, mining, and metal smelting, all generate alkali-containing particles. Construction sites, farms, and vehicle traffic on unpaved roads also generate dust particles. III. Depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer is Earth’s best protector; it absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation coming from the Sun. However, nearly two decades of scientific research and atmospheric observations have revealed that every spring, the ozone layer in the Antarctic atmosphere continues to thin; in fact, there is an ozone “hole” in the polar atmosphere. This ozone depletion phenomenon is an abnormality; does this indicate that this ultraviolet-absorbing layer is facing a global disaster? Through continuous scientific research, it has been discovered that the substances released as a result of human societal activities severely damage the ozone layer; of course, this phenomenon is also influenced by the unique meteorological conditions in these regions (polar vortices, cold stratospheric temperatures, polar stratospheric clouds). Discovery process: Atmospheric scientists from the British Antarctic Survey carried out a research program in Antarctica, which was conducted both on the ground and in the air. Balloon-borne instruments generally detect the composition and chemical properties of the atmosphere through which they travel. Ground-based detectors and spaceborne detectors carry out telemetry tasks. These research activities were carried out through international cooperation. For example, in 1987, about 150 scientists and support staff from 19 organizations and four ** gathered in Punta Arenas, Chile, to carry out an unprecedented research project known as the Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment. This experiment shows that the size of the ozone hole in 1987 reached its highest level on record. This discovery shocked the scientific community. Formation mechanism: The cause of the Antarctic \"ozone hole\" remains unresolved, with the pollution substance theory being the most convincing one. In addition, Callis and others at NASA’s Hampton Roads Center have proposed that the depletion of the Antarctic ozone layer is related to intense solar activity ； Tung et al. from MIT believe that a unique atmospheric environment in Antarctica causes ozone depletion at the end of winter and beginning of spring. Based on atmospheric dynamics, they point out that the extensive use of chlorofluorocarbon compounds, coupled with the lack of sufficient sunlight in early spring in Antarctica to produce a large number of oxygen atoms, leads them to propose a cyclic mechanism that does not require oxygen atoms. Through analysis, we seem to be able to draw the following main conclusions: (1) The Antarctic \"ozone hole\" is a special phenomenon that arises under the unique temperature and circulation conditions in Antarctic spring, driven by polar stratospheric clouds and heterogeneous chemical reactions. (2) Other factors such as polar vortices do not constitute the decisive factors in the formation of the Antarctic \"ozone hole\"; they can only affect the intensity of the ozone hole. (3) The effect of solar cycle variations on the intensity of the Antarctic “ozone hole” through photochemical reactions can be neglected. IV. Water Pollution: Human activities result in the discharge of large amounts of industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste into water, causing it to become polluted. “Definition of “water pollution”: Water pollution refers to a phenomenon in which the introduction of certain substances into water bodies causes changes in their chemical, physical, biological, or radioactive characteristics. This, in turn, affects the effective utilization of water, harms human health, or damages the ecological environment, resulting in a deterioration of water quality. There are two types of water pollution: one is natural pollution ； Another type is human pollution. At present, the greatest threat to water bodies is human pollution. Water pollution can be mainly classified into three categories based on the different types of pollutants: chemical pollution, physical pollution, and biological pollution. 1. Sea pollution: Sewage, waste residues, used oil, and chemicals are continuously poured into the sea. In many seas, dumping sewage mixed with oil is illegal, but such incidents still occur from time to time; true oil disasters happen when giant oil tankers leak or sink. Today, we try to use chemicals to precipitate the oil in water in order to remove it. The practice of dumping chemical and radioactive waste into the oceans has been going on for many years. The container will eventually corrode, and harmful substances will then enter the seawater. We still know little about the circulation of deep water and surface water, and the process may be faster than we previously thought. As a result, harmful substances spread into the water layers where biological activity takes place. 2. Surface water pollution: More than 500 years ago, it was already considered dangerous to drink water from rivers flowing through large cities, and industrialization, population growth, and new toxic chemicals have made the situation worse and worse. The installation of drainage systems and the use of cleaning agents are on the rise, leading to an increasing level of phosphates in our waterways and lakes. This excess nutrition leads to rapid proliferation of algae. It consumes the oxygen in water, causing fish to die and deteriorating the ecosystem. Improper handling of mercury compounds and other heavy metals in industry also causes severe water pollution. Mercury gradually accumulates as it moves up the food chain, ultimately causing severe nerve damage to fish-eating birds or humans. 3. Groundwater pollution: Similar to surface water, groundwater is also at risk of being polluted. The main sources of contamination are the infiltration of surface water or soil moisture, as well as nitrogen fertilizers used in agriculture and oils and phenols contained in garbage. Once nitrates from nitrogen fertilizers enter the groundwater, they transform into nitrites, which can be converted into carcinogens in the human body. The destruction of surface vegetation and the drainage of wetlands reduce the infiltration of surface water, thereby lowering the phreatic level. Due to the excessive demand from cities and industries, fresh water is continuously drawn for domestic and industrial use, and then discharged back as surface wastewater, which in turn leads to a further decline in the water table. On the other hand, excessive and frequent irrigation can enhance infiltration, causing the phreatic level to rise all the way to the surface. In arid regions, the soil soaked with water experiences abnormal evaporation, which leads to the precipitation of salts in groundwater, and eventually such land turns into saline-alkaline soil that cannot be cultivated. Water resource protection: Water on Earth seems to be inexhaustible, but in reality, given current human usage patterns, only freshwater constitutes the main source of water, and only a small portion of this freshwater is available for human use. Freshwater is a renewable resource; its renewability depends on the Earth’s water cycle. With the development of industry and the increase in population, large amounts of water bodies have been polluted ； To draw river water, many **build dams upstream in the rivers, altering the flow of water and severely affecting its circulation and self-purification. V. Solid waste refers to solid or semi-solid substances generated as a result of all human activities, which are no longer of any use to their owners and have therefore been discarded. Solid waste generated in various production activities is commonly referred to as waste residues; solid waste produced in daily life activities is called garbage. "Solid waste” actually applies only to the original owner. In any production or daily life process, owners of raw materials, goods, or consumer products often make use only of certain active components within them. However, the majority of solid waste that has no further use value for the original owners still contains components needed in other industries; through certain technical processes, these can be transformed into raw materials for relevant industries, or even used directly. It can be seen that the concept of solid waste is relative, changing with changes in time and space. Sources of solid waste: The materials used to sustain all activities in human society are in a state of dynamic equilibrium and obey the law of conservation of mass; this principle can be described using a social material flow diagram. 1. All human activities, in relation to the external environment, merely involve the extraction and utilization of materials, which ultimately return to the environment in equal amounts as waste. This \"use and return\" of materials is often in a state of overlap. During the production and consumption of products, various forms of waste are generated, some of which are recycled and reused in the production and consumption processes. The other portion, which is exactly equal to the amount of raw materials developed in the environment, is returned to the environment as waste, thus forming a closed-loop system. 2. In modern society, every aspect of human activity generates waste in various forms, without exception, from the extraction of raw materials from the environment to the use of products. Therefore, the only way to reduce waste generation is to decrease the amount of raw materials used and reduce the consumption of raw materials in products. Classification of solid waste: The classification of solid waste is determined based on its source and properties. In economically developed countries, solid waste is classified into four categories: industrial waste, mining waste, agricultural waste, and municipal waste. China’s Solid Waste Management Law classifies solid waste into two categories: industrial solid waste (slag) and municipal waste. The components containing toxic and harmful substances are listed as a separate sub-category of toxic and hazardous solid waste. The hazards of solid waste: Garbage is becoming a major problem plaguing human society. Worldwide, more than 1 billion tons of waste are generated each year, exceeding planned levels. A large amount of domestic and industrial waste is piled up in the open due to the lack of proper disposal systems. The problem of cities surrounded by garbage is worsening; piles of waste emit foul odors, foster the growth of microorganisms, and toxic substances contaminate surface and groundwater, posing a serious threat to human health. If this situation is not addressed, humanity will eventually be buried under the waste it has created. VI. Land subsidence Land subsidence refers to the phenomenon of the horizontal surface of the ground dropping within a certain area of the land surface. Ground subsidence was recorded in historical texts very early on. As a natural disaster, land subsidence has certain geological causes. However, with the economic development of human society and population growth, ground subsidence is occurring more frequently, and the areas affected by it are also expanding. In densely populated cities, land subsidence is particularly severe. When we study the causes of land subsidence today, it is not difficult to see that human factors have **surpassed natural factors. The current land subsidence is more of a man-made disaster than a natural one. Geological causes of land subsidence: From a geological perspective, land subsidence that occurs in nature can be attributed to roughly the following three reasons: 1. Under the influence of gravity, loose or semi-loose strata at the Earth’s surface transform into dense, hard, or semi-hard rock layers; as a result, the thickness of these strata decreases, leading to land subsidence. 2. Settlement occurs due to ground subsidence caused by geological tectonic activities. 3. **It causes land subsidence.** Human causes of land subsidence: The phenomenon of land subsidence is closely related to human activities. Especially in recent decades, humanity’s excessive extraction of oil, natural gas, solid minerals, groundwater, etc., has directly led to land subsidence on a global scale today. As major cities are under tremendous population pressure, excessive extraction of groundwater is even more severe, resulting in land subsidence in most cities, and sea water intrusion in coastal areas. VII. Changes in Biodiversity: Biological communities are diverse, and they can be classified into various types from different perspectives. The meaning of biodiversity is very broad; it includes not only the diversity of biological species but also a wide range of aspects such as ecological adaptability, morphology, and physiological ecology. Different geographical and climatic environments have distinct biological communities. With the development of industrial civilization, human society has expanded gradually, altering the biological environments in vast areas and severely affecting biodiversity; species are disappearing from the Earth at an unprecedented rate. It is estimated that thousands of species of plants and animals go extinct each year worldwide. Deforestation poses the greatest threat to the world’s plants and animals, namely the destruction of the ecological environment. Most organisms find it difficult to leave the environment to which they are adapted. One of the places in the world with the greatest diversity of species is the tropical rainforest region, but it is now suffering from accelerating destruction. In fact, all of the world’s natural forests are under severe threat. The mildest case is when rainforests are replaced by single types of economic forests, while in the most severe cases they have been destroyed by erosion and turned into barren shrublands. According to the World Wildlife Fund, forests around the world are disappearing at a rate of 2% per year; at this pace, natural forests will no longer be visible in 50 years. Grassland conversion: Many grasslands in North America have disappeared to varying degrees. In Africa, to address the food problems caused by the growing population, people are burning large areas of tropical grasslands that are rich in wildlife. Using traditional agricultural methods in arid regions is both unreliable and dangerous. The efforts to develop the inland steppe regions of Central Asia have encountered many unfortunate setbacks. Draining wetlands: Wetland areas are not only habitats for organisms but also play an important role in the water cycle. It can regulate the flow rate of rivers and improve groundwater recharge. But in order to develop industry and build housing, many wetlands are either drained or filled with water. Attempting to convert wetlands into farmland often results in poor-quality soil and low yields. Urbanization development: Towns develop in fertile agricultural areas, while urbanization often means sacrificing arable land to build homes, streets, and parking lots. In this way, the farmland becomes wasteland that cannot produce crops. From both natural and economic perspectives, such land is difficult to restore to farmland. Animal extinction: Many animal species are on the verge of extinction, and the number of vertebrates alone that are in danger is quite astonishing. The nature of threats is varied: birds of prey in Europe are threatened by egg collectors, while tigers face the danger of the forests where they live being cut down. Many endangered animals are already beyond saving, while others can survive if they are protected. VIII. Red tide: Red tide occurs when certain tiny phytoplants, protozoa, or bacteria in water bodies multiply and accumulate suddenly under certain environmental conditions, causing the water to change color over a certain area for a period of time. Typically, the color of water bodies is red, yellow, green, brown, etc., depending on the quantity and species of red tide organisms. Red tides have existed since ancient times, but with the rapid development of industrial and agricultural production, water pollution has worsened, leading to more severe red tide occurrences. The causes of red tides: It is still not clear whether red tides are a natural phenomenon that has always existed, or whether they are caused by human pollution. However, numerous studies have found that the occurrence of red tides requires the following conditions: ① High nutrient concentration in the sea water ； ②Certain special substances act as triggering factors; these include vitamin B1, B12, iron, manganese, and deoxyribonucleic acid ； ③Environmental conditions, such as water temperature and salinity, also determine the types of organisms that cause red tides. The primary types of organisms that cause red tides are algae; to date, 63 species of plankton have been identified, including 24 species of diatoms, 32 species of dinoflagellates, 3 species of cyanobacteria, 1 species of chrysophytes, 2 species of cryptophytes, and 1 species of protozoa. The hazards of red tides: Red tides not only cause severe damage to the marine environment, marine fisheries, and aquaculture, but they also have an impact on human health and even lives. It mainly involves two aspects: ① It causes abnormalities in the ocean; locally, it disrupts the marine food chain, rendering certain areas of the sea temporarily lifeless ； ②Some red tide organisms secrete toxins, which are consumed by certain organisms in the food chain; if humans then eat these organisms, it can lead to poisoning or even death. IX. Soil Erosion: Land resources are one of the three major geological resources (mineral resources, water resources, and land resources), and they represent the most fundamental resources and objects of labor for human economic activities. The extent to which humans utilize land reflects the development of human civilization; however, it also leads to direct damage to land resources. This is primarily manifested in soil erosion, land desertification, secondary salinization of soils, and soil pollution caused by irrational land cultivation. Among these, soil erosion is particularly severe, constituting yet another serious crisis facing the world today. Overview of soil erosion: Soil erosion refers to the entire process in which soil is eroded, transported, and deposited under the action of water flow. In natural conditions, the surface erosion process caused solely by natural factors is very slow, and it is often in a state of relative balance with the soil formation process. Thus, the slopes can remain intact. This type of erosion is called natural erosion, or geological erosion. Under the influence of human activities, especially when humans severely damage the vegetation on slopes, the natural processes that cause soil erosion and the movement and loss of soil materials accelerate, resulting in soil erosion. Soil erosion is the most common geological disaster that causes damage to land resources in China, with the Loess Plateau region being the most severely affected. The overall situation of soil erosion in our country at present is that efforts are made to address it in specific areas, but the extent of erosion continues to increase, with efforts to control it failing to keep up with the damage caused. At the beginning of the liberation era, the area affected by soil erosion across the country was 1.74 billion mu; by 1980, about 600 million mu had been remediated. As governance fails to keep up with the rate of destruction, the area affected by soil erosion has expanded to 2.25 billion mu, accounting for about 1/6 of the country’s total land area and affecting nearly a thousand counties. There are approximately 400 million mu of sloped farmland in the country’s mountainous and hilly areas, of which about 100 million mu are in the form of terraced fields; the remaining 300 million mu of sloped land is suffering from soil erosion. The hazards of soil erosion include a decline in soil fertility, as it can result in the loss of large amounts of fertile topsoil. Reservoirs silt up, riverbeds rise, navigation capacity decreases, and floods cause disasters. Threatens the safety of industrial and mining transportation facilities. In high mountains and deep valleys, soil erosion often leads to mudslide disasters, threatening the safety of industrial, mining, and transportation facilities. Degrades the ecological environment. From the 1930s to the 1960s, people’s understanding of soil erosion disasters was limited to the direct economic losses it caused to land; however, after the 1960s, its impact on the entire human environment began to be taken into account, including sediment pollution and the deterioration of the ecological environment. Causes of soil erosion: Geological and topographical conditions as well as climate conditions that facilitate soil erosion are the main reasons for its occurrence. With a large population and high demands for food and domestic fuel, and given low levels of productivity, land is exploited through aggressive cultivation. There is an overemphasis on food production, while comprehensive development of agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry tailored to local conditions is neglected; land suitable only for forestry and animal husbandry is also converted into farmland. Large areas of steep slopes are cultivated, causing these slopes to become increasingly depleted; as they become more depleted, further cultivation takes place, creating a vicious cycle for the ecosystem ； Uncontrolled deforestation, as well as the reckless digging up of tree roots and lawns, have led to a sharp decline in the number of trees and exposed the ground surface, all of which exacerbate soil erosion. Furthermore, some infrastructure projects do not meet the requirements for soil and water conservation; for example, the improper construction of roads, factories, coal mining operations, and quarrying activities destroy vegetation, reduce the stability of slopes, and trigger more severe geological disasters such as landslides, collapses, and mudslides. Prevention and control of soil erosion: Soil erosion is caused by surface runoff moving across slopes. The basic principle of various control measures is to reduce surface runoff, slow down the flow velocity of runoff, enhance the soil’s water absorption capacity and the slope’s resistance to erosion, and raise the erosion base level as much as possible. When taking preventive and control measures, it is necessary to start from the areas where surface runoff is generated, follow the path taken by the runoff, adapt measures to local conditions, and implement prevention and control in a step-by-step manner, giving priority to prevention ； Combine slope stabilization with gully control, giving priority to slope stabilization ； Engineering measures are combined with biological measures, with biological measures taking the primary role. Only by taking various measures for comprehensive and focused management, as well as ongoing efforts, can it be effective

Climate variability – Causes of climate variability: Urbanization and modern agriculture, the greenhouse effect. As cities continue to develop and their populations grow, there is an increase in factories, cars, and household cooking appliances, all of which consume large amounts of energy. This not only leads to air pollution but also results in the release of waste heat, which directly warms the atmosphere and creates a \"heat island effect.\" This phenomenon leads to a temperature difference between urban areas and suburban areas, generating upward air currents in urban zones. Furthermore, urban factories and cars emit large amounts of smoke and dust, increasing the condensation nuclei in the air over cities and leading to higher rainfall in those areas. With the extensive use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. in agriculture, which leads to soil compaction, coupled with the large-scale deforestation ； Severe soil erosion not only reduces the land’s water absorption capacity but also causes a large amount of silt to accumulate in rivers and reservoirs, weakening their drainage and water retention capabilities and leading to floods and droughts. Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of volcanic ash, which cover the sky and block sunlight, leading to a drop in local temperatures. This alters the normal atmospheric circulation and results in climate variations. The greenhouse effect is caused by humans emitting excessive pollutants into the atmosphere, such as CO2 and CO, which leads to the greenhouse effect. The “greenhouse effect” can lead to global warming, affect atmospheric circulation, cause changes in precipitation and moisture levels around the world, and result in abnormal climate conditions. The El Niño phenomenon causes an increase in water temperatures, which reduces the temperature difference between seawater in the east and west. As a result, the temperature difference between seawater in the north and south increases, affecting the atmosphere and weakening its zonal circulation ； It develops into a circulation pattern that disrupts the original weather patterns, leading to anomalies in the world’s climate. Climate variability – Consequences and impacts of climate anomalies. El Niño phenomenon. Climate anomalies can lead to: land desertification ； Global warming ； Ecological damage. Global warming is divided into: global climate decline and global climate rise. A global cooling will lead to thicker ice sheets at the poles, an increase in icebergs, and a drop in sea level ； The coastline expands seaward, resulting in an increase in land area and **intensifying territorial disputes in that area. For nearly a century, the world has been facing the challenge of climate warming, with its consequences and impacts becoming increasingly severe. As follows: (1) Effects of sea-level rise. Over the past century, the sea level has risen by 14.4 cm globally; in China, it has risen by 11.5 cm. Causes of rising sea levels. It is mainly due to the expansion of seawater; as the oceans warm up, sea levels rise. Global warming causes the ice caps at the Earth’s North and South Poles to melt, which is one of the main reasons for rising sea levels. The direct impacts of rising sea levels include the following: ① Flooding of low-lying areas. The UK is raising its flood defenses in response to climate change: Global warming leads to rising sea levels and an increased frequency of storms, forcing the UK to strengthen its flood barriers. According to the official statistics, over the past 20 years, as the water level of the Thames has risen due to global warming, local authorities have had to raise flood defenses 88 times in order to protect the lives and property of London’s residents. Reportedly, people now raise their levees an average of four times a year. It is estimated that after 2030, the frequency of raising dams will reach 30 times per year. ②The coastline is being eroded. ③ The salinity of surface water and groundwater is increasing, affecting people’s access to water. ④Rising groundwater levels ⑤The tourism industry is affected ⑥It impacts the lives of people in coastal and island countries (which account for 1/3 of the world’s population) ； It is put at risk: if the polar ice melts and economically developed, densely populated coastal areas are submerged by seawater, low-lying island nations such as the Maldives and Seychelles will disappear from the map ； Coastal metropolises such as Shanghai, **, **, Rio de Janeiro, New York, as well as countries like Bangladesh and the Netherlands will also not be spared this fate. (2) Effects on animals and plants: Climate is the main factor determining the distribution of biological communities. Climate change can alter the adaptability of different species in a region, as well as the competitiveness among various populations within an ecosystem. Wild animals and plants, especially plant communities, may fail to adapt to the pace of global warming and make adaptive migrations, thereby meeting a tragic fate. Past climate changes (such as ice ages) generally led to the extinction of species, while some species benefited from warming climates; their habitats could expand, and competitors and predators might decrease. Take oranges, for example. In the 1970s, their northernmost boundary was around Mount Huangshan. Xuancheng City also attempted to grow them, but a heavy snowfall in winter killed the trees. Now, however, they can be cultivated there. (3) Impact on agriculture: The distribution of temperature and precipitation throughout the year are the main factors determining which crops can be grown. Temperature and the changes in precipitation caused by it affect the yield of food crops as well as the types of crops that can be cultivated. For instance, between 800 and 1200 AD, the average temperature in the North Atlantic region was 1°C higher than it is today; this made it possible to grow corn in Norway. However, between 1500 and 1800 AD, during the Little Ice Age, the average temperature was only 1–2°C lower than today. This led to half of Norway’s farms being abandoned, while agricultural activities in Iceland practically came to a halt. In addition, global warming will also exacerbate natural disasters such as high temperatures, heatwaves, heatstorms, and tornadoes. Therefore, with the rise in global temperatures, there have been significant changes in the stability and distribution of world food production. (4) Impact on human health: Human health depends on a healthy ecological environment, and global warming will become a major factor affecting human health in this century. Extreme heat will make health problems more frequent and widespread for humanity in this century, as evidenced by rising incidence and mortality rates. Infectious diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, meningitis, and dengue fever will pose a threat to tropical regions; moreover, certain diseases that currently occur mainly in tropical areas are spreading to mid-latitude regions due to climate change. Climate variability – Response measures World scientists have reached a consensus: greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the main factor driving global warming. If the Earth stopped “fevering,” there would likely be far fewer extreme weather events. Our country **has already adopted a series of policy measures, such as developing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and afforestation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.** For the general public, good habits such as turning off lights when not in use, using paper on both sides, and driving a private car less often can all help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to mitigating climate change. Protecting and caring for the environment is an obligation and responsibility that every person should fulfill.

There are many causes of global warming, which can be summarized as follows: 1. Rapid population growth – The sharp increase in population in recent years is one of the main factors contributing to global warming. 2. Atmospheric environmental pollution factors. Currently, the increasing severity of environmental pollution has become a major global issue, and it is also one of the main factors contributing to global warming. 3. Factors contributing to the deterioration of marine ecological environments 4. Factors such as land erosion and desertification that cause damage 5. Factors leading to a sharp decline in forest resources. Worldwide, the area of forests is decreasing significantly due to natural or human-induced factors. 6. Factors causing acid rain damage 7. Factors accelerating species extinction. Organisms on Earth are a valuable resource for humanity, and biodiversity is the foundation upon which human survival and development depend. But currently, species on Earth are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. 8. Factors of water pollution 9. Factors of toxic waste pollution. The increasing amount of toxic chemicals not only poses a serious threat to human survival but also causes harm to the ecological environment on Earth’s surface. 10 Changes in Earth’s periodic orbital path: Earth’s periodic orbital path changes from an elliptical one to a circular one, bringing it closer to the Sun. According to the research of a certain scientist, the Earth’s temperature has experienced alternating periods of high and low temperatures, following a certain pattern. Harm to humans: Global warming will have complex potential impacts on the Earth and humanity, including both positive and negative effects. For example, as temperatures rise, subpolar regions may become more suitable for human habitation ； Under appropriate conditions, higher carbon dioxide concentrations can promote photosynthesis, thereby enabling plants to have a higher rate of carbon fixation and leading to increased plant growth – this is the yield-enhancing effect of carbon dioxide, which is a positive impact of global warming. However, compared to the positive impacts, the negative effects of global warming on human activities will be even greater and more profound. 1. Impacts of sea-level rise: Over the past century, sea levels have risen by 14.4 cm, with an increase of 11.5 cm in our country. The main cause of rising sea levels is the thermal expansion of seawater; as the oceans warm up, sea levels rise. Global warming causes the ice caps at the Earth’s North and South Poles to melt, which is one of the main reasons for rising sea levels. The direct impacts of rising sea levels include the following: (1) flooding of low-lying areas, (2) erosion of coastlines, (3) increased salinity in surface and groundwater, which affects urban water supply, (4) rising groundwater levels, (5) damage to the tourism industry, and (6) threats to the lives of residents in coastal and island countries (who account for one-third of the world’s population). 2. Impact on animals and plants: Climate is the main factor determining the distribution of biological communities. Climate change can alter the adaptability of different species in a region, as well as the competitiveness among various populations within an ecosystem. Animals and plants in nature, especially plant communities, may suffer tragic fates as they are unable to adapt to the pace of global warming and thus migrate in search of suitable habitats. 3. Impact on agriculture: The distribution of temperature and precipitation throughout the year are the main factors determining which crops can be grown. Temperature and the changes in precipitation resulting from it affect the yield of food crops as well as the types of crops that can be cultivated. Climate changes have previously led to significant changes in the spatial (latitudinal) distribution of biotic zones and communities. 4. Impact on human health: Human health depends on a healthy ecological environment, and global warming will become a major factor affecting human health in the next century. Extreme heat will lead to more frequent and widespread health problems for humans in the coming century, as evidenced by rising incidence and mortality rates. Infectious diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, hookworm disease, cholera, meningitis, kala-azar, and dengue fever will pose a threat to tropical regions. Moreover, certain diseases that are currently prevalent in tropical areas may spread to mid-latitude regions as a result of climate change.

In 2011, the United States was hit by so many deadly tornadoes. But one thing is for sure: these tornadoes all occurred in densely populated areas. Researchers suggest that fluctuations in temperature patterns in the Pacific Ocean may be one of the factors contributing to the prevalence of tornadoes. This “La Niña” phenomenon lasts for at least five months and occurs every three to five years. This year’s “La Niña” was stronger in eastern North America and the East, altering previous wind patterns. This causes cold air in the atmosphere above some rivers to meet warmer, wetter air rising from the ground, resulting in thunderstorms. This phenomenon led to the outbreak of more than 300 tornadoes across a wide area from Mississippi to Tennessee at the end of April, resulting in at least 365 deaths. 2. The Three Gorges Dam in China is a result of poor decision-making. If the cause is supposed to be global climate anomalies, then experts should compare regions at the same latitude around the world – and indeed, no place shows more extreme anomalies than the Yangtze River basin in China. 3. There is a lack of attention to environmental protection; trees are cut down, which destroys the ecological environment, leading to severe land desertification and pollution. The fundamental cause of desertification and its expansion is the human-induced destruction of desert ecosystems (including desert, Gobi systems, grassland systems in arid and semi-arid regions, forest systems, and wetland systems). It results from the intensive exploitation of water, biological, and land resources within these systems, leading to a disruption of the inherent stability and balance of those systems. In the past, while we planted trees and grass to combat desertification through biological and engineering measures, we simultaneously destroyed desert ecosystems and created new areas of desertification. In fact, it is precisely due to the degradation of desert ecosystems that, despite the establishment of protective forests in the ’Three Norths’ regions and the implementation of projects to prevent and control sandstorms, it has still not been possible to halt the progression of desertification as a whole. It can be said that over the past half century, the real reason for frequent sandstorms is not insufficient creation of artificial vegetation, but rather excessive destruction of natural vegetation. Local improvements in a small environment cannot offset the overall deterioration of the larger environment.

I. Causes of climate anomalies Global climate anomalies refer to the sum of various abnormal weather phenomena on a global scale, such as global warming and an increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Experts believe that “the global climate is a large system; when atmospheric circulation becomes abnormal in one place, it inevitably leads to abnormalities in another place.” ”An important factor contributing to climate anomalies is global warming, which leads to more frequent occurrences of various extreme weather events. II. The impact of climate anomalies on humans. Climate is one of the key factors for the survival of all living things; any changes in it can have an impact on both natural ecosystems and human life. Currently, the rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather and climate events resulting from global climate change are having a severe impact on natural ecosystems and the living environment for humans. The issue of climate change has attracted widespread attention around the world and has become a major problem that needs to be addressed in modern human society. Especially in our country, due to its large population, low level of economic development, and fragile ecological environment, it is more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Taking agriculture as an example, it is likely one of the sectors most sensitive to climate change. Whether it was the drought in the five southwestern provinces at the beginning of this year or the floods across the country this summer, these events have dealt a severe blow to agricultural production in certain areas of China, and they have even had an impact on prices in the country. At the same time, climate warming will lead to an increase in the frequency of surface runoff as well as droughts and floods, with the contradiction between water supply and demand becoming even more pronounced. At the same time, the spread of infectious diseases that are sensitive to climate change may also increase, as will the incidence of diseases and mortality rates associated with hot weather waves... It is evident that global climate changes have a profound impact on humanity; especially given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events these days, improving the climate has become one of humanity’s most urgent priorities, as it is even related to our future. III. Measures to address climate anomalies The worsening extreme weather phenomena serve as a warning to us; if we continue to destroy the environment in which we live, humanity will eventually be destroyed by the poison of our own making. To address global climate issues, societies should increase investment in technologies related to climate change mitigation, actively develop new energy-saving products, explore clean and renewable energy sources, promote energy conservation, and strengthen the effective protection of natural ecosystems. For us, we should start from now and set an example. For example, we can reduce unnecessary consumption and develop the habit of making the most of items and reusing them, thereby cutting down on the generation of unnecessary waste. For example, in terms of the rational use of paper, our questionnaire survey was very paper-efficient. While going to school, we can also use public transportation more often, ride bicycles, or walk, in order to reduce the use of private cars. When purchasing products, families should also try to buy energy-saving and environmentally friendly items in order to reduce energy waste (for example, turning off household appliances such as heaters, lights, and air conditioners when not in use). As long as humanity realizes the severity of climate anomalies and takes proactive, effective measures to address them, we will surely be able to see a future with skies that are endlessly blue, water that is crystal clear, and a life that is peaceful and comfortable!

Reply 1# fangqiong (I) Causes of climate anomalies Global climate anomalies refer to the combination of various abnormal weather phenomena on a global scale, such as global warming and an increased frequency of extreme weather events. Experts believe that “the global climate is a large system; when atmospheric circulation becomes abnormal in one place, it inevitably leads to abnormalities in another place.” ”An important factor contributing to climate anomalies is global warming, which leads to more frequent occurrences of various extreme weather events. (II) The impact of climate anomalies on humans Climate is one of the key factors upon which all living things depend for survival, and any changes in it have an effect on natural ecosystems as well as human life. Currently, the rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather and climate events resulting from global climate change are having a severe impact on natural ecosystems and the living environment for humans. The issue of climate change has attracted widespread attention around the world and has become a major problem that needs to be addressed in modern human society. Especially in our country, due to its large population, low level of economic development, and fragile ecological environment, it is more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Taking agriculture as an example, it is likely one of the sectors most sensitive to climate change. Whether it was the drought in the five southwestern provinces at the beginning of this year or the floods across the country this summer, these events have dealt a severe blow to agricultural production in certain areas of China, and they have even had an impact on prices in the country. At the same time, climate warming will lead to an increase in the frequency of surface runoff as well as droughts and floods, with the contradiction between water supply and demand becoming even more pronounced. At the same time, the spread of infectious diseases sensitive to climate change may also increase, along with diseases and mortality rates associated with hot heatwaves……

Impacts of global warming 1. Impacts of rising sea levels Sea levels have risen by 14.4 cm over the past century, with an increase of 11.5 cm in our country. The main cause of rising sea levels is the thermal expansion of seawater; as the oceans warm up, sea levels rise. Global warming causes the ice caps at the Earth’s North and South Poles to melt, which is one of the main reasons for rising sea levels. The direct effects of rising sea levels include the following: (1) Flooding of low-lying areas: The UK is raising its flood defenses in response to climate change. Global warming leads to rising sea levels and an increased frequency of storms, forcing the UK to raise its flood barriers. According to statistics released by British authorities recently, over the past 20 years, as the water level of the Thames has risen due to global warming, local **authorities have had to raise flood defenses 88 times in order to protect the lives and property of Londoners. It is reported that people now raise their dams 4 times a year on average. It is estimated that by 2030, the frequency of raising the dams will reach 30 times per year. Zhong He, China Environment News, October 19, 2004 (2) Erosion of coastlines (3) Increased salinity in surface and groundwater, affecting urban water supply. 　　(4) Rising groundwater level. 　　(5) The tourism industry is affected (with a sea level rise of 50 meters, the coastal tourist areas in Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Qingdao, Beihai, and Sanya will retreat by 31–366 meters; 24% of the beaches will be lost, while 60% of the beaches in Beidaihe will be lost). According to the 2002 China National Land and Resources Bulletin, coastal tourism had become the largest industry, with an output value of 250.3 billion yuan, accounting for 34.6% of the total output value of the marine industry. 　　(6) It affects the lives of residents in coastal and island countries (who account for one-third of the world’s population), putting them at risk. If the polar ice caps melt, economically developed and densely populated coastal areas will be submerged by seawater. Low-lying island nations such as the Maldives and Seychelles will disappear from the map, and major coastal cities like Shanghai, **, **, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Bangkok, and New York, as well as countries such as Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Egypt, will also not be spared this fate. 　　2. Effects on animals and plants Climate is the main factor determining the distribution of biological communities. Climate change can alter the adaptability of different species in a region, as well as the competitiveness among various populations within an ecosystem. Animals and plants in nature, especially plant communities, may suffer tragic fates as they are unable to adapt to the pace of global warming and thus migrate in search of suitable habitats. Past climate changes (such as ice ages) have caused many species to go extinct; future climates will cause certain species in some regions to disappear, while other species will benefit from warming temperatures – their habitats may expand, and their competitors and predators may decrease. Take oranges, for example. In the 1970s, their northernmost limit was along the Huangshan area; Xuanzhou City also tried to grow them there, but a heavy snowfall in winter caused the trees to die from the cold. But now the orange trees on our campus are all growing very well. For example, the Chinese alligator lives only in narrow areas such as Xuancheng, Jingxian, and Nanling; if its northern boundary moves northward, it could go extinct naturally. This is speaking from certain areas of our province. Nationwide, China uses the 0-degree isotherm in January as the northern boundary of the subtropics; currently, this boundary lies in the Qinling-Huaihe region of China. Research has found that rising temperatures will push this boundary northward to areas north of the Yellow River, and the winter temperatures in Xuzhou and Zhengzhou will be similar to those in Hangzhou and Wuhan today. 　　3. Impact on agriculture The distribution of temperature and precipitation throughout the year are the main factors determining which crops can be grown. Temperature and the changes in precipitation resulting from it affect the yield of food crops as well as the types of crops that can be cultivated. Climate changes have formerly led to significant changes in the spatial (latitudinal) distribution of biomes and biological communities. If the average temperature in the North Atlantic region was 1°C higher between the years 800 and 1200, it would have made it possible to grow corn in Norway. However, during the period from 1500 to 1800, a mini ice age occurred in Western Europe, with average temperatures being only 1–2°C lower than they are today; as a result, half of the farms in Norway were abandoned, and almost all agricultural activities in Iceland came to a halt. In addition, global warming will also exacerbate natural disasters such as high temperatures, heatwaves, tropical storms, and tornadoes. Therefore, with rising global temperatures, there will be significant changes in the stability and distribution of world food production. 　　4. Impact on human health Human health depends on a healthy ecological environment, and global warming will become a major factor affecting human health in the next century. Extreme heat will lead to more frequent and widespread health problems for humans in the coming century, as evidenced by rising incidence and mortality rates. Infectious diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, hookworm disease, cholera, meningitis, kala-azar, and dengue fever will pose a threat to tropical regions. Moreover, certain diseases that currently occur mainly in tropical areas may spread to mid-latitude regions as a result of climate change.