Is Climate Change Real? A Global Crisis—or a Global Debate?

Have you ever wondered why the weather seems more extreme lately?

Floods, wildfires, record heatwaves, melting glaciers—every week brings another climate-related headline.

But here’s the catch: not everyone agrees on why it’s happening.

Some scientists say it’s 100% caused by humans.

Others argue that climate change is part of Earth’s natural cycles.

Who's right?

In this post, we explore the facts, the debates, the vocabulary—and the consequences.

Let’s dive in.

📰 Climate Change—Crisis or Controversy?

In the past 50 years, Earth’s temperature has risen faster than at any other point in recorded history.

Glaciers are shrinking.

Sea levels are rising.

And millions of people are already affected by stronger storms, floods, and droughts.

But what’s causing it?

🔬 The Mainstream View

The majority of climate scientists argue that human activity is the leading cause of modern climate change.

This includes things like burning fossil fuels—such as oil, coal, and gas—for energy.

When we burn these fuels, we release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

These gases trap heat from the sun, creating the greenhouse effect.

As a result, global temperatures rise, glaciers shrink, and the oceans warm up.

These changes lead to more droughts, powerful storms, rising seas, and more intense heatwaves.

Since the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO₂ levels have increased by more than 40%.

🚨 Key effects of climate change include:

• 🔥 An increase in deadly heatwaves and wildfires

• 🌊 Higher sea levels that erode coastlines and flood cities

• 🌾 More frequent droughts that destroy crops and limit water supply

• 🦠 New pollution-related health risks and diseases

📸 Journalist David Matthews shared his experience during a reporting trip:

“What shocked me most was seeing women washing clothes in a puddle after a drought dried up their only well. It made me realize that climate change is not just about science—it’s about survival.”

❓ But Wait—Is There a Debate?

Yes—and it’s bigger than many people think. While the evidence for climate change is strong, not everyone agrees on what causes it or how serious it is.

A growing number of scientists and researchers believe that natural factors play a much larger role than we think. These include:

• 🌞 Changes in solar activity—such as sunspots—that influence Earth's temperature

• 🌋 Volcanic eruptions, which release gases and particles into the atmosphere

• 🌡️ Earth's own natural warming and cooling cycles over thousands of years

These experts argue that climate models can’t predict the future with total accuracy and that we shouldn’t blame human activity for everything.

Some also believe the media and governments overstate the risks for political or financial reasons.

👤 Dr. Judith Curry, a well-known American climate scientist, said:

“The science is not settled. We need more open discussion and less fear.”

So, is climate change real? Yes. But the debate continues over what’s really causing it, how fast it’s happening, and what solutions make the most sense.

🧊 Vocabulary Builder

• Greenhouse effect – when heat from the sun is trapped by gases in Earth’s atmosphere

• Fossil fuels – fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas made from ancient plants and animals

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – a gas produced by burning fossil fuels and breathing

• Drought – a long period with no rain

• Erode – to slowly destroy land or rock, often by water or wind

• Melting glaciers – large bodies of ice turning to water due to rising temperatures

• Heatwave – a long period of extremely hot weather

• Pollution – harmful materials in the air, water, or land

• Smog – dirty air caused by smoke and other pollutants

• Climate model – a computer simulation used to predict future climate conditions

• Industrial Revolution – a period of rapid industrial growth (18th–19th century)

• Sunspot – a dark, cooler area on the surface of the sun that affects radiation

• Consensus – general agreement among a group of people

All these words appear in bold in the reading text.

🧠 Comprehension Quiz: True or False?

• All scientists believe climate change is caused only by human activity.

• The greenhouse effect helps trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

• The Industrial Revolution is linked to rising CO₂ levels.

• Sea levels are decreasing as glaciers melt.

• Some scientists believe the sun and volcanoes affect the climate.

✅ Quiz Answers

• ❌ False

• ✅ True

• ✅ True

• ❌ False

• ✅ True

💬 Discussion Prompts

• Do you believe climate change is mostly caused by humans or natural forces? Why?

• What climate changes have you noticed in your region?

• Should governments do more, or are individuals responsible for change?

• How can EFL learners like you make a difference?

📖 Reflection: Knowing the Earth to Protect It

Understanding climate change is more than just a science lesson—it’s a life lesson.

Whether caused by humans, nature, or both, the effects are real and impacting communities across the globe. Recognising this helps us respond wisely and responsibly.

From a Christian perspective, we are called to be stewards of the Earth. Genesis 2:15 says God placed man in the garden “to work it and take care of it.” As part of God’s creation, we are responsible for protecting our home—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

No matter your beliefs, learning about climate change helps us all become better caretakers of the only planet we have.

📈 Fast Facts & Stats

• 🌍 Over 97% of climate scientists believe human activity plays a key role in global warming

• 🌡️ The hottest year on record was 2023, according to NASA

• 🌊 Sea levels have risen by over 8 inches (20 cm) since 1900

• 🚢 The 16 biggest ships in the world pollute as much as all the world’s cars

• 🌪️ More than 20 million people are displaced every year due to climate-related disasters

📣 Final Thought & Call to Action

No matter where you stand on the debate, one thing is clear: climate change is shaping our world—and our language.

As an English learner, understanding this global issue makes you smarter, more informed, and ready to join conversations that matter.

👉 Want to improve your vocabulary and reading skills while learning about real-world topics?

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