What is global warming?
The United Nations defines climate change as long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. Throughout its four-billion-year history, the Earth's climate has fluctuated significantly on occasion. From icy ice ages to periods of scorched desolation, the Earth has experienced it all. Typically, solar flares or volcanic eruptions produce these shifts. Since the conclusion of the last Ice Age, the Earth's climate has remained reasonably stable for the most part. That is till the present.

Effects and causes of climate change

The average global temperature is 1C (1.8F) warmer than it was during the 18th century, and the impacts of this seemingly insignificant change, known as global warming, are already apparent. Sea levels rise as a result of global warming, putting coastal cities at risk of catastrophic inundation. In addition, an increase in sea surface temperatures has been related to an increase in typhoons and hurricanes. The effects of climate change extend beyond heatwaves. Last year, a huge blizzard swept North America, and dozens perished from the cold.

Climate change has devastating effects on the natural world. Temperature fluctuations alter migration patterns. Three billion animals perished in bushfires triggered by excessive heat and drought in Australia in 2020. In addition, ocean acidification caused by climate change has had a negative effect on the formation of coral reefs, which are a significant component of marine ecosystems.

However, these changes are caused by human activities. Not nature. Since the Industrial Revolution, activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels have released billions of tonnes of heat-trapping greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. According to a research article, 71% of these emissions come from just 100 corporations, including ExxonMobil and Coca-Cola. As trees are responsible for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment, widespread deforestation has aggravated this problem.

Why are STEM disciplines important? What function does Matic Academy serve?
STEM refers to the study and education of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and associated fields.  Matic Academy's objective is to provide youngsters with the STEM-based skills necessary for future success. 

Climate change is possibly the greatest obstacle humanity has ever encountered. To address this challenge, we need a new generation of scientists, inventors, and creative thinkers. And for this, STEM is required. Children that are exposed to sustainable development and green technologies at a young age will grow up to adopt these concepts.

Sustainability and Green Technology

In 2015, the United Nations unveiled 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the purpose of which is to make the world a better place for everyone and to ensure a bright and prosperous future. Among the objectives are the eradication of poverty and world hunger, the promotion of global literacy, and the mitigation of climate change. In the seven years since, none of these objectives have been met. However, it is conceivable for an entire generation of STEM students to build a sustainable future.

To particularly combat climate change, we must end our dependency on fossil fuels. We should embrace green technologies and renewable, eco-friendly, and sustainable energy. Sustainable energy does not deplete and consists of nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Renewable energy is derived from naturally replenishable resources like bio-mass.

Positives and negatives of sustainable energy
Sustainable energy, like all things, has both positives and cons. We must scrap and replace our current energy infrastructure. This would certainly be a costly and time-consuming endeavour. A downside of solar and wind energy generation is that it requires a great deal of space, whereas a malfunction at a nuclear power plant may be as catastrophic as the 1986 Chornobyl accident. However, the benefits of switching to renewable energy significantly outweigh the costs, as failure to do so would result in climate catastrophes and trillions of dollars in damages.

However, green technology encompasses more than just green energy. We need architects who are conscious of climate change to design eco-friendly structures that consume less energy and produce less pollution. We require urban planners to incorporate nature into our communities and develop effective public transportation. Geneticists must develop crops that demand less water, and engineers must develop feasible plastic substitutes. And for all of this, we must first ensure that all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, class, or religion, have access to STEM education.

Conclusion
In the coming decades, climate change will disproportionately harm emerging nations. The poor lack the resources necessary to survive possible floods and droughts, and climate change will exacerbate their plight. If immediate action against climate change is not taken, the globe will experience irreversible transformation. Despite this, most nations continue to invest in fossil fuels despite scientific warnings. We need climate-conscious leaders  to combat global warming.