Defining the concepts of climate and climate change
We all know that our country, Iran, has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The weather in most regions of Iran is predicted to be cool and humid in spring, hot and dry/hot and humid in summer, semi-cold and humid in autumn, and finally cold and humid/dry in winter.
Due to the vast size and varied latitudes and longitudes of different regions in the country, the hot summer in areas such as the north and south near the sea is humid, while in regions like the desert and Yazd, it is dry during the same summer season.
In fact, depending on the geographical location of each province, we have diverse weather conditions in different areas during a specific season like summer.
This weather and regional conditions are relatively stable and defined. In other words, people in Yazd city do not expect abundant rainfall even in spring, which naturally occurs in northern cities like Rasht.
Similarly, people in Abadan and Khorramshahr do not experience the freezing conditions of Ardabil city, which is a mountainous region, during the winter season.
These relatively stable weather conditions of each region are technically referred to as “climate”.
In each climate, one can estimate the amount of humidity, wind, air pressure, precipitation, and temperature for any season to some extent, as the changes in these factors are not rapid over time and are considered characteristics of each climate.
Farmers in each region, based on their experience and knowledge of the climatic conditions of their place of residence, know approximately how many rainy days they will have in the spring season, for example. Based on this amount of rainfall, they can also estimate which crops are suitable for cultivation and which will be more profitable.
Now, let’s assume that the phenomenon currently referred to as “Climate Change” , disrupts this existing natural order in each climate…
For instance, imagine if we were to experience the relentless rains of Rasht in the city of Yazd, where the structure of houses in cities and villages is suited for desert climate, and where most rural buildings are made of clay!!!
Or if in the northern cities and villages of the country, which are always humid and muggy, we face drought like the Lut Desert, with no rainfall at all!!!
It’s truly impossible to envision such conditions in a natural state, and the entire ecosystem of the region would collapse, both in terms of flora and fauna, as well as human resources and the economy of the society.
The worst calamity that climate change inflicts upon territories is manifested in the word “change” itself…
It creates unfavorable conditions different from the past, for which no person or creature is prepared to face, and this is considered a global catastrophe.
Climate change is not exclusive to Iran; it occurs all over this planet.
For example: The United States, due to its vast plains and diverse weather conditions, experiences devastating storms every year. Since these occur at approximately the same times each year, they are considered part of the climatic characteristics of those regions.
Each storm even has its own specific name, and at a particular time of the year, people in the region expect the storm and construct sturdy shelters in their homes to protect themselves.
These storms are part of the nature of those areas and are not considered climate change for those geographical regions.
Conversely, the cessation of storms in those areas would mean a change in climate… Imagine if, instead of those formidable storms, terrible volcanic eruptions occur in these areas, or if drought and water scarcity trouble the inhabitants; in this case, these new phenomena would be considered climate change for areas that were previously storm-prone.
Imagine if these strange and unusual storms were to occur in the countries bordering the Caspian Sea, which are constantly humid.
No one is prepared for these strange and unusual changes.
These uninvited and destructive guests are now being invited to their lands by the inhabitants of each region due to human disregard for the natural order of the environment, and this situation is worsening year by year.s, by failing to observe the balanced laws of nature, have caused disruption and made life difficult not only for themselves but also for other inhabitants of these lands, namely animals and plants.
With the examples I’ve given, I believe you should have correctly understood the general concept of climate and climate change.
In the next article, I will delve into the details and list the factors that cause climate change, providing a brief explanation for each item.
The discussion continues…
