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THE MAJOR CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE GAMBIA

 By: JAKA BALDEH


THE MAJOR CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE GAMBIA

Climate change refers to the long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns. At the root of climate change is a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. This term describes how certain gases in the atmosphere "trap" heat that would otherwise escape from the Earth’s surface into outer space.

In The Gambia, climate change is driven by both natural and human-induced factors.

Natural Causes of Climate Change in The Gambia

  1. Changes in Ocean Currents
    Changes in ocean currents can significantly influence climate by altering the global distribution of heat. These shifts affect regional temperatures and weather patterns. Since ocean currents play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, disruptions can lead to noticeable variations.

Human-Induced Causes of Climate Change in The Gambia

After considering the natural causes, we must also examine the human activities contributing to climate change in The Gambia. These include:

  1. Deforestation
    Deforestation is a common practice in The Gambia and a major contributor to climate change. It involves the intentional clearing or thinning of forests. When trees are cut down, the carbon they store is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, which intensifies the greenhouse effect. Forests are often cleared for agriculture, settlements, and fuelwood—especially in the provinces—releasing significant amounts of CO₂.

    showing deforestation as a threat to climate
    Agriculture

  2.  Agricultural activities release several greenhouse gases. Livestock, particularly ruminants such as cattle and sheep, produce methane (CH₄) during digestion. Paddy rice farming also emits methane. The use of synthetic fertilizers releases nitrous oxide (N₂O), another potent greenhouse gas, as they break down in the soil. Additionally, poor soil management can further increase N₂O emissions.

  3. Burning of Fossil Fuels
    The burning of fossil fuels is a major human activity contributing to climate change. It releases large quantities of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and prevent it from escaping into space, resulting in a warming planet and shifting weather patterns. Fossil fuels are burned for electricity, transportation, and industrial processes.



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