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Global Climate Change and Its Impacts

structure and chemical properties, reducing its productivity. For instance, in areas near heavy
industrial zones, prolonged exposure to acidic gases decreases soil pH levels, making plant
growth difficult or even causing vegetation death. Additionally, heavy metal contamination
deprives soil of its natural self-purification capacity and hinders the restoration of its original
ecological functions. Soil degradation not only reduces arable land area and threatens food
security, but also increases risks of wind and water erosion, further accelerating land deserti-
fication processes.
(IV) Non-CO Substance Emissions
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In addition to the pollutants mentioned above, the industrialization process is accom-
panied by emissions of a series of non-CO substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
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hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and other halogenated hydrocarbons.
Although these substances exist at relatively low concentrations in the atmosphere, their
high Global Warming Potential (GWP) gives them significant climate impact. Particularly,
CFCs—once widely used in refrigerants and foaming agents—are being phased out under
the Montreal Protocol due to their ozone-depleting capacity. Nevertheless, alternatives like
HFCs, while ozone-friendly, remain potent greenhouse gases requiring control measures.
Additionally, nitrous oxide (N O) released during industrial processes serves as another cru-
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cial non-CO greenhouse gas, which not only exhibits extremely high greenhouse effects but
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also contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion, thereby indirectly influencing the climate
system.

Section 4 Climate Change Scientific Research Methods
and Models

I. Application of Emerging Technologies in Climate Change Research

In the field of climate change research, a series of emerging technologies have emerged
in recent years that are profoundly transforming research paradigms in this domain, pro-
viding scientists with unprecedented data acquisition methods and more precise monitoring
capabilities. Satellite remote sensing technology, as a prominent example, has become an in-
dispensable tool in climate change studies. Satellites can conduct large-scale, long-term ob-
servations of Earth from space, collecting data on surface temperature, vegetation coverage,
cloud cover, atmospheric composition, and other parameters. For instance, using thermal in-
frared band remote sensing data, scientists can precisely monitor global surface temperature
change trends. Analysis of multi-year satellite data has revealed a significant upward trend
in surface temperatures in certain regions, providing intuitive and reliable data support for
global warming research. In monitoring vegetation coverage changes, satellite remote sens-
ing also plays a crucial role. Vegetation is highly sensitive to climate change, and alterations
in its coverage range and growth conditions can reflect climatic variations. By acquiring

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