A PLANET IN PERIL: THE IMPERATIVE OF ADDRESSING ANTHROPOGENIC CLIMATE CHANGE – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CAUSES, IMPACTS, MITIGATION STRATEGIES, AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION

Abstract

Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, driven predominantly by human activities since the Industrial Revolution. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed literature, IPCC reports, and authoritative datasets (Copernicus Climate Change Service and Our World in Data) to examine the causes, observed and projected impacts, and viable mitigation pathways. Drawing on data up to 2025, the analysis confirms that 2025 ranked as the third-warmest year on record globally (+0.59°C above the 1991–2020 baseline and +1.47°C above pre-industrial levels), with extreme anomalies in polar regions. Natural factors such as volcanic activity and solar variability play minor roles compared to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Impacts span ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure, and human health, with regional variations evident in prolonged fire seasons, droughts, and sea-level rise. Public perception studies reveal widespread concern (often exceeding 70–86% across countries) yet a persistent “perception gap” where individuals underestimate others’ willingness to act. Mitigation through renewable energy transitions and policy support emerges as essential, though adaptation and limited geoengineering options warrant cautious consideration. The review underscores the urgency of rapid emissions reductions to limit warming and highlights gaps in behavioral and regional research. Findings are intended to inform policymakers and scholars alike in advancing evidence-based responses.