A GGSI Knowledge Initiative for Sri Lanka

Climate change is not only a global environmental issue. It is directly connected to Sri Lanka’s economy, tourism industry, agriculture, water security, coastal areas, public health, biodiversity, community wellbeing and business resilience.

99 Facts of Climate, Science and Society is a knowledge initiative by Global Green Sustainability Impact (GGSI), based in Sri Lanka, created to make climate information simple, practical and relevant to businesses, schools, communities, hotels, local authorities and professionals.

The purpose of this initiative is to help people understand climate change through facts, science and real-life impacts. When people understand the facts, they can make better decisions. When businesses understand climate risks, they can become more resilient. When communities understand sustainability, they can protect natural resources and future livelihoods.

Global Green Sustainability Impact
Based in Sri Lanka
Shaping Tomorrow’s Climate, One Solution Today.

Why This Matters to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation with rich biodiversity, beautiful coastlines, strong agricultural traditions, growing tourism potential and communities that depend closely on natural resources.

However, climate change creates increasing pressure on the country through:

• Rising temperatures
• Extreme rainfall
• Floods
• Droughts
• Coastal erosion
• Water stress
• Food security challenges
• Biodiversity loss
• Health risks
• Damage to infrastructure
• Business and supply chain disruption

This is why climate education must be practical and local. Climate action must connect science with daily life, business operations and community resilience.

99 Facts of Climate, Science and Society

Climate Science Facts

• Climate refers to long-term weather patterns, while weather refers to daily conditions such as rain, heat or wind.
• Climate change means long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, wind patterns and extreme weather events.
• The Earth is warming mainly because greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are important greenhouse gases.
• Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas increases greenhouse gas emissions.
• Deforestation reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
• Global warming increases the energy in the climate system, which can make extreme weather more intense.
• Oceans absorb large amounts of heat, which affects marine life, coral reefs and weather systems.
• Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to sea level rise.
• Climate change affects rainfall patterns, creating both flood and drought risks.
• Scientific evidence shows that climate change is already happening and is affecting natural and human systems.

Carbon and Emission Facts

• A carbon footprint measures the greenhouse gas emissions caused by a person, business, product, event or activity.
• Businesses usually measure emissions under Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 categories.
• Scope 1 emissions come from sources directly controlled by the organisation, such as fuel used in vehicles or generators.
• Scope 2 emissions come from purchased electricity.
• Scope 3 emissions come from indirect activities such as supplier operations, staff travel, guest travel, waste and purchased goods.
• Energy efficiency is one of the simplest ways to reduce carbon emissions.
• Renewable energy can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Food waste creates emissions when food is produced, transported, cooked and finally discarded.
• Waste sent to landfill can generate methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
• Measuring emissions is the first step toward reducing them.
• Carbon reduction should focus first on avoiding and reducing emissions before considering offsets.

Sri Lanka and Climate Risk Facts

• Sri Lanka’s economy is closely connected to climate-sensitive sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing.
• Extreme rainfall can cause flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage.
• Drought can affect farming, drinking water, hydropower and hotel operations.
• Coastal erosion is a serious concern for beach tourism and coastal communities.
• Sea level rise can increase risks to low-lying coastal areas.
• Heat stress can affect workers, schoolchildren, outdoor labourers and vulnerable communities.
• Climate-related disasters can increase costs for businesses and households.
• Climate change can affect food prices when crops and supply chains are disrupted.
• Water stress can affect hotels, factories, farms and households.
• Businesses that understand climate risks early can plan better and reduce future losses.
• Climate resilience is important for Sri Lanka’s long-term development.

Tourism and Hospitality Facts

• Sri Lanka’s tourism industry depends heavily on beaches, wildlife, heritage, culture, landscapes and community hospitality.
• Climate change can affect tourist destinations through heat, water shortages, coastal erosion and extreme rainfall.
• Hotels use energy for lighting, cooling, laundry, kitchens, pumps and guest comfort.
• Hotels use significant water for guest rooms, kitchens, gardens, pools and laundry.
• Food waste is one of the most important sustainability issues in hospitality.
• Sustainable hotels monitor energy, water, waste and purchasing practices.
• Local sourcing can reduce transport impacts and support community livelihoods.
• Guest awareness can help reduce water use, energy use and waste.
• Hotels can reduce plastic by using refillable bottles and bulk dispensers.
• Sustainable tourism protects both the environment and the guest experience.
• Climate-resilient tourism destinations are better prepared for future risks.

Water and Climate Facts

• Climate change affects the water cycle by changing rainfall patterns.
• Some areas may experience heavier rainfall, while others may experience longer dry periods.
• Flooding can contaminate water sources and damage sanitation systems.
• Drought can reduce water availability for agriculture, hotels, households and industries.
• Water conservation is a climate action.
• Rainwater harvesting can support climate resilience.
• Wastewater must be managed properly to protect rivers, oceans and communities.
• Water-efficient fixtures can reduce water consumption in hotels and offices.
• Native and drought-resistant plants can reduce irrigation needs.
• Businesses should monitor water use to identify leaks and wastage.
• Water security is essential for health, food production and economic stability.

Nature and Biodiversity Facts

• Biodiversity means the variety of life, including plants, animals, insects, forests, wetlands, oceans and microorganisms.
• Healthy ecosystems support food, water, medicine, soil, clean air and climate regulation.
• Forests store carbon and help regulate rainfall.
• Wetlands reduce flood risk by absorbing and slowing water.
• Mangroves protect coastal areas from erosion and storm impacts.
• Coral reefs support marine life and protect coastlines.
• Soil health is important for agriculture, carbon storage and water retention.
• Biodiversity loss makes communities more vulnerable to climate impacts.
• Nature-based solutions can support climate adaptation.
• Tree planting should use suitable native species and proper maintenance.
• Protecting nature is part of climate resilience.

Society and Community Facts

• Climate change affects people differently depending on income, location, health and access to resources.
• Vulnerable communities are often more exposed to climate impacts.
• Climate change can affect livelihoods in farming, fisheries, tourism and small businesses.
• Women, children, elderly people and outdoor workers may face higher climate-related risks.
• Community awareness helps people prepare for floods, droughts, heat and sanitation risks.
• Schools can play an important role in climate education.
• Youth participation is important for long-term climate action.
• Local suppliers can support sustainable and resilient economies.
• Community-based waste management can reduce pollution and create local value.
• Climate action should be inclusive and fair.
• A sustainable society protects people, nature and future generations.

Business, ESG and Climate Risk Facts

• Climate change is now a business risk, not only an environmental issue.
• Businesses can face climate risks through damaged assets, supply chain disruption, water shortages and rising costs.
• ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance.
• Climate risk is an important part of ESG reporting.
• Investors and buyers increasingly ask businesses for sustainability data.
• A sustainability policy is useful only when it is implemented.
• Businesses need clear sustainability targets and responsibilities.
• KPIs help organisations measure sustainability performance.
• Energy, water, waste and emissions data help businesses make better decisions.
• Greenwashing happens when sustainability claims are not supported by evidence.
• Green hushing happens when businesses do not communicate genuine sustainability progress.
• Credible sustainability communication must be honest, specific and evidence-based.

Climate Action Facts

• Climate action starts with awareness, but it must move into implementation.
• Every organisation should begin by understanding its current environmental impact.
• Waste segregation reduces contamination and improves recycling.
• Composting can reduce organic waste going to landfill.
• Energy audits can identify opportunities to reduce cost and emissions.
• Staff training is essential for successful sustainability implementation.
• Sustainable procurement can reduce environmental and social risks.
• Climate resilience planning helps businesses prepare for future disruption.
• Collaboration between businesses, communities and local authorities creates stronger results.
• Every action matters when it is measured, improved and sustained over time.

GGSI’s Message

Climate change can feel complex, but action starts with understanding.

These 99 facts show that climate, science and society are deeply connected. Climate change affects the way we live, work, travel, produce food, manage water, protect nature and build businesses.

For Sri Lanka, climate action is not optional. It is essential for protecting communities, strengthening tourism, supporting agriculture, improving business resilience and preserving natural heritage.

At Global Green Sustainability Impact, we help organisations move from awareness to action through sustainability consulting, carbon footprint assessment, ESG support, waste management, water management, climate risk assessment, sustainable tourism certification and staff training.

The future will depend on the decisions we make today.

Global Green Sustainability Impact
Based in Sri Lanka
Shaping Tomorrow’s Climate, One Solution Today.