Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels. These changes can lead to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other significant environmental impacts, making it a crucial issue for global sustainability and responsible reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is driven primarily by human activities such as industrialization, deforestation, and agriculture, leading to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
2. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and floods are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change, impacting communities globally.
3. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) regularly assesses the science related to climate change and emphasizes the urgent need for action to mitigate its effects.
4. Climate change affects not only environmental systems but also has significant implications for social equity, economic stability, and public health.
5. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards encourage organizations to disclose their climate-related impacts and actions taken to address climate change in their sustainability reports.

Review Questions

• How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and what impact does this have on corporate sustainability reporting?
  • Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and altered weather patterns. For corporate sustainability reporting, this means companies must measure and disclose their emissions, as well as their strategies for reducing them. This transparency not only enhances accountability but also reflects a company's commitment to addressing climate risks and fostering sustainable practices.
• Discuss the role of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards in promoting awareness and action on climate change among organizations.
  • The GRI Standards play a vital role in promoting awareness and action on climate change by providing a framework for organizations to report on their environmental impacts. By encouraging companies to disclose information about their greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and sustainability initiatives, these standards help drive accountability and inform stakeholders about corporate efforts in addressing climate change. This transparency fosters greater engagement with sustainable practices and helps businesses align with global climate goals.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of climate change for businesses and how effective sustainability reporting can mitigate these risks.
  • The long-term implications of climate change for businesses include operational disruptions due to extreme weather events, increased regulatory pressures, and shifting market demands towards sustainable products. Effective sustainability reporting helps mitigate these risks by enabling companies to identify vulnerabilities in their supply chains, improve resource efficiency, and engage stakeholders on climate-related issues. By proactively addressing climate risks through transparent reporting, businesses can enhance resilience, improve reputation, and align with emerging regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are significant contributors to climate change.

sustainability: The practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often encompassing environmental, social, and economic considerations.

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually measured in equivalent tons of CO2.