Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant alterations in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily attributed to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels which increases greenhouse gas emissions. This phenomenon impacts ecosystems, sea levels, and weather events, leading to various social, economic, and environmental challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is driven largely by human activities such as deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
2. The effects of climate change include more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities.
3. Global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
4. Climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, with many species facing extinction as their habitats are altered or destroyed due to changing climate conditions.
5. Efforts to mitigate climate change include transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to climate change and what are some observable consequences?
  • Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures. Observable consequences include increased frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes and wildfires, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and shifts in wildlife populations as species struggle to adapt to changing environments.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies aimed at mitigating climate change and their impact on global policies.
  • Current strategies for mitigating climate change include international agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. While some countries have made significant progress in reducing emissions through renewable energy adoption and improved energy efficiency, others struggle with political and economic challenges. The effectiveness of these strategies can vary widely across nations and depends on political will, technological advancement, and public awareness.
• Synthesize the relationship between climate change and socioeconomic disparities in different regions of the world.
  • Climate change exacerbates existing socioeconomic disparities as vulnerable populations often bear the brunt of its impacts. In many developing regions, limited resources hinder adaptation efforts, making these communities more susceptible to food insecurity, health risks, and displacement due to extreme weather events. Conversely, wealthier nations generally have greater capacity to invest in resilience measures. This relationship highlights the need for equitable climate action that considers the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged populations while fostering sustainable development globally.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents.

sustainability: The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often through responsible resource management and environmental stewardship.