Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system. This term is often associated with human-induced changes, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Climate change impacts ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies, raising critical ethical considerations regarding conservation and environmental stewardship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that global temperatures have risen approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century due to human activities.
2. Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, as many species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environments, leading to increased extinction rates.
3. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, impacting both natural ecosystems and human communities.
4. Mitigating climate change requires substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, often necessitating a transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.
5. Environmental ethics emphasizes the moral responsibility humans have to protect the planet and its ecosystems for future generations, directly linking to the urgency of addressing climate change.

Review Questions

• How does climate change affect biodiversity and what are the ethical implications of this impact?
  • Climate change affects biodiversity by altering habitats, shifting species distributions, and increasing extinction rates. Many species are unable to adapt quickly enough to changing climates, leading to loss of genetic diversity and ecosystem services. The ethical implications revolve around our responsibility to protect these species and their habitats, ensuring that we take action to mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity for future generations.
• Discuss how sustainable development strategies can help address the challenges posed by climate change.
  • Sustainable development strategies focus on balancing economic growth with environmental protection. By promoting renewable energy sources, efficient resource use, and conservation practices, these strategies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help communities adapt to climate impacts. Implementing sustainable practices not only addresses immediate climate challenges but also fosters resilience against future environmental changes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current international policies aimed at combating climate change and suggest improvements based on ethical considerations.
  • Current international policies like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming but often lack enforceable commitments from participating countries. While they raise awareness and encourage cooperation, many argue they are insufficient for urgent action. Improvements could include stronger accountability measures, greater support for developing nations in transitioning to low-carbon economies, and integrating ethical considerations that prioritize vulnerable populations affected by climate change impacts.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species, genetic diversity within species, and the variety of ecosystems.

sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.