Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system over extended periods. It is largely driven by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Understanding climate change involves examining not just the environmental impacts but also ethical and moral responsibilities towards the planet and future generations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, especially from energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
2. The impacts of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions to food and water supplies.
3. Religious and spiritual perspectives often advocate for stewardship of the Earth, urging communities to take responsible actions towards mitigating climate change effects.
4. Eco-theology emphasizes the interconnectedness of creation and calls for ethical responses to environmental degradation, highlighting moral obligations to care for the planet.
5. Global efforts such as the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels through international cooperation and commitment.

Review Questions

• How do concepts of stewardship relate to climate change and our responsibilities towards the environment?
  • Stewardship is rooted in the idea that humans are caretakers of the Earth, responsible for preserving its health for future generations. In the context of climate change, this means taking proactive measures to reduce carbon footprints, conserve resources, and protect ecosystems. By embracing stewardship, individuals and communities recognize their role in combating climate change through sustainable practices and advocating for policies that support environmental protection.
• What ethical considerations arise from eco-theological perspectives on climate change?
  • Eco-theology frames climate change as not just an environmental issue but a moral one, emphasizing our duty to protect creation. This perspective highlights justice for marginalized communities who are often the most affected by climate-related disasters despite contributing least to the problem. It challenges believers to align their values with actions that promote environmental sustainability and social equity, thus fostering a holistic approach to addressing climate change.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of climate change on global ecosystems and human societies, considering both scientific data and ethical frameworks.
  • The long-term impacts of climate change are profound, potentially leading to irreversible damage to ecosystems and significant disruptions in human societies. Scientific data indicates that rising temperatures could result in habitat loss, species extinction, and altered weather patterns that threaten food security. Ethically, this situation calls for urgent action based on principles of justice, responsibility, and intergenerational equity, urging current generations to consider the well-being of future inhabitants as they make decisions today regarding resource use and environmental protection.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect; the primary ones include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

sustainability: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; often involves practices that reduce environmental impact and promote ecological balance.

biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem; high levels of biodiversity can enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change impacts.