Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These changes lead to global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns, which challenge existing social contracts and global governance frameworks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change poses a serious threat to biodiversity, leading to the extinction of species and disruption of ecosystems.
2. It affects marginalized communities disproportionately, exacerbating social inequalities and calling for new social contracts that prioritize climate justice.
3. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in combating climate change through coordinated efforts and emissions reduction targets.
4. Climate change is leading to increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, stressing the importance of global governance mechanisms.
5. Addressing climate change requires a shift toward sustainable practices across various sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture.

Review Questions

• How does climate change challenge existing social contracts and what implications does this have for global governance?
  • Climate change challenges existing social contracts by exposing the inadequacies of current governance structures to address environmental degradation and its impacts on society. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the responsibilities of governments to protect their citizens come into question. This situation necessitates a reevaluation of global governance mechanisms to ensure they can effectively manage cross-border environmental issues and foster cooperation among nations.
• In what ways can environmental ethics inform our understanding of social contracts in relation to climate change?
  • Environmental ethics emphasizes our moral obligations to protect the planet and its ecosystems for both present and future generations. This perspective can inform social contracts by advocating for principles that prioritize environmental sustainability and equitable resource distribution. By integrating ethical considerations into policy-making, societies can create frameworks that promote responsible stewardship of natural resources while addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
• Evaluate the role of international agreements in addressing climate change and their effectiveness in reshaping traditional social contract theories.
  • International agreements like the Paris Agreement play a crucial role in addressing climate change by establishing commitments among nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These agreements challenge traditional social contract theories by expanding the concept beyond national borders, emphasizing global responsibility. The effectiveness of these agreements is often debated; however, they represent a significant step toward collective action against climate change. They highlight how social contracts must evolve to incorporate not only national interests but also global ecological imperatives.

Related terms

global warming: The increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

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

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