Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. This phenomenon leads to severe environmental consequences, including rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in biodiversity. Addressing climate change is crucial for ensuring sustainable development and protecting natural resources for future generations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is largely attributed to human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming.
2. The impacts of climate change can be seen through melting ice caps, rising ocean temperatures, and altered weather patterns worldwide.
3. Sustainability reporting often includes a company's greenhouse gas emissions data to track progress in reducing their climate impact.
4. Adaptation strategies for climate change involve adjusting practices and policies to minimize the negative effects on the environment and society.
5. Climate change poses risks not only to natural ecosystems but also to economic stability, public health, and food security.

Review Questions

• How does climate change impact sustainability reporting for businesses?
  • Climate change significantly affects sustainability reporting as companies are increasingly held accountable for their environmental impact. Businesses must disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and outline their strategies for reducing these emissions to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This transparency helps stakeholders assess a company's long-term viability in a changing climate and encourages responsible practices that align with environmental goals.
• Discuss the role of greenhouse gases in climate change and how they are addressed in sustainability reporting.
  • Greenhouse gases play a crucial role in climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. In sustainability reporting, organizations are required to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions to evaluate their contribution to climate change. By identifying emission sources and setting reduction targets, companies can develop strategies that not only comply with regulations but also enhance their corporate responsibility and reputation among stakeholders.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of climate change on global economies and how businesses can mitigate these impacts through sustainability practices.
  • The long-term effects of climate change on global economies include increased operational costs due to extreme weather events, disruptions in supply chains, and threats to food security. Businesses can mitigate these impacts by adopting sustainability practices such as reducing energy consumption, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing waste reduction strategies. By proactively addressing climate-related risks through sustainable practices, companies can enhance resilience while contributing positively to environmental preservation and social welfare.

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 directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, measured in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.

Sustainability:

The practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often involving the responsible management of environmental resources.