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 phenomenon is largely driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, which increases greenhouse gas emissions and causes global temperatures to rise. As climate conditions shift, many regions face extreme weather events and environmental degradation, leading to significant challenges, including migration and refugee crises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is expected to displace millions of people globally due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and deteriorating agricultural conditions.
2. Areas most affected by climate change often experience heightened competition for resources like water and arable land, leading to increased tensions and conflicts.
3. Small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to climate change, facing existential threats from rising ocean levels and extreme weather.
4. Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing climate refugees as a category that requires international protection, although legal frameworks are still developing.
5. Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, as marginalized communities often have fewer resources to adapt or migrate in response to environmental changes.

Review Questions

• How does climate change contribute to migration patterns in vulnerable regions?
  • Climate change significantly impacts migration patterns by forcing people from vulnerable regions to relocate due to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and degraded living conditions. For instance, agricultural communities facing droughts or floods may find it impossible to sustain their livelihoods, prompting them to seek better opportunities elsewhere. This migration can lead to refugee crises as displaced populations move across borders or into urban areas that may not be prepared for sudden influxes.
• Evaluate the implications of climate change on global security and political stability.
  • Climate change poses serious threats to global security by exacerbating resource scarcity, leading to conflicts over water and food supplies. As populations migrate due to environmental pressures, tensions may rise between host communities and newcomers, potentially destabilizing regions. Additionally, governments may struggle to address the challenges posed by climate-induced displacement, impacting their political stability and increasing the likelihood of unrest.
• Assess the effectiveness of current international policies in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and associated migration.
  • Current international policies have made strides in recognizing the link between climate change and migration but often fall short in their effectiveness. Frameworks such as the Paris Agreement focus primarily on emission reductions rather than providing comprehensive support for displaced populations. To truly address these challenges, there needs to be a coordinated approach that includes adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities, legal protections for climate refugees, and funding for resilience-building initiatives that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on migration.

Related terms

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

Ecosystem disruption: The alteration or destruction of natural habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity and changes in species distribution due to climate change effects.

Adaptation strategies: Measures taken to adjust to the effects of climate change, aimed at reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience for communities and ecosystems.