Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These changes impact natural ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, influencing everything from nutrient cycling to water availability. Furthermore, climate change poses significant risks to biodiversity, leading to habitat loss and extinction threats for many species.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Human activities have increased atmospheric CO2 levels by more than 40% since the Industrial Revolution, significantly contributing to climate change.
2. Climate change disrupts biogeochemical cycles by altering processes such as nitrogen fixation and phosphorus cycling, which can lead to decreased soil fertility and productivity.
3. The rising temperatures associated with climate change cause shifts in species distributions and can lead to mismatches between species and their habitats.
4. As ice caps and glaciers melt due to climate change, sea levels rise, threatening coastal ecosystems and human settlements.
5. Conservation strategies are increasingly focused on building resilience against climate change impacts to preserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to climate change and what effects does this have on biogeochemical cycles?
  • Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, primarily CO2. This leads to global warming, which affects biogeochemical cycles like the carbon cycle by altering rates of photosynthesis and respiration. For example, warmer temperatures can enhance decomposition rates but may also inhibit plant growth in some regions, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates climate change.
• In what ways does climate change threaten biodiversity, and what conservation strategies can be employed to mitigate these threats?
  • Climate change threatens biodiversity by altering habitats, disrupting migration patterns, and increasing extinction risks for vulnerable species. Conservation strategies such as creating protected areas that account for shifting habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable land-use practices can help mitigate these threats. Additionally, preserving genetic diversity within populations can enhance resilience against changing climatic conditions.
• Evaluate the implications of climate change for ecosystem services and discuss how this understanding could influence policy decisions.
  • Climate change has serious implications for ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration. As these services become compromised due to changing environmental conditions, it affects food security, water availability, and overall human well-being. Understanding these connections can drive policy decisions that prioritize environmental sustainability and emphasize the importance of protecting ecosystems to maintain their vital services for future generations.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Ecosystem services: The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean air and water, pollination of plants, and climate regulation.

Sustainability:

The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often emphasizing the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.