Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term 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 and deforestation. This phenomenon has significant implications for global governance as nations grapple with the need for international cooperation, policy-making, and regulatory frameworks to address its far-reaching effects on the environment, economy, and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is primarily caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting from human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, and agriculture.
2. The impacts of climate change are widespread and include more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.
3. Globalization has accelerated the spread of climate-related challenges, as interconnected economies and trade can lead to increased emissions and environmental degradation.
4. International cooperation is essential for effective climate governance; organizations like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) facilitate negotiations among countries to address these issues collectively.
5. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial components of responses to climate change, involving efforts to reduce emissions and enhance resilience against its impacts.

Review Questions

• How does climate change challenge global governance structures?
  • Climate change poses a significant challenge to global governance because it requires coordinated action across nations that often have differing interests and capacities. The complexity of climate change impacts makes it difficult to create universal policies that all countries agree upon. Additionally, the need for immediate action often clashes with long-term political agendas and economic priorities, leading to tensions in international negotiations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements like the Paris Agreement in combating climate change.
  • International agreements like the Paris Agreement are crucial in setting a framework for collective action against climate change. However, their effectiveness is often hampered by issues such as unequal commitments from different countries based on their economic capacities. While the Paris Agreement encourages nations to set their own targets for reducing emissions, the lack of binding enforcement mechanisms means that actual progress can vary significantly among nations, affecting overall effectiveness.
• Analyze the interplay between globalization and climate change, focusing on economic and environmental impacts.
  • Globalization significantly influences climate change through increased economic activity that often leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. As countries engage in trade and expand their industries, environmental regulations may be sidelined in favor of economic growth. This dynamic creates a cycle where environmental degradation exacerbates climate issues globally. Additionally, globalization can facilitate the spread of green technologies and practices, offering pathways for sustainable development that mitigate climate change's impacts while fostering economic growth.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change; major examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

sustainability: The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; often involves balancing environmental, economic, and social factors.

Paris Agreement:

An international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, requiring countries to set their own climate action plans.