Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average temperature and weather patterns of Earth over extended periods. It is primarily driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, which increases greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and alterations in the hydrological cycle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change affects precipitation patterns, leading to more intense rainfall events in some areas while causing droughts in others.
2. Rising temperatures due to climate change can increase evaporation rates, impacting water availability and distribution across different regions.
3. Melting glaciers and polar ice caps as a result of climate change contribute to rising sea levels, which can inundate coastal areas.
4. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, are becoming more frequent and severe as a direct consequence of climate change.
5. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity, affecting plant and animal species' survival.

Review Questions

• How does climate change alter the components of the hydrological cycle?
  • Climate change leads to alterations in the hydrological cycle by affecting precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, and water storage in glaciers. As temperatures rise, increased evaporation can cause regions to experience drier conditions or intensified rainfall events. This variability can result in flooding or droughts, ultimately impacting water resources and ecosystem health across various landscapes.
• What are the potential impacts of climate change on freshwater resources?
  • Climate change poses significant threats to freshwater resources through altered precipitation patterns, increased evaporation rates, and changing snowmelt timings. These changes can lead to water scarcity in some regions while causing excessive runoff in others. The depletion of groundwater supplies and contamination from increased flooding further exacerbates these challenges, making it crucial for water management strategies to adapt to these new realities.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of climate change on global water systems and their socio-economic implications.
  • The long-term consequences of climate change on global water systems include shifts in freshwater availability, changes in seasonal flow patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts. These alterations can severely impact agricultural production, food security, and access to clean drinking water, particularly in vulnerable communities. Socio-economically, this may result in increased competition for water resources, potential conflicts, migration pressures, and greater public health challenges due to contaminated water sources.

Related terms

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

Hydrological cycle: The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortages that can severely impact ecosystems and human activities.