Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term shifts and alterations in temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. This phenomenon is a central concern in discussions about sustainable development as it affects ecosystems, economies, and social structures across the globe, often leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions in food production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is primarily driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
2. The impacts of climate change include more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and floods, which can devastate communities and economies.
3. Climate change poses significant risks to biodiversity, with many species facing extinction due to changing habitats and climate conditions.
4. The Paris Agreement aims to unite countries in combating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
5. Adaptation strategies for climate change include enhancing infrastructure resilience, sustainable agriculture practices, and improving water management systems.

Review Questions

• How does climate change influence sustainable development goals?
  • Climate change significantly impacts sustainable development goals by exacerbating issues such as poverty, food security, and health. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, vulnerable populations face greater challenges in achieving economic stability and social equity. Addressing climate change is essential for promoting sustainability as it affects natural resources critical for human survival and economic growth.
• What are the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change?
  • The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions include the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, industrial processes, deforestation, and agricultural practices. These activities release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and driving global warming. Understanding these sources is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements like the Paris Agreement in addressing climate change challenges.
  • International agreements such as the Paris Agreement play a vital role in uniting countries to combat climate change through legally binding commitments to reduce emissions. The effectiveness of these agreements can be evaluated based on how well they encourage nations to implement policies that align with scientific recommendations for limiting temperature rise. While they provide a framework for cooperation and accountability, challenges remain regarding enforcement and ensuring that all countries contribute fairly based on their capabilities and historical responsibilities.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to the greenhouse effect.

sustainable development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often emphasizing economic growth alongside environmental protection.

carbon footprint:

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by human activities, usually measured in equivalent tons of CO2.