Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These changes impact ecosystems, sea levels, and weather extremes, making it a critical issue for global governance and international organizations that aim to mitigate its effects and promote sustainability across nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change has led to an increase in global temperatures by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, primarily due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires have become more frequent and severe due to climate change, impacting communities and economies worldwide.
3. International organizations like the United Nations play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.
4. The consequences of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries, highlighting the need for global solidarity and cooperation.
5. Efforts to combat climate change include transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and implementing policies that support sustainable practices at both national and local levels.

Review Questions

• How do international organizations address the issue of climate change through their governance structures?
  • International organizations tackle climate change by establishing frameworks for cooperation among nations. They create platforms for dialogue, negotiation, and agreement on environmental policies. Through conferences like the UN Climate Change Conference (COP), these organizations work to facilitate binding treaties that commit countries to specific emissions reduction targets, thus fostering collective action against this global challenge.
• Discuss the role of international treaties in combating climate change and how they influence national policies.
  • International treaties play a vital role in combating climate change by setting legally binding commitments for countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These treaties influence national policies by compelling governments to adopt laws and regulations aligned with international goals. For example, the Paris Agreement encourages nations to develop nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that reflect their unique capabilities and circumstances while promoting transparency and accountability in emissions reporting.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of global governance in addressing climate change and the challenges it faces.
  • Global governance has made strides in addressing climate change through frameworks like the Paris Agreement; however, its effectiveness is challenged by factors such as varying national interests, economic disparities, and political will. While some countries make significant progress toward emission reductions, others may prioritize short-term economic growth over environmental sustainability. Additionally, the complexity of climate science can hinder consensus-building among nations. Therefore, enhancing cooperation, commitment, and support for vulnerable nations is essential for overcoming these challenges and achieving meaningful progress against climate change.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Sustainability: The ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often associated with environmental protection and responsible resource management.

International treaties: Formal agreements between countries to cooperate on specific issues, such as climate change, aimed at establishing binding commitments to reduce emissions and promote environmental protection.