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. It has profound effects on natural ecosystems, human societies, and the broader environment, leading to shifts in agricultural practices, biodiversity loss, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is driven primarily by human activities, such as industrial processes, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
2. In China, climate change is exacerbating air pollution issues and affecting water resources, agriculture, and health outcomes for millions of people.
3. Literature often serves as a medium for expressing the anxieties surrounding climate change, reflecting cultural attitudes and societal responses to environmental degradation.
4. Ecocritical approaches in literature highlight how narratives can shape public perceptions of climate issues and influence policy-making.
5. The impact of climate change on rural communities in China underscores the importance of environmental justice in literature, showcasing marginalized voices affected by ecological crises.

Review Questions

• How does climate change influence themes in modern Chinese literature?
  • Climate change shapes various themes in modern Chinese literature by reflecting societal anxieties about environmental degradation and its impact on daily life. Writers often portray how changing climates affect people's relationships with nature and each other, as well as explore issues related to displacement and survival. These narratives serve as a platform for discussing broader environmental concerns while also personalizing the experiences of those living through these changes.
• In what ways do ecocritical approaches reveal the cultural significance of climate change in Chinese literary works?
  • Ecocritical approaches analyze how climate change is portrayed in literature and its cultural significance by emphasizing the connections between humans and their environment. This perspective allows readers to understand how writers use literary techniques to raise awareness about ecological issues while fostering empathy for affected communities. By examining narratives through an ecocritical lens, one can see how literature acts as both a reflection and a critique of society's response to climate change.
• Evaluate the role of literature in shaping public discourse about climate change and environmental justice within modern Chinese society.
  • Literature plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse about climate change by providing insights into the human experience amidst environmental crises. In modern Chinese society, authors use their works to highlight the struggles faced by vulnerable populations affected by climate impacts. This narrative not only raises awareness but also prompts discussions around environmental justice and policy changes aimed at mitigating adverse effects. By engaging readers emotionally and intellectually, literature can inspire collective action towards sustainable practices and promote a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with nature.

Related terms

global warming: A long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, which raises levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

ecosystem degradation: The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil; loss of biodiversity; and the destruction of habitats.

sustainability:

The ability to maintain ecological balance by meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.