Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This phenomenon has far-reaching effects on geopolitics, environmental hazards, population dynamics, ecosystems, sustainable development, human impacts, and global initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, especially since the Industrial Revolution.
2. The impacts of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to agriculture and biodiversity.
3. Climate change can exacerbate geopolitical tensions as countries compete for diminishing resources such as water and arable land.
4. Efforts to combat climate change include international agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
5. The effects of climate change can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to increased migration and challenges in population distribution.

Review Questions

• How does climate change influence geopolitical relations between countries?
  • Climate change significantly affects geopolitical relations by creating competition for dwindling resources like water and arable land. Nations facing severe impacts from climate change may seek to secure resources from neighboring countries or engage in diplomatic efforts to address shared challenges. Additionally, countries that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions may face international pressure or sanctions as part of global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Discuss the relationship between climate change and environmental hazards such as hurricanes and floods.
  • Climate change intensifies environmental hazards like hurricanes and floods by increasing ocean temperatures and altering precipitation patterns. Warmer oceans can lead to more powerful storms with higher wind speeds and greater rainfall. Consequently, areas that are already vulnerable may experience devastating floods and other disasters more frequently, posing significant challenges for disaster preparedness and response strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable development goals in addressing climate change and promoting resilience.
  • The sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to address climate change by promoting actions that enhance resilience and sustainability across various sectors. For instance, SDG 13 specifically focuses on climate action, urging countries to take urgent measures to combat climate change impacts. The effectiveness of these goals depends on collaboration among nations, integration into national policies, and mobilization of financial resources to support green initiatives. While progress has been made, achieving meaningful outcomes requires strong political will and collective global effort.

Related terms

greenhouse gases:

Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

carbon footprint:

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents.

renewable energy:

Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, which can help mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.