Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and resulting environmental impacts like rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is primarily caused by human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels for energy, which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
2. The Earth's average temperature has increased by about 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, with significant impacts on weather patterns and ecosystems.
3. Melting ice caps and glaciers are contributing to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities and ecosystems around the world.
4. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, causing significant economic and social disruptions.
5. Global efforts to combat climate change include international agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to climate change, and what are some immediate consequences of this phenomenon?
  • Human activities contribute to climate change mainly through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These actions increase atmospheric concentrations of gases like carbon dioxide and methane, leading to global warming. Immediate consequences include rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events like hurricanes and heatwaves, and changes in precipitation patterns that disrupt agriculture and water supplies.
• Discuss the role of international agreements in addressing climate change and their effectiveness in mitigating its impacts.
  • International agreements like the Paris Agreement play a crucial role in uniting countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. These agreements set targets for emissions reductions and encourage nations to develop sustainable practices. The effectiveness of these agreements depends on the willingness of countries to comply with their commitments and implement policies that transition towards renewable energy sources while promoting sustainability.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of climate change on global economies and environmental sustainability.
  • The long-term implications of climate change on global economies are profound, as it can lead to resource shortages, increased costs for disaster response, and economic instability due to damage from extreme weather events. Additionally, it poses challenges for environmental sustainability as ecosystems are altered or destroyed by shifting climates. The need for adaptation strategies and investments in green technologies becomes crucial as societies strive to balance economic growth with environmental protection in a changing world.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Global warming: The long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities.

Sustainability: The practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often focused on environmental protection and resource conservation.