Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These changes are leading to significant alterations in ecosystems, which impacts the migration patterns of animals and plants and affects traditional food sources and their availability for many communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is causing many animal species to migrate to new areas in search of suitable habitats, disrupting existing ecosystems.
2. Plants are also shifting their ranges due to changing temperatures, which can lead to mismatches with pollinators and other species that depend on them.
3. Indigenous communities that rely on traditional food sources are facing challenges as climate change alters the availability of these resources.
4. Extreme weather events linked to climate change can lead to crop failures, affecting food production and increasing food insecurity.
5. Adaptation strategies are becoming crucial for both wildlife and human populations as they try to cope with the rapid changes brought about by climate change.

Review Questions

• How does climate change influence the migration patterns of animals and plants?
  • Climate change influences migration patterns by altering the habitats where animals and plants thrive. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many species are forced to move to cooler areas or higher altitudes to survive. This migration can disrupt local ecosystems, as new species interact with established ones in unfamiliar environments, potentially leading to competition for resources or changes in reproductive patterns.
• In what ways does climate change affect traditional food sources for Indigenous communities?
  • Climate change impacts traditional food sources by altering the availability and distribution of key species that these communities rely on. Changes in temperature and precipitation can lead to reduced harvests or even complete crop failures. As familiar hunting, fishing, or gathering patterns shift, communities may face challenges in maintaining their cultural practices related to food, leading to a loss of both nutrition and cultural identity.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of climate change on biodiversity and food security.
  • The long-term implications of climate change on biodiversity and food security are profound. As species adapt or fail to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, biodiversity is at risk due to habitat loss and disrupted ecosystems. This decline in biodiversity can reduce ecosystem resilience, affecting ecosystem services that are vital for food production. Ultimately, as food sources become less reliable due to environmental changes, food security will be jeopardized for millions, potentially leading to increased conflict over resources and challenges for sustainable development globally.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat, which is affected by climate change as species struggle to adapt to changing conditions.

Ecosystem Disruption: A disturbance in the natural balance of an ecosystem, often triggered by climate change, resulting in altered habitats and species interactions.

Food Security: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food, which can be jeopardized by shifts in climate affecting agricultural practices.