Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions over extended periods, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These changes affect global weather patterns and contribute to extreme events, impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and human health in various ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extreme temperatures, both heat waves and cold waves, have become more frequent and intense as climate change disrupts traditional weather patterns.
2. Droughts are projected to increase in frequency and severity due to changing precipitation patterns, directly affecting agriculture and water supply.
3. Increased temperatures can lead to habitat loss for certain pests, resulting in more frequent insect infestations that can devastate crops.
4. Climate change poses a significant risk to food security as it affects crop yields, making certain regions less viable for traditional farming practices.
5. Human health is at risk from climate change through increased heat-related illnesses, food shortages, and the spread of disease vectors like insects.

Review Questions

• How does climate change influence the occurrence of extreme temperatures like heat waves and cold waves?
  • Climate change significantly alters atmospheric conditions, leading to shifts in weather patterns. As global temperatures rise, heat waves become more intense and frequent, creating hazardous conditions for vulnerable populations. Conversely, altered jet streams may contribute to prolonged cold waves in some regions, showcasing the unpredictable nature of weather as influenced by a warming climate.
• Discuss the implications of climate change on drought occurrences and its subsequent effects on agricultural practices.
  • As climate change progresses, droughts are becoming more severe due to changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation from higher temperatures. This leads to reduced soil moisture and water resources for irrigation, directly impacting agricultural output. Farmers may need to adapt by changing crop varieties or implementing new water conservation techniques to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged dry spells.
• Evaluate the relationship between climate change and increased insect infestations, focusing on their impact on agricultural disasters.
  • Climate change creates conditions that can enhance insect populations by altering their life cycles and expanding their habitats into previously unsuitable areas. Warmer temperatures can lead to higher reproduction rates and longer active seasons for pests. This results in increased infestations that pose serious threats to crops, potentially leading to widespread agricultural disasters as farmers struggle to control pest populations amid changing environmental conditions.

Related terms

Global warming: The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

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

Adaptation: Strategies and actions taken to adjust to the effects of climate change, minimizing its impact on people and ecosystems.