Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, particularly due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It leads to global warming, altered weather patterns, and extreme weather events, impacting ecosystems, economies, and societies worldwide. Addressing climate change is crucial for corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts as businesses increasingly recognize their role in combating environmental issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from energy production, transportation, and agriculture.
2. The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, droughts, and shifts in wildlife populations and habitats.
3. Many countries have committed to reducing their carbon emissions through international agreements like the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise.
4. Businesses are increasingly integrating climate change strategies into their operations by adopting renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.
5. Climate change poses significant risks to global economies, including damage to infrastructure, increased health care costs, and disruptions in supply chains.

Review Questions

• How does climate change impact corporate social responsibility efforts among businesses?
  • Climate change significantly influences corporate social responsibility as businesses face pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Companies are increasingly recognizing that addressing climate change is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic business decision. By actively working to reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices, companies can enhance their reputation, meet stakeholder expectations, and contribute positively to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
• In what ways can companies implement sustainability measures to combat climate change within their operations?
  • Companies can implement various sustainability measures to combat climate change by improving energy efficiency in their facilities, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, and reducing waste through recycling programs. They can also promote sustainable supply chains by sourcing materials responsibly and encouraging suppliers to adopt greener practices. By measuring and reporting their carbon footprint, companies can set targets for reducing emissions over time and engage employees and stakeholders in their sustainability initiatives.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of failing to address climate change on global economies and ecosystems.
  • Failing to address climate change could lead to catastrophic long-term implications for global economies and ecosystems. Economically, this could result in increased costs due to damage from extreme weather events, loss of agricultural productivity, and rising health care expenses related to climate-induced health issues. Ecosystems could suffer irreversible damage as species struggle to adapt or face extinction due to changing habitats. This decline in biodiversity could disrupt food chains and ecosystem services that are vital for human survival. Therefore, taking immediate action against climate change is essential for securing a sustainable future for both economies and ecosystems.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), significantly contributing to global warming.

Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.

Sustainable development: A development approach that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.