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 profound impacts on ecosystems, weather systems, and sea levels, making it a critical issue to consider when analyzing broader global trends and evaluating potential futures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is expected to lead to more extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which can disrupt communities and economies.
2. Rising global temperatures are causing polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels that threaten coastal regions worldwide.
3. Agriculture is heavily impacted by climate change, with shifts in growing seasons and crop yields affecting food security globally.
4. Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in developing nations who have fewer resources to adapt to its impacts.
5. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change effects.

Review Questions

• How does climate change influence macro trends in society and the economy?
  • Climate change significantly impacts macro trends by altering economic stability, resource distribution, and social structures. As weather patterns become more unpredictable, industries like agriculture and insurance face increasing risks, leading to shifts in market dynamics. Additionally, climate-induced migration can strain urban areas and impact social cohesion as communities adapt to these changes.
• Evaluate the environmental implications of climate change within a STEEP analysis framework.
  • In a STEEP analysis, the environmental implications of climate change are profound. Rising temperatures lead to habitat loss and biodiversity decline as ecosystems struggle to adapt. Changes in precipitation patterns affect water supply and quality, while increased frequency of natural disasters results in land degradation. These environmental changes pose significant challenges for sustainability efforts and necessitate coordinated responses across various sectors.
• Synthesize how understanding climate change can inform future strategic foresight scenarios for businesses.
  • Understanding climate change is essential for creating effective strategic foresight scenarios because it highlights potential risks and opportunities that businesses may face. By incorporating climate projections into scenario planning, companies can anticipate supply chain disruptions due to extreme weather events or shifts in consumer preferences toward sustainable products. This proactive approach enables organizations to develop resilient strategies that not only address immediate concerns but also align with long-term sustainability goals.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing significantly to global warming.

Global Warming: The gradual increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases, a significant aspect of climate change.

Sustainability:

Practices and policies aimed at meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often tied to addressing climate change.