Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It encompasses not only global warming but also the broader impacts on weather patterns and ecosystems, influencing social and economic structures worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports indicate that global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century due to human activity.
2. Climate change leads to severe weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, affecting millions of people globally.
3. Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems with flooding.
4. Agricultural practices are being affected by climate change, resulting in reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity in many regions.
5. Engaging policymakers in climate action can lead to more effective regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to climate change, and what are some key effects observed in the environment?
  • Human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation for agriculture, and industrial processes release significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This leads to a rise in global temperatures and causes extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts. These changes disrupt ecosystems, impact food production, and threaten biodiversity.
• Discuss the role of theater as a tool for engaging politicians and decision-makers in addressing climate change.
  • Theater serves as a powerful medium to raise awareness about climate change issues by dramatizing personal stories and highlighting urgent environmental challenges. Engaging politicians through compelling narratives allows theater to humanize the consequences of climate change, making it more relatable. Productions can influence public opinion and encourage lawmakers to take action by showcasing the immediate impacts of inaction on communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of issue-based theater companies in promoting climate change awareness and advocacy.
  • Issue-based theater companies effectively promote climate change awareness by creating thought-provoking performances that challenge audiences to reflect on their role in environmental issues. These companies often collaborate with scientists and activists to ensure accurate representation of climate data and solutions. By engaging audiences emotionally and intellectually, they inspire collective action and advocate for sustainable practices while holding decision-makers accountable for their actions related to climate policies.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute significantly to global warming.

sustainability:

The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often discussed in relation to environmental conservation and responsible resource management.

climate justice: A concept that emphasizes the ethical dimensions of climate change, addressing how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by its impacts and advocating for equitable solutions.