Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system. This term is often associated with the increase in global temperatures due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which leads to greenhouse gas emissions. The consequences of climate change are profound, affecting agriculture, water supply, health, and overall socio-economic stability, especially in vulnerable communities already facing poverty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change has led to more extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves, disproportionately affecting impoverished regions.
2. Agricultural productivity is threatened by climate change due to shifting weather patterns, which can result in food insecurity for low-income communities already struggling with poverty.
3. The poorest populations are often the least responsible for climate change yet face the greatest risks from its impacts, highlighting issues of inequality.
4. Mitigating climate change requires global cooperation and innovative solutions, as its effects do not respect national borders and impact global markets.
5. Investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices can not only combat climate change but also create job opportunities in developing economies.

Review Questions

• How does climate change exacerbate existing poverty levels in vulnerable communities?
  • Climate change exacerbates existing poverty levels by increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as floods and droughts. These events disrupt livelihoods by damaging infrastructure and agricultural output, leading to food insecurity and loss of income. Vulnerable communities often lack the resources to recover from such shocks, resulting in a cycle of poverty that becomes increasingly difficult to escape.
• Discuss the role of greenhouse gas emissions in contributing to climate change and their impact on global poverty.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions are a primary driver of climate change as they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures. The impact on global poverty is significant; communities already facing economic challenges are more likely to suffer from adverse climate effects like crop failure and water shortages. This creates a feedback loop where impoverished areas become more vulnerable to climate impacts while having limited capacity to mitigate them.
• Evaluate how sustainable development strategies can address both climate change and global poverty simultaneously.
  • Sustainable development strategies can effectively tackle both climate change and global poverty by promoting economic growth while ensuring environmental protection. By investing in renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices, communities can reduce their carbon footprint while creating jobs and enhancing resilience against climate impacts. This dual approach not only aims for economic stability but also fosters social equity by empowering marginalized populations to adapt to changes and thrive despite environmental challenges.

Related terms

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

sustainable development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often focusing on balancing economic growth, environmental care, and social equity.

adaptation: The process of adjusting to current or expected changes in climate and its effects, aimed at minimizing harm or exploiting beneficial opportunities.