11 Questions
What is the primary cause of global climate change?
Increase in greenhouse gases
Which of the following is NOT a natural factor contributing to climate change?
Deforestation
What is the estimated increase in average global temperature since the late 1800s?
1°C
Which of the following is an ecosystem disruption caused by climate change?
Disruptions to food chains
What is a consequence of climate change on human health?
Increased risk of respiratory problems
What is an economic impact of climate change?
Damage to infrastructure
What is one way to reduce GHG emissions?
Transitioning to renewable energy sources
What is the primary goal of global agreements like the Paris Agreement?
To limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C
What is the difference between climate change and global warming?
Global warming refers to temperature increase, while climate change refers to broader changes
What concept is concerned with fairness and equity in the distribution of climate change impacts?
Climate justice
What type of agriculture is mentioned as an adaptation measure?
Climate-resilient agriculture
Study Notes
Definition and Causes
- Global climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
- Main causes:
- Greenhouse gases (GHGs): CO2, methane, water vapor, and other gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Human activities: burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes release large amounts of GHGs.
- Natural factors: volcanic eruptions, changes in Earth's orbit, and solar radiation variations.
Effects of Climate Change
- Temperature increase: Average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s.
- Extreme weather events: More frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.
- Sea-level rise: Thawing of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.
- Ecosystem disruption: Changes in species distribution, extinction risks, and disruptions to food chains.
Consequences of Climate Change
- Human health: Increased risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of disease vectors.
- Food security: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect crop yields, food availability, and quality.
- Economic impacts: Damage to infrastructure, increased costs for healthcare and emergency response, and loss of productivity.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
- Reduce GHG emissions: Transition to renewable energy sources, increase energy efficiency, and implement carbon capture and storage.
- Adaptation measures: Implement early warning systems, flood protection infrastructure, and climate-resilient agriculture.
- International cooperation: Global agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Climate change vs. global warming: Climate change encompasses a broader range of changes, including temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns, while global warming specifically refers to the increase in global temperature.
- Climate justice: The concept of fairness and equity in the distribution of climate change impacts, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Test your knowledge of climate change, its causes, effects, and consequences on human health, food security, and the economy. Learn about mitigation and adaptation strategies and key terms like climate justice.
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