Climate Change: Resilience and Vulnerability

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to the phenomenon of climate change.

Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses, like carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gasses trap heat and cause the planet to warm, leading to significant changes in climate patterns.

How does deforestation exacerbate the effects of climate change?

Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which increases the concentration of greenhouse gasses, enhancing climate change. It also impacts local weather patterns.

What is the difference between weather and climate, and why is it important to differentiate between them when discussing global warming?

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns. Distinguishing them is important because isolated weather events don't disprove climate change, which is based on trends over decades.

Identify two major stakeholders in the climate change debate and briefly explain their differing viewpoints.

<p>Scientists generally agree on the reality and human cause of climate change, advocating for immediate action. Fossil fuel companies may acknowledge climate change but often prioritize economic interests, sometimes downplaying the severity or advocating for gradual transitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe one argument often used by climate change skeptics, detailing its logical flaw.

<p>Skeptics sometimes argue that climate has always changed naturally, so current changes aren't necessarily caused by humans. The flaw in this argument is that while natural variability exists, the current rate and scale of change far exceed natural cycles and align with increased greenhouse gas emissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of international cooperation in tackling climate change.

<p>Climate change is a global problem that requires a unified, worldwide effort to reduce emissions, develop sustainable technologies, and adapt to unavoidable impacts. International cooperation ensures shared responsibility and resource allocation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can individuals contribute to mitigating climate change?

<p>Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices like using public transport, conserving energy, reducing consumption, supporting eco-friendly products, and advocating for climate-friendly policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how rising sea levels directly impact island nations.

<p>Rising sea levels lead to increased coastal erosion, flooding of habitable areas, contamination of freshwater sources, and displacement of communities, threatening the very existence of low-lying island nations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are climate myths and why are they harmful?

<p>Climate myths are false or misleading claims about climate change. They are harmful because they can undermine public understanding, delay action, and hinder efforts to address the issue effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'conspiracy theories' relate to climate change denial?

<p>Some people deny climate change based on conspiracy theories, falsely claiming that scientists are fabricating data for ulterior motives. Such theories undermine trust in scientific consensus and hinder climate action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how media can shape public perception of climate change.

<p>Media can either inform or misinform the public by framing stories and selecting sources. Sensationalism or biased reporting can distort understanding, while accurate reporting can drive informed discussion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the consequences of inaction on climate change.

<p>Inaction leads to more extreme weather events, sea-level rise, food and water shortages, displacement of populations, and increased conflict over resources, causing widespread environmental, social, and economic disruption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to focus on both mitigation and adaptation strategies to combat climate change?

<p>Mitigation strategies reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit future warming, while adaptation strategies help communities cope with the impacts that are already unavoidable. Both are needed for a comprehensive approach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the scientific consensus on climate change?

<p>The scientific consensus, which indicates that the vast majority of climate scientists agree on the reality and human cause of climate change, provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making and policy development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do industries reliant on fossil fuels sometimes influence public opinion about climate change?

<p>These industries may downplay the role of human activities in climate change to protect their economic interests by funding misleading campaigns or lobbying against regulations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how climate change might disproportionately affect certain populations or regions.

<p>Low-income communities, island nations, and regions dependent on agriculture are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources, exposure to extreme weather, and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of climate change impacts that are already observable?

<p>Observable impacts include rising global temperatures, more frequent and intense heatwaves, melting glaciers and ice sheets, rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can improved scientific literacy help to address climate change denial?

<p>Scientific literacy empowers individuals to understand and evaluate scientific evidence, enabling them to critically assess climate myths and make informed decisions about climate action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Beyond the environmental impacts, how does climate change threaten human health?

<p>Climate change can lead to increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from air pollution, the spread of infectious diseases, and mental health issues related to displacement and disasters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how changes in temperature and weather patterns could affect food security on a global scale.

<p>Changes in temperature and weather patterns could affect food security because agricultural productivity is sensitive to climate conditions. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can disrupt crop yields, reduce livestock productivity, and damage fisheries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is climate change?

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.

Causes of climate change?

Activities like generating power, powering buildings, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, consumption and general human activity.

What is weather?

The atmosphere's day-to-day conditions at a specific location and time.

What is climate?

Average weather conditions of a place over a lengthy period of time, usually 30 years.

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What are greenhouse gases?

A gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range.

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Misinformation impact on climate change?

When misinformation spreads through media, create confusion and scepticism about scientific consensus.

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Limitations in scientific literacy?

In some regions, there is limited access to scientific education or research, leading to misunderstandings about the causes of climate change.

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How are severe weather, climate change and global warming related?

Severe weather can be part of climate change, which causes global warming.

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Economic interests' impact on understanding climate change

Industries reliant on fossil fuels might influence public opinion by downplaying the role of human activities in climate change to protect their economic interests.

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Link between rising temperatures, extreme weather, and climate change?

Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events like hurricanes and wildfires are all linked to climate change.

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Causes for increase in carbon dioxide levels?

The increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

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Study Notes

Key Concepts of the Lesson

  • The unit focuses on climate change, resilience, and vulnerability, specifically addressing myths surrounding climate change
  • Understanding resistance to climate change policy is crucial before examining causes, consequences, and adaptation/mitigation strategies
  • A unified global effort is necessary to tackle environmental and socioeconomic challenges resulting from climate change

Guiding Questions

  • The lesson aims to address several questions
  • Exploration of the definition of climate change
  • Examination of human activity as a cause
  • Reasons for doubt surrounding human-caused climate change
  • Identification of major stakeholders and their views
  • Strategies for convincing others about the reality and human cause of climate change

Key Terms

  • Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
  • CO2 emissions are a major factor
  • Human activities are described as anthropogenic causes
  • Weather is also a key factor
  • Climate myths and climate change denial are concepts to be addressed
  • Rising sea level and fossil fuels also require considering

Causes and Consequences of Climate Change

  • Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns define climate change
  • Causes include generating power, powering buildings, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, consumption, and general human activity
  • A graph illustrates that as years progress, carbon dioxide and temperature increase together

Reasons for Disagreement

  • Reasons why some people dispute climate change include conspiracy theories and a disconnect from physically feeling or perceiving its effects
  • Some of Donald Trump's tweets make mistakes in his statements regarding climate change
  • He confuses weather with climate
  • A tweet notes that it is around January (the peak of winter)
  • Another tweet states that global warming is not the only consequence
  • He isolates "Texas and Louisiana" but is still connecting it to global warming
  • Severe weather is linked to climate change
  • His claim of "Coldest ever recorded" lacks a source
  • As a result, he isolates certain regions

Weather vs. Climate

  • Weather includes day-to-day atmospheric conditions and is short-term
  • Climate represents average weather conditions over a 30-year period and is long-term

Viewpoints on Climate Change

  • Scientists agree human activity causes it.
  • The reasons include fossil fuel combustion, cement production, land use changes, and deforestation
  • Oil companies acknowledge fossil fuels contribute and aim to reduce emissions
  • The U.S. government acknowledges climate change but hesitates on actions that harm economic growth
  • Xi Jinping (China) states that action will be taken on carbon dioxide only after levels peak
  • An Andean farmer wants solutions, due to melting glaciers threatening water security for their community
  • Tuvalu faces rising sea levels
  • Australian coalminers are stopping coal mining to cut carbon dioxide emissions

Reasons for Skepticism

  • Lack of scientific literacy: Limited access to education can lead to misunderstandings
  • Economic interests: Industries reliant on fossil fuels might downplay the human role
  • Cultural or political beliefs: Ideological reasons can cause skepticism
  • Misinformation & media: It Can confuse the public and create skepticism
  • Lack of immediate impact: In areas where effects aren't visible, people underestimate the issue

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