Climate Change as a Women's Issue

Causes and Effects of Climate Change

The term climate change refers to significant and long-lasting (a decade or more) changes in the composition of the global atmosphere that, either directly or indirectly, are attributed to human activity. Global warming, an increase in global mean temperature, is one example of climate change. Additional examples include severe heat and drought, extreme rain and wind, and changing behavior in plants and animals. These combined changes threaten ecosystems, water availability, food production, and public health across the globe. In addition, rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the approximately 40 percent of the world's population that lives in or near coastal areas. Climate change is attributed to the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The primary sources for these emissions are industrialized nations, which use energy for heating, lighting, transportation, and manufacturing. The least-developed countries are responsible for only 0.4 percent of the total emissions of all greenhouse gases, yet they stand to be most affected by climate changes and are the least prepared to cope with the effects. Effects of climate change include changes to environmental, economic, and social development. The risk of political unrest and conflict rises as natural resources become scarce in a region, creating famine, drought, and relocation of populations.

Adaptation and mitigation strategies are both needed to address the threats posed by climate change. Adaptation strategies are aimed at preparing for climate change disruptions and include strategies such as early-warning systems, such as those that are in place for droughts in Africa and cyclones in Bangladesh; preparing for an influx of refugees in the event of a natural disaster; and relocating at-risk populations before a disruptive event occurs. Mitigation strategies are aimed at slowing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and include reducing the use of fossil fuels, reforestation, and developing sustainable alternatives for production and consumption practices.

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