Social, Environment and Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Global Flashcards
What causes climate refugees and displacement?
Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and resource conflicts.
Examples include the Maldives for rising sea levels, Typhoon Haiyan for extreme weather, and Lake Chad for resource conflicts.
How does climate change impact human health?
Heatwaves increase deaths, flooding spreads waterborne diseases, and malaria spreads to new regions.
Example: The 2003 European heatwave increased deaths significantly.
How does climate change threaten food and water security?
Crop failures reduce food supply, water shortages impact billions, and livelihoods of farmers and fishers are affected.
Example: A 22% drop in food supply is projected for sub-Saharan Africa by 2050.
How does climate change affect indigenous cultures?
Arctic communities lose traditional ways due to melting ice, and small island nations may relocate, erasing cultural heritage.
Example: The Maldives may face relocation.
What infrastructure and living conditions are at risk from climate change?
Coastal cities face flooding risks, extreme weather damages homes, and expensive relocation/rebuilding efforts are needed.
Example: London is at risk of flooding.
How does climate change impact industry and employment?
Tourism declines, farming suffers, and fisheries collapse due to ocean acidification.
Example: UK farming lost £10 billion during the 2003 heatwave.
Why do disaster costs increase with climate change?
Flood damage rises, coastal defenses become more expensive, and wildfires destroy homes and lives.
Example: The 2007 UK floods cost £3.2 billion.
How does climate change affect energy costs?
Power stations struggle with water shortages, causing blackouts, and energy infrastructure needs costly adaptations.
How does climate change disrupt supply chains and increase inflation?
Droughts limit exports, storms damage transport networks, and food import reliance raises costs for consumers.
Example: Russia banned wheat exports in 2011 due to drought.
How does climate change impact insurance and financial stability?
Insurance costs rise as disasters increase, and governments/businesses pay more to repair climate-related damage.
How much have sea levels risen, and what is the future projection?
Sea levels have risen 200mm since 1901 and could rise another 1m by 2100, threatening low-lying areas.
Example: The Maldives is particularly at risk.
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Up to 25% of species may go extinct by 2050, Arctic animals struggle, and species migration disrupts ecosystems.
What are the effects of water scarcity and desertification?
Lake Chad is drying up, causing conflicts, while regions suffer from decreasing rainfall.
How does climate change intensify extreme weather events?
More severe storms, stronger heatwaves, and increased flooding occur.
Example: Typhoon Haiyan displaced 4 million people.
What are the consequences of ocean acidification and coral bleaching?
Oceans absorb more CO₂, making water acidic and killing marine life, leading to coral reef loss.
Example: The Great Barrier Reef is suffering significant coral loss.
