The effects of global climate change on places, societies and environmental systems

What are the consequences of climate change?

The environmental, social, economic and political impacts resulting from rising global temperatures.

What is climate hazard?

A climate-related event that threatens people, property or ecosystems.

What is vulnerability in climate change?

The degree to which people or systems are exposed and sensitive to climate impacts.

How does climate change affect global temperatures?

Average temperatures rise, increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

How does climate change affect precipitation patterns?

Wet regions become wetter and dry regions become drier.

How does climate change contribute to sea-level rise?

Thermal expansion of oceans and melting of land-based ice.

What is thermal expansion?

The increase in water volume as ocean temperatures rise.

How does climate change affect cryosphere systems?

Melting glaciers, ice sheets and reduced snow cover.

What is albedo and why does it matter?

Albedo is surface reflectivity

How does climate change threaten food security?

Droughts, floods and heat reduce crop yields.

How does climate change affect water security?

Changing rainfall patterns cause shortages and unreliable supply.

Why does climate change increase health risks?

Heat stress, disease spread and malnutrition become more common.

How does climate change contribute to displacement?

Rising sea levels and extreme events force people to migrate.

How does climate change affect agriculture economically?

Reduced yields increase food prices and farmer income instability.

How does climate change impact infrastructure?

Flooding and extreme weather damage transport, housing and energy systems.

Why does climate change increase economic inequality?

Poorer countries lack resources to adapt and recover.

What sectors are most economically affected?

Agriculture, tourism, fisheries and insurance.

How can climate change increase conflict risk?

Resource scarcity (water, land) heightens tensions.

Why is climate change a global governance issue?

Impacts cross borders and require international cooperation.

How does climate change affect migration patterns?

Climate refugees move internally or across borders.

Why are LICs most vulnerable to climate change?

High exposure, reliance on climate-sensitive sectors, low adaptive capacity.

Point: What is the most significant environmental impact of climate change?

Rising temperatures intensify extreme weather events.

Evidence: What supports this?

Increased frequency of heatwaves, floods and droughts.

Explain: Why does this matter?

Extreme events damage ecosystems and human systems.

Evaluate: Is this impact universal?

Impacts vary by region and adaptive capacity.

Link: Why is this relevant?

Consequences shape the need for mitigation and adaptation.