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Climate Change

The global climate has changed as human activity has released more and new substances and gases into the atmosphere. This has many results, including global warming, the effect of consistently increased average global temperature, particularly in the oceans. One of the most common terms associated with climate change is global warming, which can be confusing since climate change can take many forms, including higher temperatures in some areas, lower ones in other areas, and more powerful natural disasters (such as hurricanes). The term global weirding, coined by Paul Hawken, describes this inconsistent (but elevated) weather change around the world.

There is overwhelming, credible support from scientists and scientific research around the world that confirm that increased carbon released into the atmosphere from manufacturing and oil-burning or the decrease of the ozone layer due to specific gases and other human activities are having real (and alarming) effects on the global climate.

Climate change isn’t only concerned with temperatures. Climate change has consequences for companies, organizations, governments, and individuals in terms of natural disasters (such as more powerful floods and storms), increased insurance costs, loss of food producing habitats (such as fishing grounds), and loss of wetlands, coral reefs, and rising sea levels that threaten tourism.

Explore Other SDG Vocabulary

Carbon Cycle

Carbon Cycle

Carbon cycle is the natural process through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, rocks, and living organisms on Earth. This cycle, when in rhythm, helps...

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide that we emit through our daily activities and lifestyle choices such as...

Carbon Tax

Carbon Tax

A tax on fossil fuels, especially those used by motor vehicles, intended to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide. Under a carbon tax, the government sets a price that emitters mus...