Important dimensions of this environmental challenge

Environmental challenges, explain important dimensions of this environmental challenge, and discuss some sustainable solutions developed by humans to address it. Use the article and video for your selected topic, below, and two additional authored sources(one of which needs to be a peer-reviewed research article) to develop a paper that addresses the following:

Describe the issue: To what extent does this phenomenon constitute an environmental challenge? What are the main characteristics of this challenge?
Explain the importance of human activities: To what extent is this challenge the result of human activities? How in turn does this challenge impact (or will further impact in the foreseeable future) human activities?
Describe possible actions: What types of sustainable solutions can humans develop to address or at least reduce this environmental challenge?

Full Answer Section

   

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing humanity today. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the planet. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Describe the issue

Climate change is already having a significant impact on the planet and its inhabitants. We are seeing more extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, and heat waves. Sea levels are rising, and glaciers are melting. These changes are disrupting ecosystems and displacing people.

Main characteristics of climate change

Climate change is a global problem that is affecting all regions of the planet. It is also a long-term problem. The greenhouse gases that we emit today will remain in the atmosphere for centuries, meaning that the effects of climate change will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Extent to which climate change is an environmental challenge

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing humanity today. It is already having a significant impact on the planet and its inhabitants, and these impacts are expected to worsen in the future.

Importance of human activities

Human activities are the primary cause of climate change. We emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels for energy, when we clear forests, and when we produce agricultural products.

Climate change is also having a significant impact on human activities. Extreme weather events are disrupting food production and supply chains. Sea level rise is threatening coastal communities and infrastructure. And heat waves are increasing the risk of heatstroke and other health problems.

Possible actions

There are a number of things that humans can do to address climate change. We can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing our consumption of goods and services. We can also adapt to the impacts of climate change by building seawalls and other coastal defenses, developing drought-resistant crops, and improving early warning systems for extreme weather events.

Conclusion

Climate change is a serious environmental challenge, but it is one that we can address. By working together, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and build a more sustainable future.

Additional thoughts

  • Climate change is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, it is important to take action now to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  • We need to transition to a clean energy economy and invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
  • We also need to improve energy efficiency and reduce our consumption of goods and services.
  • We can all make a difference by making changes in our own lives, such as driving less, using less energy at home, and eating less meat.
  • We also need to hold our governments and businesses accountable for taking action on climate change.

Sample Answer

   

Environmental Challenge: Climate Change

Article: "Climate Change: What It Is and How It Works" by NASA Earth Observatory Video: "Climate Change: The Science Behind It" by PBS NOVA Authored Sources:

  • "The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • "Human Influence on Climate Change" by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)