1. Introduction to Cities and Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation
The chapter discusses the relationship between cities and climate change, focusing on adaptation and mitigation strategies. It provides an overview of climate and weather, highlights the implications of climate change based on historical data, and examines the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures. The chapter emphasizes the need for cities to develop strategies to cope with the effects of climate change and stresses the interconnectedness of ecosystem changes and human activities.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Climate refers to the long-term average weather conditions in a particular area, while weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions.
- Seasonal variations and climate stability are declining due to climate change, as evidenced by changing snow cover durations in regions like Scandinavia.
- The increase in global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions is causing significant environmental impacts, including the melting of glaciers and ocean warming, which necessitate urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Key Concepts
- -- Climate
- The long-term average of weather patterns in a specific geographical area.
- -- Weather
- The short-term atmospheric conditions affecting a specific region, including temperature, precipitation, and wind.
- -- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- -- Adaptation
- Strategies and actions taken to adjust to the effects of climate change.
- -- Mitigation
- Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the pace and impact of climate change.
- -- Global Temperature Rise
- The increase in Earth's average temperature due to human activities, notably greenhouse gas emissions.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.