Universidade Católica de Moçambique

Geography Course
Subject: English

Climate change and its effects on development

Estudante: Tutor:

October 2023
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Table of contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3

Climate change and its effects on development...............................................................................4

Causes of climate change.................................................................................................................4

Effects of climate change.................................................................................................................5

Food Security and Agriculture.........................................................................................................5

Water Scarcity..................................................................................................................................5

Health Impacts.................................................................................................................................5

Natural Disasters..............................................................................................................................5

Sea-Level Rise.................................................................................................................................5

Economic Impacts...........................................................................................................................6

Displacement and Migration............................................................................................................6

Ecosystem Degradation...................................................................................................................6

Infrastructure Vulnerability..............................................................................................................6

Social Inequities...............................................................................................................................6

Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8

References........................................................................................................................................9
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Introduction
Climate change is one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing humanity in the 21st
century. It has rapidly evolved from a scientific concern to a global crisis that transcends
boundaries, impacting every corner of our planet and posing profound risks to both natural
ecosystems and human societies.

The consequences of climate change are far-reaching, affecting virtually every aspect of our
lives, from the food we eat to the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the stability of our
economies. Rising global temperatures have led to more frequent and severe heatwaves, melting
polar ice caps, and the disruption of established climate patterns, causing a cascade of impacts.
These effects include altered precipitation patterns, more intense storms, sea-level rise, and the
extinction of numerous plant and animal species. Additionally, climate change has direct and
indirect consequences for human health, livelihoods, and well-being, exacerbating existing
inequalities and vulnerabilities.

General objective

 Know the climate change causes

Specific objectives

 Identify the effects of climate change on development.

 Characterize that’s effects on development.
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Climate change and its effects on development

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may
be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change,
primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) increasing heat-trapping
greenhouse gas levels in the earth´s atmosphere (Ravindranath, 2002).

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions from human activity act like a blanket wrapped around the
earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures. Examples of greenhouse gas emissions
that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane.

At its core, climate change refers to long-term alterations in Earth's average weather patterns,
including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather extremes. These changes are primarily
driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere (FERREIRA, 2020).

Causes of climate change

According to (FERREIRA, 2020), climate change is caused by the release of contributes to
global warming through carbon dioxide ‘greenhouse’ gases into the atmosphere. These gases
accumulate in the atmosphere, which result global emissions. The changes in global climate
related parameters such as temperature, precipitation, soil moisture and sea reaching the earth,
they block the transmission of heat level. However, the reliability of the predictions on climate
(infra-red radiation) trying to escape from the atmosphere, change is uncertain. There are no hard
facts about what will definitely be the result of increases in the concentration of greenhouse
gases within the atmosphere and no firm timescales are known.

It is clear that human interventions are largely causing these changes in the global and local
climate systems in local climate systems. Emissions of greenhouse gases due to human activities
continue to alter the atmosphere. Higher concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon
dioxide and methane, warm the earth´s surface.

About three -quarters of the human emissions of carbon dioxide are due to fossil fuel burning,
the rest is due to land use change, especially deforestation. More than haf of the increase in
methane emissions is caused by human activities, such as use of fossil fuels, cattle, rice
agriculture and landfills (Ravindranath,2002).
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Effects of climate change

According to (Ravindranath, 2002), warmer temperatures over time are changing weather
patterns and disrupting the usual balance of nature, posing many risks to human beings and all
other forms of life on Earth.
Climate change has significant and wide-ranging effects on development across the world. These
effects are complex, multifaceted, and impact various sectors and aspects of human life. Here are
some key ways in which climate change affects development:

Food Security and Agriculture

Climate change leads to increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more extreme
weather events. These changes can disrupt crop and livestock production, leading to food
shortages and price spikes. Developing countries, which often rely heavily on agriculture, are
particularly vulnerable.

Water Scarcity
Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to water scarcity, affecting not only drinking water
supplies but also agricultural irrigation and industrial processes. This can lead to conflicts over
water resources and hinder economic development.

Health Impacts
Climate change can exacerbate the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and cholera.
Rising temperatures can also lead to heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable populations in developing
countries may lack access to healthcare and resources to adapt to these challenges.

Natural Disasters
The frequency and intensity of natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are
increasing due to climate change. These events can devastate communities, destroy
infrastructure, and disrupt economic activities, often disproportionately affecting developing
regions.

Sea-Level Rise
Rising sea levels are a direct result of climate change, and they pose a significant threat to coastal
communities in developing countries. Many of these regions are densely populated and have
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limited resources to adapt to sea-level rise, which can lead to forced migration and loss of
livelihoods.

Economic Impacts
Climate change can have a direct impact on economic development by damaging infrastructure,
reducing agricultural productivity, and increasing healthcare costs. It can also lead to increased
insurance premiums and decreased investment in affected regions.

Displacement and Migration

As climate change impacts intensify, people in vulnerable areas may be forced to migrate due to
loss of livelihoods, property damage, or the inability to access basic resources like water and
food. This can lead to both internal and cross-border displacement, creating complex challenges
for governments and societies.

Ecosystem Degradation
Climate change can disrupt ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the services they provide,
such as pollination and water purification. Loss of ecosystem services can harm agriculture,
fisheries, and tourism industries, which are often vital for developing economies.

Infrastructure Vulnerability
Developing countries may lack the resources to build resilient infrastructure that can withstand
the impacts of climate change. This vulnerability can result in frequent and severe infrastructure
damage during extreme weather events.

Social Inequities
Climate change often exacerbates existing social inequalities. Vulnerable and marginalized
communities in developing countries are disproportionately affected, as they have fewer
resources to adapt and recover from climate-related shocks.

Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are essential for sustainable development.
International cooperation, financial support for vulnerable countries, and the development of
climate-resilient infrastructure are crucial components of addressing the challenges posed by
climate change and promoting sustainable development worldwide (Ravindranath, 2002).
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Conclusion
In conclusion, climate change represents a multifaceted and interconnected and challenge that
threatens the progress of human development on a global scale. Mitigating its effects and
building resilience are imperative for sustainable development. This requires concerted efforts,
international cooperation, and proactive policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to
changing conditions, and promote equitable, sustainable development practices for the benefit of
current and future generations.
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References
FERREIRA, Patrícia Magalhães, Development and Climate Change: impacts and
(un)sustainability, Fundação Fé e Cooperação, Guine-Bissau, 2020.

Ravindranath, N.H., Sathaye, J.A. (2002). Climate Change and Developing Countries. In:
Climate Change and Developing Countries. Advances in Global Change Research, vol 11.
Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47980-X_9

https://www.2030orbust.org/climate-change/