Grade: VII
Case Study: Climate Change Across Regions – Causes, Consequences, and Economic Effects
Climate change is a global phenomenon with region-specific causes, consequences, and impacts on
national economies. Its effects vary based on geography, economic development, and adaptive
capacity. This case study explores how climate change manifests in four diverse regions: SubSaharan Africa, South Asia, the Arctic, and Southern Europe.
1. Sub-Saharan Africa
Causes:
 Although contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Sub-Saharan Africa is
significantly affected by emissions from industrialized nations.
 Deforestation for fuel and agriculture contributes to local environmental degradation.
Consequences:
 Increased frequency of droughts and desertification.
 Crop failures due to unpredictable rainfall patterns.
 Water scarcity and food insecurity.
Economic Impact:
 Reduced agricultural productivity affects livelihoods in predominantly agrarian economies.
 Rising costs of food imports and humanitarian aid strain national budgets.
 Outmigration from rural to urban areas increases urban poverty and unemployment.
2. South Asia (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
Causes:
 Rapid urbanization and industrialization.
 High reliance on coal for energy.
 Poor environmental regulations.
Consequences:
 Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas and delta regions.
 Intense heatwaves and floods damage infrastructure and agriculture.
 Increased health problems due to air and water pollution.
Economic Impact:
 Flood damages result in billions of dollars in reconstruction costs.
 Loss of agricultural output impacts food security and trade balance.
 Climate-related disasters reduce GDP growth rates.
3. The Arctic (e.g., Greenland, Northern Canada, Siberia)
Causes:
 Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions from other parts of the world.
 Localized fossil fuel extraction.
Consequences:
 Accelerated ice melt and rising sea levels.
 Thawing permafrost releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
 Disruption of indigenous livelihoods and ecosystems.
Economic Impact:
 Loss of habitat affects local economies dependent on fishing and tourism.
 New shipping routes may open, but pose environmental risks.
 Increased costs for building and maintaining infrastructure in thawing regions.
4. Southern Europe (e.g., Spain, Italy, Greece)
Causes:
 Dependence on fossil fuels and high energy consumption.
 Deforestation and unsustainable agriculture practices.
Consequences:
 Increased frequency of wildfires and prolonged droughts.
 Decreased freshwater availability and crop yields.
 Rising temperatures and heat-related illnesses.
Economic Impact:
 Tourism, a key sector, is threatened by extreme weather and wildfires.
 Agriculture suffers due to water scarcity, affecting exports.
 Public health systems face higher burdens during heatwaves.
Analytical Questions:
1. In what ways can international cooperation be strengthened to support regions like SubSaharan Africa that suffer the most but contribute the least to global emissions?
2. Should developed countries be held more accountable for global climate change? Justify
your response with ethical and economic arguments.
3. To what extent can technology and innovation offset the economic costs of climate change
in vulnerable regions?
4. What role does political stability play in a country's ability to implement climate
adaptation strategies?
5. Can shifting to renewable energy sources mitigate climate change without negatively
impacting economic growth? Explain with examples.