Crash Course World History: Climate Change and the Little Ice Age

John Green discusses the historical context of climate change, focusing on the Little Ice Age from the 13th to 19th centuries. He explains how cooler temperatures affected societies, leading to poor harvests, disease, and political unrest. The video highlights the correlation between climate and historical events, such as wars and migrations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding past climate changes to adapt to current and future challenges. The video concludes with a hopeful note on human innovation and adaptation.

What is the Little Ice Age?

• A fictional event in a popular animated movie

• A time of cooler temperatures from the 13th to 19th centuries

• A period of global warming in the 20th century

• A recent phenomenon caused by human activity

How did the Little Ice Age affect agriculture?

• It caused unpredictable harvests and food shortages

• It led to abundant harvests and food surplus

• It improved agricultural technology immediately

• It had no significant impact on farming

Which century is considered the worst during the Little Ice Age?

• The 16th century

• The 17th century

• The 14th century

• The 15th century

What was a common belief about the cause of bad weather in the 17th century?

• Alien invasions

• Technological failures

• Scientific explanations

• Human sinfulness

What term did the Chinese use to describe soldiers' bad behavior during the Little Ice Age?

• Binghuo

• Wushu

• Kungfu

• Tai Chi

How did the Little Ice Age contribute to the fall of the Ming Dynasty?

• It led to a drought that dried up the Grand Canal

• It caused a volcanic eruption that destroyed the capital

• It resulted in a plague that wiped out the population

• It triggered an earthquake that toppled the emperor's palace

What was one way people tried to cope with hunger during the Little Ice Age?

• Increasing the number of births

• Building more houses

• Postponing marriage

• Starting new businesses

What was a significant social change during the Little Ice Age?

• Increase in population growth

• Decline in political unrest

• Decrease in ethnic diversity

• Rise in households headed by women

How is the history of the Little Ice Age relevant today?

• It proves that technology cannot solve climate issues

• It demonstrates the potential for human adaptation

• It highlights the importance of ignoring environmental changes

• It shows that climate change is a new phenomenon

What is a hopeful takeaway from the Little Ice Age?

• There is no need for new technologies

• Climate change will not affect future generations

• Agricultural innovations can help us adapt

• Humans cannot adapt to climate changes