We Should Stop the Different Precursors of Climate Change

Climate Change, Pollution, and Natural Resource Depletion

Climate change is an incredibly controversial topic that has divided our country. While some see it as a natural occurrence and others see it as a man made catastrophe, the fact is simple that the world climate is changing. Climate change is and will always be man made and there are very few things we can do now to stop it.

Pollution is changing the world’s air quality every day and is becoming an issue on every political debate. Natural resource depletion is also an environmental issue that is becoming very important for politicians around the world. Each of these topics is becoming more and more relevant each day and rightfully so. While some people may see these as issues to put on the backburner, the truth is easy that the world is having environmental problems that need long term solutions.

“Nobody really knows if it [climate change] is real,” President Donald J. Trump made this statement on December 11, 2016, before he had taken office. This is untrue as according to a New York Times survey, over 97% of scientists agreed that climate change was mostly if not all man made. The average global temperature has grown about 2 degrees since 1900. This is due in part to CO2 emissions, among other things like greenhouse gasses.

The Climate Reality Project, founded by Al Gore is a non profit organization that really wants to get information out to anyone and everyone. “Informing the world of the dangers of climate change” (Gore). Al Gore has worked tirelessly to bring change and has done this very well since 2005. Gore and the Climate Reality Project are making climate change a very important issue with the people of America.

The Paris Agreement, an agreement which is trying to bridge the gap between today’s policies and climate-neutrality before the end of the century (2100). The four main goals of the Paris Agreement were created to help win the fight against global warming. These goals are to one, a long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

The second is to aim to limit the increase to 1.5°C, since this would significantly reduce risks and the impacts of climate change. Third, on the need for global emissions to peak as soon as possible, recognising that this will take longer for developing countries. Lastly, to undertake rapid reductions thereafter in accordance with the best available science. 194 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, and 123 countries have ratified it. This is really good progress for the Paris Agreement.

Right now the more developed countries have a lot of the load on them, according to the European Union’s website, “The EU and other developed countries will continue to support climate action to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change impacts in developing countries. Other countries are encouraged to provide or continue to provide such support voluntarily.” This is putting a huge burden on more developed countries to help get less developed countries over the hump. More developed countries are tasked with the obligation of giving financial aid and other support to the less developed countries to help them help fight climate change.

Now that Donald J. Trump has taken office for the position of president of the United States of America, former President Barack Obama’s efforts to piece together a truly well thought out way to limit global warming in the United States of America.

Realizing early on that there was little he could accomplish through legislation while Republicans held both houses of Congress, Obama pieced together a large number of initiatives to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, largely through regulation. This means President Trump can just as easily put in regulations to stop enforcing president Obama’s regulations.

The Clean Power Plan, which seeks to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, primarily coal-fired units, is starting the fight against pollution. The plan leaves it up to states to decide exactly how they will cut emissions from plants by 32 percent by 2030. President Trump, however, has pledged to one hundred percent stop and repeal the Clean Power Plan. This could have monstrous effects on the world’s pollution, as the United States of America is one of the highest producers of pollution.

Pollution is possibly the biggest problem in less developed countries. These countries are not big players in the world economy and do not have an excess of commerce to address pollution issues. Countries like China and India, which have industrialized to a great extent are emitting a crazy ton of pollution into the air and it is halting the growth of a lot of clean air projects headed by the likes of the United Nations and the European Union.

These supranational organizations are creating these plans to help out the less developed countries have a way of dealing with pollution and air quality problems. “Today we’re dumping 70 million tons of global-warming pollution into the environment, and tomorrow we will dump more, and there is no effective worldwide response. Until we start sharply reducing global-warming pollution, I will feel that I have failed.” This quote by Al Gore sums up the problem with global warming and pollution in a nutshell.

Pollution is mentioned in 4 of the United Nations global issues, and remains an active duty of all more developed countries. Pollution does a lot to this world. Pollution may muddy landscapes, poison soils and waterways, or kill plants and animals. Humans are also regularly harmed by pollution. For example, long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and other diseases. Toxic chemicals that accumulate in top predators can make some species unsafe to eat. Over one billion people lack access to clean water and 2.4 billion do not have adequate sanitation, putting them at risk of contracting deadly diseases.

Natural resource depletion is a very simple topic. People are using the natural resources more than they can be replenished. This is causing people to wonder and assume that natural resources will one day run out completely. This is why the need for a renewable energy source is higher than ever. The way we’re living, we are already using two or three times more of the Earth’s natural resources than what is sustainable. If we do not act now, we will see the consequences of depletion of natural resources and it’s not going to be pretty. A desolate, dry Earth is not a fun place to live.

There are three big natural resources that are running out as we speak. The first is water, which is one of the basic needs for survival. The reasons for this are increased irrigation, increased use in agriculture, roads and infrastructure prevent water seepage in the soil, and rising temperatures. The consequences of not having enough water could be brutal. These may include a drinking water shortage, food shortage, and famine.

The second is oil. The cause of the depletion of oil are the industrial boom, an increased population, and wastage. The consequences of the depletion of oil could include less transportation, much smaller economies, and higher prices. Lastly, the third big natural resource that could cause massive consequences is forests, or lumber. T

he causes of this include urbanization, Illegal logging, agriculture, and subsistence farming. The consequences of the loss of forests and deforestation are soil erosion, global warming caused by the rise of greenhouse gases, extinction of species and loss of biodiversity, as well as flooding and drought. These resources are life sustaining and are needed for the prosperity of humans.

The easiest and fastest way to stop or limit climate change is to simply stop emitting as many greenhouse gasses. The easiest way to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions is simply to buy less stuff. Whether by forgoing an automobile or employing a reusable grocery sack, cutting back on consumption results in fewer fossil fuels being burned to extract, produce and ship products around the globe.

Think green when making purchases. For instance, if you are in the market for a new car, buy one that will last the longest and have the least impact on the environment. Thus, a used vehicle with a hybrid engine offers superior fuel efficiency over the long haul while saving the environmental impact of new car manufacture. Climate change is a horrible catastrophe that needs to be stopped.

Natural resource depletion, as well as pollution can mostly be stopped by thinking before acting. You can commute smart by walking or riding to work or the shops instead of driving. Motor vehicle emissions remain the most significant source of most common air pollutants. That is only one way, there are many ways that you can and should help stop pollution. Natural resource depletion can be solved by finding a cleaner renewable energy source, like solar.

These can avoid oil depletion and the stopping of deforestation can drastically improve the climate, air quality, and the overall usefulness of our natural resources. Better management of resources could help protect against many environmental problems, such as shrinking forests, disappearing lakes and rivers, empty seas, and overgrazed pastures, together with their aftermath of poverty, conflict and hostilities.

Works Cited

  • “Consequences of Depletion of Natural Resources.” The World Counts. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2017.
  • “European Climate Change Programme.” Climate Action – European Commission. European Union, 23 Nov. 2016. Web. 14 Feb. 2017.
  • “Pollution Problems & Practical Solutions.” Pollution Problems & Practical Solutions | Environmental Protection Department. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2017.
  • “Radical Solution Could Avoid Depletion of Natural Resources.” Phys.org – News and Articles on Science and Technology. Science X Network, 5 Apr. 2016. Web. 14 Feb. 2017.
  • “Sustainable Development Goals: 17 Goals to Transform Our World.” United Nations. United Nations, n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2017.

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Climate Change And Its Impacts On Public Health

Table of contents

A healthy environment is equivalent to a healthy community. A healthy environment does not only encompass clean air, water and other resources but also it involves the environmental awareness that the communities have in regards to environmental knowledge and resources. When the communities have been equipped with sufficient knowledge and resources they will be able to adapt to climate and environmental changes. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the impacts of climate change on public health.

Background

Climate change has greatly impacted on the public health. A study done in 2014 by the National Climate Assessment indicated that climate change as a big challenge to the health of people and their well-being. In the modern world, effects of climate change on the public health are being experienced and this includes malnutrition due to lack of adequate food, heat-related diseases, water-borne and air-borne diseases and other issues.

Furthermore, climate change has resulted in many weather disasters such as drought, tornados or ocean waves on the mainland, insect-related infections and low quality of air (APHA. 2015). These issues affect almost every human being in one or another. In the United Sates, climate change is a threat to national health and thus, a need of a comprehensive approach in finding solutions to the problem (APHA. 2015). Scientists and climatologists indicate the earth is warming at a rapid rate and this has resulted in climate change.

Therefore, coming up with measures will help in preventing injuries, saving lives and saving of millions for future health care costs. One of the studies carried out by some scientists showed that 14 billion dollars is the cost of premature deaths and diseases that are related to climate change impacts including pollution, flooding, heat waves, hurricanes, mosquito-borne diseases and wildfires.

For example, San Francisco is expected to have almost 40 extreme heat events per year by 2030 and more than 1000 yearly by 2100 (APHA. 2015). The most individuals that will be affected are the vulnerable in the society such as the elderly, children and the homeless. In response to such forecast, San Francisco Climate and Health Program started its heat vulnerability index to analyze the neighborhoods that will be affected by the extreme heat (APHA. 2015). The index is currently being utilized in many adaptation efforts to mitigate the problem. In summary, impacts of climate change on health is a reality that have increased many of the risks experienced in health care (APHA. 2015).

Problem Statement

Climate change has affected the well-being of individuals as well as their health. As much as the world is more concentrated on the impacts of climate change on the environment, it is also important to look at the ways the public health has been affected by this problem. Furthermore, the health of individuals depends on their surroundings.

Health Risks due to Climate Change

Climate change results in warmer temperatures and high rainfall that lead to vector-borne illness
Increase in heat-related diseases like heat stroke and dehydration

Climate change increases the frequency of natural disasters that include, landslides, heat waves, wildfires, floods and hurricanes that might result to deaths, injuries and diseases.

Displacement of vulnerable population such as the elderly and homeless

Flooding and heavy rains may affect local sewage and drainage systems leading to contamination of drinking water and this may result in water-borne diseases.

Solutions

In solving the climate change risks on public care, the government officials and administrators should develop adaptation and mitigation measures. Such measures will be used to protect the community and the vulnerable populations (Levy, & Patz, 2015).

National climate change policies should be developed by the officials and administrators to deal with this situation. For instance, the U.S. experiences hurricanes and tornados now and then due to the climate change. Therefore, the implementation of these preventive health impact and adaptation policies will guide the different government stakeholders and communities.

Further, the government should enhance its research efforts on health and climate changes to help in coming up with a framework to solve the existing effects of the issue. For example, in 2010, different government agencies in the country and the US National Institute of Health established eleven main areas of health-related research.

These areas were reduced to four classified sections including susceptibility, vulnerability and refugee populations; public health and medical services; required technology and ability; and last publicity and education. Such dimensions are necessary as they help in the government to recognize the areas that need immediate intervention (Peterson, 2014). Last, the government should develop indicators to tack any changes in the environment and how such changes impact on the people.

Impact on the Health Care Delivery System

Climate change affects the health care delivery system in various ways. First, it directly affects it through the disasters that occur. For example, Hurricane Sandy affected the Bellevue Hospital and New York Langone Medical Center and people had to be evacuated (Skoll World Forum. 2013.

Such incidents delays care to the affected and also limits the resources as there is destruction such as during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans (Skoll World Forum. 2013. Thus, healthcare facilities need to have mechanisms to respond to climate changes. Also, health care system is affected as there is increase of number of patients due to the impacts of climate changes such as diseases, injuries and deaths.

Conclusion

Public health has faced challenges due to climate change. The climate change affects the conditions of the environment and results in other problems such as warmer temperatures, heavy rainfall and floods. Such problems can be solved by increasing the research efforts, developing policies and establishing indicators. The health care delivery system is affected through increase of patients, decrease of resources and facilities.

References

  • APHA. (2015, March). ADAPTATION IN ACTION: Grantee Success Stories from CDC’s Climate and Health Program. Retrieved from https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/climate-change
  • Levy, B., & Patz, J. (2015). Climate Change, Human Rights, and Social Justice. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214999615012242
  • Peterson, J. (2014). Health Care Facilities Resilient to Climate Change Impacts. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276665/
  • Skoll World Forum. (2013, April 8). What does Climate Change Have to Do With Health Care? Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/skollworldforum/2013/04/07/what-does-climate-change-have-to-do-with-health-care/#571b89607915

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Test practice

True/False On the line provided, Indicate whether each statement Is true (T) or false (F 1 . The grassland boom Is characterized by a prolonged dry season. T 2. The taiga boom is found in North America, Asia, and Africa. F_ 3. In the desert boom, the rate of precipitation exceeds the rate of evaporation. F 4. The taiga and a plant cell are both examples of closed systems. 5. If the climate changes, the species that are best adapted to the new conditions are most likely to survive. Matching Match each description In column A with the correct boom In column B.

Write the letter for the boom on the line beside the description. There will be one boom left 6. This boom has four distinct seasons. Precipitation is evenly F distributed throughout the year, and droughts are uncommon. 7. The winters in this boom are long and can last six to nine months. The summers are short and cool. There is less than 25 CM of precipitation per year. E 8. The ground in this boom completely thaws In the summer. The winters are long and cold. Precipitation averages from 35 to 100 CM per year. The dominant tree-types are conifers. D 9.

This boom receives less than 25 CM of precipitation per year. Evaporation exceeds precipitation. Daytime temperatures are normally very hot. C 10. Rain falls in this boom nearly every day. Temperatures vary little from month to month. A B tropical rain forest (b) grassland (c) desert (d) taiga (northern boreal forest) tundra (f) temperate deciduous forest Fill In the Blanks Complete each sentence with the correct term. Earth’s 11. Around the Sun. Changes from 22. 30 to 24. 50 to the plane of its orbit 12. Earth’s biological history includes many examples of _mass extinctions out. Ring which many of the world’s species were wiped 13. In a tropical rain forest, only about 2 percent of the sunlight that falls on the Reese of the reaches the forest floor. 14. Vultures, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and the Gila monster are animals found in the Desert 15. Biomass boom of southwest United States. Is the mass of living or once living material per unit area. Multiple Choice Circle the letter for the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 16. Which two factors determine the climate of a region?

B (a) temperature and humidity (b) temperature and precipitation (c) precipitation and humidity (d) altitude and precipitation 17. The temperature at which water vapor in the atmosphere begins to change room a gas C too liquid is called the humidity relative humidity (c) dew point (d) condensation point 18. Chinook winds in winter can result in the death of many trees in southern Alberta. Which statement best explains why this happens? A (a) Chinook winds lower the humidity in the air, which dries out the trees. (b) Chinook winds raise the humidity in the air, which dries out the trees. C) Chinook winds lower the dew point, which dries out the trees. (d) Chinook winds raise the dew point, which dries out the trees. Heavy A winter snowfalls. (a) The pyramid shape helps to shed snow. B) The “cones” that this tree produces ensure its reproductive success. (c) shallow root system absorbs limited precipitation. (d) This tree loses its leaves every fall. The 20. The American pick is a small mammal that resembles a Guiana pig. It spends much of the summer storing grass and other plant matter in underground nests. It eats this stored food during the long winter.

This is an example of (a) a physiological adaptation (b) a structural adaptation C(c) a behavioral adaptation (d) a climate-specific adaptation 21. This climatologist most likely describes a location in the B (a) desert boom under boom (c) grassland boom (d) temperate deciduous forest boom 22. Which animal would likely be found in this boom? B (a) parrot (b) Pronghorn (c) lemming (d) bull snake 23. Paleontology’s is the study of B (a) current climatic conditions (b) past climate conditions (c) current plants and animals in the biosphere (d) past plants and animals in the biosphere 24.

Which of the following is not considered to be a natural cause of climate change? D (a) changing of Earth’s tilt with respect to the plane of its orbit around the Sun (b) chemical weathering and trapping of atmospheric carbon dioxide in rocks such as limestone (c) catastrophic events, such as volcanoes and meteor impacts (d) combustion of fossil fuels to generate electrical energy 25. Which letter on the following climatologist represents the average monthly 26. Which of the following statements are examples of climate? L. Of rain! II. Once again, it’s a cold winter.

We had 3 mm of rain last night. ‘V. Spring always seems to come about this time of year. C I and II II and Ill II and IV Ill and IV 27. The non-living components of the biosphere are: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere hydrosphere, chromospheres and atmosphere theosophist, crust, hydrosphere, atmosphere lithosphere, hydrosphere, troposphere, climate 28. Weather occurs in which layer of the atmosphere? A troposphere mesosphere stratosphere troposphere Not another day Ill. A) b) c) d) 29. Which of the following statements is an example of scientific evidence of climate change? A l.

The growing season seems longer now. II. There are fewer elk now than there were 20 years ago. Ill. Snow cover has increased by 4% over the past 10 years. ‘V. The average global surface temperature has increased by 0. ICC in the last century a) land II b) I and IV ) II and Ill d) Ill and IV 30. In order with increasing altitude, Earth’s atmospheric layers are: B a) troposphere, mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere b) troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, troposphere c) troposphere, mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere d) mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, troposphere 31.

Which of the following factors would not influence the net radiation budget off boom? A) labeled b) longitude c) time of year 32. On average, which boom has the highest precipitation level and average temperature? C a) taiga b) grassland c) rain forest d) deciduous forest 16. Which of the following biomass is most important to the agricultural industry? C a) taiga b) tundra c) grassland 33. Two cities are located at the same latitude but in different regions of Earth. Which of the following factors could cause these cities to have different climates?

D a) the angle of inclination of Earth b) the number of hours of daylight c) the boom in which each city is located d) whether either city is situated close too large body of water 34. Which of the following greenhouse gases has the highest Global Warming Potential (GAP)? D a) CIFS b) methane c) nitrous oxide d) carbon dioxide 35. Which of the following removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere? A a) Earth’s oceans b) the ozone layer c) using public transit d) conserving electricity Numerical Response Record the answer to each numerical-response question as indicated.

If the answer includes a decimal place, include the decimal in the numerical-response box. If the answer is between O and 1 (e. G. 0. 45), be sure to record the O before the decimal place. 1. Earth can be organized into a number of components. Rank these components from smallest (most specific) to largest (most general). Record your four-digit number in the numerical-response box. . Ecosystems 2. Biosphere 3. Habitats 4. Biomass 3142 four-digit number in the numerical-response box. 1. 2. Replica rain forest 3. Grassland 4. Desert 5. Tundra taiga Use the following climatologist to answer questions 28, 29, and 30: 3. What is the total precipitation (in mm) that this boom receives in July? Record your two-digit number in the numerical-response box. 78 4. What is the average monthly temperature (in co below O) in February? Record your -15 5. Estimate and record the average monthly temperature (in co) in June and August. Record your two-digit number in the numerical-response box.

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Climate change and Solutions

Climate change is a concept that has generated much controversy in recent times, the many competing theories as to why climate change is occurring is no longer meaningful and we are now at a stage where unless serious measures are introduced to combat the causes of climate change human kind as a civilisation could be wiped out forever.

As a UCT student and a South African citizen I firmly believe that climate change has mainly been induced by the developed world, however, despite this fact, the responsibilities of combating global change do not primarily lie in the hands of the developed world. Successfully overcoming such a huge problem such as climate change requires the cooperation and willingness of the entire world. There comes a time where we have to accept responsibility for our actions. That time is now. It is not too late to correct the mistake we have made, however we need less talk and more action.

The policies of mitigation and adaption which traditionally have been the main two policies in combating climate change have proved to be limiting in their effectiveness (Parry, 2009:1-2). For example, achieving current mitigation targets will not prevent major environmental impacts, as in order for mitigation to have any effect in reducing global damage global emission cuts of 80 percent are necessary (Parry, 2009:1). According to Martin Parry the fundamental cause of climate change is unsustainable development, both in the past and the present (Parry, 2009:1).

Sustainable development is therefore pivotal in forming the fundamental prerequisites for combating climate change. Parry further goes on to emphasize the necessity for the implementation of a sustainable development strategy that ‘combines mitigation and adaptation in a whole package of other development strategies, including high levels of efficiency and equity in resource use, investment, governance and income growth’ in order to successfully and effectively confront climate change (Parry, 2009:8).

In response to the article published in the Mail and Guardian on the 10th September 2009; combating climate change will not necessarily stagnate or reduce development. Low carbon economies are effective in creating employment opportunities and bringing about the fundamental prerequisites that are essential for enticing development whilst limiting environmental damage (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62). Energy efficiency programmes are most effective in reducing emissions with little economic consequence which in a country such as South Africa is desperately needed in order to reduce carbon emissions with little effect on economic development (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62).

Other ways of reducing emissions as highlighted by Winkler and Marquard include the implementation of non-carbon and reduced carbon energy supplies in the form of hydroelectricity, natural gas and solar power (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62). However, changing development paths is a very challenging and time consuming process which can be bought about in various ways including; the imposition of carbon taxes, selective beneficiation and incentive programmes for energy-intensive industries (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62).

Climate change is a global problem that can only be solved through global cooperation and teamwork. The injustices of the past must be forgotten and both the developed and developing world must work together to ensure the immediate and drastic reduction in emissions. Combating global climate change is a long term process that requires extreme dedication and ruthless legislation that will ensure the full cooperation from countries the world over. Economic growth is not the priority anymore; mankind could potentially be on the brink of extinction unless drastic measures to combat climate change are implemented.

‘When the last tree is cut down, the last river poisoned, the last fish caught, then, only man will discover, that he cannot eat money’.

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Glacier Melt

This presents a significant dilemma to both the local populations that depend on seasonal melt eater from the glaciers, and to billions of people in adjacent plateaus whose rivers are directly fed from said glaciers. This also creates a difficult moral predicament for the industrialized countries that are largely to blame due to their high contribution of greenhouse gases. These mountain populations have had very little impact in comparison, yet they stand to suffer the most since they generally do not posses the resources to cope with such a major potential water shortage In their remote locations.

Thus, in principle, heavily industrialized economies will be responsible for telling a basic human right, freshwater, from these people. This paper will analyze in detail the extent of the damage the melting of these glaciers could have and the necessary response needed by the global community to address climate change. In particular, I will examine the potential effect the proliferation of Buddhism could have In addressing these problems on a global scale and in considering our own responsibility to the planet.

We find that through Buddhism a transformation could be made away from the modern consumerist culture, and a greater sense of obligation to the environment could be instilled, but to suggest that the religion is inherently the solution to our ecological crisis would be illegitimate. By 2000 there were more than 1. 1 billion people Inhabiting mountainous regions across the world, with approximately 90% of this population living In developing and translator countries that are vulnerable to food and water Insecurity.

For the purpose of this essay I will focus on the Himalayas and adjacent ranges, a primarily Buddhist area that is the most extensively inhabited range above mm in the worlds. A combination of poverty and remoteness make this region an already official place to live with poor medical support and available education systems. Cities and villages throughout the Himalayas depend heavily on their natural environment for their economies and livelihood. In particular Inhabitants of Nepal face widespread poverty with the World Bank estimating that 82. % of the population lives on less then $2 per day. The poverty index for rural areas that depend on subsistence agriculture is much lower than those in urban towns who benefit from tourism. A heavy dependence on these two sectors “make Napalm’s economy very sensitive to climate variability’2. Nevertheless freshwater has almost always been abundant In the past. The southeasterly monsoon system provides approximately While feeding the rivers, the monsoons also play a pivotal role in growing the glaciers as it falls as solid precipitation at higher elevations.

These glaciers become massive reservoirs of freshwater that then become integral in providing a perennial water source during the dry winter months. They also act to regulate the water runoff from the mountain to the plains during these periods, and are thus instrumental in securing agricultural productivity and the livelihoods for millions of peoples. Should climate change continue along its forecasted trend and widespread degeneration occur the consequences will be widespread. Rising temperatures will continue to result in snow melting earlier and faster in the spring shifting the timing and distribution of the runoff.

The projections show “a regression of the maximum stream-flow period in the annual cycle of approximately 30 days”2, with an increase in the glacial runoff during the shortened period of 33% to 38%2. This excessive melting will likely result in flash floods, and increase the unique risk of glacial lake outbursts in the region. Glacial lakes form at the lower altitude end of a glacier as it retreats in unstable mounds of deposited rock. If sudden floods occur there is a high risk of these natural dams collapsing resulting in excessive damaged.

The consequences will, however, not be limited to the mountain communities. Across the adjacent plateau hundreds of millions of people depend on major rivers such as the Ganges, Yawning, and Indus, which are all fed by these glaciers. During the dry season the “low flow contribution of Naples rivers to the Ganges could be as high as 70%”4. While in China, 23% of the population resides in the western regions where Alicia melt provides the principal dry season source or waters. Widespread degeneration will completely alter the hydrological characteristics of these rivers.

Complications will be diverse. Power shortages could become common due to the lack of hydro-generated electricity. There will be major health risks from disease and lack of water and food, and a completely altered ecosystem, as the changes in stream flow will change food chains from the basic insects and invertebrates pup. For many of these land-locked countries that are isolated in rugged terrain providing aid will be difficult and costly. Changes are needed now on the world stage to prevent such a situation from developing.

In dealing with our current ecological crisis, and in particular climate change, it is fundamental that we first address the problem from its root source. Anthropogenic climate change has occurred as a direct result of our burning of fossil fuels to promote the growth of a consumer based economy. Our consumption levels per capita, and especially in industrialized nations, are way above sustainable levels. We eat too much, we buy too much that we eventually throw into garbage landfills, and e use too much energy through a variety of manufacturing processes.

It is in this regard that an adoption of Buddhist principles would benefit the world. Buddha, originally known as Shattered Guatemala, personifies this ideal of limiting consumption. He was a prince who left home and rejected his material riches when he was 29 in search of true enlightenment. Buddhism views the western consumer- based economy and outlook as incorrect. Instead the religion states accumulation is actually a source of suffering”6. According to the latter two of the

Noble Truths, the best way for a person to escape their suffering is to free themselves from any attachment and desire for material and social status. Along with the four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold path, the teachings of Buddha often contain an element of the need to escape greed. In the realms of rebirth it is thought one can be born below a human as a Pretax, or hungry ghosts . These beings could be seen as those overcome with greed, and who can never satisfy their need to consume. Many echo-Buddhists would associate this thought to the state of consumerism that has grasped so much of the world.

Thus Buddhism is fundamentally opposite to the positive correlation associated between economic output and welfare as adopted in mainstream Western thought. One of the most difficult aspects in addressing the challenges climate change brings is generating a feeling of responsibility. In many monastic rules there is no offence if a person’s action was “unintentional, for one who lacks mindfulness”7. This is the case for much of the developed world. Many people go along with their daily lives without much thought to the consequences.

Burning fossil fuel seems innocuous, however there are major consequences. By living in this manner we become responsible for the degeneration and resulting effects. The main offence being that by unintentionally melting the glaciers we are depriving other people of a basic human right and necessity: access to clean freshwater. Buddhism excuses offences if performed through absentmindedness, such as using water with life forms to nourish plants. What is more important is the root of the deed, in this case being greed for a materialistic and comfortable life.

As the Threading monk explains, there are unintentional acts with damaging consequences that expose carelessness and lack of circumspection in areas where a person may reasonably be held responsible”7. We are not intentionally melting the glaciers and depriving people of a basic human right, it is an unintentional byproduct of our industrial activity. However the lack of awareness and mindfulness shown by industrialized economies puts us at fault, and provides us with a responsibility to change and aid those we have harmed.

Particularly in this age when so many of the are widely broadcasted to the public, living the same style of lives becomes inexcusable. We are no longer mindless but instead bystanders. It is in this field that Buddhist thought is important to instill a sense of wrongdoing and thus responsibility in the public. Buddhist texts often depict how our morality influences the state of the environment, and that humans cannot ignore the affect of their actions. The Goanna Status gives a depiction of the initial development of life, with divine beings falling from their prior state.

These beings over consume from their environment and become lazy in a very similar manner to humans. They learn to value possession and the beautiful beings become conceited and arrogant. They consume more and more from the earth making their environment less fruitful. They are not intentionally harming the earth but their actions brought upon by greed and laziness brings them suffering. Other annoyed. Often as a reaction the stars will “go wrong in their course” and the wind will “blow wrong, out of season”7. In light of climate change this view has backing.

Many Buddhists believe that the world has seen a “gradual decline in morality and spirituality’7. Whilst this does not address the problem directly it does examine that the root of the crisis is from our moral orientation. So often societies are fixated on the ideology of progress through economic developments. This entails a promotion of consumerism and in turn production, which puts a strain on the environment. Society encourages the idea that those who are able to consume at the highest material value are deemed to have achieved success.

In particular Buddhism would condone this view and the morals people adopt to achieve this material wealth. Buddha himself states that it is only by “the destruction of these, the not lusting for these, it is by the cessation of, the giving up of, the utter surrender of these things hat the heart is called fully freed”3. A change in morals and outlook away from economic growth towards a principle such as Gross National Happiness as adopted in Bhutan would arguably put less emphasis on sheer production and less strain on the natural world.

Along with its condemnation of consumerism, and approach to responsibility and moral code, a fundamental component of Buddhism that can aid the world in reforming its practices is its ideal of interdependence. We have made the mistake of separating from each other, and most importantly from the natural world that sustain us. As Stephen Batcher puts it “we fail to recognize them for what they are: part of us as we are of them”7. Throughout Buddhist texts there is a constant theme of this relationship. At the physical level there is the idea that we all survive through an exchange of the four basic elements: earth, fire, water, and air.

Thus promoting respect for the components we depend on. On the spiritual level it is believed that through the “process of taking birth, one is kin to all wild and domestic animals, birds, and beings born of the womb”l . Buddhism shows a greater level of appreciation for all that is Samara and the importance of the connection between all living things. This is exemplified in the Wadded Stark in which the danger of disrupting the natural order of an ecosystem is embodied. The Jungle cats over consumed and brought an imbalance to the ecosystem, which was subsequently corrected by the trees .

However humans then cut down the trees without a full understanding of the implications. This is a valuable lesson and principle to be adopted. It emphasizes how important it is to recognize our dependence on the environment and how removing or altering one component can bring the entire yester out of harmony. We see this in the relationship with carbon dioxide concentrations and the diverse implications including the melting glaciers. A greater appreciation for the connection between humans and the earth’s systems would theoretically lead to more responsible stewardship of our resources and for other life.

Theoretically a society that embraced Buddhism in its’ reformation of social and economic institutions and beliefs would “greatly reduce the drivers that currently religion is the answer is simply the easy way out that would avoid direct confrontation with the problems we have created. Buddha middle path is a good starting place for the changes needed too address the roots of climate change, however there are components of the ideology that would hamper progress and environmental action. Fundamentally, Buddhism “Nirvana teleology’8 makes major environmental concern seem pointless.

If the focus for a Buddhist is to achieve enlightenment and be liberated from Samara then it is possible that there will be an absence of concern for tit. This impermanence could “render the world devoid of sustainability’8 and leave us carefree from the challenges we face such as dealing with degeneration. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, one of the central principles of Buddhism is to free oneself from attachment. This largely applies to material wealth but would not be beneficial when we are in need of greater attachment to the natural world.

This attachment cannot Just be to the financial value of resources, but to entire ecosystems and all beings even if they don’t directly benefit us. Throughout Buddhism ideologies arise pertaining to our interconnectedness and responsibility to nature, but the religion is more concerned with its instrumental value rather than purely its intrinsic . Nature is often thought of as a tool and the best setting for one to attain enlightenment. Many of the religion’s most famous figures have searched for enlightenment in nature’s most spectacular locations, such as Para Tasting in Bhutan.

Conversely our view of nature as an instrument from which to benefit from is arguably a primary source for our current situation. Therefore one cannot claim Buddhism is inherently echo-friendly. The disappearance of Himalayan glaciers is one of a number of serious issues threatening our planet as a direct result of anthropogenic climate change. The science has become too irrefutable and the knowledge has been broadcasted so biblically that we have the moral obligation to reform our social and economic organizations.

As the Dalai Lama explains “human use, population, and technology have reached that certain stage where Mother Earth no longer accepts our presence with silence”7. In providing a solution, an adoption of Buddhist ethics would be beneficial in shaping our root beliefs towards a lack of attachment to material wealth, responsibility to the environment, and interconnectedness with all beings of this planet. However the principles of the religion are not enough since it places too much of an emphasis on detachment and pacifism.

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Warm Temperature and Migration of Crops

Ice free northwest passage for half the year, flooded cities in Asia (Bengal), raciness, severe drought affecting food production, emergence of new deserts, etc. 4. ) How are warmer temperatures affecting the migration of crops? Champagne region of France is becoming too warm for traditional champagne grapes, so they are starting to grow them in England, along with olive trees. 5. ) What is involved in the carbon footprint a common product such as a cheeseburger?

All the energy consumed to make up the component parts of the cheeseburger and the greenhouse gases produced as a result= the feedstock for cattle, growing lettuce, wheat for bun, milking the cattle, processing milk for cheese, ND processing cattle for meat, trucking (transporting) the various parts, keeping the meat cold, plus methane gas produced by the cattle 6. ) So, what is the carbon footprint off cheeseburger in the US? 200 million metric tones, more than all the Subs In the united States 7. How might an Increase of DC affect the planet? Rapid changes in the biosphere, especially marine life of the oceans, dying off of coral reefs, flooding of island states, melting of Grassland’s glaciers, etc. 8. ) What significant ocean system could break down that could magnify the warming effect? Carbon sink provided by tiny sea creatures that absorb carbon dioxide from which they build their shells, but warmer water changes Its coldly which dissolves their shells and prevents them from forming new ones.

This loss in turn will affect the marine life food change and loss of biodiversity. When the oceans can no longer absorb Carbon dioxide it will escape into the atmosphere adding to the levels of the atmosphere. 9. ) What Is a glacial Million and why are they so dangerous In terms of speeding up straight through to the bottom of the glacier creating a hydroplane on which huge asses of ice get propelled faster into the sea where it will melt and add its mass to ocean levels. 10. ) How much would the melted Greenland Ice field raise sea levels by? M which would flood London, Bangkok, New York Shanghai, etc. 1 1 . ) In what way is the melting of Arctic Ice such a concern and a potential “runaway train”? Lack of ice means more sunlight can be absorbed by the oceans which in means less heat is reflected back into space, creating even more heat and more melting… The warmer it gets the faster it gets warmer. 12. ) How much warmer does it eve to get before we are arguably at a “tipping” point of climate change? ICC 13. ) What major changes will a ICC warming cause for the planet?

Arctic is ice free all summer, Amazon rainforest’s dries out, snow caps on the Alps disappear, El Onion’s extreme weather becomes normal, heat waves would be the norm, temperatures in Europe would more like what is currently typical of the middle east, etc. 14. ) What was the first global warming disaster to affect a wealthy nation in 2003 and what was the impact? A heat wave across Europe that killed 30 000 people, over 14 000 of them in France over a period of a few weeks. On August 10th alone, 2500 to 3000 people died, mostly elderly. 15. What else happened during the 2003 headwater that was an indication of another unforeseen side affect of warming? Trees and other vegetation started to release carbon dioxide instead of being able to absorb it as photosynthesis broke down. 16. ) What ominous changes occurred in the Amazon river basin in 2005? Tributaries dried up, forest fires spread and killed large quantities of trees needed to produce rainfall, therefore making conditions drier. 17. ) What conditions are common to El Ion patterns and how might a ICC warmer limited be affected by them?

Trade winds and ocean currents move east instead of west across the Pacific bringing torrential rainstorms to South America and drought to Australia and Indonesia, with ICC warming this could mean even more energy to drive hurricanes whose fuel is warm ocean water. 18. ) What would the planet be like with a ICC average global warming? Delta areas, home to a billion people will be flooded, other areas will become deserts, west Antarctic ice would melt, major losses of fresh water such as the glacial source of the holy Ganges River in India. Compared to developed countries?

Developing countries like India, Indonesia, etc. Do not necessarily have the billions of dollars that would be needed to invest in hydrophilic dams like developed countries such as England has. 20. ) How many refugees might there be with warming of ICC? Ass’s of millions of climate refugees. 21 . ) What would the consequences of an average global warming of ICC be? There could be mass extinctions, ocean wastelands, massive desertification on land, a global catastrophe 22. ) What is ironic about our current global warming crisis due to the burning of fossil fuels, given the Earth’s past history?

The last major mass extinction occurred due to global warming, whereby the earth corrected its climate imbalance by the “killing” off of mass quantities of life that were then buried by eroded material. This corrected the abundance of CO levels in the atmosphere by “sinking” them. The irony is that we have extracted them now as our sources of fossil fuels, and are releasing that stored carbon into the atmosphere as we burn them for energy, creating a previous cycle that led to mass extinction. 23. ) What are some practical changes we must make in order to prevent warming of this scale?

Reducing the use of energy that uses fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases, use energy more efficiently, such as unplugging appliances to avoid wasted “vampire” energy draws, doubling fuel efficiency of vehicles, using solar power, wind power, tidal power, geothermal energy, etc. Starting now! 24. ) How much time do scientists believe we have to avoid going over the tipping point into accelerated global warming and climate change? As little as 10 years 25. ) Make a commitment: what 5 things can you commit to changing in your lifestyle to reduce your ecological footprint and cut down on energy consumption? Answers will vary. Discuss.

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Climate Change and Its Consequences

Climate change and its consequences have recently grown in importance on political agendasworldwide. CO2 emissions is one of the gases that has a dramatic impact on the environmentresulting in rising coastal flooding, reduction in water supplies and increase malnutrition(IEA, 2010).

In order to protect the environment for future generations, a global reduction inCO2 emissions is required along with reduced consumption of non-renewable energyresources. One major CO2 contributor is the transport sector, which is responsible for arounda quarter of EU greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second biggest greenhouse gasemittingsector after energy.

While emissions from other sectors are shrinking, those fromtransport have increased by 36% since 1990. As a consequence, the European Union has setmandatory emission reduction targets for passenger cars of 95g/km by 2020, which is areduction of 40% compared to 2007. Automobile manufacturers that fail to comply facedrastic fines.

In order to reach these targets and prevent penalty payments for excessemissions, innovative propulsion systems have gained increasing attention. Vehicles withelectric propulsion are considered as a promising alternative on the pathway towards lowemissionvehicles that could enable the transport sector to reduce emissions significantly.During the last few years, electric vehicles (EV) got more and more attention in national andEuropean policies and public awareness increased significantly.

While much effort has beenput in the research and development of e-mobility, less attention has been paid to consumers’acceptance (Yeh, 2007). The majority of consumers still consider EVs as disadvantageouscompared to traditional cars. However, without consumer acceptance there will be notechnological shift and long-term success of sustainable transport systems (Wiedmann et al.,2011).

Therefore, it is crucial to gain in-depth insights in consumers’ perception towards EVsthat affect preferences for and the adoption of alternative fuelled vehicles.

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