Climate Change: Socio-economic and Health Impacts

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the major economic impacts of the 2022 floods in Pakistan?

Increase in employment opportunities

Boost in agricultural production

Loss of cattle and livelihoods (correct)

Decrease in property damage

Which group is disproportionately affected by climate change, according to the socio-economic implications of the events discussed?

Middle-income families

Women and children (correct)

Urban populations

Wealthy individuals

What percentage of people may experience PTSD after extreme events like floods or hurricanes?

20-30% (correct)

30-40%

40-50%

10-15%

What type of climate change impacts are characterized as acute?

Discrete extreme events like hurricanes Signup and view all the answers

What health-related issue is exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather events?

Medical provision disruption Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the anxiety related to large-scale environmental problems and the uncertainty of climate change?

Eco-anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which coping mechanism involves directly confronting the stressors related to climate change?

Problem-focused coping Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'eco-grief' refer to?

Grief relating to ecological loss and environmental degradation Signup and view all the answers

What is Gidden’s Paradox about climate change?

Climate change is perceived as immediate until it becomes visible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of adaptation in response to climate change?

Making adjustments in lifestyle and practices to meet changes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'solastalgia'?

Loss of solace associated with environmental degradation in familiar places Signup and view all the answers

Which group is identified as experiencing a greater psychological impact from ecological degradation?

Indigenous populations and marginalized communities Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative effect of problem-focused coping?

It can lead to feelings of isolation from others. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the overwhelming sensation that the scale of climate change makes individual action seem pointless?

Eco-paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of young people reported feeling guilty about their environmental impact according to a survey?

80% Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of the energy transitions mentioned?

To transition to a no carbon economy Signup and view all the answers

What percentage decrease in emissions is targeted during the decarbonization phase?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Which province is noted as continuing investment in non-renewable sources despite the transition efforts?

Saskatchewan Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge associated with the growing use of electric vehicles?

High range and charging times Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the average wattage used per household in Canada?

12000kw Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is highlighted as a concern for impacted workers during energy transitions?

Energy poverty Signup and view all the answers

What significant financial investment is needed to support the electrification goals?

400 billion dollars Signup and view all the answers

What ecological restoration project in Indonesia faced challenges like sedimentation?

Mangrove restoration Signup and view all the answers

In response to Hurricane Sandy, what was the proposed plan known as?

The BIG U Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor affecting coastal regions concerning mangrove restoration?

Government support for aquaculture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Climate Change: Socio-economic Impacts

Extreme weather events (floods, heatwaves) are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.
The 2022 Pakistan floods impacted every province, killed 1,033 people, and affected 33 million.
Economic losses exceeded $10 billion, with significant damage to livelihoods, cattle, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Displaced populations face financial hardship and struggle to rebuild.
Social impacts include community disruption and displacement, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations (e.g., women, children, poor).
Inequity is highlighted by the fact that the 1% generate most GHGs, while the most vulnerable countries bear the brunt.
Remote and rural communities often receive less support.
Health impacts include medical disruptions, exacerbated health problems from flooding, and mental health concerns.

Climate Change: Health Impacts

Climate change significantly affects mental health, categorized as acute, sub-acute, and chronic.
Acute impacts are related to extreme events (floods, hurricanes) where PTSD is a common concern, with the severity tied to the extent of loss.
Sub-acute effects encompass prolonged events like heatwaves and drought, disproportionately impacting farmers (loss of crops, community, livelihood) and indigenous communities.
Chronic impacts concern ongoing changes such as species distribution shifts, engendering eco-anxiety, and eco-grief.
Coping mechanisms include problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused approaches, as well as social support.
Understanding the impacts of climate change on mental health is key for developing appropriate responses.

Climate Change: Responses - Mitigation

Mitigation involves decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing their removal, to keep warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The current emissions trajectory indicates a potential overshoot of the carbon budget by 2030.
Adaptation measures are adjustments for the expected effects of climate change.

Climate Change: Responses - Energy Transitions

Electricity decarbonization is a key aspect of energy transitions, involving a three-phase approach: electrification, grid expansion, and decarbonization.
Uneven distribution of non-emitting electricity across provinces poses challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Fuel switching and electrifying transportation (e.g., electric vehicles) presents challenges with affordability, range, charging infrastructure, and battery production.

Climate Change: Responses - Energy Transition Continued

Energy efficiency improvements through smart technologies (e.g., smart meters, LED bulbs) are crucial.
"Just transitions" must address the impact on workers in the fossil fuel industry, considering energy poverty and the need for retraining and support for vulnerable communities.

Climate Change: Responses - Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based solutions offer ecological resilience solutions, using natural systems to mitigate climate impacts.
Examples include mangrove restoration, though challenges like sedimentation and government incentives can hamper success.
Nature-based solutions for coastal resilience, such as integrated coastal plans and ecosystem restoration in cities, can offer significant benefits (e.g., NYC's Big U plan).

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Description

This quiz examines the socio-economic and health impacts of climate change, with a focus on extreme weather events and their consequences. It highlights the disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations, economic losses, and mental health challenges stemming from climate disruptions. Test your knowledge on how climate change affects both communities and individual well-being.