Environmental Science: Global Warming

Definition and Causes

• Global warming refers to the long-term trend of rising average global temperatures, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere.
• The main cause of global warming is the increasing levels of CO2, which account for about 65% of the warming attributable to all greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Effect

• The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2, trap heat from the sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life.
• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, leading to an enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect and an increase in global temperatures.

Effects of Global Warming

• Rising global temperatures:
  • Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
  • Sea-level rise
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
• Consequences:
  • More frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods
  • Loss of biodiversity and extinction of species
  • Negative impacts on human health, food security, and economic development

Evidence of Global Warming

• Temperature records:
  • Global average temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s
  • 20th century was the warmest century in the past 1,000 years
• Shrinking ice sheets and glaciers
• Glacier retreat
• Increase in sea level
• Shift in seasons and weather patterns

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
  • Transition to renewable energy sources
  • Increase energy efficiency
  • Electrify transportation
  • Carbon capture and storage
• Adapt to the changing climate:
  • Develop climate-resilient infrastructure
  • Implement early warning systems for extreme weather events
  • Promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices
  • Support climate change research and development

Global Warming

• Rising average global temperatures primarily caused by human activities releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere
• CO2 accounts for about 65% of the warming attributable to all greenhouse gases
• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes, increase greenhouse gas concentrations, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect and global temperatures

The Greenhouse Effect

• Natural process where gases like CO2 trap heat from the sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life
• Human activities amplify the natural greenhouse effect, leading to increased global temperatures

Effects of Global Warming

• Rising global temperatures cause:
  • Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
  • Sea-level rise
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
• Consequences:
  • More frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods
  • Loss of biodiversity and extinction of species
  • Negative impacts on human health, food security, and economic development

Evidence of Global Warming

• Temperature records show:
  • Global average temperature rise of about 1°C since the late 1800s
  • 20th century was the warmest in the past 1,000 years
• Other evidence includes:
  • Shrinking ice sheets and glaciers
  • Glacier retreat
  • Increase in sea level
  • Shift in seasons and weather patterns

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources
  • Increasing energy efficiency
  • Electrifying transportation
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage
• Adapt to the changing climate by:
  • Developing climate-resilient infrastructure
  • Implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices
  • Supporting climate change research and development

GNH (Gross National Happiness)

Definition and Origin

• GNH measures a country's success and prosperity, focusing on citizens' well-being and happiness.
• Concept developed by Bhutan's 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1970s.

Key Principles

• Balanced economic development with social and environmental considerations.
• Prioritize happiness and well-being alongside economic growth.

Components

• Psychological well-being
• Physical health
• Time use
• Cultural diversity
• Good governance
• Community vitality
• Ecological diversity and resilience
• Living standards

Indicators

• 33 indicators used to measure GNH, including:
  • Life satisfaction
  • Psychological distress
  • Literacy rate
  • Unemployment rate
  • Access to healthcare
  • Air and water quality
  • Forest cover
  • Corruption perception

Implementation

• Bhutan has implemented GNH in development policies since the 1970s.
• Other countries, such as Canada and Ecuador, have adopted similar approaches.

Criticisms and Limitations

• Difficult to quantify and measure happiness and well-being.
• Critics argue that GNH prioritizes individual happiness over economic growth.
• Limited international comparability due to varying cultural and economic contexts.