Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a consequence of rising global temperatures?
What is a consequence of rising global temperatures?
What is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
What is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
What is an evidence of global warming?
What is an evidence of global warming?
What is a result of changes in precipitation patterns?
What is a result of changes in precipitation patterns?
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What is an adaptation strategy for climate change?
What is an adaptation strategy for climate change?
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Who developed the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
Who developed the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
Which of the following is NOT a component of Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
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Which of the following is a criticism of Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
Which of the following is a criticism of Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
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What is one of the indicators used to measure Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
What is one of the indicators used to measure Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
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Which country, besides Bhutan, has implemented a similar approach to Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
Which country, besides Bhutan, has implemented a similar approach to Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Learn about global warming, its definition, causes, and the greenhouse effect. Understand the role of human activities and greenhouse gases in climate change.
