MODULE 2 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.pdf

MODULE 2: EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE I. CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND GLOBALLY A. Global Effects of Climate Change Climate change is a global issue, and its effect is not limited to our national borders. Examples of the effects of climate in the global sense ar...

MODULE 2: EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE I. CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND GLOBALLY A. Global Effects of Climate Change Climate change is a global issue, and its effect is not limited to our national borders. Examples of the effects of climate in the global sense are the following: 1. Rising Temperatures: Global average temperatures have been increasing due to the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO₂. This has led to more frequent and severe heatwaves, prolonged summers, and altered seasonal patterns. 2. Melting Polar Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica are melting at an accelerated rate, contributing to rising sea levels. This poses a threat to low- lying coastal areas worldwide, increasing the risk of flooding and displacing millions of people. 3. Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ absorption by oceans is altering their chemistry, leading to acidification. This impacts marine life, especially organisms like corals and shellfish, which rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells and skeletons. 4. Extreme Weather Events: There has been a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, droughts, and heavy rainfall, leading to destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and economic disruption. 5. Impacts on Biodiversity: Changing weather patterns disrupt ecosystems, affecting both terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Species unable to adapt to the rapid changes in temperature and habitat are at higher risk of extinction. These effects are crucial in the interactions of countries and regions to each other. For example, extreme weather events, the rise of sea levels, or disruptions in food production in a country can have ripple effects on global markets, migration, and political stability. In the summer of 2010, Russia experienced an intense heatwave which led to widespread wildfires and droughts and devastated the production of wheat, which is a critical export commodity. To stabilize the price of wheat and prevent shortages, the Russian government imposed a ban on wheat exports, which in then affected the global wheat prices as the ban reduced the supply from one of the world’s largest wheat producers. This disruption ultimately led to an increase in poverty and civil unrest in the Middle East. This event revealed how interdependent global food systems are and that a climate- induced disruption in one major food-producing region can have major consequences on global food security. A comprehensive knowledge of global climate change is also an important resource for informed policy and decision-making for governments, businesses, and organizations. One example is the Paris Agreement, where countries commit to limiting the global temperature rise. As climate change disproportionately affects poorer nations and vulnerable communities despite contributing least to global emissions, climate justice and  equity is being recognized and encourages fairer distribution of resource and support for communities most affected. Sustainable development is also dependent on mitigating and adapting to climate change to ensure that future generations prosper. Understanding the effects of climate change encourages countries to align their development goals with environmental sustainability in mind. B. Climate Change in the ASEAN Region The ASEAN region is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic location, economic reliance on agriculture, and its dense population in low-lying coastal areas. 1. Flooding and Sea-Level Rise: ASEAN countries are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels due to their extensive coastlines and concentration of major cities near the coast. Countries like Indonesia and Vietnam face significant risk, with some parts of these nations predicted to be underwater in a few decades if the current trends continue. 2. Agricultural Disruption: Agriculture is a significant part of ASEAN economies. Climate change affects rainfall patterns, leading to more intense droughts and floods, which jeopardizes food security. Shifting climate zones may also reduce crop yields and the availability of arable land. 3. Threats to Marine Ecosystems: Coral reefs, crucial for marine biodiversity and tourism in ASEAN countries, are at risk from both rising sea temperatures and acidification. Coral bleaching events have become more frequent, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods dependent on marine resources. 4. Urban Vulnerability: Major ASEAN cities, such as Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila, are highly exposed to climate-related risks like flooding, heat stress, and infrastructure damage. The rapid urbanization without adequate climate resilience measures increases the region’s vulnerability. A significant real-life event showcasing the effects of climate change in the ASEAN region is the 2019 Mekong River Drought. This severe drought drastically affected countries along the Mekong River, including Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The drought was partly attributed to climate change, alongside other factors like upstream dam operations and changing weather patterns. The Mekong River, one of Southeast Asia’s most critical water sources, reached its lowest level in over a century. This affected the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the river for drinking water, fishing, agriculture, and transportation. In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, which rely on the Mekong Delta for rice farming, the drought led to severe water shortages, hampering rice production. In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, one of the world’s most productive rice-growing regions, saline water from the ocean infiltrated far into inland waterways due to reduced river flow, damaging crops and threatening food security. The reduced water flow affected fish migration patterns, crucial to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people in the region. Fisheries, a vital food source for many local communities, saw sharp declines, creating food insecurity. The drought strained economies in the region that rely heavily on agriculture and fisheries. The economic losses from reduced crop yields and fishery production affected local communities and contributed to rising food prices. The drought exacerbated environmental degradation, as dry conditions led to wildfires in parts of the region. Wetlands and ecosystems that depend on the flow of the Mekong were also at risk, reducing biodiversity and endangering species that rely on the river. The drought was connected to the changing monsoon and rainfall patterns, partly due to global climate change. The region saw prolonged dry periods and erratic rainfall, which are consistent with climate models that predict more extreme weather conditions due to global warming. Rising global temperatures contribute to faster evaporation and changing weather systems, which exacerbated the drought conditions in the region. This event highlights how climate change is making extreme weather events, such as droughts, more frequent and severe in ASEAN countries. This drought had widespread effects on food security, water resources, and livelihoods, and it underscored the vulnerability of the ASEAN region to climate change. It also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in managing water resources and addressing climate adaptation strategies. Many ASEAN countries share environmental resources like rivers, forests, and marine ecosystems so regional cooperation and shared strategies allow the ASEAN nations to  develop joint adaptation and mitigation efforts. The ASEAN Climate Resilience Network and the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change, get together to collaborate on sustainable practices, disaster risk management, and energy transitions to respond to climate challenges. C. Climate Change in the Philippines 1. Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Erosion: As an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels. Coastal communities face threats from increasing storm surges and land loss due to erosion. 2. Typhoons and Extreme Weather: The Philippines is located in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, and climate change has made typhoons more frequent and intense. Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, one of the strongest storms recorded, is an example of how climate change amplifies the power of storms. 3. Agricultural Impact: The Philippines relies heavily on agriculture, which is sensitive to shifting weather patterns. Droughts, irregular rainfall, and stronger typhoons impact rice, corn, and other staple crops, threatening food security. 4. Biodiversity Loss: The country’s rich biodiversity, including forests and coral reefs, is under threat. The warming of oceans has led to coral bleaching, while deforestation due to both human activity and climate-driven changes poses a risk to terrestrial wildlife. 5. Human Health Risks: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns increase the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Prolonged heatwaves also pose risks for heat-related illnesses, especially in urban areas. Let’s look at one of the most devastating and powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded globally. Super Typhoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 8, 2013. It has sustained winds of 315 km/h with gusts up to 375 km/h. Storm surge reached heights of up to 7 meters in coastal areas. Over 6300 people died, and thousands were reported missing. Approximately 1.1 million homes were damaged or destroyed, displacing around 4 million Filipinos. Economic losses were estimated at around $5.8 billion. The Agri fishery industry was severely affected, disrupting livelihoods. In the aftermath of Yolanda, the government and local authorities strengthened disaster risk reduction programs. Early warning systems were improved, the Philippines has committed to implementing climate adaptation measures. This event highlighted the need for stronger climate policies, which will be discussed in future modules. D. Societal Vulnerability to Climate Change Societal vulnerability refers to the degree to which different communities and social groups are susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change. This vulnerability is influenced by a combination of factors, including: i. Geographical Location: Areas prone to extreme weather events, such as coastal regions, floodplains, and drought-prone areas, are more vulnerable.  ii. Socio-Economic Status: Poorer communities often lack the resources to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate impacts. iii. Health and Well-being: Populations with pre-existing health conditions, limited access to healthcare, and poor living conditions are more at risk. iv. Infrastructure: Communities with inadequate infrastructure, such as poorly maintained buildings, roads, and utilities, are less resilient to climate-related events. v. Social Inequality: Marginalized groups, including women, children, the elderly, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities, often face greater risks due to systemic inequalities. vi. Access to Resources: Limited access to financial resources, education, and social services can hinder a community's ability to adapt to climate change. Addressing societal vulnerability to climate change requires targeted policies and actions that consider these diverse factors and aim to reduce inequalities and enhance resilience. E. Slow and Rapid Onset Impacts of Climate Change Slow Onset Impacts Slow onset impacts of climate change develop gradually over extended periods, often spanning years or even decades. These impacts are typically the result of incremental changes in climate patterns. Examples include: i. Sea-Level Rise: Gradual increase in sea levels due to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. ii. Ocean Acidification: Slow increase in the acidity of ocean waters due to the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2. iii. Desertification: Gradual degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, primarily due to climatic variations and human activities. iv. Loss of Biodiversity: Slow decline in species diversity and ecosystem health due to changing climate conditions. v. Glacial Retreat: Gradual melting and reduction of glaciers over time. vi. Changes in Agricultural Productivity: Gradual shifts in climate patterns can affect crop yields and agricultural productivity leading to food security issues. Rapid Onset Impacts Rapid onset impacts occur suddenly and can cause immediate and severe damage. These impacts are often associated with extreme weather events. Examples include: i. Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Intense storms that can cause widespread destruction within hours or days. ii. Floods: Rapid accumulation of water in areas that are normally dry, often due to heavy rainfall or storm surges. iii. Heatwaves: Sudden and extreme increases in temperature over a short period. iv. Wildfires: Rapid spread of fire in forested or grassland areas, often exacerbated by dry conditions and high temperatures. v. Tornadoes: Violent windstorms characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. II. EFFECTS ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY A. Effects of Climate Change on Nature Climate change has profound and diverse effects on natural ecosystems, species, and processes. Here are some key effects, along with examples: 1. Temperature Changes: Global warming leads to higher average temperatures, affecting species’ habitats and migration patterns. o Example: The Arctic is warming at twice the global average rate, leading to the loss of sea ice. This affects polar bears, which rely on sea ice for hunting seals. 2. Sea-Level Rise: The gradual increase in sea levels due to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. o Example: Rising sea levels threaten coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes. In the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rising waters are eroding habitats crucial for the Bengal tiger. 3. Ocean Acidification: The slow increase in the acidity of ocean waters caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2, which affects marine life and ecosystems. o Example: Coral reefs, like the Great Barrier Reef, are experiencing bleaching events due to increased ocean acidity and higher temperatures. This affects the diverse marine life that depends on coral reefs for habitat. 4. Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires disrupt ecosystems, destroy habitats, and lead to loss of life for many species. o Example: More frequent and intense hurricanes, such as Hurricane Maria in 2017, devastate ecosystems by uprooting trees, destroying habitats, and causing widespread flooding. 5. Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Altered rainfall patterns can lead to droughts in some areas and excessive rainfall in others, impacting water availability and quality, and affecting plant and animal life. o Example: In the Amazon rainforest, altered rainfall patterns are leading to more frequent droughts, which stress trees and increase the risk of wildfires. 6. Loss of Biodiversity: The decline in species diversity and ecosystem health due to changing climate conditions, habitat loss, and other stressors. o Example: The golden toad of Costa Rica was declared extinct in 2004, partly due to climate change affecting its high-altitude cloud forest habitat. 7. Thawing Permafrost: In polar regions, thawing permafrost releases stored greenhouse gases like methane, further accelerating climate change. It also affects the stability of the ground, impacting plant and animal life. o Example: In Siberia, thawing permafrost is releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and destabilizing the ground, which affects both natural ecosystems and human infrastructure. 8. Shifts in Ecosystems: As temperatures rise, ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs may shift or degrade, affecting the species that depend on them. o Example: Alpine ecosystems are shifting as temperatures rise, with plant species moving to higher altitudes. This affects species like the snow leopard, which relies on specific alpine habitats.  B. Effects on Societal Functions Climate change significantly impacts various societal functions, affecting health, infrastructure, economy, and social stability. Here are some key effects with examples: 1. Health Impacts: Climate change affects human health through increased heatwaves, spread of diseases, and poor air quality. o The 2003 European heatwave caused over 70,000 deaths due to extreme temperatures. Additionally, warmer temperatures are expanding the range of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. 2. Infrastructure Damage: Extreme weather events and rising sea levels damage infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. o Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused widespread destruction in New Orleans, leading to massive infrastructure damage and displacement of residents. 3. Economic Disruption: Climate change affects economic activities by disrupting agriculture, increasing costs for disaster recovery, and impacting industries reliant on stable weather conditions. o Prolonged droughts in California have severely impacted the agricultural sector, leading to significant economic losses and increased food prices. 4. Water and Food Security: Changes in precipitation patterns and extreme weather events affect water availability and agricultural productivity. o The Sahel region in Africa has experienced severe droughts, leading to food shortages and malnutrition. 5. Migration and Displacement: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity force people to migrate, leading to displacement and social instability. o In Bangladesh, rising sea levels and increased flooding have displaced millions of people, creating climate refugees. 6. Social and Cultural Disruption: Climate change affects social cohesion and cultural practices, particularly in communities closely tied to their environment. o Example: Indigenous communities in the Arctic are experiencing disruptions to their traditional ways of life due to melting ice and changing wildlife patterns. Further reading: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/ ASEAN Climate Resilience Network https://asean-crn.org/ ASEAN Environment Knowledge Hub https://environment.asean.org/climate-change/resource/publication ASEAN Climate Outlook 2021 https://asean.org/asean-climate-outlook-2021 ASEAN State of Climate Change Report 2021 https://asean.org/book/asean-state-of-climate-change-report-2021/ Philippine Climate Change Commission https://climate.gov.ph/ World Bank: Climate Risk Profile for the Philippines https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/philippines https://www.ssec.wisc.edu/~jasono/papers/hunt_wace_2021.pdf Climate Change and the Health of Socially Vulnerable People. https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-health-socially-vulnerable- people Social Dimensions of Climate Change - World Bank Group https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/social-dimensions-of-climate-change Climate Impacts on Society | Climate Change Impacts | US EPA https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-society_.html United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change https://unfccc.int/files/adaptation/application/pdf/tp7_v03_advance_uneditted_version.pdf van der Geest, K. and van den Berg, R. 2021. Slow-onset events: a review of the evidence from the IPCC Special Reports on Land, Oceans and Cryosphere. Retrieved from https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:8049/Slow-onset_events_META.pdf on 15 September 2024.