Natural Resources and Global Climate Change PDF

Natural Resources and Global Climate Change Introduction to Fossil Fuels ► What are fossil fuels? ► Coal, oil, and natural gas ► Primary uses: ► Coal: Power generation and heating ► Oil: Vehicle fuel and heating ► Natural gas: Electricity generation ► F...

Natural Resources and Global Climate Change Introduction to Fossil Fuels ► What are fossil fuels? ► Coal, oil, and natural gas ► Primary uses: ► Coal: Power generation and heating ► Oil: Vehicle fuel and heating ► Natural gas: Electricity generation ► Found naturally in Earth's crust ► Formed over millions of years  Understanding Greenhouse Gases ► Definition: Gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere ► Key greenhouse gases: ► Carbon dioxide (CO₂) ► Methane ► Nitrous oxide ► Natural vs. Human-made sources ► Small amounts help maintain Earth's temperature ► Too much leads to global warming What is Global Warming? Definition: Increase in Earth's average temperature Burning fossil fuels Main causes: Deforestation Industrial activities Creates an enhanced greenhouse effect Disrupts natural climate patterns Impacts both local and global environments  Environmental Impacts ► Rising sea levels ► Melting glaciers ► Increased drought conditions ► More frequent extreme weather: ► Hurricanes ► Heat waves ► Floods ► Changes in wildlife habitats  Eastern Caribbean: Low greenhouse gas emissions High vulnerability to climate change Focus on the Regional impacts: Caribbean Rising sea levels threatening coastal areas Stronger hurricanes Impact on tourism Threat to marine ecosystems  Oil Extraction and Transportation ► How oil is collected: ► Underground drilling ► Offshore platforms ► Transportation methods: ► Pipelines ► Oil tankers ► Risks involved ► Safety measures Understanding Oil Spills Definition: Accidental release of oil into environment Environmental impacts: Destruction of coastal vegetation Death of marine mammals Bird population effects Water pollution Case Study: Trinidad and Tobago 280,000 tonnes of oil 1979 Spill: Limited environmental impact 11 separate incidents 2013 Spills: Extensive coastal damage Significant wildlife impact Taking Action ► Individual actions: ► Reduce energy consumption ► Use public transportation ► Support renewable energy ► Community involvement: ► Environmental awareness ► Conservation efforts ► Support clean energy policies ► Global cooperation needed