Climate Change Impacts on Grasslands and Tundras PDF

Climate Change Human Impacts on Grasslands Grasslands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. However, human activities have caused significant harm to these ecosystems, affecting wildlife, vegetation, and the overall balance of the environment. Threats to Animals in Grasslands 1.​...

Climate Change Human Impacts on Grasslands Grasslands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. However, human activities have caused significant harm to these ecosystems, affecting wildlife, vegetation, and the overall balance of the environment. Threats to Animals in Grasslands 1.​ Poaching​ Poaching is the illegal hunting of animals for valuable parts like fur, tusks, and horns. It targets species known as "big-ticket animals" due to their high value on the black market. ○​ African Elephants: ​ In 1979, the African elephant population was approximately 1.3 million. ​ By 1989, their numbers had dropped to 600,000 due to extensive poaching for ivory. ​ Efforts to combat poaching include: ​ The 1980s bans on international ivory trade under agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). ​ The African Elephant Conservation Act of 1988, which restricted ivory trade further. ○​ Rhinos: ​ Rhino horns became extremely valuable on the black market. By 2012, the price of rhino horn rose so high it was worth more than gold. ○​ These actions disrupt ecosystems by reducing populations of keystone species, leading to a loss of biodiversity. 2.​ Overgrazing ○​ Overgrazing happens when livestock like cattle eat too much grass in one area, leaving the land bare and vulnerable. ○​ This can lead to soil erosion and, over time, can turn fertile grasslands into deserts — a process called desertification. Human Effects on Tundra Environments Tundras are cold, treeless regions found in the Arctic and at high altitudes. They are fragile ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to human activities and climate change. Impact of Human Activities  1.​ Industrial Development ○​ The construction of infrastructure, such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, required clearing forests and disturbing the natural tundra environment. ○​ This construction damages habitats and interrupts wildlife migration patterns. 2.​ Climate Change ○​ Global Warming: ​ Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, release greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. ​ This causes the polar ice caps to melt, leading to rising sea levels and threatening coastal communities and Arctic species like polar bears. ○​ Greenhouse Gas Emissions:​ Greenhouse gases are released through: ​ Driving cars (burning gasoline and diesel fuel). ​ Using fossil fuels for energy (like coal, oil, and natural gas). ​ Cutting down forests (deforestation). ​ Raising livestock (e.g., cows and sheep produce methane gas). Understanding Carbon Footprints 1.​ What is a Carbon Footprint? ○​ A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities. ○​ Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), trap heat and contribute to global warming. 2.​ Examples of Carbon-Intensive Activities: ○​ Flying Airplanes: ​ Planes burn large amounts of fossil fuels during takeoff and landing, which require more energy than the flight itself. ○​ Eating Beef and Lamb: ​ These meats have the highest carbon footprint per ounce because raising livestock produces significant methane and requires large amounts of land and resources. 3.​ How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: ○​ Use public transportation or go car-free. ○​ Eat less meat, especially beef and lamb. ○​ Switch to renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power your home.