World's Climate PDF

Francisco, Drew Margaret M. Editha E. De Jesus BS Biology 1A General Ecology 1 ⟰ THE WORLD’S CLIMATE Introduction Understanding climate from a biological viewpoint helps us see ho...

Francisco, Drew Margaret M. Editha E. De Jesus BS Biology 1A General Ecology 1 ⟰ THE WORLD’S CLIMATE Introduction Understanding climate from a biological viewpoint helps us see how living things, ecosystems, and Earth's atmosphere are all connected. Climate change affects biodiversity, where species live, and how they behave. By studying these changes, we learn how organisms and ecosystems can adapt to tough conditions. By combining biological knowledge with climate models, we can better understand how climate change affects global biodiversity and predict what might happen in the future. This helps us make smart choices to protect nature in the face of climate change. And it's not just about land – oceans and freshwater areas are also part of the picture. Seeing climate through a biological lens reminds us how everything on Earth is linked, pushing us to take action to protect our planet's health. Objectives At the end of this chapter, you as a learner should be able to: a. Acquire comprehensive knowledge about the Climate and Climate systems b. Difference between Climate and Weather c. The Global Climate System d. Factors that affect the World’s Climate e. Biological impact of Climate Change Pre-test 1. It is the long-term state of the atmosphere at a particular location—in a sense, the "average weather" over a long period of time. a. Weathering b. Climate c. Climate Change d. Climate Systems 2. It refers to short-term changes in the atmosphere; occurs over hours or days. a. Weathering b. Weather c. Climate d. Climate Systems 3. Most weather happens in the part of Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the ground— a. Troposphere b. Mesosphere c. Thermosphere d. Exosphere 4. The global climate system consists of: a. Atmosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere b. Stratosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Geosphere c. Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Chlorosphere, Hydrophere, Biosphere d. Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere 5. What component of the global climate system primarily regulates the Earth's temperature by absorbing and redistributing heat across the planet? a. Atmosphere b. Oceans c. Land d. Ice 6. What is a primary consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate system? a. More frequent and intense heatwaves b. Decreased sea levels c. Reduced atmospheric moisture content d. Slower oceanic circulation patterns 7. Long-term changes in weather patterns and temperatures brought on by global warming are referred to as? a. Weather change b. Environmental changes c. Climate change d. Circulation changes 8. The water makes up about ____ of earth surface. a. 69 percent b. 71 percent c. 18 percent d. 21 percent 9. Some gases can trap heat, which are called ___________ and include carbon dioxide and methane. a. Greenhouse gases b. Thermal gases c. Insulating gases d. Atmospheric gases 10. It interacts with the atmosphere and oceans through processes like evaporation, which releases water vapor into the air, and photosynthesis, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. a. Hydrosphere b. Biosphere c. Lithosphere d. Atmosphere 11. How does climate change impact human health? a. Increased air pollution leads to respiratory problems. b. Warmer temperatures result in higher rates of heat-related illnesses. c. Changes in precipitation patterns increase the risk of waterborne diseases. d. All of the above. 12. How does climate change impact ecosystems? a. By altering habitats and disrupting food chains. b. By increasing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. c. By decreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. d. By promoting species extinction events. 13. Why is taking action on climate change crucial for the future of our planet? a. To maintain stable weather patterns and prevent extreme weather events. b. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. c. To increase profits for renewable energy companies. d. To exploit natural resources for short-term economic gain. 14. Why does it matter that Earth's Climate is changing? a. It doesn't matter, as climate has always changed throughout Earth's history. b. Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, threatening human lives and property. c. Climate change only affects certain regions and has minimal impact on global ecosystems. d. Climate change benefits the Earth by increasing agricultural productivity and expanding habitable areas. 15. What action has the greatest potential to contribute towards saving the world from environmental degradation and climate change? a. Using public transportation instead of driving personal vehicles. b. Planting trees in deforested areas. c. Conserving water by reducing usage at home. d. Installing solar panels to generate renewable energy. Key terms Atmosphere - the thin layer of gases surrounding the earth. Biosphere - living things such as plants and animals including humans. Climate - is the long-term state of the atmosphere at a particular location. Climate Change - refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Cryosphere - the frozen water in ice including glaciers and snow. Global Climate System - is a complex system with five interacting components: the atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water), the cryosphere (ice), the lithosphere (earth's upper rocky layer) and the biosphere (living things). Greenhouse gases - gases that can trap heat and includes carbon dioxide and methane. Hydrosphere - all of the Earth’s liquid water in oceans, rivers, lakes and underground. Lithosphere - the land surfaces such as soil and rocks, and human-made surfaces such as roads and buildings. Troposphere - Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the ground. Weather - refers to short-term changes in the atmosphere; occurs over hours or days. Content/Discussion Climate is the long-term state of the atmosphere at a particular location—in a sense, the "average weather" over a long period of time. It is a description of the average temperature, range of temperatures, humidity, precipitation (rainfall and snowfall), and other atmospheric and hydrospheric conditions a region experiences over a period of many years. These factors interact with and are influenced by other parts of the Earth system, including geology, geography, insolation, currents, and living things. Climate affects nearly every aspect of our lives, from our food sources to our transport infrastructure, from what clothes we wear, to where we go on holiday. It has a huge effect on our livelihoods, our health, and our future. To describe the climate of a place, we might say what the temperatures are like during different seasons, how windy it usually is, or how much rain or snow typically falls. When scientists talk about climate, they're often looking at averages of precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind, and other measures of weather that occur over a long period in a particular place. Weather refers to short-term changes in the atmosphere; occurs over hours or days. More specifically, weather is the mix of events that happen each day in our atmosphere. Even though there’s only one atmosphere on Earth, the weather isn’t the same all around the world. Weather is different in different parts of the world and changes over minutes, hours, days, and weeks. Most weather happens in the part of Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the ground—called the troposphere. And, there are many different factors that can change the atmosphere in a certain area like air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and lots of other things. Together, they determine what the weather is like at a given time and location. The Global Climate System The climate arises from the interaction of 5 systems interacting together. To understand our climate and how it is changing, we first need to understand these 5 systems: A. Air (Atmosphere) - the thin layer of gases surrounding the earth. The types and amounts of gases in the atmosphere can change how much heat and light can pass through. Some gases can trap heat, which are called greenhouse gases and include carbon dioxide and methane. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels are rapidly increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is causing our climate to warm. B. Land (Lithosphere) - the land surfaces such as soil and rocks, and human-made surfaces such as roads and buildings. It interacts with the atmosphere and oceans through processes like evaporation, which releases water vapor into the air, and photosynthesis, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. C. Ocean (Hydrosphere) - all of the Earth’s liquid water in oceans, rivers, lakes and underground. The oceans cover about 70% of the Earth's surface and play a crucial role in regulating the climate. They absorb heat from the sun, distribute it around the globe through ocean currents, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. D. Ice (Cryosphere) - the frozen water in ice including glaciers and snow, reflects sunlight back into space, helping to regulate the Earth's temperature. As ice melts due to warming temperatures, it can contribute to sea level rise and alter ocean circulation patterns. E. Living things (Biosphere) - such as plants and animals including humans. The biosphere interacts with the other components of the climate system through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and the carbon cycle. Changes in climate can have profound effects on ecosystems and species distribution, leading to shifts in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Factors that affect the World’s Climate 1. Atmospheric effects The uneven distribution of solar energy due to the Earth's curvature and tilt creates differences in temperature between regions. This drives atmospheric circulation patterns like winds and ocean currents, influencing climate on both regional and global scales. 2. Heat distribution How heat moves around the Earth—like warm ocean currents or winds carrying warm air—helps decide where it's hot, where it's cold, and where it's rainy or dry. This, in turn, shapes the climates we experience in different parts of the world. 3. Landforms and Continents Features such as mountains, oceans, and large landmasses influence climate by affecting factors like precipitation patterns, temperature gradients, and wind flow. For example, mountains can block or redirect prevailing winds, leading to variations in rainfall on different sides. 4. Human Influence Human activities, including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization, have significant impacts on climate. These activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, alter land surfaces, and modify ecosystems, contributing to changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns worldwide. E. How do we know the climate is changing? Extra greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are the main reason that Earth is getting warmer. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, trap the Sun's heat in Earth's atmosphere. It's normal for there to be some greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. They help keep Earth warm enough to live on. But too many greenhouse gases can cause too much warming. The burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil increase the amount of CO2 in our air. This happens because the burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO2. It's important that we monitor CO2 levels, because too much CO2 can cause too much warming on Earth. Why does it matter that Earth's Climate is changing? Over millions of years, Earth's climate has warmed up and cooled down many times. However, today the planet is warming much faster than it has over human history. Global air temperatures near Earth's surface have gone up about 2 degrees Fahrenheit in the last century. In fact, the past five years have been the warmest five years in centuries. A couple of degrees may not seem like much. However, this change can have big impacts on the health of Earth's plants and animals. Impact on Human Health a. Heat-related illnesses: As global temperatures rise, heatwaves become more frequent and intense, leading to an increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. b. Respiratory Problems from air pollution: Climate change worsens air pollution, exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, and increasing hospitalizations. c. Vector-borne diseases: Changes in climate affect disease vectors like mosquitoes, expanding the transmission of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. d. Waterborne Diseases: Climate change affects water quality, leading to increased risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. e. Mental Health Issues: Climate-related disasters cause stress, anxiety, and depression, impacting mental health and exacerbating social and economic disparities. Impact on Ecosystems a. Shifts in Habitats: Since many species are moving to new areas in search of suitable habitats. This can lead to shifts in the distribution of plants and animals, disrupting ecosystems and altering the balance of species interactions. b. Species Extinction: Climate change is driving many species to extinction by disrupting their habitats, altering their life cycles, and increasing their vulnerability to other threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. c. Disruptions to Food Webs: This can lead to mismatches in the timing of key ecological events, such as flowering, migration, and predator- prey interactions, with cascading effects throughout ecosystems. d. Ecosystem Services: Climate change can impair the ability of ecosystems to provide essential services, such as clean air, clean water, pollination, flood regulation, and carbon sequestration. e. Loss of Biodiversity: The loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the resilience and stability of ecosystems but also threatens human well-being by reducing the availability of ecosystem services and disrupting vital ecological processes. Taking Action On Climate Change Is Important For Everyone, And Here's Why: 1. Speak Up: Sharing information and talking about climate change with friends and family helps raise awareness and encourages others to get involved. 2. Support Good Policies: Voting for leaders who prioritize climate action and supporting policies that promote clean energy and environmental protection can make a big difference. 3. Change Habits: Simple changes in our daily routines, like using less energy, reducing waste, and choosing sustainable products, can add up to a big impact on reducing carbon emissions. 4. Join Community Efforts: Getting involved in local projects and initiatives, like community gardens or clean-up events, helps build resilience and strengthens our communities' ability to tackle climate change together. 5. Work Together: Climate change affects everyone, so it's important to work together across borders, industries, and generations to find solutions and create a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone. Things You Can Do To Save The World Reduce Carbon Footprint This can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking instead of driving alone. Additionally, conserving energy at home by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when not in use, and reducing heating and cooling needs can make a significant impact. Support Renewable Energy Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Conserve Resources Conserving natural resources like water and forests helps mitigate climate change by preserving ecosystems and reducing carbon emissions associated with resource extraction and production. Summary Climate shapes ecosystems by affecting temperature, rainfall, and seasonal changes. Ecologists use this understanding to predict how ecosystems will react to changes, like those caused by human activity such as climate change. Recognizing global climate patterns helps ecologists find areas with similar conditions, making it easier to compare ecosystems and protect them better. Additionally, understanding and taking action to save the world's climate is essential because it directly impacts the well-being of all life on Earth, including humans, by preserving ecosystems, mitigating extreme weather events, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Moreover, climate change poses a significant threat to both human well-being and biodiversity, with its negative impacts already being felt globally. These include rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and an uptick in extreme weather events. Such alterations disrupt ecosystems, modify habitats, and endanger the survival of numerous species, leading to a loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems. Human activities such as deforestation, urban expansion, and the combustion of fossil fuels exacerbate climate change, amplifying its adverse effects on nature and society. As temperatures climb and weather patterns become increasingly inconsistent, communities become more susceptible to natural disasters, shortages of food and water, and displacement. Therefore, understanding climate is crucial for grasping the intricacies of ecological systems and guiding conservation efforts to preserve ecosystem health and biodiversity for future generations. Post-test 1. It is the long-term state of the atmosphere at a particular location—in a sense, the "average weather" over a long period of time. a. Weathering b. Climate c. Climate Change d. Climate Systems 2. It refers to short-term changes in the atmosphere; occurs over hours or days. a. Weathering b. Climate c. Climate Change d. Climate Systems 3. Most weather happens in the part of Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the ground— a. Troposphere b. Mesosphere c. Thermosphere d. Exosphere 4. The global climate system consists of: a. Atmosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere b. Stratosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Geosphere c. Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Chlorosphere, Hydrophere, Biosphere d. Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere 5. What component of the global climate system primarily regulates the Earth's temperature by absorbing and redistributing heat across the planet? a. Atmosphere b. Oceans c. Land d. Ice 6. What is a primary consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate system? a. More frequent and intense heatwaves b. Decreased sea levels c. Reduced atmospheric moisture content d. Slower oceanic circulation patterns 7. Long-term changes in weather patterns and temperatures brought on by global warming are referred to as? a. Weather change b. Environmental changes c. Climate change d. Circulation changes 8. The water makes up about ____ of earth surface. a. 69 percent b. 71 percent c. 18 percent d. 21 percent 9. Some gases can trap heat, which are called _________ and include carbon dioxide and methane. a. Greenhouse gases b. Thermal gases c. Insulating gases d. Atmospheric gases 10. It interacts with the atmosphere and oceans through processes like evaporation, which releases water vapor into the air, and photosynthesis, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. a. Hydrosphere b. Biosphere c. Lithosphere d. Atmosphere 11. How does climate change impact human health? a. Increased air pollution leads to respiratory problems. b. Warmer temperatures result in higher rates of heat-related illnesses. c. Changes in precipitation patterns increase the risk of waterborne diseases. d. All of the above. 12. How does climate change impact ecosystems? a. By altering habitats and disrupting food chains. b. By increasing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. c. By decreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. d. By promoting species extinction events. 13. Why is taking action on climate change crucial for the future of our planet? a. To maintain stable weather patterns and prevent extreme weather events. b. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. c. To increase profits for renewable energy companies. d. To exploit natural resources for short-term economic gain. 14. Why does it matter that Earth's Climate is changing? a. It doesn't matter, as climate has always changed throughout Earth's history. b. Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, threatening human lives and property. c. Climate change only affects certain regions and has minimal impact on global ecosystems. d. Climate change benefits the Earth by increasing agricultural productivity and expanding habitable areas. 15. What action has the greatest potential to contribute towards saving the world from environmental degradation and climate change? a. Using public transportation instead of driving personal vehicles. b. Planting trees in deforested areas. c. Conserving water by reducing usage at home. d. Installing solar panels to generate renewable energy. References 2 a World’s climate definition. (n.d.). NOAA Climate.gov. https://www.climate.gov/teaching/literacy/2-worlds-climate-definition 3.1 Factors affecting climate | UK Environmental Change Network. 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National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/weather-vs-climate Why is climate important? - NCAS. (n.d.). NCAS. https://ncas.ac.uk/learn/why-is-climate-important/