Chapter 15: Climate Change, Energy Crisis, and Environmental Awareness PDF

# Chapter 15: Climate Change, Energy Crisis, and Environmental Awareness - A landscape photograph of a breath-taking view in Boracay. ## Chapter Outline 1. Climate Change as a Result of Global Warming 2. Energy Crisis 3. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Alternative Energy Source 4. Environmental...

# Chapter 15: Climate Change, Energy Crisis, and Environmental Awareness - A landscape photograph of a breath-taking view in Boracay. ## Chapter Outline 1. Climate Change as a Result of Global Warming 2. Energy Crisis 3. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Alternative Energy Source 4. Environmental Awareness ## Learning Outcomes At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to: 1. recognize the causes and effects of climate change 2. describe the present energy crisis and alternative energy resources 3. demonstrate awareness in the current environmental issues ## Climate Change as a Result of Global Warming - "You are the last, best hope of Earth. We ask to protect it or we and all the living things we cherish, are history." -Leonardo De Caprio, Climate Summit of United Nations 2016 - Have you noticed that for the past few years that the weather is getting more extreme? Animals we have seen when we were young have gone extinct? Or have you noticed how our climate has been shifting from its normal patterns? - These observations are not only experienced by you but also by the rest of the people of the world. The culprit behind these events is Global Warming. - Over the past century, continuous dependence of people on fossil fuels as source of energy has resulted to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to the unusually rapid increase in the Earth's average temperature, which was defined as Global Warming by the NASA Earth Observatory. - Obviously, humanity has greatly forced the changes of the Earth's natural climate. - As reported by the UCSUSA Organization, an increase of 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit of the average temperature of the earth over the past 130 years. Majority of that increase occurred over only these past 35 years. It was recorded that the hottest year was last 2016. Since 1998, the 12 warmest years have already occurred in our planet. - **Figure 15.1.** A graphical representation showing the rising of the global average surface temperature. ## Earth's Natural Greenhouse Effect - Familiarization of the earth's greenhouse effect will give us a better understanding about global warming and climate change. - The sun is the principal source of the heat and energy of the earth. Once the sunlight tries to reach the earth, 30% of it is reflected into the space. These reflections may be due to the clouds or ice in the atmosphere. The land, ocean, and the rest of the atmosphere absorbs the remaining 70%. Our planet is heated due to this absorbed heat. - Once the earth's surface warms up, thermal infrared radiation or heat energy will be released in the atmosphere. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane present in the atmosphere will most likely absorb the released heat energy of the earth. The said gases tend to trap the heat on the earth's surface instead of sending it off to the outer space. Unfortunately, this enhances the heating that we get from direct sunlight. This results to the natural greenhouse effect on earth. - We might think that we do not benefit from the greenhouse effect. Life on earth benefits greatly from the natural greenhouse effect. The absence of the greenhouse effect may lead to a very cold earth. The present 15°C (59°F) of the earth's average surface will decline to -18°C (0°F). - **Figure 15.2.** This figure show the comparison of the Natural Greenhouse effect from the Human enhanced Greenhouse effect. ## Enhanced Greenhouse Effect - Currently, the primary concern of the scientists is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. Mostly this is due to human activities that require burning of fossil fuels and the vast clearing of land. Research showed that since the Industrial Revolution, nearly 38 percent of the carbon dioxide have increased as of 2009 and 148 percent of the methane levels. - In comparison, today's atmosphere has greater concentration of greenhouse gas molecules than before. This means that more of the infrared energy released by the earth's surface is trapped in our atmosphere. Add it up to the absorbed Sun's energy, the earth's surface temperature rises. - According to NASA, EPA, and other scientific and governmental bodies, if we do not do something about the global warming, climate change will happen, sea levels will rise, ocean acidification will worsen, unpredictable weather patterns sill most likely happen sooner than we have imagined. - **Figure 15.3.** US Greenhouse Gas Emission in 2015 ## Greenhouse Gases - Nitrous Oxide 5% - Flourinated Gases 3% - Methane 10% - Carbon Dioxide 82% ## Sources of Greenhouse Gases - From an annual report given by the EPA, Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, these are the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in USA. 1. Electricity production. The largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions is from electricity production. 2. Transportation. Majority of the fuel used by the vehicles are petroleum based (gasoline and diesel). 3. Industry. Production of goods from raw materials in the factories requires the use of fossil fuels that leads to emissions of greenhouse gases. 4. Commercial and Residential. Handling wastes and burning fossil fuels are common sources of greenhouse gases in homes and commercials places like market and cities. 5. Agriculture. Livestock such as cows and goats, agricultural soils and production of rice release greenhouse gases. 6. Land use and Forestry. Trees have been the primary absorber of the CO₂ in the atmosphere. Clearing of lands make it difficult to control the increasing concentration of the top greenhouse gas, CO₂. ## Global Warming is Changing the Earth - Impacts of the enhanced global warming have been identified by various scientists. - More frequent hot days and fewer cool days - More intense heat waves - Worsening storms, floods and droughts - Intensified Hurricanes - Warmer ocean surface temperatures - Rising sea levels - More frequent coastal flooding - Island nations may disappear - Accelerated melting of ice sheets and glaciers - Changes in the growing season of plants - Disruption of normal ecosystem - Loss of animal habitat - Possible extinction of animals ## Projected Health Impacts of Climate Change - Humans are not excused with the harmful effects of Climate Change. Here's a list of the possible impacts of climate change to humankind. - Increase malnutrition and consequent disorders. - Increase in the number of people dying and suffering from disease and injury due to heat waves, floods, storms, fires, and droughts. - Continue to change the range of some infectious disease vectors. - Have mixed effects on malaria. - Increase the burden of diarrheal diseases. - Increase cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality associated with ground-level ozone. ## Managing the Effects of Global Warming - In the present condition of the world right now, we must find ways to manage the effects of Global warming. Practical solutions should be started in order to decrease the carbon emissions, slow down the pace of global warming and provide a sustainable future to the next generations. ## The primary action that humankind must do to effectively address global warming is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the earth's atmosphere. - One way to help as individuals is by reducing our personal carbon emissions every day. The leaders of the world must put into actions that can support and implement laws and regulations that can provide efficient climate solutions. ## Carbon Footprint Computation - One way to determine a person's environmental impact is through Carbon Footprint computation. It is usually expressed in equivalent tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂). It calculates the sum of all the produced carbon induced by a person's energy use. Awareness of personal carbon footprints can help reduce energy consumption leading to minimized carbon emissions production. - Since 1970, an estimate increase of 36 percent of the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide has been reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Based from scientific studies, the increase of CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere originates mostly from human activities. - Carbon footprint calculators have been developed by the EPA and non-profit environmental agencies in order to calculate individual carbon contributions. Online calculators are also available. In using the calculator, personal information about vehicle or public transportation usage, energy used at home, water consumption, food consumption, goods production and waste management are necessary to get the computation. - Minimizing personal energy consumption is the primary way to reduce carbon footprint. Use of public transportation or low-emission vehicles, energy-efficient products at home, reusing and recycling are just some of the ways to decrease carbon footprints. ## Ways to Reduce Global Warming and Climate Change - To reduce Global Warming and the alarming climate change, the people can do their own part by doing the following: - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. - Use Less heat and air conditioning. - Drive less and drive smart. - Buy energy efficient products. - Grow your own foods in your backyard. - Plant trees in your back yard. - Replace incandescent lights to fluorescents light bulbs. - Use hybrid or electric cars. - Encourage others to conserve. - Support the government projects geared toward environmental preservations. ## Energy Crisis - A sustainable and reliable source of energy of a country shows its prosperity and development. As stated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the primary energy sources include petroleum, natural gas, coal, renewable energy, and nuclear electric power. Energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy are classified as non-renewable because they don't form or replenish in a short period of time. These non-renewable energy sources are extracted from the ground in the form of liquids, gases, and solids. Liquid petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel are made out of the crude oil. Butane, ethane, and propane are taken from both natural gas and crude oil. - Solar, Geothermal, Hydropower, Wind, Biomass, and Bio-fuels are renewable energy sources that replenish naturally in a short period of time. Biomass includes wood and wood waste, landfill gas, Biogas, Ethanol, and biodiesel. - Energy crisis may lead to questions such as, "Will we run out of energy?" Or "How do we secure our access to energy?" At present, developing countries have high demands of energy resources in order to secure its future economic development. Unfortunately, environmental risks are associated in accessing energy demands. ## Causes of the Energy Crisis - The causes behind the energy crisis can never be blamed to a single factor. This global problem can be attributed to the following according to the publications of the World Energy Organization. 1. Overconsumption. This is a result of too much use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. 2. Overpopulation. The human population steady increase leads to more demands to energy resources. 3. Poor infrastructure. The continued use of outdated equipment's in maintaining old infrastructures limits energy production. 4. Unexplored renewable energy options. Ignorance of other renewable energy sources options will lead the people to greatly depend in non-renewable energy resources. 5. Delay in commissioning of power plants. The big difference between the energy demands and supply of some countries may be due to its reliance to the old power plants established years ago. 6. Wastage of energy. The energy wasting habits at home such as leaving the lights on or leaving electronic gadgets plugged adds more problem with the energy shortage nowadays. 7. Poor distribution system. If the energy from plants has poor distribution system, tripping and breakdowns will be more frequent. 8. Major accidents and natural calamities. Energy supply shortages may be caused by natural calamities, like volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes, and major accidents. This may result to greater increase in energy price in the global market. 9. Wars and attacks. Unsettled wars involving Middle East countries may create major problems for energy consumers due to global shortage. 10. Miscellaneous factors. These factors include Political Events, Strikes, Tax hikes, Severe Weather Changes. If the problems will arise from oil producing companies, it will directly cause energy crisis. ## Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Alternative Energy Sources - One of the latest technologies nowadays that can secure the earth's energy requirement and at the same time address the issues of climate change is the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. ## Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Basics - As defined by the Office of Energy and Renewable Energy, OTEC, short for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is a process that can generate electricity by using the heat energy stored in the Earth's oceans. This is an energy technology invented by Georges Claude in the 1920s. The first OTEC plant was built in Cuba. It can produce electrical energy from the temperature difference between the deep cold ocean water and the warm tropical surface waters. It works best if the temperature difference about 36 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius. - This alternative energy resource can provide continuous power source that can be sustained all year round. It is said to be a clean energy source and environmentally sustainable. - Since OTEC can produce billions of watts of electrical energy, this might be one way to address the current energy issues the world is facing such as energy security, price volatility, unsustainable supply, and climate change. ## Types of OTEC Systems 1. **Closed-cycle or Anderson OTEC cycle.** In the closed cycle, a fluid with low boiling point like the ammonia is used to power up a turbine in order to generate electricity. The heat exchanger pumps the warm surface seawater, where the ammonia is vaporized. It then turns the turbo-generator. The second heat generator now pumps the cold deep seawater then condenses the vapor back into a liquid. 2. **Open-cycle or Claude OTEC cycle.** In the open cycle, the warm seawater is placed in a low-pressure container to boil. The steam produced powers the turbine attached to an electrical generator. The steam produced is salt free, almost pure and fresh water. Once exposed to cold temperatures from deep ocean water, the steam will be condensed back into liquid. 3. **Hybrid system.** This OTEC system combines the features of both Closed and Open cycle. - The OTEC power plants are of two different kinds. There are floating power plants or sea-based and another is the land-based. Both land and sea-based power plants work almost the same. - **Figure 15.4.** The current status of OTEC power plants as of May 2017. ## Advantages and Disadvantages of OTEC Technology - The use of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion as source of electrical energy has its pros and cons. Advantages include the following: 1. It produces clean, green renewable energy. 2. It produces no chemical pollution. 3. It does not involve burning fossil fuels which leads to lessened greenhouse gas production 4. It can provide potable water from ocean water. 5. It can also produce fuels such as hydrogen that can be used to power fuel cells in electric cars. 6. This technology can be used for aquaculture, refrigeration, and air conditioning. - The disadvantages of depending energy resources from OTEC Systems include the following: 1. OTEC plants are only suitable in tropical areas. 2. Electricity produced by OTEC power plants is costly. 3. Construction of OTEC power plants requires great amount of investment. 4. Construction of power plants may damage coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. 5. OTEC system may result to political concerns. ## Environmental Awareness - In order to find the best solution to address the current environmental crisis, environmental awareness is a number on requirement. Here is a list of the current issues the environment is facing today: 1. **Air pollution.** Toxins from the factories and vehicle are the primary reason behind the air pollution. Urban sprawl, acid deposition, and oil leaks contaminate the groundwater. The burning of fossil fuels from the power plants and manufacturing plants discharge different gases that pollute the air. 2. **Water pollution.** In the increasing human population results to more demand for clean water. Pollution of water are mostly caused by discharges from agricultural and industrial activities. 3. **Soil and land pollution.** Mining for minerals, deforestation, construction, and industrial activities degrade the earth's surface. Land pollution have a big impact in the terrestrial ecosystems. 4. **Climate change.** The melting of the polar ice, new health issues, changes in seasons are some of the many destructive impacts of the Climate Change resulting from the increasing temperature of the earth's surface. 5. **Global warming.** Greenhouse gases are by-products of fossil fuel utilization. In turn, it leads to environmental changes that affect humans, animals, and plants. 6. **Deforestation.** The forests play a great responsibility in managing the earth's temperature and precipitation. The increased number of human population results to more demands for homes, food and materials. The forests are continuously losing in order to provide these demands. 7. **Increased carbon footprint.** Human activities directly and indirectly produce greenhouse gases. As humans depend in fossil fuels, carbon footprint is increased and this cause destruction to the earth. 8. **Genetic modification.** The demands for food due to the increasing population have been addressed by genetic engineering. The humans found a way to modify the genes of the plants through this technology. However, these genetically modified food causes threat to the animal consumers those results to poisons and sicknesses. 9. **Effect on marine life.** One of the problems in the world is facing the increasing amount of carbon in the water. This has a direct effect on shellfishes and microscopic fishes. 10. **Public health issues.** The present environmental problems are a great threat to the wellness of the humankind, including the animals. If left unresolved, this may affect the life span of both humans and animals. 11. **Overpopulation.** At present, the sustainability of the earth's resources is at threat due to the increasing growth of population. This is one of the most salient environmental problem that needs to be addressed immediately. 12. **Loss of biodiversity.** Human activities have affected the earth's biodiversity. Destruction of habitat leads to loss of biodiversity. 13. **Littering and landfills.** The problem in proper waste disposal has been one of the issues related with the growth of population and industries. Municipal and household garbage once incinerated or buried in landfills result to environmental damage in the long run. Certain waste products of manufacturing industries generate refuse that cannot be reuse and must be properly dispose of. 14. **Ozone layer depletion.** The ozone layer provides a great protection against the radiation of the sun. The presence of Chlorofluorocarbon's (CFC's) in the atmosphere breaks the bond of the ozone in the stratosphere. The greatest ozone depletion was detected over the Antarctic. 15. **Mining.** The earth's minerals once extracted through mining may release harmful chemicals to the atmosphere. These emissions may pollute the air, water and the soil. 16. **Natural resource depletion.** Overconsumption of the non-renewable resources of the earth may lead to global warming that result to more alarming environmental issues. 17. **Natural disasters.** Millions of people are severely affected by the current natural calamities happening in the planet. This includes hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and forest fires. What makes it worst is its unpredictability and the irreparable outcomes. 18. **Nuclear issues.** One great source of energy comes from nuclear resources. However, its by-product, the radioactive waste is extremely harmful and toxic. Improper disposal of radioactive wastes will affect humans, plants, and animals including in the environment. 19. **Habitat loss.** Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation are the different kinds of habitat loss. This environmental concern may pose a great threat to the wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems. 20. **Acid rain.** The acidic rain water caused by the contamination of precipitation with nitrogen and sulfuric acids has great ecological effects. The acid deposition may affect the aquatic ecosystems, forest, man-made structures, and even cause health issues. 21. **Agricultural pollution.** The use of chemical products like pesticides and fertilizers has been a common agricultural practice nowadays in dealing with pest. As the chemicals seep into the ground, it contaminates the groundwater and thereby will soon affect the plants and crops. 22. **Light and noise pollution.** One of the common concerns arising from the urban areas is the high density of lights from buildings, cars, and street lights. This pollution greatly affects the bird populations especially in their communication, mating, and social behavior. 23. **Urban sprawl.** Urban sprawl or the widespread population growth in undeveloped areas brings about results to various effects. This includes increase in public costs, traffic flow congestions, health issues, and environmental concerns. 24. **Medical waste.** The refuse generated from healthcare facilities like hospitals, laboratory clinics, dental clinics, and nursing homes are considered biologically hazardous waste. Improper disposal of these biomedical wastes can lead to environmental contamination. ## Suggested Readings/Website/Videos/Film Clips * Earth Observatory: How much more will earth warm? Retrieved from: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/GlobalWarming/page5.php * Riley, Dohn. (2005). Renewable alternatives to fossil fuels are necessary. Retrieved from: https://flexiblelearning.auckland.ac.nz/ela/m3b_b/43/files/EnvironmentVB_Readings/renewable_alternatives_to_fossil_fuels_are_necessary.pdf * Liberal Studies Curriculum Resources Book Series (2016). Energy technology and the environment. Retrieved from: http://www.eccteachingkit.org.hk/upload/download/Energy.pdf * National Geographic. (2017, August 28). Causes and effects of climate change National Geographic. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/G4H1N_yXBia * GMA Public Affairs: (2016, August 25). I-Witness: 'Climate Justice, dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/m6wgjdG08Jc