Climate Change Challenges in Guyana & Caribbean (ENV 1102) PDF

ENV1102: Environment FACULTY OF and Development EARTH in Guyana and AND ENVIRONMENTAL the Caribbean SCIENCES Environment and Development in Guyana & the Caribbean...

ENV1102: Environment FACULTY OF and Development EARTH in Guyana and AND ENVIRONMENTAL the Caribbean SCIENCES Environment and Development in Guyana & the Caribbean Course Number: ENV 1102 Challenges of Climate Change Lecturer Mr. Ronn Sullivan  Climate Change Objective: General introduction to the concept of Climate Change and its exacerbation and intensification of current environmental and societal challenges Weather & Climate is it the same or are the terms different ?  What is Weather? Definition: the state of the air and atmosphere at a particular time and place: describing for example the degree to which it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy at a particular time and place. ( Short term) ACCUWeather 2023  Climate  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defined Climate as:  “The long-term average of weather patterns over a significant period of time (typically thirty (30) years or more) for a particular region or the Earth as a whole. It encompasses patterns and variations in temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, atmospheric pressure, and other meteorological factors.” 5 Weather vs Climate What is Climate Change?  Definition of Climate change According to the (IPCC, 2007), climate change refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the average and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. This change can result from natural processes or human activities, such as the emission of greenhouse gases.  Distinguising the concepts- Global Warming and Climate Change Is global warming and climate change the same ? Can the two terms be used interchangeably? 9  What Is the Greenhouse Effect?  The greenhouse effect is the natural warming of the earth that results when gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun that would otherwise escape into space. The process was identified by scientists in the 1800s.  The greenhouse effect is a good thing. It warms the planet to temperatures that keep life on earth, well, livable. Without it, the world would be more like Mars: a frozen, uninhabitable place. 10  The concept of Global Warming  But higher concentrations of greenhouse gases, and carbon dioxide (CO2) in particular, are causing extra heat to be trapped and average global temperatures to rise.  For most of the past 800,000 years— much longer than human civilization has existed—the concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere was roughly between 200 and 280 parts per million( NOAA, 2023)  According to (NOAA, 2023) -global average atmospheric carbon dioxide was 417.06 parts per million (“ppm” for short) in 2022, setting a new record high.. NOAA, 2023 11  Definition of Global Warming Global warming is the long-term increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, particularly the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere, which traps heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping into space, and lead to a gradual rise in global temperatures (IPCC, 2013). (Depositphotos, 2013) 12  Interconnection between global warming and climate change  Global warming is one of the primary drivers of climate change. As the Earth's average temperature rises due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, it sets off a chain reaction of changes in the Earth’s climate system.  The warming of the Earth's surface leads to shifts in climate patterns and results in various climate-related impacts. These impacts can include more frequent and severe heatwaves, changing precipitation patterns, stronger and more intense storms, melting ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems (IPCC 2007)  Interconnection between global warming and climate change  Climate change, in turn, can have far-reaching and often detrimental effects on human societies, ecosystems, and economies. It can impact agriculture, water resources, coastal communities, biodiversity, and public health.  The relationship is cyclical, as climate change caused by global warming can further contribute to additional global warming feedback loops. For example, as ice melts in polar regions, it reduces the Earth's reflectivity, or albedo, which can lead to increased heat absorption and even more warming ( IPCC, 2007)  Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Change Burning Fossil Fuels:  The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. CO2 is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat from the sun and causing global temperatures to rise. Deforestation:  The removal of forests for agriculture, urban development, and other purposes reduces the planet's capacity to absorb CO2. Trees and forests act as "carbon sinks," absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When forests are removed, this stored carbon is released.  Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Change Industrial Processes:  Many industrial activities release greenhouse gases, including methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), both potent contributors to global warming. These emissions result from processes like agriculture, wastewater treatment, and the production of certain chemicals. Agriculture:  Agriculture is a source of both methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Methane is produced by enteric fermentation in livestock and rice cultivation, while nitrous oxide is released from fertilizers and manure.  Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Change Land-Use Changes:  Urbanization and land-use changes can lead to alterations in local climate patterns and increased heat retention. The construction of impervious surfaces like roads and buildings can intensify urban heat islands. Waste Management:  Landfills and waste management practices produce methane as organic waste decomposes anaerobically. Improved waste management techniques can reduce methane emissions.  Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Change Transportation:  The burning of fossil fuels in vehicles is a significant source of CO2 emissions. Energy Production:  Power plants, especially those relying on coal, and other fossil fuels are major sources of CO2 emissions.  WHAT OTHER ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE CHANGE? THINK LOCAL!  Climate Trajectory  In a report published in 2018, the IPCC stated that: 'Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0 °C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8 °C to 1.2 °C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.  Warming greater than the global annual average is being experienced in many land regions and seasons, including two to three times higher in the Arctic. Warming is generally higher over land than over the ocean.  Warming from anthropogenic emissions from the pre-industrial period to the present will persist for centuries to millennia and will continue to cause further long-term changes in the climate system, such as sea level rise, with associated impacts (high confidence), but these emissions alone are unlikely to cause global warming of 1.5°C CLIMATE CHANGE: ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES  Rising Temperatures  Increased global temperatures can lead to heatwaves, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.  Higher temperatures can also cause the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. NOAA.gov  Sea Level Rise  As global temperatures rise, so do sea levels (melting of glaciers and ice caps, thermal expansion)  This can lead to coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and increased flooding in low-lying areas, which threatens both natural and human- made environments.  Small Island Developing States (SIDS) including low-lying coastal countries have long been recognized as some of the planet's most vulnerable areas to climate change, notably to rising sea levels and coastal extremes( UN 2007) National Geographic , 2000  Ocean Acidification:  Increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere are absorbed by the world's oceans, leading to ocean acidification.  This can harm marine life, including coral reefs and shellfish, as it weakens their calcium carbonate structures. SKY Smith 2020  Extreme Weather Events:  Climate change is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and heavy rainfall.  These events can disrupt ecosystems and lead to habitat destruction and species displacement. NOAA, 2018  Biodiversity Loss  Climate change can threaten the survival of numerous plant and animal species by altering their habitats, migration patterns, and food sources.  This can lead to a decline in biodiversity, with potential cascading effects on ecosystems  Desertification  Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can contribute to desertification, the process by which fertile land becomes arid and unproductive.  This can lead to soil degradation and a loss of agricultural productivity. COPYRIGHT © 2011-2023 CLIMATE CHANGE GUIDE  Forest Decline  Climate change can lead to shifts in the geographic ranges of forests and the spread of pests and diseases that can harm trees.  This can disrupt forest ecosystems and reduce their capacity to sequester carbon.  Impact on Ecosystem Services  Climate change can reduce the ability of ecosystems to provide essential services, such as clean air, clean water, and pollination, which are vital for human well-being.  Threats to Coastal Ecosystems  Rising sea levels and more frequent storms can damage coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, which serve as important buffers against coastal erosion and protect coastal communities. National Geographic 2022  Altered Migration Patterns  Changes in temperature and food availability can alter the migration patterns of birds, fish, and other species, which can disrupt ecosystems and affect biodiversity. WHAT OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARE YOU AWARE OF IN GUYANA OR INTERNATIONALLY? Societal Challenges of Climate change CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL Societal Challenges CHALLENGES  Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a complex web that intertwines with and exacerbates existing societal challenges.  What are some of those impacts that ripple through various aspects of our lives? CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL Societal Challenges CHALLENGES Agriculture and Food Security:  Challenge: Changing weather patterns, increased temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall disrupt agricultural production patterns.  Exacerbation: Crop failures, reduced yields, and loss of livelihood for farmers lead to food shortages, price hikes, and increased vulnerability for communities. Is this currently happening in a local context? CLIMATE SocietalCHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Challenges Water Scarcity:  Challenge: Growing populations and urbanization already strain water resources.  Exacerbation: Altered precipitation patterns and prolonged droughts worsen water scarcity, affecting both urban and rural areas. Competition for water resources intensifies. CLIMATE SocietalCHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Challenges Water Scarcity:  Challenge: Growing populations and urbanization already strain water resources.  Exacerbation: Altered precipitation patterns and prolonged droughts worsen water scarcity, affecting both urban and rural areas. Competition for water resources intensifies. CLIMATE Societal CHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Challenges Social Conflict:  Challenge: Existing social tensions and conflicts can be rooted in resource scarcity, political instability, or ethnic divides.  Exacerbation: Climate-induced competition for resources, particularly in vulnerable regions, can escalate existing conflicts and create new flashpoints. CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Societal Challenges Economic Disparities:  Challenge: Economic inequality is a persistent challenge globally.  Exacerbation: Climate change disproportionately impacts low-income communities, as they often reside in vulnerable areas prone to flooding, heatwaves, or other climate-related disasters. This deepens existing economic disparities. CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Societal Challenges Migration and Displacement:  Challenge: Societal issues, such as poverty and political instability, contribute to forced migration and displacement.  Exacerbation: Climate-induced events like sea-level rise and extreme weather events amplify existing migration patterns, leading to climate refugees and strained resources in host communities. CLIMATE Societal CHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Challenges Infrastructure Vulnerability:  Challenge: Aging infrastructure is susceptible to damage and disruption from various factors.  Exacerbation: More frequent and severe extreme weather events, like hurricanes and floods, strain infrastructure resilience, impacting energy, transportation, and communication systems.  Climate Change Impacts in Developing Countries Speech Hon. Mia Mottley Climate Action Summit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0aUaXWGnsg Speech Hon. Mia. Mottley Opening at COP 26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN6THYZ4ngM Speech Hon. Mia Mottley Opening at COP 27 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J0egwAfO0w Hurricane Lisa Impacts in Belize https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxBTjQ8WzSQ CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES Conclusions  In addressing climate change, we must recognize its interconnectedness with societal challenges. A holistic approach that considers both environmental and social aspects is crucial for building resilient communities in the face of a changing climate. CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL CHALLENGES References IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC. (2013). Climate change 2013: The physical science basis. Working Group I contribution to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex & P.M. Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and New York, NY, p. 593. IPCC (2013). Climate change 2013: The physical science basis. Working Groups I, II and III contribution to National Academy of Sciences. (2020). Climate change: evidence and causes: Update 2020. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, p 5. doi: 10.17226/25733 National Academy of Sciences. (2020). Climate change: evidence and causes: Update 2020. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, p 5. doi: 10.17226/25733 National Geographic. (n.d.). All About Climate. National Geographic Society. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/all-about-climate/ NCEI. (2021, July 31). July 2021 Global Climate Report. National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Retrieved October 14, 2023, from https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202107  References NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Monthly Global Climate Report for December 2022, published online January 2023, retrieved on November 110, 2023 from https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202300 Nunez, C. (2019, May 13). Greenhouse gases, facts and information. National Geographic. Retrieved October 14, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/greenhouse-gases USEPA. (2015, June). Climate Change in the United States: Benefits of Global Action. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Retrieved October 14, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/cirabrochure.pdf Working Group I contribution to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.- K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and New York, NY, p. 685.