GE102-8 Climate Change & Energy Crisis PDF

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY CRISIS  What is Climate change? -A change of distribution of weather patterns over a long time after being observed by scientist all over the world CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE  Fossil fuels -The massive use of fossil fuels is obviou...

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY CRISIS  What is Climate change? -A change of distribution of weather patterns over a long time after being observed by scientist all over the world CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE  Fossil fuels -The massive use of fossil fuels is obviously the first source of global warming, as burning coal, oil and gas produces carbon dioxide - the most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere - as well as nitrous oxide.  Deforestation -The exploitation of forests has a major role in climate change. Trees help regulate the climate by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When they are cut down, this positive effect is lost and the carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere  Intensive Farming - Another cause of global warming is intensive farming, not only with the ever-increasing livestock, but also with plant protection products and fertilizers. In fact, cattle and sheep produce large amounts of methane when digesting their food, while fertilizers produce nitrous oxide emissions CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE  Waste disposal - Waste management methods like landfills and incineration emit greenhouse and toxic gases - including methane - that are released into the atmosphere, soil and waterways, contributing to the increase of the greenhouse effect.  Mining - Modern life is highly dependent on the mining and metallurgical industry. Metals and minerals are the raw materials used in the construction, transportation and manufacturing of goods. From extraction to delivery, this market accounts for 5% of all greenhouse gas emissions  Overconsumption - Finally, overconsumption also plays a major role in climate change. In fact, it is responsible for the overexploitation of natural resources and emissions from international freight transport, which both contribute to global warming. Effects of Climate change on:  Biodiversity  Oceans  Humans  Weather Effects on Biodiversity  The increase of temperatures and the climate upheavals disturb the ecosystems, modify the conditions and cycles of plant reproduction. The scarcity of resources and climate change are changing life habits and migratory cycles of animals. We are already witnessing the disappearance of many species - including endemic species - or, conversely, the intrusion of invasive species that threaten crops and other animals.  Global warming therefore impacts biodiversity. It is the balance of biodiversity that is modified and threatened. According to the IPCC, a 1.5°C (34.7°F) average rise might put 20-30% of species at risk of extinction. If the planet warms by more than 2°C, most ecosystems will struggle. Effects on Oceans  Because of global warming, permafrost and ice are melting massively at the poles, increasing the sea level at a rate never known before. In a century, the increase reached 18 cm (including 6 cm in the last 20 years). The worst case scenario is a rise of up to 1m by 2100.  The acidification of the oceans is also of great concern. In fact, the large amount of CO2 captured by the oceans makes them more acidic, arousing serious questions about the adaptability of seashells or coral reefs Effects on humans  Human beings are not spared by these upheavals. Climate change is affecting the global economy. It is already shaking up social, health and geopolitical balances in many parts of the world. The scarcity of resources like food and energy gives rise to new conflicts.  Rising sea levels and floods are causing population migration. Small island states are in the front line. The estimated number of climate refugees by 2050 is 250 million people Effects on Weather  For decades now, meteorologists and climatologists around the world have been watching the effects of global warming on the weather phenomena. And the impact is huge: more droughts and heatwaves, more precipitations, more natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, storms and wildfires, frost- free season, etc. How to prevent climate change  Renewable energies  Energy and water efficiency  Sustainable transportation  Sustainable infrastructure  Sustainable agriculture and forest management  Responsible consumption and recycling  ENERGY CRISIS An energy crisis is any essential disruption in an economy’s supply of energy resources. Causes of World energy crisis  Overpopulation  Infrastructure Deterioration  Waste of Energy  Excessive Consumption  Natural Disasters and Major Accidents  Potential Solutions to the Global Energy Crisis  Transition to Renewable Resources  Purchase Energy-Effective Products  Controls for Lighting Give some impacts of energy crisis.