Global Environmental Changes - PDF

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES Merlita L. Almeria Biology Department MSU-main campus Identifiable change in the climate of the earth that last for an extended period (decades or longer). ►when due to natural process, it is usually refe...

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES Merlita L. Almeria Biology Department MSU-main campus Identifiable change in the climate of the earth that last for an extended period (decades or longer). ►when due to natural process, it is usually referred to global climate variability. ►Refers to changes caused by human activities that change the atmosphere. Change over time of the distribution of land uses within a country. Land use is characterized by the arrangements, activities and inputs that people undertake in a specific land cover type to produce, change or maintain it. CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Why climate change is affecting the world? Humans and wild animals face new challenges for survival because of climate change. More frequent and intense drought, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans can directly harm animals, destroy the places they live, and wreak havoc on people's livelihoods and communities. Climate change increases the risk of illness through increasing temperature, more frequent heavy rains and runoff, and the effects of storms. The evidence is clear: the main cause of climate change is burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. When burnt, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the air, causing the planet to heat up. What is the real life example of climate change? Droughts are becoming longer and more extreme around the world. Tropical storms becoming more severe due to warmer ocean water temperatures. As temperatures rise there is less snowpack in mountain ranges and polar areas and the snow melts faster. Overall, glaciers are melting at a faster rate. In conclusion, climate change is the most significant problem facing the world. Global warming is increasing day by day. If we cannot prevent it as soon as possible, our world will face undesirable consequences. What will happen if we don’t stop climate change? The wildlife we love and their habitat will be destroyed, leading to mass species extinction. Super storms, drought, and heat waves would become increasingly common and more extreme, leading to major health crises and illness. Agricultural production would plummet, likely leading to global food shortages and famine. The three main effects of climate change: 1. The rising temperature contributes to a rise in sea levels. 2. Other effects include ocean acidification, sea ice decline, increased ocean stratification and reductions in oxygen levels. 3. Changes to ocean currents including a weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation are another important effect. What are the interesting facts about climate change? Six scary facts about climate change Climate change could be irreversible by 2030.... Greenhouse gas levels are at an all-time high.... More than 1 million species face extinction.... Climate change is creating a refugee crisis.... Our oceans are dying.... We use more of the earth's resources than it can renew. How can the community help prevent climate change? Energy efficient buildings, low carbon public transport and encouraging cycling and walking are essential to cutting CO2 emissions. Greening cities with parks and gardens reduces CO2 and helps cool urban areas and reduce flooding. 5 ways to mitigate climate change as a student Embrace Sustainable Transportation. Opt for walking, biking, or using public transport whenever possible, as these options significantly reduce your carbon footprint.... Adopt a Green Diet.... Conserve Energy and Water.... Support Eco-Friendly Initiatives.... Educate and Inspire Others. Both involve the heating of Earth. The greenhouse effect is the natural heating of Earth's surface caused by atmospheric gases which is beneficial to life. While global warming is the abnormal rise in global temperatures due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a consequence of the combustion of fossil gases expelled by industry, livestock, vehicles and other terrestrial elements. Morbidity is the state of being unhealthy for a particular disease or situation, whereas mortality is the number of deaths that occur in a population