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Environmental impact of agriculture

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from Environmental issues with agriculture)

Water pollution in a rural stream due to runoff from farming activity; in New Zealand.

The environmental impact of agriculture varies based on the wide variety of agricultural practices emp

Conte

nts

[hide]

1 Issues

1.1

Climat

e

change

1.2

Defore

station

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1.3

Geneti

c

engine

ering

1.4Intensi

ve

farmin

g

1.5

Irrigati

on

1.6

Polluta

nts

1.7 Soil

degrad

ation

1.8

Waste

1.8.1

Issue

s byregio

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2

Sustaina

ble

agricultu

re

3 See

also

4

References

5

External

links

[edit] Issues








































http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_impact_of_agriculture&action=edit&section=1











































[edit] Climate change

Main article: Climate change and agriculture

Climate change and agriculture are interrelated processes, both of which take place on a global scale. G

At the same time, agriculture has been shown to produce significant effects on climate change, primaril

[edit] Deforestation

Main article: Deforestation

One of the causes of deforestation is to clear land for pasture or crops. According to British environmen

In 2000 the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that "the role of population

[edit] Genetic engineering

See also: Genetically modified food controversies

Genetic engineering has caused controversies.

Seed contamination is problematic.

[edit] Intensive farming

Intensive farming alters the environment in many ways. Some of the disadvantages of this method of f

Limits or destroys the natural habitat of most wildlife, and leads to soil erosion

Use of fertilizers can alter the biology of rivers and lakes.[4]

Pesticides generally kill useful insects as well as those that destroy crops

Generally not sustainable - often results in desertification or, in a worst case scenario, land that is so

Requires large amounts of energy input to produce, transport, and apply chemical fertilizers/pesticide

Use of chemicals on fields creates run-off, excess runs off into rivers and lakes causing pollution

Use of pesticides have numerous negative health effects in workers who apply them, people that live

[edit] Irrigation

Main article: Environmental impact of irrigation

Irrigation can lead to a number of problems:[5]

Depletion of underground aquifers through overdrafting.

Ground subsidence.

Groundwater recharge - an ecological restoration, mitigation, and remediation technique.

Underirrigation gives poor soil salinity control which leads to increased soil salinity with consequent b


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_and_agriculture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_contamination


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intensive_farming


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_irrigation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_irrigation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intensive_farming


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_contamination

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_and_agriculture




Overirrigation because of poor distribution uniformity or management wastes water, chemicals, and

Deep drainage (from over-irrigation) may result in rising water tables which in some instances will lea

Irrigation with saline or high-sodium water may damage soil structure owing to the formation of alkali

Runoff causing surface water and groundwater-aquifer hydrologic cycle water pollution.

Bioretention - an ecological restoration, mitigation, and remediation technique.

[edit] Pollutants

See also: Environmental impact of pesticides

A wide range of agricultural chemicals are used and some become pollutants through use, misuse, or ig

Pesticide drift

soil contamination

groundwater and water pollution

air pollution spray drift

Pesticides, especially those based on organochloride

Pesticide residue in foods

Pesticide toxicity to bees

List of crop plants pollinated by bees

Pollination management

Bioremediation

[edit] Soil degradation

Main article: Soil degradation

soil contaminationerosion

sedimentation

[edit] Waste

Plasticulture, the use of plastic materials in agriculture, raises problems around how to carry out the re

[edit] Issues by region

Hedgerow removal in the United Kingdom.

Soil salinisation, especially in Australia.Phosphate mining in Nauru

Methane emissions from livestock in New Zealand. See Climate change in New Zealand.

Some environmentalists attribute the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico as being encouraged by nitr

[edit] Sustainable agriculture

Main article: Sustainable agriculture

Further information: Motivations for organic agriculture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pesticides

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_drift

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_contamination

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_residue

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_toxicity_to_bees

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crop_plants_pollinated_by_bees

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollination_management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioremediation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_degradation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedimentation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasticulture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgerow_removal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphate_mining_in_Nauru

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_in_New_Zealand


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivations_for_organic_agriculture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_agriculture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_in_New_Zealand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphate_mining_in_Nauru

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgerow_removal


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasticulture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedimentation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosion


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_degradation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioremediation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollination_management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crop_plants_pollinated_by_bees

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_toxicity_to_bees

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_residue

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide_drift

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pesticides




The exponential population increase in recent decades has increased the practice of agricultural land co

Organic farming is a multifaceted sustainable agriculture set of practices that can have a lower impact o

Other specific methods include: permaculture; and biodynamic agriculture which incorporating a spiritu

Category: Sustainable agriculture

Biological pest control

[edit] See also

Agriculture and the environment

List of environmental issues

Animal welfare

Animal rights

Habitat

"Livestock's Long Shadow" - Environmental Issues and Options

by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

Principles of Organic Agriculture

Research Institute for Organic Agriculture

Agro-hydro-salinity model for environmental impacts of irrigated agriculture

Spatial agro-hydro-salinity model for environmental impacts of irrigated agriculture

[edit] References

1. ^ UN Report on Climate Change. Retrieved 25 June 2007.

2. ^ Hance, Jeremy (May 15, 2008). "Tropical deforestation is 'one of the worst crises since we came o

3. ^ Alain Marcoux (August 2000). "Population and deforestation". SD Dimensions . Sustainable Devel

4. ^ Rebuilding Agriculture - EPA of UK

5. ^ ILRI, 1989, Effectiveness and Social/Environmental Impacts of Irrigation Projects: a Review. In: An




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Sustainable_agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_pest_control


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_and_the_environment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_environmental_issues

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_welfare

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_rights

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestock%27s_Long_Shadow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_Organic_Agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_Institute_for_Organic_Agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltmod

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahysmod



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahysmod

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltmod

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_Institute_for_Organic_Agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_Organic_Agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestock%27s_Long_Shadow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_rights

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_welfare


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_and_the_environment


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_pest_control

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Sustainable_agriculture



loyed around the world.



lobal warming is projected to have significant impacts on conditions affecting agriculture, including tem

y through the production and release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrou

talist Norman Myers, 5% of deforestation is due to cattle ranching, 19% due to over-heavy logging, 22%

dynamics in a local setting may vary from decisive to negligible," and that deforestation can result from

rming include:

oisonous and eroded that nothing else will grow

s

nearby the area of application or downstream/downwind from it, and consumers who eat the pesticide

uild up of toxic salts on soil surface in areas with high evaporation. This requires either leaching to remo



ay lead to water pollution.

d to problems of irrigation salinity requiring watertable control by some form of subsurface land draina

ine soil.

norance.

ycling of agricultural plastics.

gen fertilization of the algae bloom.



nversion to meet demand for food which in turn has increased the effects on the environment. The glo

n the environment

al element.

ut of our caves'". Mongabay.com / A Place Out of Time: Tropical Rainforests and the Perils They Face .

pment Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

nual Report 1988, International Institute for Land Reclamation and Improvement (ILRI), Wageningen, Th



perature, precipitation and glacial run-off. These conditions determine the carrying capacity of the bios

s oxide, but also by altering the Earth's land cover, which can change its ability to absorb or reflect heat

due to the growing sector of palm oil plantations, and 54% due to slash-and-burn farming.[2]

"a combination of population pressure and stagnating economic, social and technological conditions."[

s which remain on their food

ve these salts and a method of drainage to carry the salts away.



e.



al population is still increasing and will eventually stabilise, as some critics doubt that food production,

e Netherlands, pp. 18 - 34 . On line: [1]



here to produce enough food for the human population and domesticated animals. Rising carbon dioxi

and light, thus contributing to radiative forcing. Land use change such as deforestation and desertificati

]



due to lower yields from global warming, can support the global population.



e levels would also have effects, both detrimental and beneficial, on crop yields. The overall effect of cl

n, together with use of fossil fuels, are the major anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide; agriculture



limate change on agriculture will depend on the balance of these effects. Assessment of the effects of gl

itself is the major contributor to increasing methane and nitrous oxide concentrations in earth's atmosp



obal climate changes on agriculture might help to properly anticipate and adapt farming to maximize a

here.[

1]



ricultural production.



Environmental impact of the energy industry


(Redirected from Environmental issues with energy)

Rate of world energy usage in terawatts (TW), 1965-2005.[1]

Energy consumption per capita per country (2001). Red hues indicate increase, green hues decrease of

The environmental impact of the energy industry is diverse. Energy has been harnessed by humans for

In the real world of consumption of fossil fuel resources which lead to global warming and climate chan

Rapidly advancing technologies can achieve a transition of energy generation, water and waste manage

Conte

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1 Issues

1.1Climat

e

change

1.2

Biofuel

use

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Energy_per_capita.png

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1.2.1

Bio-

diese

l

1.2.2

Firewood

1.3

Fossil

fuel

use

1.3.1

Coal

1.3.2

Petro

leum

1.3.3

Gas

1.4

Electric

ity

genera

tion

1.5

Reserv

oirs

1.6

Nuclea

r

power

1.7

Wind

power

2

Mitigation

2.1

Energy

conser

vation



















































































2.2

Energy

policy

2.3

Sustainable

energy

2.3.1

Econ

omic

instr

ume

nts

3 See

also

4

Referenc

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5

External

links

[edit] Issues

[edit] Climate change

Global mean surface temperature anomaly relative to 1961–1990.

Main article: Attribution of recent climate change

Global warming and climate change due to human activity is generally accepted as being caused by ant

There is a highly publicized denial of climate change but the vast majority of scientists working in climat

[edit] Biofuel use






















http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_impact_of_the_energy_industry&action=edit&section=1


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attribution_of_recent_climate_change


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Instrumental_Temperature_Record_(NASA).svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Instrumental_Temperature_Record_(NASA).svg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attribution_of_recent_climate_change


























Biofuel is defined as solid, liquid or gaseous fuel obtained from relatively recently lifeless or living biolo

Bio fuels are a renewable energy and can be sustainable (carbon neutral) in terms of greenhouse gas e

[edit] Bio-diesel

Main article: Environmental effects of biodiesel

See also: Indirect land use change impacts of biofuelsand Sustainable biofuel

High use of bio-diesel leads to land use changes including deforestation.

[edit] Firewood

Unsustainable firewood harvesting can lead to loss of biodiversity and erosion due to loss of forest cov

According to the U.N. the continent is losing forest twice as fast as the rest of the world. "Once upon a t

[edit] Fossil fuel use

Global fossil carbon emission by fuel type, 1800-2007 AD.

The three fossil fuel types are coal, petroleum and natural gas. It was estimated by the Energy Informat

The burning of fossil fuels produces around 21.3 billion tonnes (21.3 gigatonnes) of carbon dioxide per

[edit] Coal

Main article: Environmental impact of coal mining and burning

The environmental impact of coal mining and burning is diverse.[11] Legislation passed by the U.S. Con

[edit] Petroleum

Main article: Environmental impact of petroleum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_effects_of_biodiesel




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_coal_mining_and_burning


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_petroleum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oil-spill.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Global_Carbon_Emissions.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Global_Carbon_Emissions.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_petroleum


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_coal_mining_and_burning


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_effects_of_biodiesel


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel



A beach after an oil spill

The environmental impact of petroleum is often negative because it is toxic to almost all forms of life. T

[edit] Gas

Natural gas is often described as the cleanest fossil fuel, producing less carbon dioxide per joule deliver

In addition, natural gas itself is a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide when released in

[edit] Electricity generation

Main article: Environmental impact of electricity generation

The environmental impact of electricity generation is significant because modern society uses large am

[edit] Reservoirs

Main article: Environmental impact of reservoirs

The environmental impact of reservoirs is coming under ever increasing scrutiny as the world demand f

[edit] Nuclear power

Main article: Environmental impact of nuclear power

Nuclear power activities involving the environment; mining, enrichment, generation and geological disp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_spill



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_electricity_generation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_reservoirs


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_nuclear_power

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nuclear_power_environmenal_collage.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nuclear_power_environmenal_collage.jpg



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_nuclear_power


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_reservoirs


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_electricity_generation






The environmental impact of nuclear power results from the nuclear fuel cycle, operation, and the effe

[edit] Wind power

Main article: Environmental impact of wind power

Compared to the environmental effects of traditional energy sources, the environmental effects of win

[edit] Mitigation

[edit] Energy conservation

Main article: Energy conservation

Energy conservation refers to efforts made to reduce energy consumption. Energy conservation can be

Energy conservation can result in increased financial capital, environmental quality, national security, p

[edit] Energy policy

Main article: Energy policy

Energy policy is the manner in which a given entity (often governmental) has decided to address issues

[edit] Sustainable energy

Main article: Sustainable energy

Sustainable energy is the provision of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromisin

[edit] Economic instruments

Various economic instruments can be used to steer society toward sustainable energy. Some of these

Ecological economics aims to address some of the interdependence and coevolution of human econom

Biophysical economics sometimes referred to as thermoeconomics is discussed in the field of ecological

[edit] See also

Energy

portal

Environm

ent portal


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_wind_power



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_conservation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_policy


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_energy



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Energy


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Environment


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aegopodium_podagraria1_ies.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crystal_energy.svg







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_energy


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_policy


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_conservation



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_wind_power




Ecology

portal


Energy

Energy economics

Energy accountingEnergy transformation

Energetics

Energy quality

Ecological energetics

Systems ecology

Thermoeconomics

Industrial ecology

Index of energy articles

Energy and Environment

Environmental impact of aviation

The Venus Project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Ecology



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_economics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_accounting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_transformation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_quality

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_energetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_ecology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoeconomics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_ecology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_energy_articles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_and_Environment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_aviation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Venus_Project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Earth_flag_PD.jpg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_aviation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_and_Environment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_energy_articles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_ecology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoeconomics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_ecology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_energetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_quality

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_transformation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_accounting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_economics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy






consumption during the 1990s.[2]

millennia. Initially it was with the use of fire for light, heat, cooking and for safety, and its use can be tr

ge however little change is being made in many parts of the world. Chinese oil demand for instance, is p

ment, and food production towards better environmental and energy usage practices using methods of







ropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of greenhouses gas emissions are due to burning fo

ology accept that it is due to human activity. The IPCC report Climate Change 2007: Climate Change Im






ical material and is different from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material. Als

issions since they are in the carbon cycle for the short term.

r. An example of this is a 40 year study done by the University of Leeds of African forests, which accoun

ime, Africa boasted seven million square kilometers of forest but a third of that has been lost, most of i

ion Administration that in 2006 primary sources of energy consisted of petroleum 36.8%, coal 26.6%, n

ear, but it is estimated that natural processes can only absorb about half of that amount, so there is a n

ress in 1990 required the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a plan to allevi










he possibility of climate change exists. Petroleum, commonly referred to as oil, is closely linked to virtu

d than either coal or oil.,[12] and far fewer pollutants than other fossil fuels. However, in absolute term

to the atmosphere but is released in smaller amounts.

unts of electrical power. This power is normally generated at power plants that convert some other kin

or water and energy increases and the number and size of reservoirs increases. Dams and the reservoir

osal.











ts of accidents such as the Chernobyl disaster (1986) and Fukushima I nuclear accidents (2011).

power are relatively minor. Wind power consumes no fuel, and emits no air pollution, unlike fossil fuel

achieved through increased efficient energy use, in conjunction with decreased energy consumption an

ersonal security, and human comfort.[citation needed ]

Individuals and organizations that are direct consume

of energy development including energy production, distribution and consumption. The attributes of en

g the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable energy sources are most often regar

ethods include ecotaxes and emissions trading.

ies and natural ecosystems over time and space.[15] Environmental economics, is the mainstream econ

l economics and relates directly to energy conversion, which itself is related to the fields of sustainabilit


















ced back at least 1.9 million years.[3] In recent years there has been a trend towards the increased com

rojected to grow nearly 20% in the next six years, and that country already imports over half of the 8 m

systems ecology and industrial ecology.[5][6]












ssil fuels with most of the rest due to deforestation.[citation needed ]

acts, Adaptation and Vulnerability predicts that climate change will cause shortages of food and water









, various plants and plant-derived materials are used for biofuel manufacturing.

t for a third of the world's total tropical forest which demonstrates that Africa is a significant carbon sin

to charcoal."[8]

tural gas 22.9%, amounting to an 86% share for fossil fuels in primary energy production in the world.[9

et increase of 10.65 billion tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year (one tonne of atmospheric c

te toxic pollution from coal-fired power plants. After delay and litigation, the EPA now has a court-impo













lly all aspects of present society, especially for transportation and heating for both homes and for com

s it does contribute substantially to global carbon emissions, and this contribution is projected to grow.

d of energy into electrical power. Each such system has advantages and disadvantages, but many of the

can be used to supply drinking water, generate hydroelectric power, increasing the water supply for irr







l power sources. The energy consumed to manufacture and transport the materials used to build a wind

d/or reduced consumption from conventional energy sources.

s of energy choose to conserve energy to reduce energy costs and promote economic security. Industri

ergy policy may include legislation, international treaties, incentives to investment, guidelines for energ

ded as including all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wav

omic analysis of the environment, which views the economy as a subsystem of the ecosystem, while ec

y and sustainable development especially in the area of carbon burning.[18]












mercialization of various renewable energy sources.

illion barrels per day (1,300,000 m3/d) it uses.

[4] If the peak oil theory proves out, more explorations of









and increased risk of flooding that will affect billions of people, particularly those living in poverty.[7]






k. A climate change expert, Lee White states that "To get an idea of the value of the sink, the removal of

]

rbon is equivalent to 44/12 or 3.7 tonnes of carbon).[10] Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gase

sed deadline of March 16, 2011, to issue its report.









ercial activities.

According to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report,[13] in 2004 natural gas produced about 5,300 Mt/yr

m pose environmental concerns.

igation, provide recreational opportunities and to improve certain aspects of the environment. Howeve









power plant is equal to the new energy produced by the plant within a few months. While a wind farm

al and commercial users can increase energy use efficiency to maximize profit.

y conservation, taxation and other public policy techniques.

power, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that impro

logical economics emphasis is upon preserving natural capital.[16]

[17]












viable alternative energy sources, could be more friendly to the environment.




nearly 5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by intact tropical forests is at issue.

s that enhances radiative forcing and contributes to global warming, causing the average surface tempe





f CO2 emissions, while coal and oil produced 10,600 and 10,200 respectively (Figure 4.4); but by 2030,

r, adverse environmental and sociological impacts have also been identified during and after many rese







may cover a large area of land, many land uses such as agriculture are compatible, with only small area

ve energy efficiency.





rature of the Earth to rise in response, which climate scientists agree will cause major adverse effects.




ccording to an updated version of the SRES B2 emissions scenario, natural gas would be the source of 1

voir constructions. Whether reservoir projects are ultimately beneficial or detrimental—to both the en





of turbine foundations and infrastructure made unavailable for use.[

14]






1,000 Mt/yr, with coal and oil now 8,400 and 17,200 respectively. (Total global emissions for 2004 wer

vironment and surrounding human populations— has been debated since the 1960s and probably long





estimated at over 27,200 Mt.)

efore that. In 1960 the construction of Llyn Celyn and the flooding of Capel Celyn provoked political up





roar which continues to this day. More recently, the construction of Three Gorges Dam and other simila




r projects throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America have generated considerable environmental and p




litical




Environmental impact of mining


(Redirected from Environmental issues with mining)

Acid mine drainage in the Rio Tinto River.

The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and

Erosion of exposed hillsides, mine dumps, tailings dams and resultant siltation of drainages, creeks and



http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_issues_with_mining&redirect=no

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rio_tinto_river_CarolStoker_NASA_Ames_Research_Center.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rio_tinto_river_CarolStoker_NASA_Ames_Research_Center.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_issues_with_mining&redirect=no



contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water by chemicals from mining processes. In some cas

rivers can significantly impact the surrounding areas, a prime example being the giant Ok Tedi Mine in P



s, additional forest logging is done in the vicinity of mines to increase the available room for the storag

apua New Guinea. In areas of wilderness mining may cause destruction and disturbance of ecosystems



e of the created debris and soil.[1] Besides creating environmental damage, the contamination resultin

nd habitats, and in areas of farming it may disturb or destroy productive grazing and croplands. In urba



ountries are required to follow environmental and rehabilitation codes, ensuring the area mined is retu



rned to close to its original state. Some mining methods may have significant environmental and public



health effects.



Environmental impact of paint


(Redirected from Environmental issues with paint)

An assortment of paints.

The environmental impact of paint is diverse. Traditional painting materials and processes can have ha

The United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and Green Star ratings are some of the s

Conte

nts

[hide]

1 Issues

1.1

Low-VOC

and

other

enviro

nment

ally

preferr

ed

paints

1.2

Anti-

fouling

paint

1.3

Heavy

metals

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_issues_with_paint&redirect=no

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_with_paint




















http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EWM_paint_2007.jpg

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2

Mitigati

on

3 See

also

4

References

5

External

links

[edit] Issues

[edit] Low-VOC and other environmentally preferred paints

Volatile organic compounds are gases emitted by various solids or liquids, many of which have short- a

Low-VOC paint types include: Latex (water based), recycled latex (water based), acrylic, and milk paint.[

The labels of paint cans can be checked for the following information:

To be considered Low-VOC, the paint should consist of <50grams per liter (g/l) of VOC.

To be considered Zero-VOC, the paint should consist of <5 g/l of VOC.

Solid content usually ranges from 25-45%, higher solid percentages ensures less VOC's.[4]

In the US, items containing toxic ingredients will have registration numbers with either the:

1. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3. United States Department of Transportation (DOT)

[edit] Anti-fouling paint

Main article: Anti-fouling paint

Anti-fouling paint (or bottom paint) is used to protect the hulls of boats from fouling by marine organis

TBT is harmful to some marine organisms, including the dog whelk. TBT causes dog whelks to suffer fro

Alternatives to TBT include biomimetic antifouling coatings and ePaint.

[edit] Heavy metals

Heavy metals are used in paints and it has raised concerns due to their toxicity at high levels of exposur












http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_impact_of_paint&action=edit&section=1



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Protection_Agency

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Transportation


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-fouling_paint



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-fouling_paint


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Transportation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Protection_Agency

















Lead

Main article: Lead paint

Lead paint is paint containing lead as pigment. Lead is also added to paint to speed drying, increase dur

Chromium

Primer paint containing hexavalent chromium is still widely used for aerospace and automobile refinishi

[edit] Mitigation

As a response to the environmental and health concerns some paint manufacturers now offer environ

Products like ECOBOND LBP are available to treat lead. Ecobond can chemically change lead to make it l

[edit] See also


Lead-based paint in the United Kingdom

Lead-based paint in the United States

[edit] References

1. ^ Buzzle.com

2. ^ Pinnacle Painting Vancouver

3. ^ Seattle Public Utilities Sustainable Building Program Pages:44. ^ [Loux, Renee(2008), Easy Green Living The ultimate guide to simple, eco-friendly choices for you

5. ^ Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain H

6. ^ Staff (2008-12-03). "Persistent Pollutant May Promote Obesity". Science daily. Retrieved 2008-12

7. ^ Dan Minchin, Eberhard Stroben, Jörg Oehlmann, Barbara Bauer, Colm B. Duggan and Michael Kea

[edit] External links

Green Painters Australia Assoc.

Human impact on the

environment

[hide]

v

d

e

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_paint


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECOBOND



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-based_paint_in_the_United_Kingdom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-based_paint_in_the_United_States




http://www.greenpainters.org.au/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_impact_on_the_environment


http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Human_impact_on_the_environment&action=edit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Human_impact_on_the_environment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Human_impact_on_the_environment




http://www.greenpainters.org.au/




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-based_paint_in_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-based_paint_in_the_United_Kingdom



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECOBOND


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_paint



Agricultur

e

Fishing·

Irrigation·

Meat

productio

n· Palm

oil

Energy

industry

Biodiesel·

Coal

mining

and

burning·

Electricity

generatio

n·

Nuclear

power·

Oil shale

industry·

Petroleum

·

Reservoirs

· Wind

power

Manufact

ured

products

Cleaning

agents·

Concrete·

Nanotech

nology·

Paint·

Paper·

Pesticides

·

Pharmace

uticalsand

personal

care

products

Transport

Aviation·

Roads·

Shipping

Causes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_agriculture


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_the_energy_industry


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_transport

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_transport







OtherMining·

War

EffectsCoral reefs· Nitrogen

cycle



rmful effects on the environment, including those from the use of lead and other additives. Measures c

tandards that can be applied.



d long-term adverse health effects. Solvents in traditional paints often contain high quantities of VOCs.

3]

s. Anti-fouling paint protects the surface from corrosion and prevents drag on the ship from any build

imposex: females develop male sexual characteristics such as a penis.[7] This causes them to become

e and since they build up in the food chain.



ability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion. Paint with significant lead c

ing applications. Zinc chromate has been used as a pigment for artists paint, known as Zinc Yellow or Yel

entally friendly alternatives. Also, in some countries paint recycling is be carried out on surplus paints a

less leechable and therefore easier on the environment.

nd your home. Pages:311]

azardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (26 November 2006). "Draft Decision Guidanc

-03.

tinge (1996). "Biological indicators used to map organotin contamination in Cork Harbour, Ireland". Ma



n be taken to reduce environmental impact, including accurately estimating paint quantities so that wa



Paints that are low in VOCs [1]) improve indoor air quality and reduce urban smog.[2] The beneficial cha

up of marine organisms. These paints have contained organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) co

infertile or even die. In severe cases males can develop egg sacs.



ontent is still used in industry and by the military. For example, leaded paint is sometimes used to paint

low 36. It is highly toxic and now rarely used.

nd resold.

Document for Tributyltin Compounds". United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved 2008-10-0

ine Pollution Bulletin 32 (2): 188. doi:10.1016/0025-326X(95)00120-C.



stage is minimized, use of paints, coatings, painting accessories and techniques that are environmentall



racteristics of such green paints include: low odor, clean air formula, safer technology, as well as excell

pounds which are considered to be toxic chemicals which have negative effects on humans and the en



roadways and parking lot lines. Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections (especi

6.



preferred.



nt durability, and a washable finish.

vironment.[5] Tributyltin compounds are moderately to highly persistent organic pollutants that biocon



ially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Because of its low reactivity and solubility, l



centrate up the marine predators' food chain. One common example is leaching of TBT from marine pai



ead poisoning usually only occurs in cases when the lead is dispersed, like when sanding lead based pai



nts into the aquatic environment, causing irreversible damage to the aquatic life. Tributyltin has also be



t prior to repainting.



en linked to obesity in humans, as it triggers genes that cause the growth of fat cells.[6]



Environmental impact of paper


(Redirected from Environmental issues with paper)

A pulp and paper mill in New Brunswick, Canada. Although pulp and paper manufacturing requires larg

The environmental impact of paper is significant, which has led to changes in industry and behavior at

Conte

nts

[hide]

1 Issues

1.1

Deforestation

1.2 Air

polluti

on

1.3

Water

polluti

on

1.4

Wood

pulpin

g

proces

s

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_issues_with_paper&redirect=no

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Brunswick

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PulpAndPaperMill.jpg

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Brunswick

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1.5

Non-

renew

able

resour

ces

2Mitigati

on

2.1

Bleachi

ng

2.2

Recycli

ng

3 Inks

4 See

also

5

Referenc

es

6

Further

Reading

7

External

links

[edit] Issues

See also: Paper pollution

[edit] Deforestation

Main article: Deforestation

Worldwide consumption of paper has risen by 400% in the past 40 years, with 35% of harvested trees b

Deforestation is often seen as a problem in developing countries but also occurs in the developed worl

[edit] Air pollution

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are all emitted during paper manu




























http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_impact_of_paper&action=edit&section=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_pollution







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_pollution































[edit] Water pollution

Waste water discharges for a pulp and paper mill contains solids, nutrients and dissolved organic matte

Discharges can also discolour the water leading to reduced aesthetics. This has happened with the Tara

[edit] Wood pulping process

See also: Bleaching of wood pulp

Bleaching mechanical pulp is not a major cause for environmental concern since most of the organic m

However, the bleaching of chemical pulps has the potential to cause significant environmental damage,

Conventional bleaching using elemental chlorine produces and releases into the environment large am

Dioxins are highly toxic, and health effects on humans include reproductive, developmental, immune a

As a result, from the 1990 onwards the use of elemental chlorine in the delignification process was sub

TCF bleaching, by removing chlorine from the process, reduces chlorinated organic compounds to back

However, there has been disagreement about the comparative environmental effects of ECF and TCF bl

[edit] Non-renewable resources

Clay or calcium carbonate are used as fillers for some papers. Kaolin is the most commonly used clay fo

[edit] Mitigation

Waste paper awaiting recycling in the Netherlands.

Some of the effect of the pulp and paper industry can be addressed and there is some change towards

[edit] Bleaching

The move to non-elemental chlorine for the bleaching process reduced the emission of the carcinogeni


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarawera_River


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleaching_of_wood_pulp





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:080826_Waste_Paper.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:080826_Waste_Paper.jpg





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleaching_of_wood_pulp


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarawera_River




[edit] Recycling

Main article: Paper recycling

There are three categories of paper that can be used as feedstocks for making recycled paper: mill brok

One concern about recycling wood pulp paper is that the fibers are degraded with each and after being

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has found that recycling causes 35% less water poll

[edit] Inks

Three main issues with the environmental impact of printing inks is the use of volatile organic compoun

Deinking recycled paper pulp results in a waste slurry which may go to landfill. De-inking at Cross Point

In the 1970s federal regulations for inks in the United States governed the use of toxic metals such as le

[edit] See also


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_recycling







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_recycling




amounts of energy, a portion of it comes from burning wood waste.

both business and personal levels. With the use of modern technology such as the printing press and th





r, and unless at low levels these are classed as pollutants. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus ca

wera River in New Zealand which subsequently became known as the "black drain".

terial is retained in the pulp, and the chemicals used (hydrogen peroxide and sodium dithionite) produc

primarily through the release of organic materials into waterways. Pulp mills are almost always located

unts of chlorinated organic compounds, including chlorinated dioxins.[4] Dioxins are recognized as a pe

d hormonal problems. They are known to be carcinogenic. Over 90% of human exposure is through foo

tantially reduced and replaced with ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) bleac

round levels in pulp mill effluent.[10] ECF bleaching can substantially reduce but not fully eliminate chl

eaching. On the one hand, paper and chemical industry-funded studies have generally found that there

r coated papers.

ustainable practices. The use of wood solely from plantation forests address concerns about loss of old

organochlorines. Peracetic acid, ozone[14] and hydrogen peroxide and oxygen are used in bleaching se





















e, pre-consumer waste, and post-consumer waste.[15] Mill broke is paper trimmings and other paper sc

recycled four or five times the fibers become too short and weak to be useful in making paper.[17]

lution and 74% less air pollution than making virgin paper.[18] Pulp mills can be sources of both air and

ds, heavy metals and non-renewable oils. Standards for the amount of heavy metals in ink have been s

's Miami, Ohio mill in the United States results in sludge weighing 22% of the weight of wastepaper rec

ad, arsenic, selenium, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium.[22]















highly mechanised harvesting of wood, paper has become a cheap commodity. This has led to a high l




[1], but is one of the most controversial issues. Plantation forest, from where the majority of wood for

s, the New Zealand government stopped the export of woodchips for native forests after campaigning b

nhouse gas responsible for climate change.







n cause or exacerbate eutrophication of fresh water bodies such as lakes and rivers. Organic matter dis

e benign byproducts (water and sodium sulfate (finally), respectively).

near large bodies of water because of they require substantial quantities of water for their processes.

rsistent environmental pollutant, regulated internationally by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent

d, primarily meat, dairy, fish and shellfish, as dioxins accumulate in the food chain in the fatty tissue of

hing processes. In 2005, elemental chlorine was used in 19–20% of kraft pulp production globally, down

rinated organic compounds, including dioxins, from effluent. While modern ECF plants can achieve chlo

is no environmental difference between ECF and TCF effluents.[12+ On the other hand, independent pe

growth forests.

quences in the pulp industry to produce totally chlorine free (TCF) paper.















rap from the manufacture of paper, and is recycled internally in a paper mill. Pre-consumer waste is ma

ater pollution, especially if they are producing bleached pulp. Modern mills produce considerably less

t by some regulatory bodies.[20] There is a trend toward using vegetable oils rather than petroleum oil

cled.[21]











vel of consumption and waste. With the rise in environmental awareness due to the lobbying by enviro




olved in fresh water, measured by Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), changes ecological characteristics,

n increased public awareness of environmental issues from the 1970s and 1980s, as evidenced by the f

rganic Pollutants.

nimals.[7]

from over 90% in 1990. 75% of kraft pulp used ECF, with the remaining 5–6% using TCF.[8] Most TCF pu

rinated organic compounds (AOX) emissions of less than 0.05 kg per tonne of pulp produced, most do n

r-reviewed study has found that, comparing conventional, ECF and TCF effluents before and after seco












terial that was discarded before it was ready for consumer use. Post-consumer waste is material discar

ollution than those of a few decades ago. Recycling paper decreases the demand for virgin pulp and th

in recent years due to a demand for better sustainability.






nmental organizations and with increased government regulation there is now a trend towards sustaina




e practice.




and in worse case scenarios leads to death of all higher living organisms. Waste water may also be poll

ormation of organizations like Greenpeace, influenced the pulping industry and governments to address

lp is produced in Sweden and Finland for sale in Germany,[8] all markets with a high level of environme

ot achieve this level of emissions. Within the EU, the average chlorinated organic compound emissions

dary treatment, “TCF effluents are the least toxic”.[13]












ed after consumer use such as old magazines, old telephone directories, and residential mixed paper.[1

s reduces the overall amount of air and water pollution associated with paper manufacture. Recycled







bility in the pulp and paper industry.




ted with organochlorine compounds. Some of these are naturally occurring in the wood, but chlorine b

the release of these materials into the environment.[5] Environmental NGO pressure was especially int

tal awareness. In 1999, TCF pulp represented 25% of the European market.[9]

or ECF plants is 0.15 kg per tonne.[11]













6]

ulp can be bleached with the same chemicals used to bleach virgin pulp, but hydrogen peroxide and so





leaching of the pulp produces far larger amounts.[4]

ense on Swedish and Finnish pulp and paper companies.[6]









ium hydrosulfite are the most common bleaching agents. Recycled pulp, or paper made from it, is kno




n as PCF (process chlorine free) if no chlorine-containing compounds were used in the recycling proces




s.[19]






Environmental impact of shipping


(Redirected from Environmental issues with shipping)

A cargo ship discharging ballast water into the sea.

The environmental impact of shipping includes greenhouse gas emissions and oil pollution. Carbon dio

The First Intersessional Meeting of the IMO Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions[2+ from Ship

Conte

nts

[hide]

1 Ballast

water

1.1

Affecte

d

species1.2

New

Zealan

d

1.3

Peru



http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_issues_with_shipping&redirect=no

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_with_shipping













http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ship_pumping_ballast_water.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ship_pumping_ballast_water.jpg














http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_issues_with_shipping&redirect=no



11.2

United

Kingdo

m

11.3United

States

12

Internati

onal

regulatio

n

13 See

also

14

Referenc

es

15

External

links

[edit] Ballast water

Ballast water discharged by ships can have a negative impact on the marine environment. Cruise ships, l

When a larger vessel, such as a container ship or an oil tanker unloads cargo, seawater is pumped into c

Ships are also responsible for transporting harmful organisms in their ballast water. Meinesz[5] believes

In addition to introducing non native species into new environments, ballast and bilge discharge from s

[edit] Affected species

There are hundreds of organisms carried in ballast water that cause problematic ecological effects outsi

Cholera Vibrio cholerae (various strains)

Cladoceran Water Flea Cercopagis pengoi

Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis

Toxic algae (red/brown/green tides) (various species)

Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus

North American Comb Jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi

North Pacific Seastar Asterias amurensis

Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha





















http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_impact_of_shipping&action=edit&section=1


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrio_cholerae

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cercopagis_pengoi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriocheir_sinensis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neogobius_melanostomus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mnemiopsis_leidyi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterias_amurensis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreissena_polymorpha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreissena_polymorpha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterias_amurensis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mnemiopsis_leidyi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neogobius_melanostomus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriocheir_sinensis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cercopagis_pengoi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrio_cholerae

























Asian Kelp Undaria pinnatifida

European Green Crab Carcinus maenas

[edit] New Zealand

The ballast tanks in New Zealand carry animals and plants that kill ecosystems. Ballast tanks are only us

[edit] Peru

A form of cholera, Vibrio cholerae , previously reported only in Bangladesh apparently arrived via ballas

[edit] Mediterranean

Mediterranean countries have voluntarily implemented Ballast Water Management procedures for ves

[edit] United States

Ballast water discharges are believed to be the leading source of invasive species in US marine waters, t

The zebra mussel, native to the Caspian and Black Seas arrived in Lake St. Clair in the ballast water of a

Congress enacted the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (NISA) to control aquatic nuisance species.[

[edit] Regulation

US Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations currently exempt ballast water discharges incidental to the norm

After the denial of their administrative petition, the environmental groups filed a lawsuit seeking to for

The government has appealed the district court’s ruling, and the parties are waiting for a ruling from th

The 110th Congress had considered ballast water discharge issues, specifically legislation to provide a u

The US government has set up voluntary guidelines for vessels operating within US waters. These guide

Avoid ballast operations in or near marine sanctuaries, marine preserves, marine parks, or coral reefs.

Avoid taking on ballast water:

with harmful organisms and pathogens, such as toxic algal blooms.near sewage outfalls.

near dredging operations.

where tidal flushing is poor or when a tidal stream is known to be more turbid.

in darkness when organisms may rise up in the water column.

in shallow water or where propellers may stir up the sediment.

Clean ballast tanks regularly.

Discharge minimal amounts of ballast water in coastal and internal waters.

Rinse anchors during retrieval to remove organisms and sediments at their place of origin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undaria_pinnatifida

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinus_maenas


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosecurity_Act_1993



http://www5.imo.org/SharePoint/blastData.asp/doc_id=14230/35.pdf



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_courts_of_appeals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_courts_of_appeals



http://www5.imo.org/SharePoint/blastData.asp/doc_id=14230/35.pdf



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosecurity_Act_1993


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinus_maenas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undaria_pinnatifida



Remove fouling organisms from hull, piping, and tanks on a regular basis and dispose of any removed

Maintain a vessel-specific ballast water management plan.

Train vessel personnel in ballast water management and treatment procedures.

States can impose stricter guidelines and it is unlawful to ballast within national marine monuments.

There are additional guidelines, mandatory log keeping, and mandatory reporting for any vessel that pl

Ballast water management plan (Each ship must have one)

Copy of IMO guidelines.

Vessel’s name, type, IMO number, flag, owner, gross tonnage, call sign, and agent.

Last port, next port, arrival port, and date.

Total volume of ballast water capacity.

Total volume of ballast water on board.

Total number of tanks in ballast.

Total number of tanks on board that are used for ballast, will be discharged, have undergone exchang

Location, date, volume, and temperature of ballast when each tank was loaded.

Location, date, volume, and salinity of ballast water to be discharged for each tank.

Particulars of exchange if conducted, including volume exchanged, location, date, percent of tank vol

Description of alternative management method, if used.

Reasons if no ballast treatment method was used.

To minimize the spread of invasive species in U.S. waterways, the Environmental Protection Agency an

[edit] Sound pollution

Noise pollution caused by shipping and other human enterprises has increased in recent history.[17] Th

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species has identified ocean noise as a potential thre

[edit] Ship impacts

Marine mammals, such a whales and manatees, risk being struck by ships, causing injury and death. For

One notable example of the impact of ship collisions is the endangered North Atlantic right whale, of w

[edit] Exhaust emissions

Exhaust emissions from ships are considered to be a significant source of air pollution, with 18 to 30 pe

3.5 to 4 percent of all climate change emissions are caused by shipping.[25] Air pollution from cruise shi

As one way to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, vetting agency RightShip

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclusive_Economic_Zone




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harbor_seals_on_Douglas_breakwater.JPG





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclusive_Economic_Zone



Cruise ship haze over Juneau, Alaska

One source of environmental pressures on maritime vessels recently has come from states and localitie

In 2005 MARPOL Annex VI came into force to combat this problem. As such cruise ships now employ cc

[edit] Oil spills

Most commonly associated with ship pollution are oil spills. While less frequent than the pollution that

[edit] International regulation

Some of the major international efforts in the form of treaties are the Marine Pollution Treaty, Honolul

[edit] Sewage

The cruise line industry dumps 255,000 US gallons (970m3) of greywater and 30,000 US gallons (110m

Due to the environmental impact of shipping, and sewage in particular marpol annex IV was brought int

[edit] Cleaning

Greywater is wastewater from the sinks, showers, galleys, laundry, and cleaning activities aboard a ship

[edit] Solid waste

Solid waste generated on a ship includes glass, paper, cardboard, aluminium and steel cans, and plastic

[edit] Bilge water

On a ship, oil often leaks from engine and machinery spaces or from engine maintenance activities and

[edit] Issues by region

[edit] Asia



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARPOL









http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w.svg











http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARPOL



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[edit] United Kingdom

Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Merchant Shipping (Pollution) Act 2006

[edit] United States

It is expected that, “…shipping traffic to and from the USA is projected to double by 2020."[27]

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships

American Bureau of Shipping

Cruise ship pollution in the United States

National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan

Oil Pollution Act of 1990

Regulation of ship pollution in the United States

[edit] International regulation

MARPOL 73/78

[edit] See also


Marine debris

Oil spill

Tributyltin

Bottom paint

Environmental threats to the Great Barrier Reef

Classification society (technical standards NGO)

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter

International Association of Classification Societies

Marine fuel management

North Pacific Gyre

Particle (ecology)

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Environmental_impact_of_shipping&action=edit&section=








http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Shipping_Act_1995

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Shipping_%28Pollution%29_Act_2006


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_to_Prevent_Pollution_from_Ships

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bureau_of_Shipping

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_ship_pollution_in_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oil_and_Hazardous_Substances_Contingency_Plan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_Pollution_Act_of_1990

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_ship_pollution_in_the_United_States


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARPOL_73/78



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_debris


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tributyltin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottom_paint

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_threats_to_the_Great_Barrier_Reef

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classification_society

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Prevention_of_Marine_Pollution_by_Dumping_of_Wastes_and_Other_Matter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Classification_Societies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_fuel_management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pacific_Gyre

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_%28ecology%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w.svg


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pacific_Gyre

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_fuel_management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Classification_Societies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Prevention_of_Marine_Pollution_by_Dumping_of_Wastes_and_Other_Matter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classification_society

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_threats_to_the_Great_Barrier_Reef

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottom_paint

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tributyltin


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_debris



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARPOL_73/78


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_ship_pollution_in_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_Pollution_Act_of_1990

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oil_and_Hazardous_Substances_Contingency_Plan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_ship_pollution_in_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bureau_of_Shipping

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_to_Prevent_Pollution_from_Ships


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Shipping_%28Pollution%29_Act_2006

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Shipping_Act_1995











xide emissions from shipping is currently estimated at 4 to 5 percent of the global total, and estimated

took place in Oslo, Norway on 23–27 June 2008. It was tasked with developing the technical basis for t





large tankers, and bulk cargo carriers use a huge amount of ballast water, which is often taken on in the

ompartments in the hull. Similarly, when a larger vessel is being loaded it discharges seawater from the

that one of the worst cases of a single invasive species causing harm to an ecosystem can be attributed

ips can spread human pathogens and other harmful diseases and toxins potentially causing health issu

ide of their natural range. The International Maritime Organization list the ten most unwanted species a








ed in cargo ships there. Ballast water is controlled under the Biosecurity Act 1993 in New Zealand.

water in Peru in 1991, killing more than 10,000 people over the following three years.[8]

els entring or trading within MED as from 1st January 2012 according with IMO BWM.2/Circ.35. This is

hus posing public health and environmental risks, as well as significant economic cost to industries such

ransatlantic freighter in 1988 and within 10 years spread to all of the five neighbouring Great Lakes. Th

11] It amended the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990,[12] and autho

al operation of cruise ships and other vessels from NPDES discharge permit requirements (see above di

e EPA to rescind the regulation that exempts ballast water discharges from CWA permitting. In March 2

e appeals court. However, in June 2007, EPA also initiated steps seeking public comment on regulating b

niform national approach for addressing aquatic nuisance species from ballast water under a program a

lines are for implementing the provisions of NISA. The guidelines are as follows:



















substances in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

ns to enter US waters after being outside the Exclusive Economic Zone. The log keeping and reporting i

e, or have undergone alternative management.

me exchanged, and sea height at time of exchange.

the U.S. Coast Guard are developing plans to regulate the concentration of living organisms discharged

e noise produced by ships can travel long distances, and marine species who may rely on sound for thei

at to marine life.[20]

example, if a ship is traveling at a speed of only 15 knots, there is a 79 percent chance of a collision bei

hich 400 or less remain. The greatest danger to the North Atlantic right whale is injury sustained from sh

rcent of all nitrogen oxide and 9 percent of sulphur oxide pollution.[25] The 15 biggest ships emit about

ps is generated by diesel engines that burn high sulfur content fuel oil, also known as bunker oil, produc

as developed an online “GHG Emissions Rating” as a systematic way for the industry to compare a ship



















s, as they assess the contribution of commercial marine vessels to regional air quality problems when s

v monitoring on the smoke stacks as well as recorded measuring via opacity meter with some also usin

occurs from daily operations, oil spills have devastating effects. While being toxic to marine life, polycyc

u, which deals with regulating marine pollution from ships, and the UN Convention on Law of the Sea, w

) of blackwater into the sea every day. Blackwater is sewage, wastewater from toilets and medical facili

o force September 2003 strictly limiting untreated waste discharge. Modern cruise ships are most com

. It can contain a variety of pollutant substances, including fecal coliforms, detergents, oil and grease, m

. It can be either non-hazardous or hazardous in nature. Solid waste that enters the ocean may become

mixes with water in the bilge, the lowest part of the hull of the ship. Oil, gasoline, and by-products from












y the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to rise by up to 72 percent by 2020 if no action is take

e reduction mechanisms that may form part of a future IMO regime to control greenhouse gas emissio





coastal waters in one region after ships discharge wastewater or unload cargo, and discharged at the n

se compartments. The sea water is meant to help stabilize and balance a ship. Ballast discharges from s

to a seemingly harmless jellyfish. Mnemiopsis leidyi , a species of comb jellyfish that inhabits estuaries

s for humans and marine life alike.[6] Discharges into coastal waters along with other sources of marin

s:[7]














o prevent alien species from contaminating Mediterranean waters.

as water and power utilities, commercial and recreational fisheries, agriculture, and tourism.[9] Studies

economic cost of this introduction has been estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at a

rizes regulation of ballast water; funding for prevention and control research; regional involvement wit

scussions concerning sewage and graywater). Because of the growing problem of introduction of invasiv

005, a federal district court ruled in favor of the groups, and in September 2006, the court remanded th

allast water discharges from ships, an information-gathering prelude to a potential rulemaking in respo

dministered by the Coast Guard.[14] Some groups opposed the bills because they would have preempte















nformation is as follows:

in the ballast water of ships.[15] A June 2011 National Research Council study provided advice on the p

orientation, communication, and feeding, can be harmed by this sound pollution[18]

[19]

g lethal to a whale.[21]

ip strikes.[21] Between 1970 and 1999, 35.5 percent of recorded deaths were attributed to collisions.

[2

as much sulphur oxide pollution as all cars combined.[25] "By 2010, up to 40 percent of air pollution ov

ing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate, in addition to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and

’s CO2 emissions to peer vessels of a similar size and type. Using higher rated ships can deliver significan

























ips are docked in port. For instance, large marine diesel engines are believed to contribute 7 percent of

g clean burning gas turbines for electrical loads and propulsion in sensitive areas.

lic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the components in crude oil, are very difficult to clean up, and last fo

hich deals with marine species and pollution.[30+ While plenty of local and international regulations hav

ties, which can contain harmful bacteria, pathogens, viruses, intestinal parasites, and harmful nutrients.

only installed with a membrane bioreactor type treatment plant for all blackwater and greywater, suc

etals, organic compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, nutrients, food waste, medical and dental waste. S

marine debris, and can then pose a threat to marine organisms, humans, coastal communities, and ind

the biological breakdown of petroleum products can harm fish and wildlife and pose threats to human














.[1]

ns from international shipping, and a draft of the actual reduction mechanisms themselves, for further c







xt port of call, wherever more cargo is loaded. Ballast water discharge typically contains a variety of bio

ips are responsible for tar balls in the open oceans and seas, and can cause problems navigating tanker

rom the United States to the Valdés peninsula in Argentina along the Atlantic coast, has caused notable

pollution have the potential to be toxic to marine plants, animals, and microorganisms causing alterati







suggest that the economic cost just from introduction of pest mollusks (zebra mussels, the Asian clam,

out $5 billion.

the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and education and technical assistance programs to promot

e species into US waters via ballast water, in January 1999, a number of conservation organizations, fis

e matter to EPA with an order that the challenged regulation be set aside by September 30, 2008. [13+ T

nse to the district court’s order.

d states from enacting ballast water management programs more stringent than Coast Guard requirem












rocess of setting these limits. The study found that determining the exact number of organisms that cou

2] During 1999 to 2003, incidents of mortality and serious injury attributed to ship strikes averaged one

r land could come from ships."[26] Sulfur in the air creates acid rain which damages crops and buildings

ydrocarbons. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. EPA recognizes th

tly lower CO2 emissions across the voyage length.










mobile source nitrogen oxide emissions in Baton Rouge/New Orleans. Ships can also have a significant i

r years in the sediment and marine environment.[4] Marine species constantly exposed to PAHs can exh

e been introduced throughout maritime history, much of the current regulations are considered inadeq

Discharges of untreated or inadequately treated sewage can cause bacterial and viral contamination of

as Zenon or Rochem which produce near drinkable quality effluent to be re-used in the machinery spa

ampling done by the EPA and the state of Alaska found that untreated greywater from cruise ships can

ustries that utilize marine waters. Cruise ships typically manage solid waste by a combination of source

health if ingested. Oil in even minute concentrations can kill fish or have various sub-lethal chronic effec













onsideration by IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).[3]






logical materials, including plants, animals, viruses, and bacteria. These materials often include non-nat

routes. Nevertheless, the discharge of ballast water only accounts for a small percentage of oil pollutio

damage in the Black Sea. It was first introduced in 1982, and thought to have been transported to the

ons such as changes in growth, disruption of hormone cycles, birth defects, suppression of the immune







and others) to US aquatic ecosystems is more than $6 billion per year.[10+ These problems are not limit

compliance with the new regulations. NISA also includes specific actions for certain geographical locati

ing groups, native American tribes, and water agencies petitioned the Environmental Protection Agenc

he court rejected EPA’s contention that Congress had previously acquiesced in exempting the “normal

ents, while the CWA does allow states to adopt requirements more stringent than in federal rules. Also,










ld be expected to launch a new population is complex. It suggested an initial step of establishing a benc

per year. In 2004 to 2006, that number increased to 2.6.[23] Deaths from collisions has become an exti

. When inhaled the sulfur is known to cause respiratory problems and even increase the risk of a heart

at these emissions from marine diesel engines contribute to ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainmen









impact in areas without large commercial ports: they contribute about 37 percent of total area nitrogen

ibit developmental problems, susceptibility to disease, and abnormal reproductive cycles. One of the m

uate. “In general, the treaties tend to emphasize the technical features of safety and pollution control

fisheries and shellfish beds, producing risks to public health. Nutrients in sewage, such as nitrogen and

ces as technical water.

ontain pollutants at variable strengths and that it can contain levels of fecal coliform bacteria several ti

eduction, waste minimisation, and recycling. However, as much as 75 percent of solid waste is incinerat

ts. Bilge water also may contain solid wastes and pollutants containing high amounts of oxygen-deman











ive, nuisance, exotic species that can cause extensive ecological and economic damage to aquatic ecosy

in the marine environment.[4]

lack Sea in a ship’s ballast water. The population of the jellyfish shot up exponentially and, by 1988, it w

system, and disorders resulting in cancer, tumors, and genetic abnormalities or even death.[4+ They ma











hmark for the concentrations of organisms in ballast water below current levels, and then using models

ction threat.[24]

ttack.[26] According to Irene Blooming, a spokeswoman for the European environmental coalition Seas

t (i.e., failure to meet air quality standards), as well as adverse health effects associated with ambient c











oxide emissions in the Santa Barbara area, and that percentage is expected to increase to 61 percent b

ore widely known spills was the Exxon Valdez incident in Alaska. The ship ran aground and dumped a m

easures without going to the root causes of sub-standard shipping, the absence of incentives for compl

phosphorus, promote excessive algal blooms, which consumes oxygen in the water and can lead to fish

es greater than is typically found in untreated domestic wastewater.[35] Greywater has potential to c

ed on board, and the ash typically is discharged at sea, although some is landed ashore for disposal or r

ing material, oil and other chemicals. A typical large cruise ship will generate an average of 8 metric ton












stems.

as wreaking havoc upon the local fishing industry. “The anchovy catch fell from 204,000 tons in 1984 to

also have the opposite effect upon some marine life stimulating growth and providing a source of food






d to determine cruise ships’ role in the overall problem of introduction of non-native species by vessels.

be regulated as the “discharge of a pollutant” under the NPDES program. EPA rejected the petition in

r deadline creates practical difficulties for the agency and the affected industry. Significantly, while the f

provisions.







to analyze experimental and field-based data to help inform future decisions about ballast water discha

at Risk, the fuel used in oil tankers and container ships is high in sulfur and cheaper to buy compared to

oncentrations of particulate matter and visibility, haze, acid deposition, and eutrophication and nitrifica






2015.[29] Again, there is little cruise-industry specific data on this issue. They comprise only a small fr

assive amount of oil into the ocean in March 1989. Despite efforts of scientists, managers, and voluntee

iance and the lack of enforceability of measures.”[31] Cruise ships, for example, are exempt from regul

kills and destruction of other aquatic life. A large cruise ship (3,000 passengers and crew) generates an

use adverse environmental effects because of concentrations of nutrients and other oxygen-demandin

ecycling. Marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, and birds can be injured or killed from entanglement with p

s of oily bilge water for each 24 hours of operation. [41] To maintain ship stability and eliminate potenti
















200 tons in 1993; sprat from 24,600 tons in 1984 to 12,000 tons in 1993; horse mackerel from 4,000 to

. Sources of seafood can become contaminated and unhealthy for consumption. Not surprisingly, chole





eptember 2003, saying that the “normal operation” exclusion is long-standing agency policy, to which

ocus of the environmental groups’ challenge was principally to EPA’s permitting exemption for ballast w





rge standards.[16]

the fuel used for domestic land use. "A ship lets out around 50 times more sulfur than a lorry per metri

ion of water.[29+ EPA estimates that large marine diesel engines accounted for about 1.6 percent of m










ction of the world shipping fleet, but cruise ship emissions may exert significant impacts on a local scal

rs over 400,000 seabirds, about 1,000 sea otters, and immense numbers of fish were killed.[4]

tion under the US discharge permit system (NPDES, under the Clean Water Act) that requires complian

stimated 55,000 to 110,000 liters per day of blackwater waste.[33]

[34]

g materials, in particular. Greywater is typically the largest source of liquid waste generated by cruise sh

lastics and other solid waste that may be released or disposed off of cruise ships. On average, each crui

ally hazardous conditions from oil vapors in these areas, the bilge spaces need to be flushed and periodi
















ns in 1984 to zero in 1993.”[5+ Now that the jellyfish have exhausted the zooplankton, including fish lar

ra outbreaks have been attributed to ship operations. “Current research indicates that the bacterium re







ongress has acquiesced twice (in 1979 and 1996) when it considered the issue of aquatic nuisance spec

ater discharges, the court’s ruling — and its mandate to EPA to rescind the exemption in 40 C.F.R. 122.





c tonne of cargo carried."[26] Cities in the U.S. like Long Beach, Los Angeles, Houston, Galveston, and Pi

bile source nitrogen oxide emissions and 2.8 percent of mobile source particulate emissions in the Unit







in specific coastal areas that are visited repeatedly. Shipboard incinerators also burn large volumes of

e with technology-based standards.[4] In the Caribbean, many ports lack proper waste disposal facilitie

ips (90 to 95 percent of the total). Estimates of greywater range from 110 to 320 liters per day per pers

e ship passenger generates at least two pounds of non-hazardous solid waste per day.[37] With large cruise ships carrying several thousand p

cally pumped dry. However, before a bilge can be cleared out and the water discharged, the oil that has












vae, their numbers have fallen dramatically, yet they continue to maintain a stranglehold on the ecosyst

sponsible for causing cholera, Vibrio cholerae can spread through attachment to marine organisms in s







ies in ballast water and did not alter the EPA’s CWA interpretation. Further, EPA said that other ongoin

a — applies fully to other types of vessel discharges that are covered by the regulatory exemption, incl





tsburgh see some of the heaviest shipping traffic in the nation and have left local officials desperately t

ed States in 2000. Contributions of marine diesel engines can be higher on a port-specific basis. Ultra-lo





arbage, plastics, and other waste, producing ash that must be disposed of. Incinerators may release tox

s, and many ships dump their waste at sea.[32]

n, or 330,000 to 960,000 million liters per day for a 3,000-person cruise ship.[36]

assengers, the amount of waste generated in a day can be massive. For a large cruise ship, about 8 tons

been accumulated needs to be extracted from the bilge water, after which the extracted oil can be reu












em. Recently the jellyfish have been discovered in the Caspian Sea. Invasive species can take over once

ip ballast water.”[6] Shellfish and drinking water can then be contaminated when the ship discharges it







ding graywater and bilge water.




ying to clean up the air.[27] Increasing trade between the U.S. and China is helping to increase the num

w sulfur diesel (ULSD) (also spelled “sulphur”) is a term used to describe a standard for defining diesel f







ic emissions as well.

of solid waste are generated during a one-week cruise.[38] It has been estimated that 24 percent of th

sed, incinerated, and/or offloaded in port. If a separator, which is normally used to extract the oil, is fau








occupied areas, facilitate the spread of new diseases, introduce new genetic material, alter landscapes

s ballast water.





ber of vessels navigating the Pacific and exacerbating many of the environmental problems. To maintain

el with substantially lowered sulfur contents. As of 2006, almost all of the petroleum-based diesel fuel





solid waste generated by vessels worldwide (by weight) comes from cruise ships.[39] Most cruise ship

lty or is deliberately bypassed, untreated oily bilge water could be discharged directly into the ocean, w







the level of growth China is currently experiencing, large amounts of grain are being shipped to China

vailable in Europe and North America is of a ULSD type.





arbage is treated on board (incinerated, pulped, or ground up) for discharge overboard. When garbage

here it can damage marine life. A number of cruise lines have been charged with environmental violatio





esponsible for about 137 billion dollars in lost revenue and management costs in the U.S. each year.”[4






y the boat load. The number of voyages are expected to continue increasing.[28]






must be off-loaded (for example, because glass and aluminium cannot be incinerated), cruise ships can

ns related to this issue in recent years. [42][43]









This is very significant damage that cannot be ignored.




put a strain on port reception facilities, which are rarely adequate to the task of serving a large passeng




er vessel.[40]






What is Global Warming and Climate Change?

Global warming and climate change refer to an increase in average global temperatures. Natural events

A warming planet thus leads to a change in climate which can affect weather in various ways, as discuss

What are the main indicators of Climate Change?

As explained by the US agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there ar

Ten indicators for a warming world, Past Decade Warmest on Record According to Scientists in 48 Coun

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

The term greenhouse is used in conjunction with the phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect .

Energy from the sun drives the earth’s weather and climate, and heats the earth’s surface;

In turn, the earth radiates energy back into space;

Some atmospheric gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing en

These gases are therefore known as greenhouse gases;

The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature on Earth as certain gases in the atmosphere trap ene

Image source: Greenhouse Effect, Wikipedia(Link includes detailed explanation of the above image). No

Six main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) (which is 20 times as potent a gree

The Greenhouse effect is natural. What do we have to do with it?

Many of these greenhouse gases are actually life-enabling, for without them, heat would escape back i

However, if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, then more heat gets trapped than needed, and t






http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100728_stateoftheclimate.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Greenhouse_Effect.svg

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Greenhouse_Effect.svg




Carbon dioxide, though not the most potent of greenhouse gases, is the most significant one. Human a

In addition to the natural fluxes of carbon through the Earth system, anthropogenic (human) activitie

When we mine coal and extract oil from the Earth’s crust, and then burn these fossil fuels for transpo

Also, by clearing forests to support agriculture, we are transferring carbon from living biomass into th

The result is that humans are adding ever-increasing amounts of extra carbon dioxide into the atmosp

— The Carbon Cycle; The Human Role, Earth Observatory, NASA

Another way of looking at this is with a simple analogy: consider salt and human health:

A small amount of salt is essential for human life;

Slightly more salt in our diet often makes food tastier;

Too much salt can be harmful to our health.

In a similar way, greenhouse gases are essential for our planet; the planet may be able to deal with slig

Image source: NASA.(Note, values shown represent Carbon Gigatons being absorbed and released)

The other difference between the natural carbon cycle and human-induced climate change is that the l

The climate has always varied in the past. How is this any different?

Throughout Earth’s history the climate has varied, sometimes considerably. Past warming does not aut

John Cook, writing the popular Skeptical Science blog summarizes the key indicators of a human finger

John Cook, 10 Indicators of a Human Fingerprint on Climate Change, Skeptical Science, July 30, 2010

http://www.skepticalscience.com/CO2-is-not-the-only-driver-of-climate.html

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/CarbonCycle/carbon_cycle4.html


http://www.skepticalscience.com/news.php?n=292




http://www.skepticalscience.com/CO2-is-not-the-only-driver-of-climate.html



This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent di

(Source: NOAA) via: Climate Change: How do we know? NASA, accessed October 27, 2009

The above covers hundreds of thousands of years and shows how atmospheric CO2 levels have dramati


http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/



Global CO2 emissions, 1751–2007, Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC), August 2010,D

NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies (GISS) tracks atmospheric global temperature climate trends

O’Day produced a chart showing global temperature anomalies between 1800 and 2006 using data fro

Sources: GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, NASA, accessed January 30, 2011; Global temperature, 18

In the 1880 - 1935 period, the temperature anomaly was consistently negative. In contrast, the since 1

And, as Sir David Attenborough explains, natural variability alone does not explain recent temperature

Sir David Attenborough: The Truth About Climate Change, October 22, 2006

As well as the links above, see also Skeptical Science, which, while examining the arguments of global w

Doesn’t recent record cold weather disprove Global Warming?

In different parts of the world, there have been various weather events that at first thought would que

The confusion that sometimes arises is the difference between climate change and weather patterns.

Deke Arndt, head of the Climate Monitoring Branch for the National Climatic Data Center in the US expl

Climate kind of trains the boxer, but weather throws the punches. And what climate will do is help tra

— Deke Arndt, State of the Climate in 2009, NOAA, July 28, 2010

http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/emis/overview_2007.html

http://processtrends.com/pg_global_warming.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9ob9WdbXx0

http://www.skepticalscience.com/

http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/2010/videos/soc2009

http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/2010/videos/soc2009


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9ob9WdbXx0

http://processtrends.com/pg_global_warming.htm

http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/emis/overview_2007.html



To get an idea of how looking at short term changes only can lead to a conclusion that global warming

(As an aside, those crying foul of global warming claims when going through extremely cold weather in

This short video from TreeHugger and Skeptical Science’s John Cook explains how increasing temperatu

Record-Breaking Snow Doesn't Mean Global Warming Has Stopped, TreeHugger, April 14, 2011

Looking at 2010 as a whole year revealed a variety of extreme weather events. A panel of climate and

Rank EventWhen

Occurred

Descriptio

n

op Ten Global Weather/Climate Events of 201

Source: Top Ten Global Weather/Climate

Events of 2010 National Climatic Data

Center, NOAA, December 2010

These lists were compiled and voted on

during the first week of December.

Significant events, such as the extreme

winter weather in Europe and the flooding

in Australia occurred after this date. These

events have been included in an additional

section titled, “Honorable Mention”, but

may have warranted top ten placement.

http://www.skepticalscience.com/Has-Global-Warming-Stopped.html

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/warming-world-will-still-see-severe-snow-storms-columbia-university.php

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/04/record-breaking-snow-doesnt-mean-global-warming-stopped-video.php

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/special-reports/global-top-ten-2010.html






http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/04/record-breaking-snow-doesnt-mean-global-warming-stopped-video.php

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/warming-world-will-still-see-severe-snow-storms-columbia-university.php

http://www.skepticalscience.com/Has-Global-Warming-Stopped.html



1

Russo-

European-

Asian

Heat

Waves Summer

summer

spawned

drought,

wildfires

and crop

failures

acrosswestern

Russia,

where

more

than

15,000

people

died. All-

time high

temperatu

res

occurred

in many

cities and

nations in

the

region.

China

faced

locust



2

2010 as

[near]

warmest

on record

Calendar

Year

According

to NOAA,

the

globally-

averagedtemperatu

re for

2010 will

finish

among

the two

warmest,

and likely

the

warmest,

on

record.

Three

months in

2010

were the

warmest

on record

for that

month.



3

Pakistani

Flooding

Late July

into

August

related to

the Asian

Monsoon

was

displaced

unusually

westward,and

more

than a

foot of

rain fell

across a

large area

of the

Upper

Indus

Valley.

Subseque

nt

flooding

down the

Indus

River

killed

1,600

people



4

El Niño to

La Niña

Transition

Mid-to-

Late

Boreal

Spring

ENSO, the

most

prominent

and far-reaching

patterns

of climate

variability,

saw a

huge

swing in

mid-

2010.

Only

1973,

1983 and

1998

have seen

larger

within-

year

swings.



5

Negative

Arctic

Oscillation

December

–February

Index,

which is

strongly

correlated

with

wintertim

e cold airoutbreaks,

reached -

4.27 for

February,

the

largest

negative

anomaly

since

records

began in

1950.

Major

cold air

outbreaks

occurred

throughou

t the

Northern

Hemisphe



6

Brazilian

Drought Ongoing

drought

parching

northern

Brazil

shrunk

the Rio

Negro,one of

the

Amazon

River's

most

important

tributaries

, to its

lowest

level

since

records

began in

1902 at

its

confluenc

e with the

Amazon.

The

Amazon's



7-tie

Historicall

y Inactive

NE Pacific

Hurricane

Season

May

15th –Nove

mber 30th

Northeast

Pacific

Hurricane

Season

was one

of the

leastactive on

record,

produced

the

fewest

named

storms

and

hurricanes

of the

modern

era, and

had the

earliest

cessation

of

tropical

activity

(Sep 23)

on record.



7-tie

Historic

N.

Hemisphe

ric Snow

Retreat

January

through

June

December

2009

having

the

second-

largest

snowcover

extent of

the

satellite

record

(mid-

1960s),

the melt

season

was

ferocious,

contributi

ng to

spring

floods in

the

Northern

U.S. and

Canada.

Following



9

Minimum

Sea Ice

Extent

Mid-

Septembe

r

sea ice

minimum

of 4.9

million sq

km was

the third

smalleston

record.

The last

four years

(2007-

2010) are

the four

smallest

on

record.

The

Northwest

Passage

and the

Northern

Sea Route

were

simultane

ously ice-

free in



10

China

Drought

First half

of 2010

persistent

drought

centered

in the

Yunan

Province

wastouted as

perhaps

the worst

in this

region in

more

than 100

years.

Major

crop

losses

and lack

of

drinking

water

created

severe

problems

for local

residents.

The additional concern, as meteorology professor Scott Mandia explains, it can take decades for the cli

But as this infographic shows, most of the warming is going into the oceans:

http://profmandia.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/clearing-up-the-confusion-about-climate-sensitivity/

http://profmandia.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/clearing-up-the-confusion-about-climate-sensitivity/



Source: John Cook, Infographic on where global warming is going, SkepticalScience.com, January 20, 20

As John Cook, creator of the graphic above says (see above link), “Just as it takes time for a cup of coffe

The implications of this is further explained with Inter Press Service’s freezer analogy: The world’s nort

Indeed, as this chart also shows, the warming in the oceans has been occurring for quite some time:

Source: John Cook, The Earth continues to build up heat, Skeptical Science, October 12, 2011

One of John Bruno’s colleagues, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, talks about the impact climate change will have

Ove Hoegh-Guldberg NCSE talk on climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems, Climate Shifts, Januar

“Rapidly rising greenhouse gas concentrations are driving ocean systems toward conditions not seen fo

D. Salmons also has a post at Skeptical Science that explains the impact of warming Arctic’s relation to t

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=54278

http://www.skepticalscience.com/The-Earth-continues-to-build-up-heat.html

http://www.climateshifts.org/?p=6221

http://www.climateshifts.org/?p=6221

http://www.skepticalscience.com/The-Earth-continues-to-build-up-heat.html




Source: GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, accessed Januar

As Salmons explains,

the Arctic has been heating up, and studies show that is happening at two to three times the global av

Now, what does the effect of the dark blue sea being exposed have on the Arctic area? Well, the ice a

— D. Salmons, Global Warming and Cold Winters, Skeptical Science, January 15, 2011

2010 joint warmest on record; most of 2000s in top 10

NASA’s GISS Surface Temperature Analysis graph shown earlier (from 1800 to 2010) shows that temper

As the same data shows, the hottest years have all been since 1998:

Global

Top 10

Warmest

Years

(Jan-Dec)

2010 0.62 1.12

2005 0.62 1.12

1998 0.6 1.08

2003 0.58 1.04

2002 0.58 1.04

2009 0.56 1.01

2006 0.56 1.01

Source: Annual State of the

Climate Global Analysis, National

Climatic Data Center, NOAA,

December 2010

Anomaly

°C

Anomaly

°F

http://data.giss.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/gistemp/do_nmap.py?year_last=2010&month_last=11&sat=4&sst=1&type=anoms&mean_gen=11&year1=2010&year2=2010&base1=1951&base2=1980&radius=1200&pol=reg

http://www.skepticalscience.com/Global-Warming-Cold-Winters.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2010/13








http://www.skepticalscience.com/Global-Warming-Cold-Winters.html

http://data.giss.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/gistemp/do_nmap.py?year_last=2010&month_last=11&sat=4&sst=1&type=anoms&mean_gen=11&year1=2010&year2=2010&base1=1951&base2=1980&radius=1200&pol=reg



2007 0.55 0.99

2004 0.54 0.97

2001 0.52 0.94

Back to top

What are the impacts of Global Warming?

For decades, greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide have been increasing in the atmosphere. But w

Rapid changes in global temperature

Increased greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect has contributed to an overall warming of the Ea

Consider also the following:

While year-to-year changes in temperature often reflect natural climatic variations such as El Niño/La

— Past Decade Warmest on Record According to Scientists in 48 Countries, National Ocean and Atmosp

At the end of the 1990s, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) had noted that not only was th

It is the rapid pace at which the temperature will rise that will result in many negative impacts to huma

Small average global temperature change can have a big impact

Climate scientists admit that the chances of the world keeping average global temperature at current le

So, now, there is a push to contain temperature rises to an average 2°C increase (as an average, this me

Even just a 2°C increase can have impacts around the world to biodiversity, agriculture, the oceans etc (

On October 22, 2009, the British Government and the UK’s Met Office (UK’s National Weather Service)

The impact of a global temperature rise of 4ºC (7 ºF), UK Met Office, October 22, 2009(See larger map)

In short, we would not be able to cope with a 4°C average increase.

As the Met Office noted,

The poster shows that a four degree average rise will not be spread uniformly across the globe. The la

The impacts on human activity shown on the map are only a selection….

Agricultural yields are expected to decrease for all major cereal crops in all major regions of productio

http://www.globalissues.org/article/233/climate-change-and-global-warming-introduction


http://www.wmo.ch/web/Press/Press644.html

http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49010

http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_ipcc_fourth_assessment_report_synthesis_report.htm

http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_ipcc_fourth_assessment_report_synthesis_report.htm

http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49010

http://www.wmo.ch/web/Press/Press644.html





— The impact of a global temperature rise of 4ºC (7 ºF), UK Met Office, October 22, 2009

Side Note»

Extreme Weather Patterns

Most scientists believe that the warming of the climate will lead to more extreme weather patterns suc

More hurricanes and drought;

Longer spells of dry heat or intense rain (depending on where you are in the world);

Scientists have pointed out that Northern Europe could be severely affected with colder weather if cli

In South Asia, the Himalayan glaciers could retreat causing water scarcity in the long run.

While many environmental groups have been warning about extreme weather conditions for a few yea

The WMO also notes that “New record extreme events occur every year somewhere in the globe, but i

Super-storms

Mentioned further above was the concern that more hurricanes could result. The link used was from th

In its wake, scientists have reiterated that such super-storms may be a sign of things to come. “Global

Interviewing a biological oceanography professor at Harvard University, IPS notes that the world’s ocea

When water reaches such temperatures, more of it evaporates, priming hurricane or cyclone formati

Once born, a hurricane needs only warm water to build and maintain its strength and intensity.

Furthermore, “as emissions of greenhouse gases continue to trap more and more of the sun’s energy, t

There is abundant evidence of an unprecedented number of severe weather events in the past decad

More recently, Brazil was struck by the first-ever recorded hurricane in the South Atlantic last March.

“Weather records are being set all the time now. We’re in an era of unprecedented extreme weather

Historical weather patterns are becoming less useful for predicting the future conditions because glob

“In 30 to 50 years’ time, the Earth’s weather generating system will be entirely different,” he predicte

— Stephen Leahy, Global Warming May Spawn More Super-Storms, Inter Press Service, September 20,

Ecosystem Impacts

With global warming on the increase and species’ habitats on the decrease, the chances for various eco

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20091022.html


http://www.panda.org/resources/publications/climate/xweather/

http://panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/news.cfm?uNewsId=2003&uLangId=1

http://www.earthaction.org/en/archive/99-01-cich/nowhere.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Distribution/Redirect_Artifact/0,4678,0-156668,00.html

http://www.wmo.ch/web/Press/Press695.doc

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=421166

http://www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=25534

http://www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=25534

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=421166

http://www.wmo.ch/web/Press/Press695.doc

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Distribution/Redirect_Artifact/0,4678,0-156668,00.html

http://www.earthaction.org/en/archive/99-01-cich/nowhere.html

http://panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/news.cfm?uNewsId=2003&uLangId=1

http://www.panda.org/resources/publications/climate/xweather/


http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20091022.html



Many studies have pointed out that the rates of extinction of animal and plant species, and the temper

An analysis of population trends, climate change, increasing pollution and emerging diseases found that

Jaan Suurkula, M.D. and chairman of Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science an

Rapid global heating according to a US National Academy of Science warning;Dramatic increase in greenhouse gas emissions;

Ozone loss aggravated by global warming;

Ozone loss likely to aggravate global warming;

Warming of the oceans leads to increased green house gasses;

Permafrost thawing will aggravate global warming;

Oceanic changes observed that may aggravate the situation;

A vicious circle whereby each problem will exacerbate other problems which will feedback into each

Massive extinction of species will aggravate the environmental crisis;

Sudden collapse of biological and ecological systems may occur, but will have a very slow recovery;

While effective measures can decrease global warming and other problems the World community ha

The “vicious circle” Suurkula refers to is worth expanding. In his own words, but slightly reformatted:

The ongoing accumulation of greenhouse gasses causes increasing global warming.

This causes a more extensive destruction of ozone in the polar regions because of accentuated strat

An increase of ozone destruction increases the UV-radiation that, combined with higher ocean te

This accentuates the warming process.

When the warming has reached a certain level, it will release huge amounts of greenhouse gasses tr

This will enhance the global warming, and the polar destruction of ozone, and so on.

The observed decrease of the thermohaline circulation [the various streams that transport warm an

This is a global self-reinforcing vicious circle accelerating the global warming.

— Jaan Suurkula, World-wide cooperation required to prevent global crisis; Part one—the problem, Ph

Rising Sea Levels

Water expands when heated, and sea levels are expected to rise due to climate change. Rising sea level

Rising sea levels is already affecting many small islands.

The WorldWatch Institute reports that “*t+he Earth’s ice cover is melting in more places and at higher r

Rising sea levels will impact many coastlines, and a large mass of humanity lives near the coasts or by m

Increasing ocean acidification

http://www.enda.sn/energie/science.htm

http://ens-newswire.com/ens/oct98/1998-10-01-03.html

http://www.psrast.org/

http://www.psrast.org/globecolcr.htm

http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=2428&newsdate=05-Nov-1998

http://www.worldwatch.org/press/news/2000/03/06/

http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=3454

http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=3454

http://www.worldwatch.org/press/news/2000/03/06/

http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=2428&newsdate=05-Nov-1998

http://www.psrast.org/globecolcr.htm

http://www.psrast.org/

http://ens-newswire.com/ens/oct98/1998-10-01-03.html

http://www.enda.sn/energie/science.htm



Ocean Acidification; consumption of carbonate ions impede calcification. Source: Pacific Marine Enviro

Although it has gained less mainstream media attention, the effects of increasing greenhouse emission

NOAA Ocean Acidification Demonstration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, February

As explained by the US agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the basi

These are the 3 main concepts:

1. More CO2 in the atmosphere means more CO2 in the ocean;

2. Atmospheric CO2 is dissolved in the ocean, which becomes more acidic; and

3. The resulting changes in the chemistry of the oceans disrupts the ability of plants and animals in th

Short overview of ocean acidification: Ocean Acidification, ABC World News Webcast, June 7, 2008

Scientists have found that oceans are able to absorb some of the excess CO 2 released by human activity

However, the additional excess CO2 being absorbed is also resulting in the acidification of the oceans:

In addition, “concentrations of carbonate ions are now lower than at any time during the last 800,000 y

Although millions of years ago CO2 levels were higher, today’s change is occurring rapidly, giving many

Clay animation by school children: The other CO2 problem, March 23, 2009 (commissioned by EPOCA)

Some species may benefit from the extra carbon dioxide, and a few years ago scientists and organizatio

One example of recent findings is a tiny sand grain-sized plankton responsible for the sequestration of

Other related problems reported by the Inter Press Service include more oceanic dead zones (areas wh

http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Ocean+Acidification

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuttOKcTPQs

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=st3BlOKtvnA

http://gbo3.cbd.int/

http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/2009/videos/origin-and-impacts-ocean-acidification-part-3

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=egIE08Pmg7c

http://www.epoca-project.eu/

http://www.globalissues.org/news/2009/03/10/851

http://www.globalissues.org/news/2009/03/10/851

http://www.epoca-project.eu/

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=egIE08Pmg7c

http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/2009/videos/origin-and-impacts-ocean-acidification-part-3


http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=st3BlOKtvnA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuttOKcTPQs

http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Ocean+Acidification



Increase in Pests and Disease

An increase in pests and disease is also feared.

A report in the journal Science in June 2002 described the alarming increase in the outbreaks and epide

One of the authors points out that, “Climate change is disrupting natural ecosystems in a way that is m

Failing Agricultural Output; Increase in World Hunger

The Guardian summarizes a United Nations warning that, “One in six countries in the world face food s

Drought and desertification are starting to spread and intensify in some parts of the world already.

Agriculture and livelihoods are already being affected

Failing agriculture in the future have long been predicted.

Food and Global Warming, ScienCentral, January 7, 2009

Looking to 2100, scientists who looked at projections of global warming’s impact on the average tempe

While warm weather can often be good for some crops, hotter than average temperatures for the enti

This would affect at least half the world’s population that either live in the region or rely on food comin

IRIN (Integrated Regional Information Networks), part of the United Nations, has produced a series of s

Changing crops

Melting glaciers

Worsening floods

Creeping deserts

Changing crops

One example is farmers in Nepal finding that cultivating rice isn’t as productive as before, and are chan

Swapping Crops — Climate Change, IRIN, June 28, 2009

In some cases, improved agricultural techniques may help, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigati

See IRIN’s videos on climate change impacts in Africa and Asia for more short clips.

Women face brunt of climate change impacts

http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/twr125g.htm

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/296/5576/2158

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-25-06.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,12374,1517831,00.html

http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2009/01/08/food-and-global-warming/

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/323/5911/193

http://www.irinnews.org/





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f14OdHvGQI0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f14OdHvGQI0





http://www.irinnews.org/

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/323/5911/193

http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2009/01/08/food-and-global-warming/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,12374,1517831,00.html

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-25-06.html

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/296/5576/2158

http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/twr125g.htm



It is recognized that poorer nations will suffer the worst from climate change, either because of geogra

In addition to poor countries, women are likely to suffer the worst, as the United Nations Population fu

Women—particularly those in poor countries—will be affected differently than men. They are among

— Facing a changing world: women, population and climate , State of the World’s Population 2009, UNFPA, November 18, 2009, p.4

The UNFPA also captures this in some videos that accompanied their 2009 report.

Women and Climate Change in Bolivia, UNFPA, November 2009

Women and Climate Change in Vietnam, UNFPA, November 2009

The first one is the above-described effects occurring in rural areas of Bolivia. The second one is on the

Back to top

Greenhouse gases and emissions resulting from human activit

Every few years, leading climate scientists at the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPC

At the beginning of January 2007, the IPCC’s fourth major report summarized that they were even mor

Global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have increased mar

… The understanding of anthropogenic warming and cooling influences on climate has improved since

Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very li

— Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis; Summary for Policymakers

, IPCC, February 5th, 2007 [emphasis is original]

Their definition of “very high confidence” and “very likely” is a 90% chance of being correct. (Their 200

This report was produced by some 600 authors from 40 countries. Over 620 expert reviewers and a lar

As Inter Press Service notes, although the IPCC has become the “gold standard” for global scientific coll

The IPCC operates under the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Envi

It’s an inherently conservative process, with oil-rich countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia always tryi

— Stephen Leahy, Endless Summer Not As Nice As It Sounds, Inter Press Service, January 25, 2007

http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/global/shared/swp/englishswop09.pdf

http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2009/en/



http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2001/2001-01-22-02.asp

http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf

http://www.ipcc.ch/press/prwg2feb07.htm



http://www.ipcc.ch/press/prwg2feb07.htm

http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2001/2001-01-22-02.asp




http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/global/shared/swp/englishswop09.pdf



Differences in Greenhouse Gas Emission Around the World

As the World Resources Institute highlights there is a huge contrast between developed/industrialized

In terms of historical emissions, industrialized countries account for roughly 80% of the carbon dioxi

Annually, more than 60 percent of global industrial carbon dioxide emissions originate in industriali

Much of the growth in emissions in developing countries results from the provision of basic human n

At the 1997 Kyoto Conference, industrialized countries were committed to an overall reduction of emis

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is an organization — backed by the UN and vario

In a report titled The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policy Ma

Brown carbon

Industrial emissions of greenhouse gases that affect the climate.

Green carbon

Carbon stored in terrestrial ecosystems e.g. plant biomass, soils, wetlands and pasture and increasingl

Blue carbon

Carbon bound in the world’s oceans. An estimated 55% of all carbon in living organisms is stored in m

Black carbon

Formed through incomplete combustion of fuels and may be significantly reduced if clean burning tec

But a mitigation approach needs to consider all these forms of carbon they note, not just one or two:

Past mitigation efforts concentrated on brown carbon, sometimes leading to land conversion for biof

— The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policy Makers 2009 , p.18

The United States is the World’s Largest Emitter of Greenhouse Gases Per Capita

Around 2007, China surpassed the US as the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases in terms of tot

Until recently, the United States was the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. However, it rema

Due to its much longer period of industrialization, the US has emitted far more into the atmosphere th

In addition, the US:

Accounts for roughly four percent of the world’s population;

Accounts for approximately 20% of global emissions and some 40% of industrialized country emission

The previously 15-member European Union is also large Emitter

The previously 15 member-nations European Union (E.U.), if considered as a whole (for it is more comp


http://climate.wri.org/project_content_text.cfm?ContentID=1284

http://www.teebweb.org/

http://www.teebweb.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=I4Y2nqqIiCg%3d&tabid=1052&language=en-US

http://www.nrtee-trnee.ca/EmissionsTrading/en/overview_countries_United-States.htm

http://www.nrtee-trnee.ca/EmissionsTrading/en/overview_countries_United-States.htm

http://www.teebweb.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=I4Y2nqqIiCg%3d&tabid=1052&language=en-US

http://www.teebweb.org/

http://climate.wri.org/project_content_text.cfm?ContentID=1284



Accounts for roughly 3 percent of the world’s population;

Accounts for around 10% of global emissions and 24% of industrialized countries’ man-made emission

Recent years have seen a reduction in emissions from those initial 15-member states. However,

It is not near the level required;

For the second consecutive year, in 2003, emissions from EU countries have actually increased sligh

Stalling Kyoto Protocol Gets Push by Russia

The Kyoto Protocol was the climate change treaty negotiated in 1997, setting targets for emissions of g

In order to be binding under international law, the treaty would need ratification from the countries re

The U.S. being the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, pulled out in 2001, leaving treaty ratific

Noting the above, the BBC commented on this adding that Kyoto was only ever a first step — now discu

Rich nation emissions have been rising

The UNFCCC reported (November 17, 2008) that although industrialized nations have reduced emission

.

Side Note»

This is despite an overall decrease of 4.7% since 1990. However, the more recent period suggests the ri

Some nations with large reductions are also seeing limits, for example:

UK (15.1% reduction) benefited by switching from coal to natural gas but that switch is largely in plac

Germany (18.2% reduction) has certainly invested in greenhouse gas emission reductions, but has be

Other reductions have come in part from relocating manufacturing to other places such as China, whi

(See also this Climate Change Performance Index from German Watch and Climate Action Network Eur

Rich Nations Have “Outsourced” Their Carbon Emissions

Global trade is an important feature of the modern world. The production and global distribution of ma

The Kyoto Protocol assigns carbon emissions to countries based on where production takes place rathe

For many years, critics of the Kyoto Protocol have long argued that this means rich countries, who have

The BBC noted back in 2005 that this outsourcing was already taking place, but this idea started way be

In 1991 Larry Summers, then Chief Economist for the World Bank (and US Treasury Secretary, in the Cli

http://org.eea.eu.int/documents/newsreleases/ghg-2003-en

http://www.globalissues.org/article/183/cop3-kyoto-protocol-climate-conference

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3705362.stm

http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2008/sbi/eng/12.pdf


http://www.downtoearth.org.in/cover.asp?foldername=20071215&filename=news&sid=24&page=3&sec_id=9&p=1

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2008.06.009

http://www.germanwatch.org/klima/ccpi.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4542104.stm

http://www.globalissues.org/article/3/structural-adjustment-a-major-cause-of-poverty


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4542104.stm

http://www.germanwatch.org/klima/ccpi.htm

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2008.06.009

http://www.downtoearth.org.in/cover.asp?foldername=20071215&filename=news&sid=24&page=3&sec_id=9&p=1


http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2008/sbi/eng/12.pdf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3705362.stm

http://www.globalissues.org/article/183/cop3-kyoto-protocol-climate-conference

http://org.eea.eu.int/documents/newsreleases/ghg-2003-en



Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging more migration of dirty industrie

— Lawrence Summers, Let them eat pollution, The Economist, February 8, 1992. Quoted from Vandana

Although the discussion above wasn’t about carbon emissions, the intention was the same: rather than

More recently, The Guardian provided a useful summary of the impacts of this approach: carbon emissi

They were summarizing global figures compiled and published in the Proceedings of the National Acade

In more detail:

According to standard data, developed countries can claim to have reduced their collective emissions

…

Much of the increase in emissions in the developed world is due to the US, which promised a 7% cut u

In the same period, UK emissions fell by 28 million tonnes, but when imports and exports are taken in

…

The study shows a very different picture for countries that export more carbon-intensive goods than t

— Duncan Clark, Carbon cuts by developed countries cancelled out by imported goods, The Guardian,

Developing Countries Affected Most

It has been known for some time know that developing countries will be affected the most. Reasons va

German Watch published a Global Climate Risk Index in December 2009 that attempted to list the natio

Between 1990 and 2008 they found these were the most affected nations:

1. Bangladesh

2. Myanmar

3. Honduras

4. Vietnam

5. Nicaragua

6. Haiti

7. India

8. Dominican Republic

9. Philippines

10. China

Back to top





http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/apr/25/carbon-cuts-developed-countries-cancelled

http://www.pnas.org/content/108/21/8903


http://www.germanwatch.org/klima/cri.htm



http://www.germanwatch.org/klima/cri.htm


http://www.pnas.org/content/108/21/8903




Skepticism on Global Warming or That it can be human-induc

© Anne Ward Penguin

For a very long time, something of contention and debate in the U.S. had been whether or not a lot of c

In May 2002, the Bush Administration in the U.S. did admit a link between human activities and climate

Throughout the 1990s, especially in the United States, but in other countries as well, those who would

Picture a situation in which most of the media, despite the overwhelming weight of medical opinion,

Imagine that the BBC, in the interests of “debate”, wheeled out one of the tiny number of scientists w

Imagine that, as a result, next to nothing was done about the problem, to the delight of the tobacco i

Now stop imagining it, and take a look at what’s happening. The issue is not smoking, but climate cha

…

“The scientific community has reached a consensus,” the *U.K.+ government’s chief scientific adviser,

“It is man-made and it is essentially *caused by+ fossil fuel burning, increased methane production… a

…

But these *skeptics and illogical points against climate change+ are rather less dangerous than the BBC

Usually this is either someone from a corporate-funded thinktank (who is, of course, never introduce

This wouldn’t be so objectionable if the BBC made it clear that these people are not climatologists, an

What makes all this so dangerous is that it plays into the hands of corporate lobbyists. A recently leak


http://www.oneworld.org/penguin/

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-03-02.asp

http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,279969,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,279969,00.html

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-03-02.asp

http://www.oneworld.org/penguin/



— George Monbiot, Beware the fossil fools, The Guardian, April 27, 2004

Monbiot’s comments above were over 5 years ago (as of writing), and yet some of those concerns, esp

Gary Schmidt is a leading climate researcher working for NASA. He is also a contributor to RealClimate.

Recently there has been more of a sense that the issues being discussed (in the media or online) have

— Gary Schmidt, Groundhog Day, RealClimate.org, June 8, 2009

However, (and perhaps belatedly) there is growing public acceptance of human-induced climate chang

But, as well as growing acceptance, there is also louder vocal opposition, and the repeated “nonsense”

Amongst scientists, however, there is less skepticism: 11% of US scientists from any field disagree with

Climate Change: A Consensus Among Scientists?, informationisbeautiful.net, December 23, 2009

Asking who are among the 11% of skeptical scientists amongst all science fields, almost half are engine

For more detailed information, the following sites can be useful:

Scienceblogs.com provides a summary of the various claims of climate change deniers

grist.org provides a similar list as ScienceBlogs

RealClimate.org is an authoritative blog maintained by some of the world’s leading climate scientists.

Skeptical Science is another blog that looks at various claims from skeptics and addresses them.

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/columnist/story/0,9321,1204297,00.html

http://www.globalissues.org/article/710/global-warming-spin-and-media

http://www.giss.nasa.gov/staff/gschmidt/

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2009/06/groundhog-day-2/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/24/AR2009112402989.html

http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/2009/climate-change-a-consensus-among-scientists/

http://scienceblogs.com/illconsidered/2008/07/how_to_talk_to_a_sceptic.php

http://www.grist.org/article/series/skeptics/

http://www.realclimate.org/



http://www.realclimate.org/

http://www.grist.org/article/series/skeptics/

http://scienceblogs.com/illconsidered/2008/07/how_to_talk_to_a_sceptic.php

http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/2009/climate-change-a-consensus-among-scientists/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/24/AR2009112402989.html

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2009/06/groundhog-day-2/

http://www.giss.nasa.gov/staff/gschmidt/


http://politics.guardian.co.uk/columnist/story/0,9321,1204297,00.html



Bush Administration Accused of Silencing its own Climate Scientists

As revealed towards the end of January 2006, NASA’s top climate scientist said NASA and the Bush Adm

While NASA said this was standard procedure to ensure an orderly flow of information, the scientist, Dr

Dr. Hansen, according to the New York Times reporting this, noted that these were “fresh efforts” to sil

Furthermore, “After that speech and the release of data by Dr. Hansen on Dec. 15 showing that 2005 w

Earlier, in 2004, Dr. Hansen fell out of favor with the Bush Administration for publicly stating before the

The New York Times also notes that this echoes other recent disputes, whereby “many scientists who r

Furthermore, “Where scientists’ points of view on climate policy align with those of the administration,

And in terms of media manipulation, the Times also revealed that at least one interview (amongst man

At the beginning of June, 2006, the BBC Panorama documentary followed up on this and found that m

Panorama also interviewed a pollster who had advised the Bush Administration when they came into p

Just weeks before hurricane Katrina devastated parts of Southern United States, Panorama reported th

(The BBC Panorama documentary is called Climate chaos: Bush’s climate of fear and as well as a summ

Despite attempts to discredit global warming concerns, the Bush Administration has now conceded tha

Almost a year after the story about attempts to silence NASA’s top climate scientist, many media outlet

There has been a similar concern in Australia. At the beginning of 2006, the Australian Broadcasting Co

In what would seem to be a twist to suppression of government reports, it was widely claimed that the

The headlines about this episode talked of “suppression” and would likely increase the view amongst th

Back to top

Many Sources Of Greenhouse Gases Being Discovered

Pollution from various industries, the burning of fossil fuels, methane from farm animals, forest destruc

Photo: full cargo ship. Credit: YP/Flickr


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/29/science/earth/29climate.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.globalissues.org/article/564/hurricane-katrina

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/5005994.stm

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/01/31/1543215

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2006/s1568867.htm


http://www.flickr.com/photos/32829981@N00/674745137/



http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2006/s1568867.htm

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/01/31/1543215

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/5005994.stm

http://www.globalissues.org/article/564/hurricane-katrina

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/29/science/earth/29climate.html?pagewanted=all



Even sulphur emitted from ships are thought to contribute a fair bit to climate change. (If you have regi

The Guardian adds that one giant container ship can emit almost the same amount of cancer and asthm

Furthermore, “Confidential data from maritime industry insiders based on engine size and the quality o

(Shipping is responsible for 3.5% to 4% of all climate change emissions the Guardian also notes.)

NewScientist.com reports (December 22, 2003) on a study that suggests soot particles may be worse th

Photo: Peat Bog Western Siberia. Credit: ressaure/Flickr

NewScientist.com and others have also reported (August 2005) that the world’s largest frozen peat bog

A scientist explained a fear that if the bogs dry out as they warm, the methane will oxidise and escape i

Back to top

Warming happening more quickly than predicted

While those denying climate change are reducing in number and there appears to be more effort to try

The Arctic plays an incredibly important role in the balance of the earth’s climate. Rapid changes to it c

Satellite observations show the arctic sea ice decreasing, and projections for the rest of the century pre


http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/09/shipping-pollution

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994508

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ressaure/5032484377/

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18725124.500







http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18725124.500

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ressaure/5032484377/

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994508

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/09/shipping-pollution



Image: The decrease of Arctic sea ice, minimum extent in 1982 and 2007, and climate projections. UNE

In terms of biodiversity, “the prospect of ice-free summers in the Arctic Ocean implies the loss of an en

In addition, “Whole species assemblages are adapted to life on top of or under ice — from the algae th

Note, the ice in the Arctic does thaw and refreeze each year, but it is that pattern which has changed a l

The extent of floating sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, as measured at its annual minimum in September, sh

It is also important to note that loss of sea ice has implications on biodiversity beyond the Arctic, as the

Bright white ice reflects sunlight.

When it is replaced by darker water, the ocean and the air heat much faster, a feedback that accele

http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/the-decrease-of-arctic-sea-ice-minimum-extent-in-1982-and-2007-and-climate-projections-norwegian





http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/the-decrease-of-arctic-sea-ice-minimum-extent-in-1982-and-2007-and-climate-projections-norwegian



Less sea ice leads to changes in seawater temperature and salinity, leading to changes in primary pr

— Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010), Global Biodiversity Outlook 3, May, 201

Some scientists fear changes are happening to the Arctic much faster than anticipated. The previous lin

Another BBC article reports scientists now have unambiguous evidence that the warming in the Arctic i

The Arctic reflects much sunlight back into space helping keep earth temperate. More melting will resul

Older members of the indigenous Inuit people describe how weather patterns have shifted and change

Arctic: Change at the Top of the World, Explore.org, September 2007 Follow link for transcript and mor

Back to top

For decades, scientists and environmentalists have warned that the way we are using Earth’s resource

In the past, some companies and industries have pushed back on environmental programs in order to i

It has perhaps taken about a decade or so — and a severe enough global financial crisis that has hit the

Economists talk of the price signal that is fundamental to capitalism; the ability for prices to indicate wh

However, it has long been argued that prices don’t truly reflect the full cost of things, so either the sign

In addition to that, other related measurements, such as GNP are therefore flawed, and even reward u

Our continued inefficient pumping of greenhouse gases into the environment without factoring the eno

The subsequent pages on this site look at the political issues around tackling climate change.

Where next?

Related articles

1. Climate Change and Global Warming Introduction

2. Global Dimming3. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

4. Reactions to Climate Change Negotiations and Action

5. Global Warming, Spin and Media

6. Climate Justice and Equity

7. Climate Change Flexibility Mechanisms

8. Carbon Sinks, Forests and Climate Change

9. Climate Change Affects Biodiversity

10. Global Warming and Population


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7786910.stm

http://www.explore.org/videos/player/arctic-change-at-the-top-of-the-world


http://www.oneworld.net/ips2/oct98/22_58_100.html

http://www.globalissues.org/article/768/global-financial-crisis

http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions

http://www.globalissues.org/issue/235/consumption-and-consumerism

http://www.globalissues.org/article/529/global-dimming

http://www.globalissues.org/article/521/un-framework-convention-on-climate-change

http://www.globalissues.org/article/179/reactions-to-climate-change-negotiations-and-action


http://www.globalissues.org/article/231/climate-justice-and-equity

http://www.globalissues.org/article/232/flexibility-mechanisms

http://www.globalissues.org/article/180/carbon-sinks-forests-and-climate-change

http://www.globalissues.org/article/172/climate-change-affects-biodiversity

http://www.globalissues.org/article/708/global-warming-and-population

http://www.globalissues.org/article/708/global-warming-and-population

http://www.globalissues.org/article/172/climate-change-affects-biodiversity

http://www.globalissues.org/article/180/carbon-sinks-forests-and-climate-change

http://www.globalissues.org/article/232/flexibility-mechanisms

http://www.globalissues.org/article/231/climate-justice-and-equity


http://www.globalissues.org/article/179/reactions-to-climate-change-negotiations-and-action

http://www.globalissues.org/article/521/un-framework-convention-on-climate-change

http://www.globalissues.org/article/529/global-dimming

http://www.globalissues.org/issue/235/consumption-and-consumerism

http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions

http://www.globalissues.org/article/768/global-financial-crisis

http://www.oneworld.net/ips2/oct98/22_58_100.html


http://www.explore.org/videos/player/arctic-change-at-the-top-of-the-world

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7786910.stm




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Author and Page Information

by Anup Shah

Created: Monday, July 20, 1998

Last



and human activities are believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperatures. Thi

ed further below.

7 indicators that would be expected to increase in a warming world (and they are), and 3 indicators w

tries, NOAA, July 28, 2010

ergy, retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse;

rgy.

te, image above expresses energy exchanges in watts per square meter (W/m2)

nhouse gas as carbon dioxide) and nitrous oxide (N2O), plus three fluorinated industrial gases: hydrofluo

to space and the Earth’s average temperature would be a lot colder.

e Earth might become less habitable for humans, plants and animals.



tivity has caused an imbalance in the natural cycle of the greenhouse effect and related processes. NAS

, particularly fossil fuel burning and deforestation, are also releasing carbon dioxide into the atmospher

rtation, heating, cooking, electricity, and manufacturing, we are effectively moving carbon more rapidly

e atmosphere (dry wood is about 50 percent carbon).

here. Because of this, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are higher today than they have bee

tly increased levels of such gases, but too much will affect the health of the whole planet.

tter is rapid . This means that ecosystems have less chance of adapting to the changes that will result a

matically mean that today’s warming is therefore also natural. Recent warming, has been shown to be

rint on climate change:



rect measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revoluti

cally increased in recent years. If we “zoom” in on just the past 250 years, we see the following:



OI:10.3334/CDIAC/00001_V2010

. As environmental engineer, D Kelly O’Day, writes on ProcessingTrends.com explains: “To facilitate ass

NASA. I updated the chart he provided to include recently updated data up to 2010:

0-2006, ProcessTrends.com, accessed October 27, 2009

80 the anomaly has been consistently positive. The 1917 temperature anomaly (-0.47oC) was the lowe

ise:

arming skepticism, provides information on causes of anthropogenic global warming.

tion global warming. For example, some regions have experienced extremely cold winters (sometimes

eather patterns describe short term events, while climate change is a longer process that affects the w

ains it with an analogy:

in weather to throw certain punches more often. We’ll see these as extreme precipitation events, extre



as stopped, or doesn’t exist, see Alden Griffith’s has global warming stopped?

Europe for example in 2010, later found their summers to be full of heat waves. The point here is that a

res can actually mean more snowfall — at least until it becomes too warm for significant snowfall to ha

eather experts ranked the top 10 global weather/climate events of 2010 which included heat waves to



ate temperatures to increase in response to increased greenhouse gas emissions. So up until now, per



11 (further notes on the source data used)

e to release heat into the air, so to it takes time for the ocean to release its heat into the atmosphere.”.

ern freezer is on rapid defrost as large volumes of warm water are pouring into the Arctic Ocean, speed

n ocean ecosystems. A summary of the video here says that

21, 2011.

r millions of years, with an associated risk of fundamental and irreversible ecological transformation. Ch

he very cold recent winters further, using the following NASA map:



30, 2011

erage. This rising temperature in the Arctic has served to reduce the region’s floating ice layer by more

nd snow layer reflects the majority of the sun’s rays harmlessly back into space. But the dark blue of th

ature anomalies since 1980 have all been positive; i.e. it has been constantly hotter than normal.



y does that matter? Won’t warmer weather be nicer for everyone?

rth’s climate, leading to a global warming (even though some regions may experience cooling, or wette

Niña events, changes in average temperature from decade-to-decade reveal long-term trends such as g

heric Administration (NOAA), July 28, 2010

e 1990s the warmest decade but at the time, the 1900s was the warmest century during the last 1,000

ns and the environment and this why there is such a world-wide concern.

vels are not going to be possible (humanity has done little to address things in the past couple of decad

ans some regions may get higher temperatures and others, lower).

detailed further below). But in the lead up to important global climate talks at the end of 2009, some d

unveiled a new map, showing what would happen if we allowed average global temperatures to increas

nd will heat up more quickly than the sea, and high latitudes, particularly the Arctic, will have larger tem

n. Half of all Himalayan glaciers will be significantly reduced by 2050, leading to 23% of the population



h as:

mate change continues, as the arctic begins to melt and send fresher waters further south. It would effe

rs, the World Meteorological Organization announced in July 2003 that “Recent scientific assessments i

recent years the number of such extremes have been increasing.” (The WMO limits the definition of e

e environmental organization WWF, written back in 1999. In August/September 2004 a wave of severe

arming may spawn more super-storms”, Inter Press Service (IPS) notes.

ns are approaching 27 degrees C or warmer during the summer. This increases the odds of major storm

n.

hat energy has to be dissipated, resulting in stronger storms, more intense precipitation and higher win

e, [professor of biological oceanography at Harvard University, James] McCarthy says. In 1998, Hurrican

events,” McCarthy said.

al warming is changing ocean and atmospheric conditions.

d.

2004

systems to adapt naturally are diminishing.



ature changes around the world since the industrial revolution, have been significantly different to norm

40 percent of deaths in the world could be attributed to environmental factors.

d Technology (PSRAST), paints a dire picture, but notes that he is only citing observations and conclusio

ther;

repeatedly failed to establish cooperation.

ospheric cooling.

perature, causes a reduction of the gigantic carbon dioxide trapping mechanism of the oceanic phytopl

apped in the permafrost.

d cold waters around the world and therefore has an important stabilizing effect on world climate] furt

sicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology, February 6, 2004

s will also result as the polar caps begin to melt.

tes than at any time since record keeping began”. (March 6, 2000).

ajor rivers. Analysis by the World Wildlife Fund has found that many cities are unprepared for climate c



mics of diseases throughout the land and ocean based wildlife due to climate changes.

king life better for infectious diseases.”

ortages this year because of severe droughts that could become semi-permanent under climate chang

ratures during the growing season fear that rising temperatures will have a significant impact upon crop

e season is often not good for plants.

g from that region.

hort videos showing how some regions are already being affected by climate change and are trying to a

ing to other crops as a result:

ion. Some also believe genetically modified crops may be essential to deal with changing climates. Yet, t



hical reasons, and/or because they will have less resources to cope with a problem (mostly caused by e

nd explains:

the most vulnerable to climate change, partly because in many countries they make up the larger share

impact on women in Vietnam.

y

C) have released major, definitive reports detailing the progress in understanding climate change. From

certain than before of human-induced climate change because of better scientific understanding:

kedly as a result of human activities since 1750 and now far exceed pre-industrial values determined fro

the Third Assessment Report (TAR), leading to very high confidence that the globally averaged net effe

kely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.

report claimed a 66% certainty.)

e number of government reviewers also participated, according to the IPCC’s media advisory.

aboration, their reports are inherently conservative :

onment Programme (UNEP) and does not fund any research itself. It collects, evaluates and synthesises

ng to tone down the conclusions and emphasise uncertainties and unknowns, said Weaver.



ations and poorer developing countries in greenhouse emissions, as well as the reasons for those emis

de buildup in the atmosphere to date. Since 1950, the U.S. has emitted a cumulative total of roughly 50

zed countries, where only about 20 percent of the world’s population resides.

eds for growing populations, while emissions in industrialized countries contribute to growth in a stan

sions of greenhouse gases to 5.2% below 1990 levels for the period 2008—2012. (The Intergovernment

s European governments — attempting to compile, build and make a compelling economics case for th

kers 2009 , TEEB noted different types of carbon emissions as “colors of carbon”:

ly recognized as a key item for negotiation in the UNFCCC.

angroves, marshes, sea grasses, coral reefs and macro-algae.

hnologies are employed.

el production which inadvertently increased emissions from green carbon. By halting the loss of green

al output. Per person (“per capita”), however, China’s emissions are much smaller.

ins the largest emitter when measured in terms of emissions per person.

n China (greenhouse gases such as CO2 linger on in the atmosphere for decades).

s;

arable to the U.S.):



s of the six main gases;

ly (though still remaining slightly lower than 1990 levels).

reenhouse gases.

ponsible for around 55% of the global greenhouse gas emissions of 1990.

ation dependent on Russia, responsible for 17% of world emissions. Russia has to cut emission levels fro

ssions on the next, more stringent, target on greenhouse gas emissions can begin.

s between 1990 and 2006, in recent years, between 2000 and 2006, greenhouse gas emissions have ge

ch country emission reductions are not sustainable. Furthermore, it looks worse considering a large part

now.

n helped in large part because of reunification (East Germany, like much of eastern Europe and former

h now claims at least one third of its emissions are because of production for others.

pe, which attempts to rank over 57 nations that account for 90% of the world’s total greenhouse gas e

nufactured products thus form a large portion of global human carbon emissions.

r than where things are consumed.

outsourced much of their manufacturing to developing nations have an accounting trick they can use t

fore the Kyoto Protocol came into being.

ton Administration, until George Bush and the Republican party came into power), had been a strong b



s to the LDCs *less developed countries+?… The economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in

hiva, Stolen Harvest, (South End Press, 2000) p.65; See also Richard Robbins, Global Problems and the

directly address the problem, off-shoring dirty industries to the developing nations and let them deal w

ons cuts by developed countries since 1990 have been canceled out by increases in imported goods fro

my of Sciences of the US. And the findings seemed to vindicate what many environmental groups had s

by almost 2% between 1990 and 2008. But once the carbon cost of imports have been added to each c

nder Kyoto but then did not to ratify the protocol. Emissions within its borders increased by 17% betwe

to account, the domestic footprint has risen by more than 100 million tonnes. Europe achieved a 6% cu

hey import. China, whose growth has been driven by export-based industries, is usually described as th

pril 25, 2011

ry from lacking resources to cope, compared to developed nations, immense poverty, regions that man

ns that would be affected the most from climate change based on extreme weather such as hurricanes



d

limate change has in fact been induced by human activities, while many scientists around the world, Eu

change. However, at the same time the administration has continued its controversial stance of mainta

ry and raise the importance of this issue, and suggest that we are perhaps over-consuming, or unsustai

efused to accept that there was a connection between smoking and lung cancer. Imagine that every tim

ho says that smoking and cancer aren’t linked, or that giving up isn’t worth the trouble, every time the i

dustry and the detriment of millions of smokers. We would surely describe the newspapers and the BB

ge. The scientific consensus is just as robust, the misreporting just as widespread, the consequences ev

rofessor David King, told the House of Lords last month. “I do not believe that amongst the scientists t

d so on.” Sir David chose his words carefully. There is a discussion about whether global warming is du

, and its insistence on “balancing” its coverage of climate change. It appears to be incapable of running

as such) or the professional anti-environmentalist Philip Stott. Professor Stott is a retired biogeograph

d the overwhelming majority of qualified scientific opinion is against them. Instead, it leaves us with the

ed memo written by Frank Luntz, the US Republican and corporate strategist, warned that “The environ



cially about false balancing, carry on today.

rg, a blog by climate scientists that attempt to dispel misinformation by climate skeptics and provide b

a bit of a groundhog day quality to them. The same nonsense, the same logical fallacies, the same conf

as reports such as the US Global Change Research Program and the UK Met Office assert things like cur

and “logical fallacies” that Schmidt was concerned about seems to have had an effect upon the general

human-induced climate change, while only 1% of US climatologists disagree, according to the following:

rs.

They often attempt to explain very technical issues to lay people and often try to address common myt



inistration tried to silence him.

. James Hansen disagreed, saying that such procedures had already prevented the public from fully gras

ence him because he had said that significant emission cuts could be achieved with existing technologie

as probably the warmest year in at least a century, officials at the headquarters of the space agency rep

presidential elections that government scientists were being muzzled and that he planned to vote for J

outinely took calls from reporters five years ago can now do so only if the interview is approved by adm

however, there are few signs of restrictions on extracurricular lectures or writing.”

y others) was canceled because it was with NPR, which the public affairs official responsible felt was “th

ny scientists felt they were being censored and that various reports had been systematically suppresse

ower in 2000 to question global warming, that humans caused it if it existed at all, to hire skeptical scie

at “Another scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) … had researc

ry, you can watch the actual documentary online.)

there is climate change and that humans are contributing to it, but Panorama reports that a lot of vita

s have reported on a new survey where hundreds of government scientists say they have perceived or

pany (ABC) revealed that some business lobby groups have influenced the Australian government to p

US Environmental Protection Agency had “suppressed” a report that was skeptical of climate change. H

ose still skeptical about climate change. Corrections to those headlines have been few, and less promin

tion, rotting/dead vegetation etc have led to an increased number of greenhouse gases in the atmosph



stered at the journal, Nature, then you can see the report here.) In fact, sulphur based gas, originating f

a-causing chemicals as 50 million cars.

fuel typically used by ships and cars shows that just 15 of the world's biggest ships may now emit as m

an carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming. The soot particles also originate from industry, an

is melting, and could unleash billions of tonnes of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosph

to the air as carbon dioxide. But if the bogs remain wet, as is the case in western Siberia today, then th

and tackle the problem, climate scientists are now fearing that climate change is happening far faster a

n have knock-on effects to the rest of the planet. Some have described the Arctic as the canary in the c

dict even more shrinkage:



/GRID-Arendal, 2007

ire biome”, the Global Biodiversity Outlook report notes (p. 57).

t grow on the underside of multi-year ice, forming up to 25% of the Arctic Ocean’s primary production,

lot in recent years as shown by this graph:

wed a steady decline between 1980 and 2009.Source: National Snow and Ice Data Center, graph compi

Global Biodiversity Outlook report also summarizes:

ates ice melt and heating of surface air inland, with resultant loss of tundra.



ductivity and species composition of plankton and fish, as well as large-scale changes in ocean circulati

, p.57

k mentions that despite computer climate models predicting loss of Arctic sea ice by 2050 to 2080, som

accelerating.

t in less reflection and even more heat being absorbed by the earth. A chain reaction could result, such

d in recent years, while they also face challenges to their way of life in the form of increased commercia

information

is not sustainable. Alternative technologies have been called for repeatedly, seemingly upon deaf ears

crease profits or to survive in a tough business world.

heart of this way of thinking — to change this mentality (in which time, more greenhouse gases have b

en a resource is becoming scarcer. At such a time, capitalism and the markets will mobilize automaticall

l is incorrect, or comes too late. The price signal also implies the poorest often pay the heaviest costs.

productive or inefficient behavior (e.g. “Efficiently” producing unhealthy food — and the unhealthy co

rmous cost as the climate already begins to change is perhaps an example where price signals may com



Jan. 2012. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/233/climate-change-and-global-warming-introduction



s is caused primarily by increases in “greenhouse” gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO 2).

uld be expected to decrease (and they are):

rocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Water vapor is also consider



on:



ssments of long term trends, climatologists compare the mean for a base period with the annual mean.

t year on record. Since 1917, global temperature has warmed, with the most recent years showing the

ecord-breaking), while others have experienced heavy rain, etc.

eather. A warming planet is actually consistent with increasing cold, increasing rain and other extremes,

me droughts.



specific short period such as a cold winter — or even a hot summer — is not proof alone that global wa

pen:

droughts to negative arctic oscillation (a climate pattern where cold Arctic air slides south while warme



haps it has been easier for skeptics to deny climate change is occurring or that humans are responsible.



ing the melt of sea ice.

anges in biological function in the ocean caused by anthropogenic climate change go far beyond death,



than 20%. And as you would expect, when the reflective ice and snow layer is stripped away, it leaves a

exposed sea absorbs the rays, aiding the heating process.



weather, while the temperature of the planet on average would rise).

lobal warming. Each of the last three decades has been much warmer than the decade before. At the ti

years.

es that these concerns have been known about).

legates are skeptical that temperature rises can be contained to a 2°C rise (or C0 2 levels of 350 ppm ).

e to 4°C above pre-industrial levels (the high end of the UN IPCC projections):

perature increases. The average land temperature will be 5.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

f China being deprived of the vital dry season glacial melt water source.



ctively cut off the Gulf Stream that brings warmth from the Gulf of Mexico, keeping countries such as B

dicate that, as the global temperatures continue to warm due to climate change, the number and inten

treme events to high temperatures, low temperatures and high rainfall amounts and droughts.) The U.

hurricanes left many Caribbean islands and parts of South Eastern United States devastated. In the Cari

.

s.”

Mitch killed nearly 20,000 people in Central America, and more than 4,000 people died during disastro



al expectations.

s from established experts and institutions. Those observations and conclusions note that global warmi

ankton biomass;

er aggravates the situation.

hange effects such as rising sea levels.



the atmosphere.

try. As the Global Biodiversity Outlook report explains, the water is some 30% more acidic than pre-ind

he precise timing and distribution of these impacts are uncertain.” (See p. 58 of the report.)

s, for example. Some of these creatures play a crucial role in the food chain, and in ecosystem biodivers

pacts further.

plays a major role in keeping atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at much lower levels th

rests, such as mangrove forests that play an important role in carbon absorption. This is on top of the a



.”

yields, most noticeably in the tropics and sub tropics.

apt as a result:

here are many other crucial issues that affect agriculture, such as poverty, political and economic cause



missions from rich countries over the past decades).

of the agricultural work force and partly because they tend to have access to fewer income-earning op

the outset they have recommended that there be emission reductions. This body is comprised of hundr

m ice cores spanning many thousands of years. The global increases in carbon dioxide concentration ar

ct of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming.

scientific data. Any U.N. country can be a member of the IPCC and can challenge the findings in its repo



ions. For example:

.7 billion tons of carbon, while China (4.6 times more populous) and India (3.5 times more populous) ha

ard of living that is already far above that of the average person worldwide. This is exemplified by the l

al Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said in its 1990 report that a 60% reduction in emissions was needed

e conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

nd blue carbon, the world could mitigate as much as 25% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions wit



m the Soviet days, and their emissions in the past decade has been far less, so it should not pose as mu

erally increased by 2.3%

of this decrease is because of the collapse of the Soviet Union. As transition economies started to reco

Soviet states had economic problems, hence less emissions at the time).

issions, including industrialized nations and emerging economies.)

show more emissions reduction than developing nations.

acker of structural adjustment policies. He wrote in an internal memo:



the lowest wage country is impeccable, and we should face up to that… Under-populated countries in A

ulture of Capitalism (Allyn and Bacon, 1999), pp. 233-236 for a detailed look at this.

ith it.

developing countries — many times over.

aid for many years about the Kyoto Protocol as noted earlier.

untry, and exports subtracted – the true change has been an increase of 7%. If Russia and Ukraine – wh

en 1990 and 2008 – and by 25% when imports and exports are factored in.

in CO2 emissions, but when outsourcing is considered that is reduced to 1%.

world's largest emitter of CO2, but its footprint drops by almost a fifth when its imports and exports ar

developing countries are in happen to be the ones where severe weather will hit the most, small islan

and floods.



ope especially, have been more convinced that this is the case.

ining that it will not participate in the international treaty to limit global warming, the Kyoto Protocol, d

ably using our resources etc, were faced with a lot of criticism and ridicule. The previous link is to an ar

e new evidence emerged, they asked someone with no medical qualifications to write a piece dismissin

ssue of cancer was raised.

C as grossly irresponsible.

en graver.

ere is a discussion as to whether global warming is due to anthropogenic effects.

to anthropogenic (man-made) effects. But it is not—or is only seldom—taking place among scientists. I

n item on the subject without inviting a sceptic to comment on it.

r. Like almost all the prominent sceptics he has never published a peer-reviewed paper on climate chan

impression that professional opinion is split down the middle. It’s a bit like continually bringing people

ment is probably the single issue on which Republicans in general—and President Bush in particular—ar



ckground information often missing in mainstream media. In one of his posts, he laments at the contin

sions – all seem to be endlessly repeated. The same strawmen are being constructed and demolished a

rent climate change happening now and human-induced and that they will cause many problems.

public — in the US, anyway; fewer Americans believe in global warming (as the Washington Post headli

s and other claims



ping recent findings about climate change that point to risks ahead.

s, particularly in the case of motor vehicles, and that without leadership by the United States, climate c

eatedly phoned public affairs officers, who relayed the warning to Dr. Hansen that there would be ‘dire

hn Kerry.

inistration officials in Washington, and then only if a public affairs officer is present or on the phone.”

e most liberal” media outlet in the country. This implies a political bias/propaganda in terms of how inf

, even altered. In one case, a major climate assessment report was due out a month before the 2004 p

tists, and play down its impacts. (The advisor has now distanced himself away from the Bush Administr

which established global warming could increase the intensity of hurricanes. He was due to give an int

l time has been lost, and that some scientists fear US policy may be too slow to carry out.

ersonally experienced pressure from the Bush administration to eliminate phrases such as “climate cha

event Australia from reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This lobby group included interests from the

owever, it turns out that while the report was written by an employee on EPA time, but on his own initi

ent, by comparison.

re. And, as international trade in its current form continues to expand with little regard for the environ



om industry, discovered in 2000 is thought to be the most potent greenhouse gas measured to date. It i

uch pollution as all the world’s 760m cars. Low-grade ship bunker fuel (or fuel oil) has up to 2,000 times

during the industrial revolution, was quite common. While on the positive side there is less soot these

ere. An area the size of France and Germany combined has been melting in the last 4 years. In addition,

e methane will be released straight into the atmosphere. Methane is 20 times as potent a greenhouse g

d is having much larger impacts than they ever imagined.

oal mine, referring to how canary birds used to be taken deep down coal mines. If they died, it implied o



to the invertebrates, birds, fish and marine mammals further up the food chain.” The iconic polar bear

led by Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010) Global Biodiversity Outlook 3, May 2



on, affecting biodiversity well beyond the Arctic.

scientists fear it could be as soon as 2015. The BBC notes similar concerns by scientists, with one quot

as the Greenland ice sheet melting (which will actually increase sea levels, whereas the melting of Arcti

l interest in the arctic region. This combination of environmental and economic factors put indigenous p

(or, cynically, upon those who don’t want to make substantial changes as it challenges their bottom line

en emitted — inefficiently). Is that too late or will it be okay?

ly to address this by looking for ways to bring down costs. As a result, resources are supposedly infinite.

or example, commercially over-fishing a region may mean fish from that area becomes harder to catch

sumer culture to go with it — may profit the food industry and a private health sector that has to deal

e too late, or at a time when there is already significant impact to many people. Resources that could b



.



d a greenhouse gas.



or example:

ausing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations to increase.



Differences between the annual mean and baseline mean are called anomalies. GISS uses the 1951 - 1

highest anomalies of +0.6 oC in the past 120 years.

as an overall warmer planet changes weather patterns everywhere at all times of the year.



rming has stopped (or increased); short term variability can mask longer term trends.)

r air moves north, bringing snow storms and record cold temperatures to much of the Northern Hemisp



extinctions and habitat loss: fundamental processes are being altered, community assemblages are bein



dark blue sea.



e, the 1980s was the hottest decade on record. In the 1990s, every year was warmer than the average



ritain warmer than expected;

sity of extreme events might increase.”

K’s Independent newspaper described the WMO’s announcement as “unprecedented” and “astonishing

bean many lives were lost and there was immense damage to entire cities. In the U.S. many lives were

us flooding in China. Bangladesh suffered some of its worst floods ever the following year, as did Venez



ing will lead to the following situations, amongst others:



strial times, depleting carbonate ions — the building blocks for many marine organisms.

ity.

n they would be otherwise so large effects on them could be quite serious.

lready declining ocean biodiversity that has been happening for a few decades, now.



s of world hunger, global trade policies (which create unequal trade and affect the poorest countries th



ortunities. Women manage households and care for family members, which often limits their mobility

eds of climate scientists around the world.

due primarily to fossil fuel use and land-use change, while those of methane and nitrous oxide are pri

rts. And consensus is required for every word in the “Summary for Policy Makers” section included in e



ve emitted only 15.7 and 4.2 billion tons respectively (although their numbers will rise).

arge contrasts in per capita carbons emissions between industrialized and developing countries. Per cap

)

co-benefits for biodiversity, food security and livelihoods (IPCC 2007, Nellemann et al. 2009). This will



ch of a problem to reduce such emissions.

ver around 2000, emissions have started to rise.



frica are vastly under-polluted; their air quality is probably vastly inefficiently low compared to Los Ang

ich cut their CO2 emissions rapidly in the 1990s due to economic collapse – are excluded, the rise is 12

e taken into account, putting it firmly behind the US. China alone accounts for a massive 75% of the dev

nations area already seeing sea level rising, and so on.



ue to economic priorities and concerns. (More about the Kyoto Protocol, U.S. and others’ actions/inacti

ticle by George Monbiot, writing in 1999. In 2004, he notes a similar issue, whereby media attempts at

g the evidence and claiming that there was no consensus on the issue.

t is taking place in the media, and it seems to consist of a competition to establish the outer reaches of

ge. But he has made himself available to dismiss climatologists’ peer-reviewed work as the “lies” of eco

on to the programme to suggest that there is no link between HIV and Aids.

e most vulnerable… Should the public come to believe that the scientific issues are settled, their views a



al diversion caused by misinformation:

s if they were part of a make-work scheme for the building industry attached to the stimulus proposal.

ed it.



ange would eventually leave the earth “a different planet.” (By contrast, the Bush administration’s poli

consequences’ if such statements continued, those officers and Dr. Hansen said in interviews.”

rmation is released to the public, which should be of serious concern.

esidential elections, but was delayed because it had such a bleak assessment, and the Bush administrat

ation’s stance today because he felt the science was more certain than it was in 2000.)

erview about his work but claims he was gagged.” After Katrina, the “NOAA website said unusual hurric

nge” and “global warming” from their reports and public statements. A US government hearing in the U

oal, electricity, aluminum (aluminium), petroleum, minerals and cement industries. The documentary e

ative and not qualified to do so, and so couldn’t be published by the EPA and therefore was not suppres

ment, the transportation alone, of goods is thought to considerably contribute to global warming via em



is called trifluoromethyl sulphur pentafluoride (SF 5CF3).

the sulphur content of diesel fuel used in US and European automobiles.”

days and perhaps easier to control if needed, alone, as one of the scientists of the study commented, “I

“Western Siberia has warmed faster than almost anywhere else on the planet, with an increase in aver

as as carbon dioxide.

xygen levels were low and signaled mine workers to get out.



t the top of that food chain is therefore not the only species at risk even though it may get more media

10



ed as saying the sea ice is “so thin that you would have to have an exceptional sequence of cold winter

ice will not because it is sea ice), possibly increasing the melting of permafrost in Siberia, which will rel

opulations ways at a cross roads as this documentary from explore.org shows:

and takes away from their current profits).

For example, if energy costs go up, businesses will look for a way to minimize such costs for themselves

and more expensive, possibly allowing that ecosystem time to recover (though that is not guaranteed,

ith it, all of which require more use of resources. More examples are discussed on this site’s section on

available more indefinitely, become finite because of our inability or unwillingness to change.



80 period for their baseline period. They use the difference between the annual mean and the baseline



here) show that a variety of weather events can occur as a result of changing climate:



g reorganized and ecological surprises are likely.”



of the previous decade. The 2000s were warmer still.



” because it came from a respected United Nations organization not an environmental group!

lost as well, some of the most expensive damage resulted from the successive hurricanes.

uela. Europe was hit with record floods in 2002, and then a record heat wave in 2003.



most), etc.



and increases their vulnerability to sudden weather-related natural disasters. Drought and erratic rainfa

arily due to agriculture.

ch report.



ita emissions of carbon in the U.S. are over 20 times higher than India, 12 times higher than Brazil and s

nly be possible if mitigation efforts accommodate all four carbon colors.



les or Mexico City… The concern over an agent that causes a one in a million change in the odds of pros

.

eloped world's offshored emissions, according to the paper.



ons is discussed in subsequent pages on this section.)

alance has led to “false balancing” where disproportionate time is given to more fringe scientists or th

imbecility.

fundamentalists.

bout global warming will change accordingly. Therefore, you need… to make the lack of scientific certai



cy is to use voluntary measures to slow, but not reverse, the growth of emissions.)

ion did not want it to be part of the election issues. It was released shortly after the elections were over

ne activity is not related to global warming.” When a leading scientist was asked why NOAA came out

S is also pursuing this further as the seriousness of climate change is becoming more accepted.

xposing this revealed possible corruption within government due to extremely close ties with such indu

sed. Furthermore, as the previous link finds, the report contained large pieces of plagiarism. In addition,

issions from planes, ships and other transportation vehicles. (For more about trade and globalization in



t does not change the need to slow down the growth rate of carbon dioxide and eventually stabilize the

age temperatures of some 3°C in the last 40 years.”



attention.



and cold summers in order for it to rebuild.”

ase huge amounts of methane (as noted above), and rapidly change climate patterns, circulation patte

, and it is in such a time that alternatives come about and/or existing resources last longer because they

ither). However, while commercial entities can exploit resources elsewhere, local fishermen will go out

consumption and consumerism).



mean to determine the global temperature anomaly for the year.”



ll force women to work harder to secure food, water and energy for their homes. Girls drop out of scho



even times higher than China.



tate cancer is obviously going to be much higher in a country where people survive to get prostate canc



se with less credibility or with additional agendas, without noting so, and thus gives the impression tha

nty a primary issue.”



.

ith such a statement, he suggested it was ideologically driven.

stries and lobby groups, and alleged silencing of government climate scientists.

the report was flawed as RealClimte.org quickly showed.

its current form and how it affects the environment, as well as other consequences, visit this web site’



atmospheric amount.”



rns and jet streams, far quicker than what most of the environment could adapt to easily.

are used more efficiently. “Running out of resources” should therefore be averted.

of business and the poorer will likely go hungry (as also detailed on this site’s section on biodiversity). T



ol to help their mothers with these tasks. This cycle of deprivation, poverty and inequality undermines t



er than in a country where under-five mortality is 200 per thousand.



there is more debate in the scientific community about whether or not climate change is an issue to b



section on Trade, Economy, & Related Issues.)



his then has an impact on various local social, political and economic issues.



he social capital needed to deal effectively with climate change.

cit project

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