global change mr. payai john
TRANSCRIPT
Global Environmental Change “Global Climate Change”
Payai Manyok John15100MC
MSc. Climate Science and PolicyTeri University
Introduction Global Environment change: can be define In term of
changes in land, Ocean and atmosphere. Climate is the average weather at a given point and time of
year, over a long period (typically 30 years). Global warming and climate change refer to an increase in
average global temperatures. Natural events and human activities are believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperatures.
35.7 Billion tonnes (Gt) CO2 in 2014
Facts about Global Climate Change
February 2016 recorded the warmest Month since 1880-2015 by 1.21 degrees Celsius above the 20th century average (NASA and NOAA
2015 was the warmest year (1880–2015) with the average temperature across global land and ocean surfaces at 0.90 C (NOAA).
6,500 climate-related disasters recorded since 1980 (Oxfam International, 2015)
More than 4600 disasters happened between 1991 and 2002 in 141 countries
Continued…
Global warming causes 300,000 deaths a year. Extreme weather has doubled in 30 years and is expected to
reach 375 million a year by 2015If emissions are not brought under control, within 25 years: 310m more people will suffer adverse health consequences
related to temperature increases 20m more people will fall into poverty 75m extra people will be displaced by climate change
Global surface temperature 1855-2010
Rise in global ocean heat content 1955-2005
Some ups and downs, but clear overall increaseLevitus et al., 2005, GRL
Energy Food
WaterBiodiversity
Sustainability
Cause of Climate Change
Anthropogenic factor Burning of fossil fuels in
cars, industry and homes Deforestation Burning of forests
Natural Factors physicsworld.com (2012)
Other Pollutants
Greenhouse gas concentrations increasing Increased concentration of CO2 Atmospheric Aerosols tend to cool the atmosphere
Both human and natural sources Tiny particles that remain in troposphere for
weeks or months Contain many chemicals, but often contain sulfur
Climate Change is happeningExtremes of temperature are changing!
Observed trends (days) per decade for 1951 to 2003
From Alexander et al. (2006)
Evidence of Global climate Change
Increases in global average air and ocean temperatures by 0.6oC since 1990
Rising global average sea level Widespread melting of snow and ice More frequent droughts, floods and
other forms of extreme weather
Evidence Changes in animal behavior, breeding cycles Storm frequency and intensity are increasing Ocean acidification Hurricane intensity Drought Decrease in Snow in the artic Carbon Dioxide increased
Effect of Global Climate Change
Food supplies (Food Insecurity) Human Health Water Scarcity Loss of Biodiversity (plants and animals) Migration and Displacement: sea levels rise will force hundreds
of thousands of people in coastal zones to migrate
Dealing with Global Climate Change
To avoid the worst of climate change, CO2 levels must be stabilized at 550ppm
Two ways to attempt to manage climate change Mitigation
Focuses on limiting greenhouse gas emissions to moderate global climate change
Adaptation Focuses on learning to live with to the environmental
changes and societal consequences brought about by global climate change
Mitigation
Invent alternative fuels to replace fossil fuels
Increase efficiency of cars and trucks
Sequestering carbon before it is emitted
Plant and Maintain trees to naturally sequester carbon
conversion of energy supply to a more low-carbon system and
use of renewable energy options.
Continued….
Encourage citizens and businesses to save energy and to improve energy efficiency,
Avoid waste, 3Rs (Reduce reuse and recycle) Changing consumption patterns, and create urban structures
suited for low-carbon mobility, Reduce motorized individual transportation promote public transport services. Improve cycling infrastructure (walking, cycling)
Adaptation
Rising sea levels and coastal populations Move inland Construct dikes and levees
Adapt to shifting agricultural zones improving education and health systems Improving preparedness and information systems
Questions
CO2 is already in the atmosphere naturally, so why
are emissions from human activity significant?
If emissions of greenhouse gases were stopped,
would the climate return to the conditions of 200
years ago?
Summary Conclusion
Over the last 25 years, almost everywhere has warmed up apart from very few places that have cooled
Sea level has risen by about 20 cm, Ocean heat content has increased Almost all mountain glaciers have retreated levels of CO2 and other ‘greenhouse’ gases have
dramatically increased, to levels higher than those experienced for maybe millions of years.
Reference
Gotelind Abel (2011):Global Report on Human Settlements;
Gender, Cities and Climate Change
Leith Dunn& Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (2013): Gender, Climate
Change and Disaster Risk Management
Oxfam International (2015) Impact of Climate Change UNDP (2010): Gender, Climate Change and community-based
adaptation
Reference
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (www.ipcc.ch)
Authoritative reports supported by >95% of climate scientists
Fourth assessment report (AR4) published 2007 Royal Society (2010). Climate Change: Evidence & Causes
WHO (2010): Gender, Climate Change and Health