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How to prevent Climate Change, Lecture notes of Natural Science

National American University (NAU) - Zona RosaNatural Science

Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time.

Typology: Lecture notes

2023/2024

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Climate Change
Climate change refers to significant changes in global
temperatures and weather patterns over time. Today, it is
widely recognized as one of the most pressing
environmental challenges, with human activities being a
major driver behind it.
Here are the current impacts of climate change:
1. Rising temperatures The Earth's average temperature has
increased, mainly due to greenhouse gases produced by human activities.
Global Average Surface Temperature Increase:
Since the pre-industrial era (1850-1900), the global average surface temperature
has increased by approximately 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius)1. This
seemingly small increase has significant consequences, including regional and
seasonal temperature extremes, reduced snow cover and sea ice, intensified
heavy rainfall, and shifts in habitat ranges for plants and animals. Land areas have
warmed faster than ocean areas, and the Arctic is warming even more rapidly
than other regions. Recent warming rates (1994-2023) are much faster than the
average rate since the start of the 20th century (1901-2023), with some locations
experiencing warming of 1 degree Fahrenheit or more per decade1.
Future Projections: Climate models suggest that by 2100, our planet’s
average temperature could be 2 to 9.7°F (1.1 to 5.4°C) warmer than today
due to human-produced greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide2. Record
Warm Years: In 2023, Earth’s average surface temperature was the
warmest on record since 18803.Most of this warming has occurred since
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Climate Change

Climate change refers to significant changes in global

temperatures and weather patterns over time. Today, it is

widely recognized as one of the most pressing

environmental challenges, with human activities being a

major driver behind it.

Here are the current impacts of climate change:

  1. Rising temperatures The Earth's average temperature has increased, mainly due to greenhouse gases produced by human activities.  Global Average Surface Temperature Increase: Since the pre-industrial era (1850-1900), the global average surface temperature has increased by approximately 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius)1. This seemingly small increase has significant consequences, including regional and seasonal temperature extremes, reduced snow cover and sea ice, intensified heavy rainfall, and shifts in habitat ranges for plants and animals. Land areas have warmed faster than ocean areas, and the Arctic is warming even more rapidly than other regions. Recent warming rates (1994-2023) are much faster than the average rate since the start of the 20th century (1901-2023), with some locations experiencing warming of 1 degree Fahrenheit or more per decade1.  Future Projections : Climate models suggest that by 2100, our planet’s average temperature could be 2 to 9.7°F (1.1 to 5.4°C) warmer than today due to human-produced greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide2. Record Warm Years: In 2023, Earth’s average surface temperature was the warmest on record since 18803.Most of this warming has occurred since

1975, with a rate of approximately 0.15 to 0.20°C per decade4. As we address climate change, understanding rising temperatures and their impacts is crucial for sustainable solutions.

2. Melting ice is a fascinating natural process with significant implications for our planet. Let’s explore why glaciers and sea ice melt, and how it affects our environment. Glaciers and Their Importance : Glaciers are massive bodies of ice that form on land and can be several hundred to several thousand years old. They act as a protective cover over the Earth, reflecting excess heat back into space and helping to keep the planet cooler. Glaciers provide valuable scientific records of climate change over time. Approximately 10% of Earth’s land area is covered by glacial ice, with most of it in Antarctica and Greenland1. Sea Ice vs. Glaciers : Sea ice forms and melts strictly in the ocean, while glaciers are formed on land. Icebergs are chunks of glacial ice that break off glaciers and fall into the ocean. When glaciers melt, the runoff significantly increases the amount of water in the ocean, contributing to global sea level rise. Depleting Arctic Sea ice has various consequences, including altering weather patterns and affecting wildlife habitats1. Why Are Glaciers Melting? Human activities, especially greenhouse gas emissions since the industrial revolution, have raised temperatures globally. As a result, glaciers are rapidly melting, calving off into the sea, and retreating on land. Even with emission reductions, more than a third of the world’s remaining glaciers are expected to melt by

o Heatwaves, cold waves, heavy precipitation, and storms (such as tropical cyclones) are common types of extreme weather 2 . Impact : o Extreme weather disrupts communities, agriculture, and ecosystems, leading to economic costs and loss of human lives 3 .  Climate Change Connection : o As Earth’s climate changes, extreme weather events like record- breaking heatwaves, floods, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense 4 . Understanding these connections is crucial for addressing climate challenges.

  1. Ecosystem Changes : Oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, affecting marine life. Human Impact on Ecosystems: o Virtually all of Earth’s ecosystems have been significantly transformed by human actions, especially in the last 50 years. Developing countries experience the fastest changes. o Large-scale fishing, freshwater use, and agriculture significantly affect ecosystems^1. o Human activities have modified fundamental environmental cycles (e.g., water, carbon, nutrients), impacting ecosystems’ ability to provide benefits to humans. Biodiversity Decline: o Many animal and plant populations have declined in numbers and geographical spread. A quarter of mammal species are currently threatened by extinction.

o Human activity has caused more extinctions in the last century than natural processes would have 1 . Ecosystem Services: o Ecosystem services are the benefits ecosystems provide to humans. o Human use of these services is increasing, but the capacity of ecosystems to provide them has declined significantly 1 . Climate Change and Ecosystems: o Changes in Earth’s climate impact ecosystems by altering water cycles, habitats, animal behavior, and natural processes. o Disruptions may increase the risk of harm or extinction for some species^2. Geographic and Temporal Shifts: o Ecosystems may change geographically, moving into new areas due to climate shifts. o Seasonal cycles may also shift as warm temperatures arrive earlier in spring and leave later in autumn^3.

  1. Ocean Changes : • Oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, affecting marine life.  Sea-Level Rise : Due to increasing ice loss in polar regions, global mean sea level has risen. Coastal areas now face more frequent storm surges, flooding, and erosion^1.  Marine Heatwaves : These have doubled in frequency and become more intense. Human influence drives ocean heat increase, leading to coral bleaching and reef degradation^1.  Loss of Marine Biodiversity : Rising temperatures pose a risk of irreversible ecosystem loss in marine and coastal areas^1.  Ocean Acidification : As oceans absorb more CO2, they become more acidic, impacting marine species and ecosystems^2.  Changes in Ocean Currents : Ocean current patterns are shifting, affecting ocean health^2.