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