Climate change or global warming is a serious threat to both animals and humanity (Lovejoy and Peters 24). The main causes are human activities that release more greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In the coming years, the increase in the global temperatures will make many living populations less able to adapt to the emergent conditions or to migrate to other regions that are suitable for their survival. Living organisms depend on one another for survival and this makes ecosystems to be interdependent, including the functions of plants, animals, as well as microorganisms. Since concentration of carbon dioxide in the air has been on an upward trend (Figure 1), the existence of both humanity and animals has been seriously threatened.
Figure 1: Concentration of Carbon Dioxide observed at Mauna Loa from 1958 to 2008
Climate change has affected many regions, hence putting many living populations at risk of extinction. Drastic changes in weather patterns can cause detrimental effects on living species. One of the effects is the threat of extinction for many species because of isolation by geography, decreased population numbers, and a narrow temperature tolerance range. Climate change is a leading stressor on living populations. It may occur as a change in mean conditions or variance and frequency of the extremes of the climatic variables. As noted before, the changes may affect living populations directly or indirectly. In addition, the effects may be beneficial or negative through various impact mechanisms (Lovejoy and Peters 29). Living populations may be affected through the range, and abundant shifts, more over; they can be affected by changes in phenology. Changes may also occur in the physiology of the living populations as well as their behavior. There are evolutionary changes on the level of species response to climate change. Furthermore, living organisms may be affected at the ecosystem level, which may lead to structural changes, functional changes and patterns of balance and the increased dominance of alien or invasive species.
The existence of animals such as the polar bear has been threatened as global warming leads to the destruction of their habitat due to melting of the sea ice. This is because; increased temperatures lead to melting of glacier, resulting to rise in sea levels. Observable changes include a decline in the maximum extent of the sea ice. This happens in winter, which causes a decline of approximately 1.5% after every 10 years. According to studies, the changes in the sea ice occur at a faster rate, thus leading to loss of habitat. In addition, changes in the sea ice also affect the polar bears source of food by altering the prey species that they feed on. As a matter of concern, erratic weather patterns may alter eating habits of these animals since they are forced to compete with killer whales, which are classified as top-level predators. Moreover, climate change may cause some polar bears subpopulations to decline. Rabbits from several habitats face threats of rising sea levels, rising temperatures or reduction in snowfall. For instance, the snowshoe hare as well as the pygmy rabbit depend on snow for their protection during the winter season. However, because of reduction in snowfall in their habitations, their survival is at a great risk (Dowdeswell 44). Decrease in glacier level indicates less snow is precipitated to replace the additional melt (Fig 2).
Works Cited
Dowdeswell, H. William. Animal Ecology. New York: Taylor & Francis, 2007. Print.
Lovejoy, E., Thomas, and Peters L., Roberts. Global Warming and Biological Diversity. London: Yale University Press, 1992. Print.
Zemp, Michael. Global Glacier Changes: facts and figures. London: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print.
A lot of efforts are being made to curb the challenges of climate change at all levels of governance including the state and local ones. The federal government is a key player in the adaptation of effective coordination towards the climatic change. It is for this reason that the federal government agencies are coming forth to ensure that climate change adaptation forms part of their programs and policies.
Other agencies have taken a leadership role in assisting state, local and tribal governments, businesses and communities in the adaptation of their programs and projects (Pielke 22). The following are the agencies involved in the adaption of climate change initiatives.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) which coordinates climate change related activities through the USDA Climate Office Program and US Forest Service which provides a roadmap for responding to climate change and performance scorecard; the Department of Energy (DOE) which forms the focal point for clean energy adaptation and assessment of impact of climate change in DOE offices with the help of Climate Change Policy and Technology, and the Fossil Energy Office; the Department of Commerce (DOC) which has laid down strategies through the DOC strategic plan and DOC Energy Working Group to facilitate integration of climate-related activities; the Department of Defense (DOD) which explores climate change adaptation programs through the established DOD Readiness Training and Policy Program and DOD Quadrennial Defense Review; the Department Of the Interior (DOI) which develops integrated strategies to respond to impacts of climate change.
It also supports integrated adaptation across landscapes through the DOIs Landscapes Conservation Cooperatives; the Department Of Transportation (DOT) in collaboration with Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting (CCCEF) that forms the focal point for climate change. Moreover, they develop plans and actions regarding climate change.
The next one is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which identifies impacts on water and develops goals and objectives in responding to its impact. With the help of the Global Change Impacts and Adaptation Program one is able to assess the impact of climate change on human health and the environment.
The above mentioned agencies are the ones that are involved in the formulation and execution of environmental policies. Each agency is concerned with the development of strategies and programs that assess the impact of climate change. They also formulate goals and objectives on mitigation of those changes. Some of the initiatives and programs run by aforementioned agencies have been highlighted.
The office of the president is also involved in the execution of the integrated initiatives towards the issue of the climate change. In 2009, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP),
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initiated the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force (ICCATF) (Pielke 23). It in turn incorporated the representatives from more than 20 federal agencies and the president signed the Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance. In October 2009, he called on the ICCATF to develop,
within one year, recommendations on how the policies and practices of Federal agencies can be made compatible with and reinforce a national climate change adaptation strategy (Pielke 24).
Works Cited
Pielke, Roger. Policy History of the US Global Change Research Program: Part 1. Administrative Development. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 1999. Print.
Science refers to a systematic approach or enterprise that helps gain knowledge in the form of empirical predictions and explanations. In other words, this is the body of reliable understanding of various concepts which real meaning can be explained logically and rationally. In a broad sense, the concept of science has been included in many fields of civilisation which existed before the modern era (Nina 10).
In this case, humans have always relied on the concept of science to focus on their understanding of various key aspects regarding their life on earth. On the other hand, technology simply refers to the practice of utilising techniques, machines, tools and systems of organisation to perform specific developments or to solve a situation.
Over the time, technology as a development factor has changed societies in a number of ways. For instance, many countries in the world have developed economically through the dynamic advance in technology, and this has caused many transformations in the global economy. As it is observed, science and technology are significant elements of change in the society. Over the years, the development of science and technology has used many channels of knowledge in diverse fields of study, theoretically and also practically.
This has enabled researchers to come up with explanations that nearly provide answers to some fundamental aspects of life. As science and technology continue to become more complex in the society, it has impacted our lives to a greater extent. The concept has continued to play a fundamental role in the development of nations all over the world.
Due to science and technology, people have been able to develop the necessary tools needed to address the various complex issues affecting the global populations in the current era of globalisation. Some of the profound challenges facing humanity include, but do not limit to, food security, weapons of mass destruction, water and resource scarcity, public health, climate change, and diminishing biodiversity. All these issues represent fundamental threats to the ecosystems.
In this regard, the ability and capability of nations to absorb and utilise the concept of science and technology could be beneficial in addressing most of the issues mentioned above through development of promising prospects. However, the possibility of applying science and technology in enhancing developments has been limited in most regions of the world due to factors, such as lack of scientific expertise and cultural predisposition (Ancarani 668).
This clearly explains the reason why many regions in the contemporary world are still suffering because of controllable and avoidable issues, such as food insecurity, and water and resource scarcity. If this is to change, there is a need for the future policymakers and opinion leaders to re-examine and understand the possibilities of science and technology in addressing and solving most of the issues affecting global populations today.
Through science and technology, people have been able to establish infrastructure and policies which have contributed to a significant understanding of the vast issues affecting the global population nowadays. This paper examines the role of science and technology as it has been used to address the challenge of climate change, which is one of the major issues affecting the global societies today.
Facts and Causes of the Global Climate Change
Climate change is a lasting transition in the statistical distribution of the patterns of weather over periods that last from centuries to millions of years. Some of the key indicators which reflect a change in global climate patterns include vegetation, change in sea levels, dendrochronology, ice cores, and glacial geology, among other factors. As it would be observed, there are many indicators which act as causative agents or forcing mechanisms for many of these changes.
These forces are either internal or external. External forcing mechanisms can either be anthropogenic or natural, while internal mechanism involves the various natural processes that do take place within the climate system, such as the thermohaline circulation. Some of these factors include human-induced effects or changes in the natural environment, variations in solar radiation reaching the Earth, oceanic processes, and volcanic eruption, among the others.
However, human-induced alterations remain at the fore-front among the many factors associated with the current climatic changes. Most human activities, such as burning of fossil oils and deforestation, have resulted in excessive accumulation and concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thus contributing to the burning issue of global warming.
Global warming has become the defining element of the global climate changes. Global warming is one of the most complicated issues in the world, considering the fact that the issue is emphasised every day as a result of human activities.
The progressive increase on global temperatures over the years has brought many effects to international societies. Global warming has been associated with many effects and weather-related implications that vary from one region to another with some places experiencing scarier effects than the others (Brunner 23).
Current scientific observations have concluded that there are already higher levels of carbon concentration in the atmosphere today, compared to any given time in our history. Moreover, even more, greenhouse gases are generated everyday. Global warming is a driving force of the other effects of the changes in global climatic patterns, and all these pose severe risks to human and natural systems across the world.
These changes, for instance, are expected to bring severe impacts on global water supplies. These shortages will, in turn, trigger future challenges in human and natural systems, owing to the threatened food production and hindered economic developments.
Some of the far-reaching effects of this issue as foretold by scientists will include rising of sea levels, expansion of deserts, changes in the patterns and levels of precipitation, and extreme weather catastrophes, such as heavy rains, heatwaves, frequents droughts, and extinction of some animal species.
Global warming is arguably the biggest international issue affecting global populations today. Both current and future effects of global warming on humans and the entire ecosystems are quite threatening, thus making it one of the most complicated issues, currently facing the world leaders and policymakers in their incessant efforts to save the world from the dangerous global issues.
Progressive rise in the global temperatures over the years is observed to bear far-reaching effects and implications on the living things and the worlds climate patterns (Sarewitz 394). As a matter of fact, some of the expected changes have already started showing up in various segments of life.
For instance, uncertain weather patterns have been witnessed in many regions of the world in the last few years, and this has resulted in numerous cases of wildland fire, owing to extensive hot and dry weather patterns in those areas.
As it happens, this has always caused the destruction of millions of acres of land, thus affecting the lives of people and wildlife in those areas. Also, there are reports by scientists that polar bears, among other species, face great danger of extinction following the big challenges of adaptation that they continue to experience as a result of extremities in the weather patterns and conditions.
There has been a rapid fall in Arctic sea ice in the Polar Regions over the last several decades. According to scientific observations, Arctic sea ice is melting away at an alarming rate of 11.5% every ten years, and this poses serious survival challenges to the animal species in those regions.
All these are living testimonies of the potential dangers of climatic change in the present and future ecosystems. These, however, are some of the reasons that have made climate change one of the most debated issues in the media and politics across the world. No wonder, the issue has drawn overwhelming concern from governments and international organisations and institutions.
Role of Science and Technology in addressing Climate Change
The part of science and technology in addressing some of the worlds greatest nightmares is dynamic and far-reaching. The understanding of science and technology as a crucial intervention in addressing international affairs is no doubt the best management decision to make in dealing with the global climate change.
As it is observed, climate change is one of the profound challenges facing the global populations today. Just like any other global issue that draws the attention to the international relations, the progressive pressures of climate change are rooted in science and driven by technology. There is no way the management of this issue of transnational concern can be left to governments alone, but it also requires devoted engagement of crucial civil society networks, such as the media, NGOs, universities, business, etc.
All these are certain priorities which can be useful in establishing strong solutions in response to a world of complex and threatening issues like ours. However, no matter how many efforts may be directed towards the incessant challenges affecting the world today, the capacity to generate and apply science and technology-driven policies in addressing those challenges plays a crucial role, either directly or indirectly.
Indirect scientific and technological intervention can be used to address the needs of people at the community levels, thus improving prospects of development in various segments of the society (Brunner 291). For instance, when interventions aimed at reducing poverty are introduced in the society, they would tend to bear positive results in development of those societies.
Science and technology have made enormous contributions to the understanding of the issue of climate change. Apart from presenting possible opportunities of getting to understand the issue and its causes, the trend has also played a significant role in developing a strong knowledge about current and potential effects and implications which are likely to affect humanity, animals and the entire ecosystems today and in the future (Spence and Pidgeon 665).
In matters regarding human health, climate change continues to pose unique challenges and threats to humans across the world. As it is observed, there are numerous ways through which changes in global climatic patterns can result in health effects that are potentially harmful.
This understanding has been crucial in that it has enabled climate change to achieve a significant position in the context of the major global issues facing the world today. No matter how many uncertainties are associated with the complex nature of the Earths climate, there is a great empirical collection of various studies and research findings documenting the many factors surrounding this big issue, which continues to pose challenges to humans, animals, and the general environment.
Regarding the climate change, many materials have been studied, and scientific questions and hypotheses based on the issue have been examined thoroughly for careful evaluation of the possible alternatives which could be used to address the issue. There is an outline of some of the many ways through which science and technology help in addressing the profound challenges of climate change.
Promoting and encouraging understanding and evaluation of key concepts regarding global climate change through scientific study and research.
Promoting knowledge on qualitative and quantitative ways that can be applied in addressing the issue.
Through scientific and technological concepts, people are able to gain the necessary expertise in dealing with global challenges such as the ones presented by climate change.
Through this intervention, global populations are also able to recognise significant moral dimensions of these complex situations and be able to implement the right ethical frameworks or systems that will address these issues better.
More importantly, through scientific and technological approaches, policy makers and global leaders have been able to develop substantive and analytical approaches necessary in combating emerging challenges and threats as presented by global warming and other effects of climate change.
As it would be observed from various geographical regions, climate change is a serious issue which poses insurmountable challenges to the global economy, public health and national security, among other aspects in the society. One of the most promising ways of addressing the progressive issue of climate change is by implementing significant methods of reducing the forcing mechanisms which generate these changes (Copeland 76).
An example of one possible intervention which could be taken here is by applying significant methods that help in controlling and reducing emission of greenhouse gases. For effective outcome, this intervention would require crucial scientific and technological approaches. A good example through which international bodies have been involved in addressing climate change issues is through the idea of flexibility mechanism as it has been defined in the Kyoto Protocol (Aldy and Stavins 56).
Even though some people are unsure about the impact that science and technology are likely to have on the issue, it is the most assuring option which can be used to address the many problems associated with climate change. Scientific process is much worthy in providing better explanations and suggestions regarding the heightening effects brought by changes in global climate and weather patterns.
Even though current scientific and technological efforts are yet to provide an alternative approach that adequately satisfies the global climate dynamics, there is still every reason for people to appreciate the contribution which has been made by scientists so far, in trying to address this issue.
The role of Science and Technology in International Relations regarding climate change can never be underestimated at any face value. Multiple framings to various contemporary challenges facing the humanity are much possible in the contemporary world, through democratised science and technology agenda (Pidgeon 83).
Some seemingly intractable issues currently presented by climate change can be addressed through democratised and pluralistic science agenda. Diversification of scientific study and research into policy problems such as the ones being presented by the global climate change has helped in promoting understanding of numerous possible framing of policy issues.
For these reasons, it should be acknowledged that the concept of science and technology is among the most significant interventions which can be applied in the mitigation of global climate change and its immense impacts to humans and the ecosystems.
As observed from this report, science and technology play a key role in promoting innovation processes in mitigation and adaptation of useful policies which help in addressing issues of climate change, among other global issues. Creating awareness of future human generations to be able to cope with changes in climate conditions is very crucial in the modern era (Weiss 305).
This, however, has been one of the main objectives of the science of climate change, which has been made available in many learning and research institutions across the world. More importantly, while the issue of climate change has been a major issue to the global populations, it has also presented vast opportunities.
Through the combined mitigation processes and development of significant policies as stipulated by the scientific study of climate change, the world has come up with constant coordination processes that would establish broader opportunities of managing global issues in the most appropriate manner. In that case, there is a big possibility of a satisfying solution to the issue of climate change in the near future, through the many opportunities which are presented by science and technology.
Works Cited
Aldy, Joseph and Robert Stavins. Architectures for agreement: addressing global climate change in the post-Kyoto world, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.
Ancarani, Vittorioy. Globalising the world: Science and technology in international relations. Handbook of Science and Technology Studies 12. 6 (1995): 652670. Print.
Brunner, Ronald. Global climate change: defining the policy problem. Policy Sciences 24. 3 (1991):291. Print.
Brunner, Ronald. Science and the climate change regime. Policy Sciences 34. 1 (2001):1-33. Print.
Nina, Fedoroff. Science diplomacy in the 21st century. Biological Sciences 136. 1 (2009): 9-11. Print.
Pidgeon, Nick. Public views on climate change: European and USA perspectives. Climatic Change 77. 1 (2006):73-95. print.
Sarewitz, Daniel. How science makes environmental controversies worse. Environmental Science and Policy 7. 12 (2004): 385-403. Print.
Spence, Alexa and Nicholas Pidgeon. Framing and communicating climate change: the effects of distance and outcome frame manipulations. Global Environmental Change 20. 11 (2010): 656-667.
Weiss, Charles. Science, technology and international relations. Technology in Society 27. 3 (2005): 295-313. Print.
The straw man fallacy is a type of logical fallacy whereby one person misrepresents their opponents question or argument to make it easier to respond. A person who utilizes this fallacy, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is said to be attacking the straw man. When an individual uses this fallacy, they respond to a weaker or distorted version of the original argument rather than addressing the subject of their opponents argument.
People resort to the straw man fallacy in moral issues to exaggerate their opponents positions. Rather than presenting a logical counterargument, they prefer to undercut their opponent (Arp et al., 2018). For instance, in an argument about sex education, one person may argue that sex education enables teens to practice safe sex and therefore reduced the prevalence of early pregnancy and STIs. To make this position seem ridiculous, an opponent may argue that the person is encouraging all teenagers to have sex with no consequences. In this example, the person attacking the straw man has exaggerated their argument. I dislike it when someone uses the straw man fallacy against me. It annoys me when someone deliberately misinterprets my statement or oversimplifies it. It also makes me feel that the person is not listening to my side of the argument carefully but only waiting for their chance to speak.
The straw man fallacy is commonly used in contentious debates, such as the topic of climate change. For instance, two people, Lisa and Anna, are debating how to manage climate change. Lisa argues for the increased use of public transport since cars release greenhouse gases which heavily contribute to climate change (Mittal, 2020). In response, Anna says that Lisa is advocating for human beings to completely stop using cars and walk to their destination instead. Annas argument is an example of the straw man fallacy because it distorts the argument originally made by Lisa. Lisa advocated for the use of public transit but did not say anything about completely stopping the use of cars (Mittal, 2020). Additionally, Lisa did not say that people should walk from place to place. Instead, Anna distorted Annas argument, exaggerated it, and responded to a weak version of the original argument. Since there is a mismatch between Annas stance and Lisas counterargument, it is evident that the strawman fallacy was employed.
The scenario described above is an example of the strawman fallacy and not similar fallacies, such as an appeal to the people and red herring. An appeal to the people is also known as ad populum and is a fallacy that argues something to be true because most people believe so (Arp et al. 2018). It is whereby one person argues the validation of the majority strengthens their case. For instance, in the given case, ad populum would manifest as Anna responding that most people do not think increasing the use of public transport would reduce climate change. Another logical similar to the straw man fallacy is the red herring. This is a fallacy whereby a person counters the original argument by introducing irrelevant information as a distraction (Arp et al., 2018). For example, Anna could divert the topic from climate change and argue that the world has bigger problems, such as the coronavirus pandemic. In summary, the straw man fallacy is easy to recognize because when used, it gives the impression that an argument has been addressed when this is not the case.
References
Arp, R., Barbone, S., & Bruce, M. (Eds.). (2018). Bad arguments: 100 of the most important fallacies in Western philosophy. John Wiley & Sons.
The book under consideration is entitled Climate change: turning up the heat and dwells upon the major issues related to climate change and its impact on the human society. Pittock (2005) provides in-depth analysis of the issues supporting his claims with extensive data.
It is necessary to note that the book is aimed at a wide audience as it is written in simple terms. Importantly, the researcher explains serious and complicated concepts in plain English which makes it a good resource for students as well as researchers.
Pittocks (2005) major claim is concerned with the necessity to acknowledge the impact of climate change on the human society. The researcher also advocates risk management and stresses that leaders of all countries (as well as scientists, educators and all the citizens) should combine their efforts to contribute to the development of proper strategies to diminish negative effects of the issue.
The researcher starts his book with explaining why the issue deserves peoples attention. Pittock (2005) provides various examples of the impact of climate change. The researcher also stresses that people should learn from the past.
The author continues claiming that people should also try to calculate the risks which are inevitable in the future. Pittock (2005) states that it is rather difficult to take into account all possible scenarios, but people should understand that the situation is worsening.
Importantly, the researcher also considers such approaches as adaptation and mitigation. Pittock (2005) agrees that people can easily adapt to the change. However, they are unlikely to effectively adapt to the rapid change, which will lead to huge losses. The researcher stresses that people should try to minimize the negative effects of climate change in order to enable humanity to adapt to the changing environment in a more effective way.
Pittock (2005) pays specific attention to the efforts which are being made in different countries. The researcher stresses that people tend to focus on national needs rather than on the global issues concerning environment. The author also point out some negative effects such policies can have.
Finally, the researcher concludes that people have to accept the challenge and concentrate on development of proper strategies to diminish the negative effects of climate change.
It is necessary to state that Pittock (2005) brings to the fore a number of valuable points to consider when analyzing such burning issue as climate change. It is important to take a closer look at each point to understand the real value and contribution of the authors work.
As has been mentioned above, Pittock (2005) provides a valuable point claiming that climate change is a serious issue which has to be addressed in the nearest future. Otherwise, people may face grave issues. The author backs up his claim with extensive data.
Pittock (2005) stresses that climate change is something that cannot be ignored anymore. The researcher provides various examples of the change. The author mentions extreme temperatures, numerous natural disasters, change in landscape, etc. (Pittock 2005). Researchers agree that climate change is shaping the world.
Thus, Sposito et al. (2010) claim that Australian agricultural sector has been affected by the changes which are taking place. The researchers stress that these changes should be taken into account and people have to undertake certain steps to adjust to the new circumstances. Noteworthy, Pittock (2005) emphasizes that it is important to understand the causes of climate change to develop proper solutions.
A lot of researchers agree that climate change is partially a side effect of the Industrialization. Researchers agree that Industrialization of the nineteenth century contributed greatly to the rapid change of climate (week 4, slide 4). Admittedly, it enabled humanity to make an enormous step forward, but it also contributed to the environmental pollution. People have shaped landscapes, which negatively affected ecosystems.
It is important to note that industrialization continues in many countries. Thus, countries of Asia and South America are turning into highly industrialized societies (Pittock 2005). This negatively affects the environment.
Importantly, Pittock (2005) claims that the Industrialization made people dependent on fossil fuels. Jacobson (2008) agrees with such viewpoint and notes that people largely rely on fossil fuels. This reliance has a number of negative effects. First, fossil fuels excavation devastates ecosystems. For instance, the society of the nineteenth century relied on coal which was associated with considerable pollution (Pittock 2005).
Noteworthy, China still relies on this type of fossil fuel (week 4, slide 14). The environmental situation in China is very serious and needs immediate actions. Secondly, the societys needs increase. Technological advances are associated with increased consumption of energy which leads to uncontrolled use of fossil fuels, which, in its turn, means more pollution.
Pittock (2005) emphasizes that people should learn from the past to be able to handle the issues of the present. Apart from revealing the lessons from the past, the author provides data concerning the future. For instance, Pittock (2005) provides major emissions scenarios, which are rather deplorable. Though emission of some gases will be reduced, the emission of carbon dioxide will still be upper high limit (Pittock 2005, p. 49).
This will contribute to climate change. For example, this will lead to the temperature increase and the development of the greenhouse effect. Uncontrolled use of water resources can also lead to hazardous changes in ecosystems.
Nonetheless, Pittock (2005) also notes that it is rather difficult to develop possible scenarios as climate change is difficult to predict. Scientists started in-depth analysis of climate change in the second part of the twentieth century. Therefore, the data available are quite scarce especially when it comes to such complicated phenomenon as climate change.
Long-term effects of peoples activities are quite difficult to estimate as people still do not understand the nature of many processes (week 3, slide 14). Grundmann (2009) also states that scientists come up with different scenarios.
Nonetheless, Pittock (2005) also points out that all researchers agree that climate change is the issue which has to be solved. The author emphasizes that it is difficult to estimate the risks, but it is easy to prove that the risks exist.
The difference in scenarios has led to development of the adaptation approach. Thus, Pittock (2005) notes that many people argue that humanity is adaptable and will be able to adjust to any changes. Notably, the author pays specific attention to this approach and proves that it is somewhat inconsistent. Hence, some people claim that people have adapted to a variety of severe conditions.
Admittedly, people have lived in Alaska where temperatures are very low. At the same time, people have lived in the driest and hottest places in Africa and South America. Thus, lots of people argue that climate change cannot be regarded as the urgent issue to be solved as it is a natural process.
Some people also note that the planet is constantly changing and developing so any changes are natural and inevitable. Therefore, there is no need in seeking for ways to diminish the change, it is much more important to look for strategies to adapt to new conditions.
However, Pittock (2005) makes a valuable remark and mentions situations when people have to abandon their homeland as they cannot adjust to the new conditions. Admittedly, coastline in some places has changed dramatically and people in many places have no access to fresh water. This has led to the ongoing migration.
Therefore, Pittock (2005) notes that this approach has serious drawbacks. At the same time, there is a more effective mitigation approach. According to this approach, people are adaptable and can adjust to changes which are slow. Thus, lots of researchers believe that people have developed certain tools to adjust to particular conditions for centuries (Pittock 2005).
However, rapid changes can have serious negative effects. As has been mentioned above, rapid changes force people to leave deteriorated areas. More so, making devastated areas a favorable place to live requires significant investment.
Therefore, it is crucial to help humanity adjust to the change. To succeed in this, it is essential to slow down the changes which are taking place to enable people to develop certain tools to live in terms of new conditions.
The researcher is an advocate of this approach. Pittock (2005) also stresses that people have to start addressing the problem. The author notes that certain work has already been done. However, the researcher also emphasizes that it is not enough. Thus, Jacobson (2008) focuses on the use of renewable energy and possible ways to diminish negative effects of peoples activities.
The researcher states that people have started developing new ways to produce energy, which can slow down the process of climate change. Pittock (2005) also provides statistic data that reveal certain interest in the use of renewable sources of energy. Nonetheless, the author stresses that only a few countries invest into the development of alternative sources of energy.
Pittock (2005) also claims that governments should play an important role in promotion and development of the use of renewable sources of energy. The author notes that many countries enact certain laws to make companies diminish harmful emissions (Pittock 2005).
More so, governments of different countries initiate a variety of international projects aimed at development of proper strategies to address issues associated with climate change.
At the same time, Pittock (2005) makes a valuable observation. The researcher claims that governments tend to focus on their national interests and often neglect environmental concerns. Thus, China is one of such countries. Chinese government is more concerned with economic development of the country. They ignore the fact that the ecosystem is being deteriorated due to uncontrolled use of fossil fuels (week 4, slide 14).
Noteworthy, such irresponsible policy has numerous negative effects on global scale. Apart from deterioration of the ecosystem in China, the irresponsible policies in the country lead to increased emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This will have long-term effects on the planet.
Grundmann (2009) also notes that existing international projects are insufficient. The researcher argues that lots of countries try to violate certain norms. Some countries are also reluctant to participate in environmental projects, which need additional investment.
It is noteworthy, that researchers agree that governments often support big business and are reluctant to invest into ecological projects as they do not see the urgency (Pittock 2005). As has been mentioned above, different researchers estimate the risks differently. Companies as well as governments tend to use the adaptation approach which does not require significant funding.
Pittock (2005) emphasizes that governments of all countries should combine their efforts aimed at solving the issues associated with climate change. The researcher concludes that humanity has to start being responsible as climate change is shaping the world. The researcher states that national interests cannot be more important than the future of humanity and the entire planet.
To sum up, it is necessary to state that the book in question provides valuable insights into one of the most burning environmental issues. The book contains the necessary data which justify the authors standpoint. Pittock (2005) reveals major causes and effects of climate change, which helps understand the nature of the issue. This understanding, in its turn, can help develop effective solutions.
Importantly, the author reveals some wrongs of the contemporary society that contribute to the issue. Thus, the author emphasizes the role governments and international bodies play in the development of effective strategies to address the issue. In a nutshell, it is possible to note that the book creates the urgency and makes people understand that it is high time to start acting until it is too late.
Reference List
Grundmann, R 2009, Climate change and knowledge politics, Environmental Politics, vol. 2. no. 1, pp. 148-173.
Jacobson, MZ 2008, Review of solutions to global warming, air pollution, and energy security, Energy & Environmental Science, vol. 16. no. 3, pp. 414-432.
Pittock, AB 2005, Climate change: turning up the heat, Routledge, New York, NY.
Sposito, V, Benke, K, Pelizaro, C & Wyatt, R 2010, Adaptation to climate change in regional Australia: a decision-making framework for modeling policy for rural production, Geography Compass, vol. 4. no. 4, pp. 335-354.
Week 3 Lecture: Climate change, science, and risk.
Climate change has been acknowledged to be a global problem calling for a global solution. The adverse effects to the environment that result from greenhouse gases especially CO2 being concentrated in the atmosphere have begun to become a reality to human beings thus prompting for action by governments all over the world.
However, threats to biodiversity which are in fact intertwined with climate change issues have continued to be ignored despite them being of equal importance. ICLEI (2010) affirms that not only is global climate interconnected with biodiversity loss but that mitigation of climate change is directly dependent on biodiversity management.
Owing to the significance of biodiversity to human existence, it makes sense for efforts to be made to ensure that biodiversity is protected. Prominent world leaders such as the German Chancellor and the British Foreign Secretary have advanced that threats to biodiversity are just as important as climate change .
This paper shall articulate the truth of this statement by demonstrating that threats to biodiversity pose significant threat to the sustainability of human life on earth and are therefore the protection of biodiversity is as important as the mitigation of climate change.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms (Convention on Biological Diversity 2010). The unique interaction of the millions of life forms that make up biodiversity results in a habitable Earth that can sustain the lives of human beings.
Thompson (2009, p.9) notes that biodiversity is more than simply a list of species present at a location; rather, it is the variability among living organisms from the different sources.
While biodiversity change and the extinction of some species is a natural occurrence that has been going on for millions of years, modern day human activities have resulted in a rate of biodiversity loss that far exceeds the natural one.
The rapid growth and industrialization experienced by developing nations through the 20th century has been blamed for most of the adverse effects on biodiversity (Anand 2004, p.28).
These changes have had mostly negative effects for man and have resulted in unsustainable development. Gitay et al (2007, p.13) notes that changes in climatic variables in the course of the last half century have led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of outbreaks of pests and diseases.
In addition to this, IPCC (2002) reveals that species which have limited climatic ranges or are restricted to specific habitat requirements will be at the risk of extinction owing to climate changes.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2010) points to the bleak reality that over half of the ecosystem services required for sustaining life are being degraded and this will invariably have harmful consequences with time.
As such, it is of great importance that measure be undertaken to mitigate the loss of biodiversity or at best to encourage the recreation of the same. Sustainable development and governance are two means which if used effectively can have these desirable results.
Sustainability
Sustainability involves the exploitation of biodiversity in a controlled manner that does not threaten the future occurrence of the same. Naturally, biodiversity is able to ensure its own diversity.
For example, Thompson (2009, p.13) reveals that while many forests are prone to fire, the species are well-adapted to this natural disturbance and forests together with the species that exist in them are capable of regenerating after a fire.
Reid and Swiderska (2008, p.3) propose that only by using ecologically sound approaches to contain the effects of climate change can sustainability be guaranteed.
To demonstrate this point, the authors point to the Vietnam coastal problem where the severity of tropical storms as a result of climate change threatened the livelihood of people living near the coast. Instead of using expensive concrete sea walls to adapt to this problem, Vietnam rehabilitated coastal mangroves which not only protected from storms but acted as carbon sink.
The food crisis that was experienced in 2007 was an indication of what could happen if man continues to ignore biodiversity by engaging in unsustainable activities. While man has continued to convert land into cropland, only a minute percentage of food crops available to man cover this cropland (Hackett 2001).
As such, agricultural practices have become one of the prime human activities which have resulted in and continue to cause loss of biodiversity. UNEP (2008) declares that only by decreasing dependency on limited biological diversity as is currently the case can the risk of future food supplies dwindling be averted.
Governance
It has been noted that if the rapid and irreversible change in biodiversity that is as a result of human action is to be avoided, conservation strategies must be adopted. Gitay et al (2007, p.375) proposes that governance systems can be considered as institutional filters that act as mediators between human activities and biophysical process.
By use of this governance systems, policies can be come up with that ensure that only sustainable development is undertaken and paths that may lead to adverse environmental changes are avoided. Individual governments are seen to be important mechanisms in ensuring that biodiversity is protected and therefore guaranteeing the future of mankind.
Nations all over the world have created institutes, authorities and laws that are aimed at conserving and safeguarding the environment. This move has led to positive results in the protection of biodiversity and by extension mitigation of climatic changes.
However, Gitay (2007, p.378) note that most countries lack the capacity to adequately finance the implementation of policies and agreements reached at international levels therefore reducing the effectiveness of governance.
While international environmental governance is mandatory for any long lasting solution to the biodiversity issue, The regional level is also important since it is the at the local level where the pressures of environmental changes are felt therefore leading to a realization that change is required to negate adverse effects.
Conclusion
This paper set out to demonstrate that threats to biodiversity are of great significance and man should take a keen interest on them. To reinforce this assertion, this paper has documented the various ills that have or may arise as a result of loss of biodiversity.
The paper has also noted how these losses may be mitigated. It has been established that proper governance and sustainable development is required to ensure that ecological balance is maintained and hence the future of mankind guaranteed.
Particularly, the cooperation among governments will be necessary to make biodiversity protection a reality. From the discussions presented in this paper, it is clear that protecting biodiversity is in the best interest of us as human beings since it will result in sustainability of human life on Earth for an indefinite period of time.
Works Cited
Anand, R 2004, International environmental justice: a north-south dimension, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
Gitay, H et al 2007, Interlinkages: Governance for Sustainability. Web.
Hackett, C S 2001, Environmental and natural resources economics: theory, policy, and the sustainable society, 2nd, M.E. Sharpe.
ICLEI 2010, Biodiversity and Climate Change. Web.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2002, Climate Change and Biodiversity, IPCC Technical Paper V.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2010, Experts say that attention to ecosystem services is needed to achieve global development goals.
Reid, H & Swiderska, K 2008, Biodiversity, climate change and poverty: exploring the links. International Institute for Environment and Development.
Thompson, I 2009, Forest Resilience, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity.
UNEP 2010, Germany Hosts Global Conference on Biological Diversity Promoting a Global Response for Addressing the Unprecedented Loss of Biodiversity. Web.
Economic impetus behind environmental exploitations by developing nations in pursuit for opportunities has made conservatives to develop and implement Payment for Environmental Service programs which offer financial compensation to the nations that avoid the exploitations (OEC 90). Arguably, the most prominent scheme is REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) which is an approach of imposing a price-tag on carbon storage provided by forests.
Recently, the scope of REDD has broadened and recognizes carbon benefits reaped from sustainable forestry efforts. This case study investigates the partnership between Norway & Indonesia being the largest example of REDD. It attempts to answer two questions: What were the motives and goals behind the partnership? What are the achievements of the partnership?
Norway-Indonesia REDD partnership
The REDD partnership between Norway and Indonesia was initiated in 2010 when the two governments signed a letter of intent that would contribute to substantial reductions in carbon emissions from three activities: deforestation, forest deprivation and peat-land transformation in Indonesia (Cunningham & Cunningham 189).
This agreement was divided into three phases supposed to end in 2014 under Norwegian financing. According to this agreement, Indonesia should implement a program to suspend all new businesses for the conversion of natural and peat forests. The objective of this program is to establish a baseline on vital aspects of forest and peat-lands that is deliberate to the effective execution of REDD strategy national wide.
This partnership provides an exceptional opportunity for Indonesia to moderate its deforestation and greenhouse gas emission levels. Nevertheless, the partnership has also aroused fierce debates within the society concerning the scope of the program especially in defining forest as well as its socioeconomic and environmental implications.
The pilot province selected for the implementation of the programs was Central Kalimantan due to the high rates of forest degradation, large stretches of rainforests and peat-lands, the progressed state of test projects in carbon change and political interest in environment degradation.
The suspension according to the requirements outlined in phase two was signed by the Indonesian president and put into effect in 2011. This was accompanied by an indicative map displaying the areas covered by the suspension program.
Despite the benefits expected from the program, these achievements have taken a rather intriguing course. The scope of the program is facing great criticism that it lacks clarity and transparency and the development of the indicative map presents difficulties in assessing its effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions from forest degradation.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that the two governments should adopt a flexible, transparent and user-friendly program for investigating the ramifications associated with the implementation of REDD program under different clarifications and situations. Such a cohesive tool can also enhance future revisions of the program and the inductive map.
Conclusion
The REDD partnership between Norway and Indonesia is an outcome of the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions resulting from deforestation. The program involves three phases to be accomplished after 2014.
The program is already in the second phase with remarkable achievements such as the acceptance of the program by the Indonesian president and creation of an indicative map outlining the area under pilot study. Unfortunately, the program is faced up with issues of clarity and transparency which obliges the two governments to adopt strategic tools to mitigate the shortcomings.
Works Cited
Cunningham, William and Cunningham Mary. Environmental Science: A Global Concern. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Company Inc, 2011. Print.
Organization for Economic Cooperation. The Economics of Climate Change Mitigation: Policies and Options for Global Action Beyond 2012. Paris, France: OECD Publishing, 2009. Print.
Ar Rass in Saudi Arabia (latitude 25.8697) is on the same latitude with Miami, Florida (latitude 25.7738889) yet, the two have varied climates. Climate of a certain region is dependent primarily on the quantity of solar radiation and its distribution, which varies extensively with latitude.
All the same, the atmosphere as well as oceans plays a key role in the storage and distribution of heat. Continents as well as mountains acts as obstacles for heat distribution between the ocean and the atmosphere since their blocking redirects the currents to form varied regional climates.
Climate is also affected by vegetation cover since plants acts as heat absorbers and water retainers that could go a long way in dictating precipitation of a certain region. Besides, high quantity of atmospheric greenhouse gases leads to heat blanketing, which elevate the temperature of a place.
Sunlight striking a region varies with latitudes where lower latitudes receive more solar radiations while similar latitudes receives similar amount of solar radiation and therefore, should similar climates (Merali & Skinner, 2009).
However, cities with similar latitudes could have extensively varied climates. Ar Rass is surrounded by small mountain ranges, sand dunes and plateaus and has a typical desert climate whose winters are cold while summers are extremely hot with minimal humidity.
On the other hand, Miami is a coastal city and therefore, cooler ocean currents results to cool temperatures on the land while warm ones results to warm temperatures. Water bodies also have a higher heat capacity to retain heat in summer to cause warmer winters. Miami experiences tropical monsoon whose summers are hotter and moist while winters are warmer and dry.
Climate is changing due to natural causes such as volcanic eruptions to release sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, ash and dust. Solar variations, continental drift, ocean currents and tilting of earth also cause climate change.
Primarily, Human activities due to industrial revolution that has raised the combustion of fossil fuels leading to high emissions of greenhouse gases e.g. carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to cause global warming (Hardy, 2003).
As a result, catastrophic events have been experienced that will not only affect the ecosystems but might result to extinction of species. Global warming will result to an upsurge in sea levels that will have effects on rainfall seasons and the ultimate extension of subtropical deserts.
Besides, the polar glacier will retreat while severe weather, marked by recurrent of droughts and hurricanes will be manifest. These might have health impacts on human due to rise of infective parasites, disruption of ecological systems and rise in temperatures. These aspects have called for global efforts to mitigate climate change (Merali & Skinner, 2009).
From the CNN report, greenhouse gases are essential to trap heat and warm the earth and without them, the planet would be frozen. Therefore, they are essential but when excess, they become detrimental. Existence of life in other planets seems unlikely and remains a speculation that has not yet been proven.
Several planets have been proven inhospitable but not impossible to life. Extraterrestrial life has been tested within the context of astronomy to formulate theories of its existence since the universe comprises of planets that orbit the stars similar to earth. These planets however, seem inhospitable for life.
In planet earth where life exists, human seems to be losing the battle to mitigate climate change. Consequently, the planet might as well become inhospitable to harbor life in future, due to the rising global warming that is accompanied by catastrophic events that might cause extinction of life (Hardy, 2003).
Besides, human have caused biotic crisis that has continued to cause species extinction, which reduces biodiversity. However, it would be hard to predict the future of this planet since other factors that have seen the planet experience glaciation cycles should also be considered.
References
Hardy, J. T. (2003). Climate Change: Causes, Effects, And Solutions. Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons.
Merali, Z., & Skinner, B. J. (2009). Visualizing Earth Science. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
There is no doubt the earth has and will continue to experience Climate Change. However, the topic of our earths climate is a major concern worldwide. Many people confuse climate change with global warming. Climate change is the change in global weather patterns, whereas, global warming is an increase in the worlds temperatures.
But is our planet really warming, is it really a man-made problem? Yes, Earth is already showing many signs of worldwide climate change. But whats causing it, and how might it change the planet? Today scientific opinion on global warming has changed. Most scientists theorize we may be hitting a mini ice age.
Causes of Climate Change
The causes of climate changes are varied; first, the cyclical variations of the orbital processes control the solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth causing varying climatic conditions. Eccentricity or shifts in earths orbital shape from an ellipse to a circle and finally to an ellipse, within a time span of a hundred thousand years signify that solar variation is directly dependent on eccentricity (Pidwirny Pr.5).
The equinox precession as the earth rotates around the sun results to solstices and equinoxes, which alters earths proximity to the sun. Tilting of the earth causes climatic variations in that when it is least, it causes reduced variation in climate linking winters &summers in regions of elevated latitude.
Tilt leads to a wide spread glacial formation on Polar Regions (Pipkin et al 324). These orbital processes, which function in cycles of 100,000 (eccentricity), 41,000 (tilt), and 19,000 to 23,000 (precession) years, are thought to be the most significant drivers of ice ages according to the theory of Mulitin Milankovitch, a Serbian mathematician (1879-1958) (NASA pr. 3 & 4).
Second, the alterations of solar intensity, which hits the surface of the earth, may cause a climatic change. This is because strong solar intensity may warm the earth surface while weak solar intensity may have a cooling effect on the planet. The NASA research asserts that declined solar intensity noted since the 1400 up to and including 1700s is attributed to the occurrence of the Little Ice Age, which is responsible for the cooling effect in some parts of the world such as Europe and North America (EPA pr.4).
Third, volcanic activities can modify the climate since there is emission of carbon dioxide and a significant amount of aerosols (Pidwirny pr. 12). Aerosols are responsible for causing a blocking effect on the rays of the sun to cause a cooling effect. They however, have no permanent changes since they are cleared from the atmosphere after a short while.
For instance, a volcanic eruption that was experienced in Tambora, Indonesia in the year eighteen fifteen caused a decline in global temperatures by up to five degrees Celsius, a phenomenon attributed to the lack of summer in New England in the year eighteen sixteen (EPA Pr. 4). Additionally, carbon dioxide, which is a green house gas is emitted and causes global warming.
Geologic evidence indicates that the amount of carbon dioxide have risen and has resulted to higher temperatures that are experienced today (Pidwirny pr. 9). Volcanic activities give out a high quantity of carbon dioxide, elevating its content in the atmosphere. This process however, cannot surpass the human factors which have continuously caused more and more buildup of atmospheric CO2 through combusting the fossil fuels, deforestation, industrialization among others (Hardy 13).
Impact to the Planet
The rising or lowering of earths temperature is implicated to the variations in the concentration green house gases. When global temperatures are high, there is production of carbon dioxide from the ocean, which may accelerate the temperatures through amplifying the green house effect (Hardy 11).
On the other hand, lower temperatures causes absorption of carbon dioxide in the ocean, which may further enhance the cooling effect. The previous six hundred and fifty thousand years have been characterized by carbon dioxide being applied to trace the glacial cycles. In times of warm interglacial epoch, the levels of carbon dioxide are on the rise while in times of cool glacial epoch, the levels of carbon dioxide are usually minimal (EPA Pr. 5).
Besides, the warming or cooling effect experienced on the planet may modify the ocean currents. This is so because ocean currents are crucial in heat distribution on the planet and if they modify, they may cause amplified effects on the climate of a particular part of the earth (EPA pr. 5).
Additionally, there will be decline in biodiversity since the marine and terrestrial life will be subject to varying conditions. If they are unable to adapt, there will be extinction of species such as the coral reefs (Letcher 254). Moreover, climatic changes may cause emergence of new diseases and extreme weather conditions that may cause droughts, flash floods, hurricanes, natural catastrophes, and expansion of deserts.
Could we be hitting a Mini Ice Age?
The rates that climatic changes have previously occurred on the planet have proven to be gradual and stable at one time and rapid at another. Interglacial climate, which is currently occurring, is stable as compared to that of the cold glacial climates. This is illustrated when present i.e.
Holocene and preceding i.e. Eemian interglacial periods are stable as compared to the current glacial period referred to as Glacial Maximum, which is marked by extensive, great and sudden climatic changes (EPA pr. 6). Rapid climatic changes go along with transitions, which link glacial and interglacial eras as indicated by the Northern hemisphere i.e. Greenland having warm rates of fourteen to twenty eight degrees Fahrenheit over a number of decades throughout and following the current ice age.
In the previous two thousand years, there has been a stable climate in the planet where scientist notes that there have been three departures from this stability. First, the Medieval Climate Anomaly or Medieval Warm Period occurred amid 900 & 1300 AD where Greenland, Asia as well as Europe were relatively warm while some regions experienced uncertain warm conditions such as American West, which had extremely dry conditions.
Second, the Little Ice Age, which was not a factual ice age because there was no development of significant ice sheets, occurred amid 1500 to 1850 and had average temperatures of two degrees Fahrenheit colder and varied as compared to the current ones. Third, the Industrial Era has occurred in the last century corresponding with high greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activities (EPA pr. 7).
The Medieval Climate Anomaly as well as the Little Ice Age comprised the higher and lower limits of natural changeability in climate and resulted from volcanic activity and solar variability. Consequently, there has been a new mini ice age experienced since the last century, which is beyond the warm limit of the medieval Climate Anomaly (EPA pr. 8 & 10).
The winter that has afflicted the Northern Hemisphere could be indicative of planetary trends headed for cold climatic conditions that may persist for a while as ascertained by several scientists. They come to that conclusion through evaluation of natural cycles regarding water temperature in the Atlantic as well as the Pacific Oceans.
As stated by the U.S National Snow and Ice Data Centre based on Colorado, there has been rise in sea ice during the Arctic summer by twenty six percent from the year two thousand and seven. These scientific predictions disregards the climate computer models that ascertain that global warming in the planet are due to human activities and that warming will proceed as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise (Owen pr. 1).
Global warming has instead aided in moving warm tropical water to North Atlantic where scientists predicts that much of Europe and the United Stated transformed into frozen wastelands within days (Owen pr. 3).
This threat however will be manifest in Northwest Europe, which will have dire effects on aquatic life. National Oceanography Centre has noted that the movement of warm ocean currents in the direction of Northwest Europe has reduced by thirty percent dating back to the nineteen fifties. National geographic oceanographer, Harry Bryden asserts that;
There appears to be a 50 percent reduction in the amount of cold, deep water flowing from the North Atlantic to the tropics& the researchers found a 50 percent increase in currents circulating within subtropical seas without reaching higher latitudes. More warm waters, that is, are staying put in the tropics. The study supports computer model predictions suggesting that global warming will switch off the North Atlantic current in the next 50 to 100 years (Owen pr. 4& 5)
Conclusion
Throughout history, the planet has been experiencing glacial periods as indicated by the fact that ice has continued to retreat to the Polar Regions as opposed to the initial ice ages where ice occupied a substantial part of the planet.
Rapid climatic changes have existed in prehistoric periods while human civilization came about at the time of relatively stable climatic conditions. The planet could be hitting a catastrophic phenomenon i.e. a mini ice age, which could not be reversed. In this case the winters would become long and colder and there would be cooler summers, which might persist for several decades
Works Cited
Hardy, John. Climate change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions. Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons. 2003. Print.
Weather is known to change its pattern every now and again as observed throughout the globe. In studying the average pattern of weather, climate becomes the understudy. This average pattern usually stays the same for centuries.
On the other hand, earth changes every time, with several human activities as well as natural occurrences, which change the climate in many ways. This paper will try to define climatic change, explain its natural causes as well as the role human population play in climatic change ( Global Warming and Climate Change 1).
What is Climatic Change?
Climatic change refers to the alteration of statistical properties of weather pattern, usually for as long period such as millions of years. This alteration can be observed with respect to well-known weather situations or, in some cases, harsh weather events. Climate change can be experienced throughout the globe or in specific regions of the globe (Broecker 79-89).
Explain the natural causes of climatic change
There exists several natural causes of climatic change, these include, among others, ocean invariability, solar output, volcanism, plate tectonics and orbital variations. The ocean forms an integral part of climate system and therefore, any prolonged fluctuations contributes to heat redistribution effecting heat redistribution in the oceans of the world. The sun is known for its natural energy that it inputs to the world. Nonetheless, any short term or a long-term variation in the suns intensity is of great effects to the climate (Broecker 79-89).
Likewise, volcanism exposes the earths internal materials to surface, in the process releasing gases to the atmosphere, which cause climatic change. For instance, Mount Pinatubo eruption decreased the global temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius. Plate tectonics as well, impinge on both global and local climatic pattern over a lengthy period. This is because it redesigns the oceanic and land areas and consequently creates topography.
When such processes occur, the oceanic configuration is altered and this transforms the mold of oceanic circulation. Orbital variations also lead to climatic alteration as it varies the seasonal sunlight exposure on the earths surface. The variations, also known as Milankovitch cycles, have great effects on climate as they correlate with glacial as well as the progress and recoil of the Sahara (Broecker 79-89).
How does human population play a role climatic change?
Human population has been believed to accelerate the demise of species in the world and climatic change due to uncontrolled emissions. Nevertheless, a new study made by a set of scientists regarding human population and climatic change has given signs of positive impacts especially around 2050.
For instance, increasing urbanization is seen to contribute a further 25% emissions while the ageing numbers of human population in Europe, China, India and USA, is projected to reduce emissions by about 20%. Another factor that is expected to reduce emissions is reduced growth rate of human population. This is expected to reduce emissions by about 30% with the United Nations projecting a lower growth rate at 0.3% by 2050 (Verve 1).
These opinions are based on the fact that, urbanization would increase emissions because of increased supply of labor hence higher productivity and enlarged economies, while the aging human population would lower productivity and slowing economy, thereby reducing emissions (Verve 1).
Conclusion
Climatic change is the average alteration in the pattern of weather over a period in a place. Its gradual change over the years has been as a result of both natural and manmade causes. The natural causes include, among others, solar output and volcanism. On the other hand, manmade causes include deforestation, oil and coal mining, among others. The human population is expected to play a major role in the reduction of emissions by 2050, thereby redressing climatic change (National Academy of Sciences 1).
Works Cited
Broecker, Wallace. The Great Ocean Conveyor . Oceanography. vol. 4, No. 2, 1991. pp. 79-89.
Global Warming and Climate Change . PART 1: What is climate change? 03. Jan. 2006. 15. 04. 2011.
National Academy of Sciences. Global Warming facts & our future . Science Museum. 14. April. 2011.14. Web.
Verve, Vegan. Study: Population Dynamics Play Large Role In Climate Change . About my Planet. 19. Oct. 2010. Web.