Major Drivers Of Climate Change - Essay Flashcards
(13 cards)
Introduction
What is global environmental change?
Natural vs anthropogenic?
List primary drivers -
- climate change
- land use change
- biodiversity loss
- pollution
- invasive species
Climate change as a primary driver
- GHG from fossil fuels, deforestation, industry
- rise in global temperatures causing extreme weather, sea level rise, change in precipitation
Major disruption of ecosystems -
- shifts in species distributions, disrupted breeding seasons, altered food webs
Major disruption of society -
- risks from heatwaves, food security, water scarcity + environmental refuges
Climate change alternative view
‘while scientific consensus is strong, there are differing perspectives on causes, responsibilities and solutions’
Some critics argue that climate change is part of a natural earth cycle rather than a consequence of human activities (eg milankovitch cycle, volcanic activity, tectonic activity)
Counterpoint - the consensus backed by the IPCC and NASA attributes current changes to anthropogenic emissions, evidence backed by correlations between industrialisation and CO2 levels
How is land use change a major driver?
- agriculture, urbanisation and deforestation
- leading to habitat loss, decreased carbon sequestration, soil degradation
- urban expansion causes reduced natural habitats, increased surface runoff, leading to pollution and flooding
- agricultural intensification increases food production, reducing biodiversity + overuse of water sources
Land use change alternative argument
Present economic and developmental trade off
- developing nations often argue that environmental regulations slow down economic growth,especially where poverty alleviation and industrialisation are priorities
- Quebec is seeing first hand effects of climate change, seeing economic loss
Biodiversity loss as a major driver
Rapid decline in species diversity and abundance within the 6th mass extinction era known as the Anthropocene
(Caused by habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution + climate change)
Loss of biodiversity undermines the services they provide -
- pollination
- water purification
- disease regulation
For humans, large effects regarding -
- reduced food security
- vulnerability to natural disasters
- loss of cultural values (ecotourism)
Pollution as a major driver?
Air, water and soil pollution from industrial processes, agriculture and urban waste
- nutrient runoff leads to eutrophication + dead zones
- air pollution causing respiratory issues
- plastic pollution threatens marine life and enters the food chain
Invasive species as a driver?
- spread of non-native species due to globalisation and trade
- disruption of ecosystems by outcompeting, preying upon, spreading diseases to native species
- reduces biodiversity, alters usual functioning of food webs and chains
- can affect local economies dependent on fisheries, agriculture and tourism
Technology as an opposing view
Technology as a solution
- some believe technological innovation (eg carbon capture, geo engineering, GM crops) can save environmental problems without significant changes to current consumption patterns
While technology plays an essential role, relying solely on it may delay essential behavioral and policy changes. Prevention and systemic transformation are more sustainable than cure. All about equilibrium in environment, damage caused now is too steep to halt and reverse with current technologies.
Global strategies being ineffective as an opposing view
Questions the effectiveness of global strategies and agreements
- skepticism of international cooperation
- some argue that international environment agreements such as the Paris agreement are ineffective due to lack of enforcement mechanisms and varying national interests
Western science opposing view
Indigenous and local knowledge vs western science
- critique of top-down strategies
- top down environmental policies sometimes ignore local needs, indigenous knowledge and sociocultural differences
Conclusion - interdependence
These drivers do not act in isolation
- eg climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss and land use change can amplify carbon emissions
Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating environmental science, policy making, political approach and public engagement
Mitigation strategies must be implemented at local, national and global levels to secure a sustainable future for all species on earth
Carbon dioxide figure
Data source - NDAA, measured at Muana Loa observatory, reported by NASA
Co2 ppm
1960 - 320
1970 - 330
1980 - 340
1990 - 360
2000 - 370
2010 - 390
2020 - 420
Current - 430
Yearly variation - peak in northern hemisphere - spring, dips in growing season
Data before 1960 was from ice cores
