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Ecosystems

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Ecosystems

Ecosystem topic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ecosystems

Today we can!
Climate experts are formal: the Earth is warming up at a steady pace. The
reason for this is the increase in human-caused greenhouse gases, which has
led to health, ecological and humanitarian crises.

Despite this, the fight against climate change is a real opportunity to transition
to a low carbon
society, creating jobs, innovation and social justice locally and internationally.

What is the meaning of global warming? What are the causes of global
warming and its consequences? And finally what are the possible
solutions?
3. Definition
What is global warming?

Global warming is a phenomenon of climate change characterized by a general


increase in average temperatures of the Earth, which modifies the weather
balances and ecosystems for a long time. It is directly linked to the increase of
greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, worsening the greenhouse effect.
In fact, the average temperature of the planet has increased by 0.8º Celsius (33.4°
Fahrenheit) compared to the end of the 19th century. Each of the last three decades
has been warmer than all previous decades since the beginning of the statistical
surveys in 1850.

At the pace of current CO2 emissions, scientists expect an increase of between 1.5° and
5.3°C (34.7° to 41.5°F) in average temperature by 2100. If no action is taken, it would
have harmful consequences to humanity and the biosphere.

04. Causes
Global warming causes
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon. However, the increase in
greenhouse gases is linked to human activities. It is thus no surprise that the
world's leading climate scientists believe that human activities are very likely
the main cause of global warming since the mid-twentieth century, mostly
because of:

FOSSIL FUELS

The massive use of fossil fuels is obviously the first source of global warming, as
burning coal, oil and gas produces carbon dioxide - the most important
greenhouse gas in the atmosphere - as well as nitrous oxide.
DEFORESTATION

The exploitation of forests has a major role in climate change. Trees help
regulate the climate by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When they are cut
down, this positive effect is lost and the carbon stored in the trees is released
into the atmosphere.
INTENSIVE FARMING

Another cause of global warming is intensive farming, not only with the ever-
increasing livestock, but also with plant protection products and fertilizers. In
fact, cattle and sheep produce large amounts of methane when digesting their
food, while fertilizers produce nitrous oxide emissions.
WASTE DISPOSAL

Waste management methods like landfills and incineration emit greenhouse


and toxic gases - including methane - that are released into the atmosphere,
soil and waterways, contributing to the increase of the greenhouse effect.
MINING

Modern life is highly dependent on the mining and metallurgical industry. Metals
and minerals are the raw materials used in the construction, transportation and
manufacturing of goods. From extraction to delivery, this market accounts for
5% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
OVERCONSUMPTION

Finally, overconsumption also plays a major role in climate change. In fact, it is


responsible for the overexploitation of natural resources and emissions from
international freight transport, which both contribute to global warming.

05. Effects
Global warmingeffects
Here are some consequences that are documented in the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming:
1. On biodiversity
The increase of temperatures and the climate upheavals disturb the
ecosystems, modify the conditions and cycles of plant reproduction. The
scarcity of resources and climate change are changing life habits and migratory
cycles of animals. We are already witnessing the disappearance of many
species - including endemic species - or, conversely, the intrusion of invasive
species that threaten crops and other animals.

Global warming therefore impacts biodiversity. It is the balance of biodiversity


that is modified and threatened. According to the IPCC, a 1.5°C (34.7°F) average
rise might put 20-30% of species at risk of extinction. If the planet warms by
more than 2°C, most ecosystems will struggle.

2. On oceans
Because of global warming, permafrost and ice are melting massively at the
poles, increasing the sea level at a rate never known before. In a century, the
increase reached 18 cm (including 6 cm in the last 20 years). The worst case
scenario is a rise of up to 1m by 2100.

The acidification of the oceans is also of great concern. In fact, the large amount
of CO2 captured by the oceans makes them more acidic, arousing serious
questions about the adaptability of seashells or coral reefs.

3. On humans
Human beings are not spared by these upheavals. Climate change is affecting
the global economy. It is already shaking up social, health and geopolitical
balances in many parts of the world. The scarcity of resources like food and
energy gives rise to new conflicts.

Rising sea levels and floods are causing population migration. Small island
states are in the front line. The estimated number of climate refugees by 2050 is
250 million people.

4. On the weather
For decades now, meteorologists and climatologists around the world have been
watching the effects of global warming on the weather phenomena. And the
impact is huge: more droughts and heatwaves, more precipitations, more
natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, storms and wildfires, frost-free season,
etc.

06. Prevention
Global warmingprevention
Good news - there are ways to reduce global warming. But how to react to
climate change? What solutions to consider?

1. Renewable energies
The first way to prevent climate change is to move away from fossil fuels. What
are the alternatives? Renewable energies like solar, wind, biomass and
geothermal.

2. Energy & water efficiency


Producing clean energy is essential, but reducing our consumption of energy
and water by using more efficient devices (e.g. LED light bulbs, innovative
shower systems) is less costly and equally important.

3. Sustainable transportation
Promoting public transportation, carpooling, but also electric and hydrogen
mobility, can definitely help reduce CO2 emissions and thus fight global
warming.

4. Sustainable infrastructure
In order to reduce the CO2 emissions from buildings - caused by heating, air
conditioning, hot water or lighting - it is necessary both to build new low energy
buildings, and to renovate the existing constructions.
5. Sustainable agriculture & forest management
Encouraging better use of natural resources, stopping massive deforestation as
well as making agriculture greener and more efficient should also be a
priority.

6. Responsible consumption & recycling


Adopting responsible consumption habits is crucial, be it regarding food
(particularly meat), clothing, cosmetics or cleaning products. Last but not least,
recycling is an absolute necessity for dealing with waste.

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