CLIMATE CHANGE

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?

the long-term changes in weather patterns that define our local, regional, and global climates, which
have a broad range of effects:
• Rising sea levels
• Rapid sea ice melting
• Increase in precipitation

Weather vs. Climate

Weather:

• Short-term: Refers to the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period, like hours, days, or weeks.
• Variable: Can change rapidly. Today it might be sunny, but tomorrow could be rainy.
• Specific location: Weather describes conditions in a particular place at a specific time.
• Examples: Temperature, humidity, precipitation (rain, snow, etc.), wind speed and direction.

Climate:

• Long-term: Describes the average weather conditions in a place over a long period, typically 30 years
or more.
• Patterns: Reflects the prevailing weather trends in a region.
• Large area: Climate describes the typical weather for a particular region, like a country or continent.
• Examples: Average temperature and rainfall patterns for different seasons.

Global Warming
• Global warming is a specific aspect of climate change focused on the gradual increase in Earth's
average temperature.
• the rising global temperature since the pre- Industrial period (1850 – 1900) due to human
activities
• Since that time period, human activities have increased earth’s global average temperature by 1
degree Celsius, and each decade, this number increases by 0.2 degrees Celsius.

The Earth's atmosphere naturally traps some heat from the sun, creating a comfortable temperature range
for life. This is called the greenhouse effect. However, human activities are intensifying this effect.

Greenhouse Gases
When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, we release greenhouse gases (GHGs) like
carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These gases trap more heat than usual, causing the planet to
gradually warm.

The Evidence:
Scientists have observed a clear trend of rising global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.
This warming is causing:
• Melting glaciers and polar ice caps
• Rising sea levels
• Changes in precipitation patterns
• More frequent and intense extreme weather events

The Consequences:
Global warming has wide-ranging impacts, including:
• Food Security: Changes in rainfall patterns can lead to droughts and crop failures, threatening food
production.
• Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and infrastructure.
 • Extinction Events: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns disrupt ecosystems, putting
many species at risk.
• Health Concerns: Heat waves, floods, and the spread of diseases can negatively impact human
health.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Minimize the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Greenhouse
gases trap heat, contributing to global warming.

Individual Actions:

• Manual or Electric Lawnmower: Gas-powered lawnmowers emit CO2. Using a manual mower
requires no emissions and provides exercise, or consider switching to an electric mower powered by
clean energy.
• Compost: Food scraps and yard waste decompose in landfills, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse
gas. Composting these materials creates nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden while reducing
methane emissions.
• Plant Your Own: Plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Planting trees, vegetables, or other plants
in your yard helps offset emissions from other activities.
• Buy Local Products: Transportation contributes to emissions. Buying local produce and products
reduces the distance goods need to travel, minimizing transportation-related emissions.
• Recycle: Manufacturing new products from scratch often requires more energy than using recycled
materials. Recycling reduces energy consumption and associated emissions needed for production.

TWO TYPES OF CAUSING CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Natural Causes
Refers to the natural climate cycles that have been and continue to occur throughout Earth’s history.

a. Volcanic Eruptions:
• Short-term cooling: Large eruptions release sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the stratosphere (upper
atmosphere). SO2 reacts with water vapor, forming aerosols (tiny particles) that reflect
sunlight back into space, causing a temporary cooling effect for 1-2 years.
• Limited impact: Though dramatic, volcanic eruptions are a relatively infrequent occurrence
and their cooling effect is short-lived.

b. Fluctuations in Solar Radiation:

• Sunspots and Cycles: The Sun's surface activity varies, with periods of higher (more sunspots)
and lower activity. These cycles can influence Earth's temperature, but the effect is subtle and
long-term, compared to human-caused warming.

c. Tectonic Shifts:
• Indirect Impact: Tectonic plate movement shapes continents and ocean currents, which
influence global climate patterns. However, these processes occur over millions of years and
don't directly cause the rapid warming we see today.

d. Small Changes in Our Orbit:

• Milankovitch Cycles: The Earth's orbit around the Sun and the tilt of its axis has slight
variations over long periods (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years). These
cycles can influence the amount of solar radiation Earth receives and contribute to glacial and
interglacial periods. However, they are too slow to explain the rapid warming observed in
recent decades.
 2. Anthropogenic Causes
This refers to environmental change caused or influenced by people, either directly or indirectly.

a. Transportation: Burning fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel) in vehicles releases greenhouse

gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which trap heat and contribute to global warming.
b. Electricity Generation: Many power plants rely on burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and
natural gas, releasing CO2 and other pollutants that contribute to climate change.
c. Manufacturing: Industrial processes often involve burning fossil fuels for energy and
releasing pollutants. Additionally, industrial activities can release methane and other
greenhouse gases.
d. Agriculture: Livestock release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while some agricultural
practices like burning crop residue release CO2 into the atmosphere. Deforestation for
agricultural land also contributes by eliminating carbon sinks (trees that absorb CO2).
e. Oil and Gas Development: The extraction and processing of oil and gas releases
methane and other pollutants, contributing to climate change. Leaks during transportation
can also worsen the problem.
f. Buildings: Energy use in buildings for heating, cooling, and appliances often relies on
fossil fuels, leading to CO2 emissions. Additionally, building materials production can be
energy-intensive, contributing to climate change.
g. Deforestation: Forests are crucial carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Cutting down trees removes this natural defense against climate change, releasing stored
CO2 back into the air.
h. Our Lifestyle of Choice: Many of our daily choices contribute to climate change
indirectly. High consumption, reliance on personal vehicles, and food choices that involve
carbon-intensive production all contribute to emissions.

CLIMATE IS AFFECTED BY MANY FACTORS

a. BIOTIC FACTORS - are the living organisms that affect other parts of the ecosystem and their
relationship
b. ABIOTIC FACTORS - referring to non-living organisms of the environment that also affect other
organisms and the ecosystem.

HOW IS CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING BIOTIC FACTORS?

The loss of natural habitats to urbanization and agriculture, even at present levels, creates barriers
preventing species from dispersing to displaced areas of suitable habitat, even if they exist.

HOW IS CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING ABIOTIC FACTORS?

A significant rise in the temperature due to climate change over time will result in reduced rainfall,
wind speed and snow cover

Mitigation vs. Adaptation

Climate change is a complex issue with no single solution. We need a two-pronged approach:
mitigation to reduce the causes of climate change and adaptation to manage the inevitable impacts.

Mitigation:
• Goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow down the rate of climate change.
• Strategies:
o Transitioning to renewable energy: Shifting from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas to
renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy significantly reduces emissions.
o Improving energy efficiency: By using less energy in buildings, transportation, and industry,
we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and associated emissions.
o Protecting forests: Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Protecting and restoring existing forests and planting new trees are crucial for mitigating
climate change.
o Sustainable agriculture: Innovative farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
like reducing fertilizer use and capturing methane from livestock, are essential.
o Technological advancements: Developing and deploying new technologies like carbon capture
and storage can help remove existing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Adaptation:
• Goal: Adjust to the unavoidable impacts of climate change that are already happening or will occur in
the future.
• Strategies:
o Building seawalls and flood defenses: Protecting coastal communities and infrastructure from
rising sea levels and more frequent floods.
o Developing drought-resistant crops: Ensuring food security by developing crops that can
withstand changing weather patterns and limited water availability.
o Improving early warning systems: Implementing systems for warnings of extreme weather
events like storms and heatwaves to help communities prepare and minimize damage.
o Climate-proofing infrastructure: Designing and building infrastructure, like roads and
bridges, considering the expected impacts of climate change to ensure their resilience.
o Relocation and resettlement: For areas facing extreme consequences like rising sea levels or
desertification, planned relocation of communities may be necessary.

CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. Increased Frequency and Severity of Natural Disasters:

• Typhoons: Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for typhoons, leading to stronger storms
with higher intensity winds and more rainfall.
• Floods: Increased heavy rainfall events overwhelm drainage systems, causing more frequent and
severe flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
• Landslides: Heavy rains can loosen soil on slopes, leading to more frequent and destructive landslides.
2. Sea Level Rise:
• Coastal Inundation: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and infrastructure with flooding
and erosion.
• Salinization: Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources can affect agriculture and drinking water
supplies.
3. Extreme Rainfall:
• Droughts: Changes in rainfall patterns can lead to prolonged periods of drought, impacting
agriculture and water availability.
• Floods: As mentioned earlier, heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding.
4. Resource Shortages:
• Water Scarcity: Droughts can lead to water shortages, impacting agriculture, drinking water supplies,
and hygiene.
• Food Security: Changes in rainfall patterns and extreme weather events can disrupt agricultural
production, leading to food shortages.
5. Environmental Degradation:
• Coral Reef Loss: Rising ocean temperatures and acidification harm coral reefs, reducing biodiversity
and impacting marine ecosystems.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change disrupts ecosystems, putting pressure on plant and animal
species, leading to potential extinctions.

IMPACTS ON PEOPLE

a. AGRICULTURE
one of the Philippines’ largest sectors and will continue to be adversely impacted by the effects of
climate change

b. AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND CIVIL CONFLICT

The increased rainfall during the wet season in the Philippines is proven to be harmful to agriculture
as it leads to flooding and water logging.

c. LAND GRABBING
refers to the exploitation and acquisition of land for personal benefit.
 d. GENDER DISPARITIES AMONG FARMERS
Smallholder farmers in the Philippines are expected to be among the most vulnerable and impacted
by the effects of climate change in the region.

e. INFRASTRUCTURE
45% of the Philippines’ urban population lives in informal settlements with already weak
infrastructure and are extremely vulnerable to flooding and typhoons.

f. ENERGY
Climate change could simultaneously reduce the Philippines' supply of energy and increase its
demand for energy.

g. WATER
The increasing number of intense droughts are reducing water levels and river flows and thus creating
a shortage in water.

h. HEALTH IMPACTS
Climate change, heavy rains, and increased temperatures are linked with the transmission of vector
and waterborne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and diarrhea (WHO).

SCIENCE. TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY IN CLIMATE CHANGE

SCIENCE
HELPS CLIMATE CHANGE
• studying past climate changes to understand the factors that can cause the planet to warm or
cool
• changes in solar energy, ocean circulation, volcanic activity, and the amount of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere

TECHNOLOGY
AFFECTS CLIMATE CHANGE
• The advancement in technology results in faster consumption of fossil fuels, contamination
of natural resources, and deforestation.
• The misuse of minerals has become more accessible due to which humans have to dig deeper
to access more.

SOCIETY
CONTRIBUTES TO CLIMATE CHANGE
• overuse of electricity improper use of non- renewable resources advanced technology causing
changes in the Earth's atmosphere

The largest known contribution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas
to the atmosphere.

THE KEY TO ACHIEVING CLIMATE GOALS

A. Scaling up existing clean energy solutions

B. Developing new ways to make and store clean energy
C. Reversing historical emissions to avert climate crisis