ESS Case Studies and Methods

Shrimp Farming in Thailand

Mangrove Destruction- Vast areas of mangrove forests were cleared to make way for shrimp ponds, leading to coastal erosion, loss of biodiversity, and reduced carbon storage.

Water Pollution- Excess chemicals, antibiotics, and shrimp waste are discharged into nearby waterways, causing eutrophication and harming local ecosystems.

Economic Importance- Thailand is one of the world's largest shrimp exporters. The industry provides income and jobs, especially in rural coastal communities.

Cattle Ranching in Brazil

Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions- Cattle release methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), both potent greenhouse gases. N₂O emissions come from urine and feces, contributing to climate change.

Deforestation- Trees and plants store nitrogen in their biomass. Deforestation removes this store, reducing nitrogen fixation by vegetation and disrupting natural nutrient cycling.

Minamata Disaster in Japan

Industrial Waste- Methylmercury was discharged into Minamata Bay by the Chisso Corporation, mercury bioaccumulated and biomagnified through the aquatic food chain.

Health Effects- Over 2,000 deaths and many more affected physically and mentally

Environmental Impact- Massive biodiversity loss in Minamata Bay, requiring major restoration and cleanup efforts decades later.

Wolves in Yellowstone

Wolves were eradicated from Yellowstone National Park in the 1920s. Their absence led to an overpopulation of elk, which overgrazed vegetation, especially young trees like willows and aspens. In 1995, wolves were successfully reintroduced to restore ecological balance.

Keystone Species- Wolves' presence has a disproportionately large impact on the food chain.

The Paris Agreement

An international treaty on climate change adopted in 2015 at COP21 in Paris.

Evaluation of efficiency- limited by its voluntary nature, weak enforcement, and inadequate pledges. It works best as a framework to pressure, guide, and monitor, but real change still depends on national action and political will.

The Montreal Protocol

An international treaty designed to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer, adopted in 1987.

Highly Effective- ratified by all 198 UN member states. Set the precedent for global environmental cooperation (often compared to the Paris Agreement)

Key to Success- binding targets, financial support, international cooperation, and a narrow, well-defined problem

Transboundary Haze from Indonesia

Forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan (Indonesia) during the dry season are often started for slash-and-burn agriculture.

Air Pollution- The burning of peatlands releases large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone precursors like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Transversing Boundaries- These pollutants drift to Singapore due to prevailing winds, especially between June and October.

Photochemical Smog in Los Angeles

Major Sources: Vehicle emissions, industrial output, sunny climate + geography (surrounded by mountains)

Impacts- Respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, poor visibility

Responses- Clean Air Act (1970) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) both of which enforced emissions regulations on industries and vehicles

Adverse Impact of Climate Change in Bangladesh

Coastal Flood- Rising sea levels are threatening low-lying coastal areas, with millions at risk of displacement due to saltwater intrusion.

Water Availability & Biodiversity- Salinization affects freshwater sources and agricultural productivity, leading to loss of biodiversity in coastal ecosystems and reduced crop yields like rice and jute.

Human Health- Increased flooding contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases and worsens malnutrition.

Beneficial Impacts of Climate Change in Canada

Crop Growing Areas- Warmer temperatures have expanded the growing season in northern regions, allowing cultivation of crops like corn and soybeans further north.

Biomes- The boreal forest is shifting northwards, potentially increasing forest productivity but also altering ecosystem balance.

Water Availability- Melting glaciers may initially increase water flow, but long-term loss could reduce freshwater supply in some areas.