BBA 217 ES E-NOTES UNIT-IV

Unit-IV Environmental Policies, Human Population and Environment

Climate Change

• Definition: Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns; can be natural or caused by human activity.

• Main Drivers: Since the 1800s, human activities (mainly fossil fuel burning) have led to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.

• Greenhouse Gases: Major gases include carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), sourced from transportation, agriculture, land clearing, and fossil fuel use.

• Key Sectors of Emissions: Energy, industry, transport, agriculture, and land use.

Human Responsibility

• Evidence: Climate scientists attribute virtually all global warming since 200 years ago to human actions.

• Temperature Trends: The Earth's surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since the late 1800s, with recent decades being the warmest on record.

• Consequences: Intense droughts, water scarcity, severe storms, rising sea levels, flooding, and declining biodiversity.

Diverse Impact of Climate Change

• ** Vulnerable Populations**: Small island nations and developing countries face severe impacts, including displacement due to sea-level rise.

• Predicted Displacement: Increasing extreme weather events are projected to displace more people in the future.

• Global Temperature Control: Limiting temperature rises to 1.5°C is critical to avoiding worst impacts of climate change.

Emissions and Global Responsibility

• Major Emitters: Seven biggest emitters (e.g., China, U.S., India) contribute roughly 50% of global greenhouse emissions.

• Need for Action: Combatting climate change requires concerted efforts globally, particularly from the largest emitters.

Immediate Action Required

• Action Categories: Cutting emissions, adapting to impacts, and financing necessary adjustments.

• Transitioning Energy Sources: Moving from fossil fuels to renewables is paramount; significant reductions in fossil fuel use are essential.

• Adaptation Importance: Preparing for the consequences of climate change is vital, especially for vulnerable communities.

Financial Aspects

• Investment Required: Preventive action on climate change requires significant financial investment.

• Developing Nation Support: Industrialized countries must fulfill commitments to fund adaptation efforts in developing nations.

Causes of Climate Change

• Fossil Fuels: Primary source accounting for over 75% of global emissions.

• Electricity Generation: Generated mainly by burning fossil fuels; renewable energy sources are essential for reducing emissions.

• Industrial Emissions: Manufacturing goods also contributes significantly to emissions through fossil fuel use.

• Deforestation: Reduces carbon absorption capacity and releases stored carbon.

• Transportation: A major contributor due to reliance on fossil fuels.

• Agricultural Practices: Emissions from land use changes and livestock farming.

Effects of Climate Change

• Increasing Global Temperatures: The last decade was the warmest; resulting in heat-related illnesses and wildfires.

• Severe Storms: Increased frequency and intensity of destructive storms due to rising temperatures.

• Drought Conditions: Water availability is being altered, leading to increased droughts and threat to food security.

• Ocean Effects: Warmer waters contribute to rising sea levels and marine habitat damage.

• Biodiversity Loss: Increasing extinction rates due to changing climates and habitats.

• Food Security Issues: Poor agricultural productivity denoting a rise in global hunger and malnutrition.

• Health Risks: Climate change heightens susceptibility to diseases and other health-related challenges.

• Socio-economic Impact: Climate-connected distress can lead to increased poverty and forced displacement.

Global Warming

• Definition: Gradual increase in Earth's temperature due to greenhouse gas buildup.

• Observed Trends: Global temperatures have risen continuously, impacting various ecosystems and populations.

• Owner of Change: Human-induced factors like deforestation, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and overpopulation are key.

Acid Rain

• Definition and Causes: Precipitation containing high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids; caused primarily by human activity.

• Effects: Damages agriculture, aquatic ecosystems, and structures; harmful to human health.

• Prevention Measures: Controlling emissions of pollutants is essential to mitigating acid rain.

Ozone Depletion

• Definition: Thinning of the ozone layer due to human activities.

• Global Concern: Causes harmful UV radiation to penetrate the atmosphere.

• Major Contributors: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

• Solutions: Reducing harmful substances and promoting sustainable practices.

Environmental Laws in India

• Framework: Various acts established for environmental protection aligned with constitutional principles.

• Key Acts: Wildlife Protection Act, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Environment (Protection) Act, and Biological Diversity Act.

• Recent Developments: National Green Tribunal Act, Kyoto Protocol, and EIA regulations reflect growing focus on environmental accountability.