AICE Environmental Management Study Guide
8.1 Climate Change
- Greenhouse Gases: gases in the atmosphere that absorb infrared radiation.
- Common gases: carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane
- Sources of Emissions:
- Carbon dioxide: combustion of fossil fuels, decomposition
- Methane: rice fields, livestock, landfills
- Water vapor: combustion of fossil fuels
- Enhanced Greenhouse Effect:
- UV rays from the sun pass through the atmosphere.
- Earth absorbs sunlight and emits infrared radiation back into space.
- Greenhouse gases trap this reflected heat.
- Increased gas concentrations lead to global warming.
- Challenges in Monitoring Climate Change:
- Limited historical data
- Computer models with variable predictions
- Uncertainty in climate feedbacks and effects
8.2 Impacts of Climate Change
- Environmental:
- Changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level
- Altered ocean/wind circulation
- Melting ice and changes in species distribution
- Human Populations:
- Increased extreme weather events (floods, droughts)
- Property damage and loss of life
- Forced migrations and food, energy, water security issues
8.3 Managing Climate Change
- Carbon Footprint Reduction:
- Fewer children per family, plant-based diets
- Reducing Fossil Fuels:
- Shift to low-carbon fuels, alternative energy sources
- Transportation Policies:
- Rebuild mass transit, electrify transport
- Carbon Capture and Storage:
- Deforestation and Afforestation:
- Energy Efficiency in Buildings:
- Adaptation Strategies:
- Coastal settlements inland, new agricultural practices
- Improved city planning and storm runoff systems
- International Agreements:
- Kyoto Protocol: limits GHG emissions for industrial countries
- Paris Agreement: aims to limit global warming to below 2°C by 2100
- Geo-engineering Strategies:
- Solar Radiation Management (SRM): reflects sunlight to reduce impacts
- Techniques:
- Stratospheric aerosol injection
- Marine cloud brightening
- Albedo enhancement
- SRM Side Effects: potential ozone layer delays, health concerns