Climate Change and Energy Crisis Flashcards

Climate Change

What is Climate Change?

• Climate change refers to changes in global or regional climate patterns.

• It is largely attributed to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

• It is associated with an increase in global average temperature.

• It's also referred to as global warming, specifically referring to the rise in average surface temperatures on Earth.

Causes of Climate Change

• The primary cause of the current global warming trend is the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect."

• The greenhouse effect is the warming that occurs when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.

• Human activities such as open burning, emission of fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and CFC gas emissions generate an excess of long-lived greenhouse gases.

• These greenhouse gases do not dissipate in response to temperature increase, leading to a continuous buildup of heat.

• Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Effects of Climate Change

• More frequent and severe droughts, snowstorms, and extreme weather in temperate regions due to warming arctic weather fronts.

• Warming ocean temperatures are increasing the frequency of coral reef bleaching.

• Warmer, drier weather means that forests in some regions are not recovering from wildfires.

• Wildlife habitats worldwide are becoming less hospitable to animals.

Impact on the Philippines

• More intense El Nino events.

• Rising sea surface temperatures.

• Ocean acidification.

• Sea levels are expected to rise by 4 to 6 meters.

• Tropical cyclones are expected to intensify.

• Rainfall, river flow, and flooding are expected to intensify.

El Nino Phenomenon

• Occurs when the surface of ocean waters in the Southern Pacific becomes abnormally warm.

• The energy created can cause an imbalance in weather patterns worldwide.

Sea Surface Temperatures

• Rising sea surface temperatures can lead to more powerful storms due to increased heat rising from the sea.

• Spikes of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal sea surface temperature have been recorded in the Philippines.

• Warmer seas can kill coral reefs, leading to a decline in fish catch and endangering food security.

Ocean Acidification

• A shift in the pH level of the ocean can lead to widespread coral reef death, further endangering food security and livelihoods.

Sea Level Rise

• Rising sea levels can submerge low-lying communities.

• Sea levels are expected to rise by 4 to 6 meters, potentially submerging low-lying communities in the Philippines.

Tropical Cyclones

• Climate change exacerbates the catastrophic effects of severe weather, causing devastation.

Rainfall, River Flow, and Flooding

• Agriculture and aquaculture sectors, which are highly dependent on weather, will face increased difficulties.

Climate Change and Food Security

• Climate change is altering production ecosystems and compromising food security and nutrition for millions of Filipinos.

• Crop yields are expected to decline by 25% due to climate change.

• Catches of main fish species are expected to decline by 40% in tropical countries.

• Climate change affects farmers directly, with crops being ruined by excessive heat and rain.

• Food security declines, leading to increased malnutrition.

Energy Crisis

What is the Energy Crisis?

• An energy crisis is a society-wide economic problem caused by a constricted supply of energy.

• This leads to diminished availability and increased prices for consumers.

• It stems from the concern that the world’s demands on limited natural resources, used to power industrial society, are diminishing as demand rises.

• Governments and individuals are working to prioritize renewable resources and lessen irresponsible use of natural supplies through increased conservation.

• The world faces an energy crisis due to unfavorable developments in energy supply and demand, climate change, and energy security.

Causes of the Energy Crisis

Over-consumption

• A prolonged pattern of overconsumption leads to environmental degradation and the eventual loss of resource bases.

Overpopulation

• Growing populations consume more energy, exerting demands on energy resources and making them scarcer.

Unexplored Renewable Energy Options

• Renewable energy remains unused in most countries.

• Most energy comes from non-renewable sources like coal, which remains the top choice for energy production.

• Renewable energy sources can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Poor Infrastructure

• Aging power generating equipment contributes to energy shortages.

• Utilities must upgrade infrastructure and set high performance standards.

Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants

• Delays in commissioning new power plants can cause gaps between energy demand and supply.

• Old plants come under stress to meet daily power demands, resulting in load shedding and breakdowns.

Wastage of Energy

• Simple actions like switching off lights and fans when not in use, using maximum daylight, walking instead of driving, using CFLs or LEDs, and proper insulation can save energy.

Poor Distribution System

• Frequent tripping and breakdowns are the result of a poor distribution system.

Major Accidents and Natural Calamities

• Accidents like pipeline bursts and natural calamities like volcanic eruptions, floods, and earthquakes can interrupt energy supplies.

Wars and Attacks

• Wars can hamper energy supply, especially in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, UAE, or Qatar. The 1990 Gulf War caused oil prices to peak, leading to global shortages.

Miscellaneous Factors

• Tax hikes, strikes, military coups, political events, and severe weather can cause sudden increases in energy demand and choke supply.

Solutions to the Energy Crisis

Energy Transition to Renewable Energy Sources

• Renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy do not emit greenhouse gases.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

• Consuming less energy by improving and modernizing energy infrastructure, such as smart grids and smart cities, is crucial.

• Replacing old devices with energy-efficient solutions, such as LEDs, is important.