Environmental Changes: 1900 to Present

Introduction to Climate Change

  • Global Nature of Climate Change

    • Quote from Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, emphasizing that climate change affects everyone regardless of socio-economic status.

Essential Question

  • What were the causes and effects of environmental changes from 1900 to present?

Key Environmental Changes

  1. Deforestation

    • Loss of trees for agricultural land.

  2. Desertification

    • Removal of natural vegetation in arid regions due to agriculture.

  3. Decline in Air Quality

    • Increased pollution from industrial activities.

  4. Water Scarcity

    • Increased demand and consumption of fresh water.

Causes of Environmental Changes

1. Population Growth

  • 1900: 1.6 billion; 1950: 2.55 billion; 2000: 6.12 billion, indicating dramatic growth.

  • Increased population leads to:

    • Higher demand for agricultural land.

    • Deforestation and soil erosion.

    • Smaller habitats for species.

2. Urbanization

  • Growth of cities, projected 5.1 billion living in cities by 2025.

  • Impacts include:

    • Intensive farming methods that deplete soil.

    • Increased waste leading to water pollution.

3. Globalization and Industrialization

  • Industrial spread to developing countries increases demand for natural resources, leading to:

    • Environmental degradation.

    • Growth of pollution due to middle-class consumption patterns.

Effects of Environmental Changes

1. Resource Depletion

  • Starting from mid-1800s with petroleum extraction, significant usage leading to exhaustion predictions within 30-40 years.

  • Coal reserves could deplete in 60 years under increased usage.

2. Inequality and Scarcity

  • UN reports indicate 31 countries face water scarcity, impacting over 1 billion people.

  • Women and children's roles in water collection hinder economic progress and education.

3. Climate Change Awareness and Activism

  • 2015 UN goals for sustainable development address these global environmental challenges.

  • Global Lakes Water Consumption (1900-2025) shows historic increases in demand.

Changes in the Atmosphere

  • Industrial activities releasing pollutants; significant emission of greenhouse gases.

  • Need for solutions through development of renewable energy sources.

    • Renewables like wind and solar projected to meet half the world’s electricity by 2050.

Environmental Movements

  • The

Key Events, Dates, Organizations, and People in Climate Change

  1. Key Events

    • 1972: The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, considered the first major international forum for discussing environmental issues.

    • 1992: The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where the Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted.

    • 1997: The Kyoto Protocol was signed, committing its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    • 2015: The Paris Agreement was adopted, aiming to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

    • 2021: The COP26 conference in Glasgow focused on global climate action and the need for countries to strengthen their commitments to emission reductions.

  2. Key Dates

    • 1900: The beginning of significant increases in fossil fuel use, contributing to climate change.

    • 1950: Increased industrialization leading to greater greenhouse gas emissions.

    • 2100: Projections suggest significant consequences of current trends unless significant action is taken.

  3. Key Organizations

    • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Established in 1988 to provide the world with a clear scientific view on climate change.

    • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Established in 1972 to coordinate the UN's environmental activities and assist developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies.

    • World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Founded in 1961, this organization focuses on environmental conservation and reducing humanity's impact on the environment.

  4. Key People

    • Al Gore: Former U.S. Vice President and climate change activist known for his work in raising global awareness on climate issues.

    • Greta Thunberg: A prominent young climate activist who gained international recognition for her role in the Fridays for Future movement.

    • Ban Ki-moon: Former UN Secretary-General who emphasized the global nature of climate change and coordinated responses through international cooperation.