Coping with Climate Change

• What should be your role within this environment?
• How can the principles of information organization and representation help you in performing this role?
• What are the challenges facing you in performing the role? How will you address these challenges?

Coping with Climate Change

What is climate change?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) refers to climate change as “any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity.”

What are the impacts of climate change?

Climate change is indeed a global environmental problem. As industries, the transport sector and other human activities continue to pump more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the planet is now becoming more vulnerable to potential impacts. Ranging from severe droughts and heavy downpours to ocean acidification and spread of vector-borne diseases, climate change rapidly becomes a major threat to people in various parts of the globe.

The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report cited that coastal areas, especially heavily-populated megadelta regions in South, East and South-East Asia, will be at greatest risk due to increased flooding from the sea and, in some megadeltas, flooding from the rivers.

The whole world will be affected by rising sea levels. Changes in weather and climate could severely affect fisherfolks and coastal communities because of floods. When there is too little or too much rainfall during growing seasons, agricultural productivity will suffer thus affecting food security.

What are the vulnerabilities of Philippine ecosystems to climate change?

Sea Level Rise and Flooding

As the country’s population grows and ecosystems are continuously degraded, floods will worsen the condition of low-lying coastal areas especially for fisherfolks and informal settlers. For metro cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, wherein seventy percent of the country’s infrastructure is located, rising sea levels coupled with frequent storm activities will likewise severely affect these areas and put many lives at risk. This may be further aggravated if storm activities were to increase.

Agriculture and Food Security

During extreme weather events, crop production is at great risk. Any significant changes in weather and climate can directly affect the growth of crops and may result to yield decrease.

A study by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development showed that in the case of selected municipalities Pampanga, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Bulacan, and Zambales where farming is the major source of income, respondents experienced food shortage due to the El Niño phenomenon. Some of the reasons cited by local respondents were drying of crops and fishpond areas, reduction in fish catch and absence of fish in catching areas, and an increase in the price of food commodities.

Based on studies in the marine ecosystem, climate change has also been manifested in the marine environment. The rising sea level has resulted in smaller coastal areas, marine fish kill, occurrence of red tide, transfer of some marine fish species to safer grounds as their new habitat, and the stranding of marine mammals in beaches like the dolphins and whales.

Water scarcity

Another most serious potential threat arising from climate change is water scarcity. Freshwater availability in Central, South, East and South-East Asia is projected to decrease due to changes in climate. Coupled with population growth and the increasing demand for water, the IPCC projected that by the 2050s, more than a billion people would be adversely affected by the rapid decrease in water resources.

What is adaptation to climate change?

The IPCC defines adaptation to climate change as “an adjustment in natural human systems in response to actual or expected climate stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits benefit opportunities.”

Adapting to climate change is determined by the level of development, access to resources and scientific and technical capacity of communities in various parts of the globe. The impacts of climate change can create challenges for the world's poorest communities as their livelihoods are likely to be affected by climate change.

Some forms of adaptation may include more access to information on climate change, training and more technical measures, such as the production of drought-resistant seeds and better coastal protection. To lessen the impact of climate change on a country's development, our government must work hand in hand with key sectors in integrating adaptation into the country’s development policies.

What are some good adaptation practices and strategies on climate change?

The following are local strategies that can be adopted to prepare for future changes in climate.

Water:

* Water conservation
* Water harvesting and storage
* Better management of water supply systems

Agriculture:

Crop production

* Forecasts and early warning
* Diversification of herds, crops and livelihoods
* More resistant crop varieties
* Irrigation solutions
* Soil conservation
* Changes in timing of farming activities, in land use and in farm location
* Use early maturing rice varieties in the face of climatic variability
* Practice rice ratooning to increase rice production
* Conserve rainwater to extend cropping period
* Develop simple measures for handling rapid harvesting and postharvesting

Fish production

* Changes in fish stocking and harvesting
* Improve fish cage management

Health:

* Improve access to health care
* Disease monitoring and emergency responses

Ecosystems:

* Reduce other stresses
* Rehabilitate habitats
* Create protected areas and migration corridors
* Plant trees along highways, forest reserve areas, water shed areas and mountains

Coasts:

* Integrated coastal resource management
* Integrate adaptation to planning
* Construct sea walls
* Raise housing
* Conserve ecosystems

Increased flooding:

* Elevate major thoroughfare
* Modify existing drainage system
* “Flood-proof” buildings
* Provide flood hazard mapping and flood warnings
* Provide temporary shelter for affected communities
* Relocate affected communities should sea water level rise
* Empower community institutions


Clean Air and Good Health: Some Basic Facts
Clean air is essential to good health. Unfortunately, toxic air pollutants and contaminants are adding a whole list of “unwanted” ingredients in the air that we breathe thus giving rise to a variety of serious health risks.
How do these pollutants affect the body?
There are thousands of chemicals and chemical compounds that can contaminate the air we breathe.
When we breathe, contaminants enter the lungs where they are allowed to pass into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they are disbursed throughout the entire body where it negatively affects a person’s health.
Experts say that certain pollutants such as particulate matter can be inhaled and end up setting deep inside the lungs. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as haze, soot or smoke. Others are so small they can only be seen by an electron microscope.
The effects of air pollution on human health can vary greatly and can give birth to a multitude of health problems. The effects can range from irritated eyes and nose, headaches, fatigue, wheezing, long-term acute changes in lung function, respiratory illnesses, and impairment of the immune system or a shortened life expectancy.
What are the major air pollutants monitored in the country?
Carbon Monoxide (CO). It is an odorless and colorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, oil and wood. It can also build up in high concentrations in enclosed areas such as garages and along roadsides during heavy traffic.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2). It is a principal greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activity. When exposed to CO2 in its solid or liquid state, this chemical can cause burns, frostbite, and blindness. If a person inhales CO2 in high concentrations, it can likewise cause unconsciousness and death.
Lead (Pb). It is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children. Since ____, Lead has already been phased out of gasoline, which has considerably reduced the contamination of air with lead. Some of the sources for lead include paint (for houses and cars), smelters, cosmetic products and a few hair dye products.
Ozone (O3). It is a gas that is a variety of oxygen. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is known as the ozone layer which shields the Earth from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level it is considered a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Some of the major sources of ground-level ozone are vehicles and industries. Some of the ill effects of this pollutant include irritations in the respiratory tract, chest pain, persistent cough and an increased susceptibility to lung infection.
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx). Nitrogen oxides are produced from burning fuels, gasoline and coal. It is a major contributor to smog and acid rain. In high doses, smog can harm humans especially asthmatics and can cause general illness of the respiratory system. Acid rain, on the other hand, can harm vegetation and change the chemistry of the water thus affecting marine life.
Particulate Matter. It is any type of solid particles in the air in the form of smoke, dust and vapors. Particulate Matter is produced by many sources, including burning of diesel fuels by vehicles, fossil fuels, mixing and application of fertilizers and pesticides, road construction, industrial processes and operation of woodstoves. Some microscopic particles in the air can be breathed into the lungs causing increased respiratory disease and lung damage.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) It is an odorless gas at low concentrations, but can have a very strong smell at high concentrations. SO2 is a gas produced by burning coal, most notably in power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smelting of metals, produce sulfur dioxide. It can harm vegetation and metals and can cause lung problems, including breathing problems and permanent damage to lungs.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are organic chemicals that found in gasoline, industrial chemicals such as benzene, solvents such as toluene and xylene, and perchloroethylene (principal dry cleaning solvent). Vehicle emissions are an important source of VOCs. These chemicals are released from burning fuel, such as gasoline, wood, coal, and from solvents, such as paints, glues, and other products used at home or work.
What can we do for cleaner air and better health?
About half of the air pollution comes from mobile sources such as cars, trucks, jeepneys and buses. Here are some things that you can do to clean the air:
ท Use clean fuels for cleaner air and healthier environment.
ท Clean fuels such as biofuels, ethanol and compressed natural gas emit fewer pollutants like hydrocarbons and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
ท Maintain your vehicle’s engine to clean the air by:
o Checking cleanliness of your car’s air cleaner
o Changing oil periodically
o Checking steering wheel free play
o Following recommended tire pressure
o Keeping wheels properly aligned
o Making sure that battery, alternator, voltage regulator and fan are in good working condition
o Making sure that brakes do not drag or bind
o Checking fuel line connections
o Not overloading your vehicle
ท Have airconditioning units of your vehicles tested to check if refrigerant is ozone-friendly.
ท A healthy lifestyle means saying no to smoking.
o Smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, and is linked to at least 10 different cancers.
o Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
ท Yes to good health! Go organic.
ท Prepare your food the environment-friendly way.
ท Conserve energy and help clean the air.
o Increased consumption of electricity means more burning of fossil fuels by power plants that contributes to global warming
o Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
o Use energy efficient lighting, equipment and appliances
ท Avoid burning of garbage. Practice waste segregation, reuse and recycling.
o Choose recycled products.
o Choose products with recyclable packaging.
o Reuse paper bags.
o Recycle paper, plastics and materials
o Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper.
ท Our everyday activities affect the quality of our air. We should do our share to clean the air!
ท When traveling alone and not in a hurry, take the mass railway transit or any form of mass transport instead of your car or a taxi.
ท Walk or ride a bike when traveling short distances.
ท Plant trees and ornamental plants in your surroundings. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
ท Share rides with your neighbors, officemates, and friends.
ท Plan your trips.
ท Have your vehicle’s emission tested prior to registration.


The Earth is a huge greenhouse?
As you know, greenhouses use glass to keep the heat in. And just as the glass in a greenhouse holds the sun’s warmth inside, so the atmosphere traps the sun’s heat near the Earth’s surface. This keeps the Earth warm using what are called “greenhouse gases”. Without these gases, the sun’s heat would escape and the average temperature of the Earth would drop from 15oC – 18oC!

Greenhouse gases and climate change
For thousands of years, the Earth’s atmosphere has changed very little. The temperature and the careful balance of greenhouse gases have stayed just right for humans, animals and plants to survive. But today we are having problems keeping this balance. Because we burn fossil fuels to heat our homes, run our cars, produce electricity, and manufacture all sorts of products, we are adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. These activities are changing the atmosphere at a greater rate than humans have ever experienced.

What could happen if the climate changes?
By increasing the amount of “heat-trapping” gases, we are adding to the warming effect of the natural atmospheric greenhouse. This could warm the planet and have a huge effect on all forms of life. The global sea level could rise due to several factors including melting ice and glaciers. Rising sea levels could damage coastal regions through flooding and erosion. The climate of various regions could change too quickly for many plant and animal species to adjust. Harsh weather conditions, such as heat waves and droughts, could also happen more often and more severely.

What are the Greenhouse Gases?
Did you know that water vapor is the most common greenhouse gas? But there are others that are very important too. Some occur naturally and some come from human activity. Check out the list below.

• Carbon Dioxide or CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas released by human activities, mostly through the burning of fossil fuels. It is the main contributor to climate change.

• Methane is produced when vegetation is burned, digested or rotted with no oxygen present. Garbage dumps, rice paddies, and grazing cows and other livestock release lots of methane.

• You can find nitrous oxide naturally in the environment but human activities are increasing the amounts. Nitrous oxide is released when chemical Fertilizers and manure are used in agriculture.

• Halocarbons are a family of chemicals that include chlorofluorocarbons (which also damage the ozone layer), and other human-made chemicals that contain chlorine and fluorine.

Is the Earth getting warmer?
Yes! Scientists may not agree exactly how much global warming will occur, or exactly how much the climate will change, but they do agree that some global warming has already occurred and there will likely be much more. The 12 warmest years in the past 140 years have all been since 1980, with eight of them since 1990. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change noted that 1990 was the warmest decade and 1998 was the warmest year.

So what’s wrong with warmer temperatures?
For many in the temperate countries, warmer temperatures might not seem like such a bad thing. But in tropical countries, this would be significant. Scientists warn us of the possible consequences like:

• more severe weather events like droughts, more powerful hurricanes, winter storms and tornadoes
• flooding and erosion in the coastal regions
• our forests and farms would be at greater risk from pests, diseases and fires
• damage to our water sources

Climate change could also affect the health and well-being of people. Many larger cities could experience a significant rise in the number of very hot days. Air pollution problems would increase, placing children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory problems at greatest risk of health effects. Increases in molds and pollens due to warmer temperatures could also cause respiratory problems such as asthma for some people.

What is being done around the world?
Climate change affects the entire globe. Developed and developing countries are working together to find solutions to climate change. In June 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was signed by 154 countries that agreed to stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels that won’t cause harm. In December 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, 161 industrialized nations committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, as part of an international agreement on climate change called the Kyoto Protocol.
Sources:
www.climatechange.gc.ca
www.emb.gov.ph


Many of us just taking for granted how wonderful God’s creation is. We just let our air be polluted, water be black, soil be full of plastics. Even our the atmosphere, we just think that it is a simple air up there, but actually it is a mixture of gases that surrounds our earth that has many many function to give life in every living thing in this planet.
Climate change it is the most talk about issue in this past weeks. Sudden floods like what happened in metro manila. Many died but many of us still continue the wrong doing in destroying our world. Burning of garbage, not separating the garbage, not serious in recycling, and not conserving water.
If our planet can talk, maybe now we are all deaf because of its continuous crying, shouting to stop doing the things that can harm our planet. If our planet can produce tear in every cry maybe Earth is covered with its tears now.
Diseases are everywhere, unfortunate for the poor. Because of change of climate every now and then creates a much stronger illness than before.
People ACT now, not just LISTEN, but take it very serious. Its coming very soon we just don’t know when.