In this presentation, I have presented you the impacts of climate change, its adaptation, etc.

1. Climate Change Science: Impact
and Adaptation
HARISH SINGH BIST
BACHELOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FARWESTERN UNIVERSITY

2. Structure of Presentation
Introduction
Impacts of Climate Change
Climate Change adaptation- What is it?
Q&A Session
References

3. Introduction
 Undoubtedly, Climate Change is one of the greatest
complex development challenges of our time.
 Climate change refers to significant, long-term
alterations in the Earth's average weather patterns,
including temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns,
over extended periods, typically decades to millions of
years.
 These changes can manifest as global warming (an
increase in average global temperatures) and shifts in
climate patterns that affect ecosystems, weather
events, and sea levels.

4. Impacts of Climate Change
1. Global temperature rise:
 It refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's
surface and lower atmosphere.
 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the
average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.2 degrees
Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels as of the late 19th
century.

6. 2. Rising sea levels
 Across the globe, sea levels could rise rapidly with accelerated ice sheet
disintegration.
 When averaged over all of the world's oceans, absolute sea level has risen at
an average rate of 0.06 inches per year from 1880 to 2013.(National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration)
 Since 1993, however, average sea level has risen at a rate of 0.12 to 0.14
inches per year—roughly twice as fast as the long-term trend.(National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

8. 3. Risks to human health:
 Climate change will affect human health through variables such as changes in
temperature, exposure to natural disasters, access to food and air quality.
 Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250
000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat
stress.(WHO)
4. Threats to ecosystems and biodiversity:
 Induced by climate change are likely to result in species range shifts and changes
in tree productivity, adding further stress to forest ecosystems.
 20-30% of species could be at risk of extinction if increases in warming >1.5-
2.5°C(IPCC).
5. Decline in agricultural productivity:
 The areas suitable for agriculture
 the length of growing seasons
 yield potential of food staples, etc are all projected to decline.
 Some African countries could see agricultural yields decrease by 50% by 2050 and
crop net revenues could fall by as much as 90% by 2100.(IPCC)

9. Climate Change adaptation- What is it?
 Responding to climate change requires action on two fronts: firstly
"adaptation" (responding to its effects) and secondly "mitigation" (preventing
climate change)
 Adaptation means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and
taking appropriate action to prevent or minimize the damage they can cause,
or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise.
WHY IS ADAPTATION IMPORTANT?
 Regardless of mitigation, we are faced with a finite, and significant degree of
anthropogenic climate change
 Managing climate risk is likely to be important for sustainable development
 For both these reasons, adaptation should be an important part of policy
response to climate change

10. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
 The UNFCCC(United Nations Framework Convention On Climate) defines it
as actions taken to help communities and ecosystems cope with
changing climate condition. The IPCC describes it as adjustment in natural or
human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their
effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
MEASURING ADAPTATION
What should be measured?
 Hazard
 Risk
 Exposure
 Vulnerability
 Impacts
 Adaptation intervention
 Effectiveness of adaptation intervention

11. Some Barriers to Effective Adaptation
 Lack of Awareness and Understanding
 Limited Access to Information:
 Financial Constraints
 Technological and Capacity Constraints
 Political and Institutional Barriers
 Short-Term Focus
 Lack of Coordination
 Overreliance on Technological Solutions

12. STEPS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
ADAPTATION
1. Strategies for local Impact
 Prioritize adaptation efforts in communities where vulnerabilities are highest
and where the need for safety and resilience is greatest.
 Fully integrate adaptation into longer-term national and local sustainable
development and poverty reduction strategies.
 Prioritize the strengthening of existing capacities - among local authorities
2. Weather Forecasting Technologies
 ICTs play a key role in the implementation of innovative weather forecasting
technologies, including the integration of community monitoring.
 The use of mobile phones and SMS for reporting on locally-relevant indicators, for
instance likelihood of floods, can contribute to greater accuracy and more precise
flood warnings to communities.
 Based on this information, authorities could design and put in more
appropriate strategies

13. weather forecasting technology

14. 3. More Resilient Crops
In the face of higher temperatures, more variable crop seasons and decreasing
productivity, ICTs have the potential to enhance food security by strengthening
agricultural production systems through information about :
 pest and disease control
 planting dates
 seed varieties
 irrigation applications
 early warning systems
 improving market access, etc.

16. 4. Sensors
 In addition to the role that sensors play in monitoring climate change
by helping to capture more accurate data, research indicates that they
also constitute promising technologies for improving energy efficiency.
 Sensors can be used in several environmental applications, such as control
of temperature, heating and lighting.

17. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
Sensors used In Climate change

18. 5. Ensuring there’s enough freshwater
 Due to climate change, some places are receiving more precipitation, while
others are receiving less. There are also places where the amount of water is
inconsistent throughout the year. This can mean too little or too much water,
making it difficult to ensure consistent access to safe drinking water.
 Communities can adapt by building water storage systems, creating
regulations to keep water safe, and using desalination technology to create
freshwater in coastal areas prone to drought.

20. 6. Adapting to heat
 In a warmer climate, dangerous heat waves are becoming longer and
more frequent. To adapt, people can outfit buildings with more insulation
and efficient cooling technologies. Shade trees can help keep things cool, and
so can roofs with plants installed, which are called green roofs.

22. 7. Ensuring ecosystem health
 Restoring and protecting ecosystems helps wildlife deal with the changing
climate. Using indigenous, traditional, and local methods can help ensure that
natural resources are managed sustainably.
 Managing natural resources and ensuring that environments are healthy
benefit all of us. For example, healthy wetlands filter water, are home to
juvenile fish and crustaceans, and buffer the coast during storms.

24. Q & A Session

25. References
 IPCC(Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change)
 UNFCCC(United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change)
 WHO(World Health Organization)
 NOAA(National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration)
 WIKIPEDIA

26. THANK YOU