The document summarizes the effects of climate change on different aspects of the biosphere, including land cover, marine life, forests, biodiversity, and humans. It discusses how land cover change affects surface albedo and evaporation. It also describes how ocean acidification impacts marine life by reducing the ability of some species to form shells and skeletons. Forests are threatened by diseases and wildfires fueled by climate change. Climate change endangers Arctic mammals that rely on sea ice. Humans face health risks from heat waves, storms, and changing disease patterns.
This document defines and describes the key characteristics of tundra biomes. It identifies the three main types of tundra: Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine tundra. Arctic tundra circles the North Pole and occurs in cold northern regions. Antarctic tundra is similar but located in the Southern Hemisphere around the South Pole. Alpine tundra occurs at high elevations globally. The document outlines the simple vegetation, short growing seasons, low biodiversity, and permanently frozen soils (permafrost) that are signatures of all tundra biomes. It provides examples of plant and animal adaptations to the harsh tundra environment and notes threats from climate change such as permafrost thawing.
*You may also download this ppt for better viewing experience :)
This ppt contains a summary of El Niño and La Niña.
It also includes the following:
> ENSO
> Southern Oscillation
> Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)
> Effects of El Niño
> Response to El Niño
> Effects of La Niña
> Response to La Niña
Mammalogy introduction and history, Mammalogy definition, Aims of mammalogy, Scope of mammalogy, careers in mammalogy, Branches of mammalogy, mammal definition, history of mammalogy.
Habitat loss and fragmentation occurs when natural habitats are broken into smaller pieces or isolated patches, such as through activities like deforestation, development of roads and dams, and agriculture. This affects biodiversity by reducing total habitat area and connectivity between habitats. Fragmented habitats have more edge areas which allow invasion of exotic species and predators, increasing extinction rates. Conservation efforts aim to minimize fragmentation through habitat protection, creation of wildlife corridors, and restoration of connections between fragmented areas.
Systematics is the study of the historical relationships between biological organisms and the understanding of biodiversity. It aims to trace phylogeny and classify taxa in an evolutionary context. Systematics encompasses fields like taxonomy, classification, nomenclature, biogeography, and phylogenetics. It determines the unique and shared properties of species and higher taxa, classifies life to make diversity accessible to other disciplines, and has contributed insights in areas like epidemiology, agriculture, and conservation through accurate identification and classification of organisms.
Dr. Vivian Tuei-Career Options after Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry/Molecul...Vivian Tuei
This talk is on the Career Options after Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or Chemistry that was presented to BSc. in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry with Computing students on 28th April 2023 who recently finalized their four year study at University of Eldoret, Kenya. The presenter, Dr. Vivian Tuei, is a Lecturer of Biochemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Science at University of Eldoret, Kenya.
The talk highlights on;
1. Employment options including internships.
2. Education Options.
3. Applying to Graduate School.
4. Academic scholarships and funding.
This document discusses wildfire disaster management and contains information on several topics related to forest fires. It begins with definitions of fire and forest fires. It then describes the different types of forest fire fuels including ground, surface, and aerial fuels. The document outlines the main types of forest fires such as surface fires, underground fires, ground fires, crown fires, and firestorms. It discusses fire behavior terminology and explains concepts like running, creeping, smoldering, spotting, torching, and crowning fires. The document covers why forests burn and the adverse impacts of forest fires. It concludes with sections on wildfire management that address fire protection plans, fuel management, environmental protection, and the objectives of global fire early warning systems
This document discusses wildlife conservation in India. It notes that India is home to significant biodiversity and many threatened species. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries aim to preserve this wildlife, while the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Project Tiger provide legal protections. However, habitat loss and fragmentation from human activities like deforestation, grazing, and infrastructure development threaten Indian wildlife. Increased awareness and community involvement are important for effective long-term conservation.
This document defines and describes the key characteristics of tundra biomes. It identifies the three main types of tundra: Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine tundra. Arctic tundra circles the North Pole and occurs in cold northern regions. Antarctic tundra is similar but located in the Southern Hemisphere around the South Pole. Alpine tundra occurs at high elevations globally. The document outlines the simple vegetation, short growing seasons, low biodiversity, and permanently frozen soils (permafrost) that are signatures of all tundra biomes. It provides examples of plant and animal adaptations to the harsh tundra environment and notes threats from climate change such as permafrost thawing.
*You may also download this ppt for better viewing experience :)
This ppt contains a summary of El Niño and La Niña.
It also includes the following:
> ENSO
> Southern Oscillation
> Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)
> Effects of El Niño
> Response to El Niño
> Effects of La Niña
> Response to La Niña
Mammalogy introduction and history, Mammalogy definition, Aims of mammalogy, Scope of mammalogy, careers in mammalogy, Branches of mammalogy, mammal definition, history of mammalogy.
Habitat loss and fragmentation occurs when natural habitats are broken into smaller pieces or isolated patches, such as through activities like deforestation, development of roads and dams, and agriculture. This affects biodiversity by reducing total habitat area and connectivity between habitats. Fragmented habitats have more edge areas which allow invasion of exotic species and predators, increasing extinction rates. Conservation efforts aim to minimize fragmentation through habitat protection, creation of wildlife corridors, and restoration of connections between fragmented areas.
Systematics is the study of the historical relationships between biological organisms and the understanding of biodiversity. It aims to trace phylogeny and classify taxa in an evolutionary context. Systematics encompasses fields like taxonomy, classification, nomenclature, biogeography, and phylogenetics. It determines the unique and shared properties of species and higher taxa, classifies life to make diversity accessible to other disciplines, and has contributed insights in areas like epidemiology, agriculture, and conservation through accurate identification and classification of organisms.
Dr. Vivian Tuei-Career Options after Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry/Molecul...Vivian Tuei
This talk is on the Career Options after Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or Chemistry that was presented to BSc. in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry with Computing students on 28th April 2023 who recently finalized their four year study at University of Eldoret, Kenya. The presenter, Dr. Vivian Tuei, is a Lecturer of Biochemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Science at University of Eldoret, Kenya.
The talk highlights on;
1. Employment options including internships.
2. Education Options.
3. Applying to Graduate School.
4. Academic scholarships and funding.
This document discusses wildfire disaster management and contains information on several topics related to forest fires. It begins with definitions of fire and forest fires. It then describes the different types of forest fire fuels including ground, surface, and aerial fuels. The document outlines the main types of forest fires such as surface fires, underground fires, ground fires, crown fires, and firestorms. It discusses fire behavior terminology and explains concepts like running, creeping, smoldering, spotting, torching, and crowning fires. The document covers why forests burn and the adverse impacts of forest fires. It concludes with sections on wildfire management that address fire protection plans, fuel management, environmental protection, and the objectives of global fire early warning systems
This document discusses wildlife conservation in India. It notes that India is home to significant biodiversity and many threatened species. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries aim to preserve this wildlife, while the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Project Tiger provide legal protections. However, habitat loss and fragmentation from human activities like deforestation, grazing, and infrastructure development threaten Indian wildlife. Increased awareness and community involvement are important for effective long-term conservation.
Study of avian diversity in and around chinariHamid Ur-Rahman
This study surveyed the avian diversity in and around Chinari, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan over different seasons in 2009. A total of 72 bird species from 13 orders and 39 families were observed. Species richness and abundance were highest in summer with 54 species and 316 individuals, respectively. The most common orders observed were Passeriformes and Coraciformes. The study found variation in avian diversity and population between seasons likely due to food availability and breeding periods. It recommends further surveys and conservation programs to protect endangered species in the area.
The document discusses the savanna ecosystem and pressures on the Sahel region of Africa. It describes the distinct wet and dry seasons in savanna climates and how plants and animals adapt. It explains how the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone brings seasonal rains and how the Sahel is prone to desertification due to insufficient rainfall and overgrazing of grasslands.
This document discusses educational facilities and school plant management. It defines educational facilities as the physical properties of a school, including grounds, buildings, and facilities. Educational facilities are important as they house educational activities and serve as facilitating agents. A comprehensive educational facilities program covers aspects like establishing, organizing, developing, improving, maintaining, financing, and evaluating school infrastructure over short, medium, and long time frames. The program is planned based on educational objectives and involves stakeholders. School mapping is also discussed as a process of planning school distribution, size, and facilities requirements.
Deforestation involves the permanent destruction of forests to make land available for other uses. It occurs through deliberate clearing, as well as natural and accidental means. Logging alone accounts for the loss of over 32 million acres of forests annually. Major causes of deforestation include logging for wood products, urbanization to make way for settlements, agricultural activities to meet food demands, mining, and forest fires. The effects are climate imbalance, increased global warming, soil erosion, floods, and wildlife extinction. In the Philippines, deforestation has led to increased flooding, loss of over 6,500 hectares of primary forests since 2002, displacement of indigenous groups, more frequent landslides, and endangered species like the Philippine Eagle. Proposed solutions
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. They form when organisms are buried rapidly in sediment or other media, protecting them from decay. This can occur through events like mudslides, floods, or volcanic eruptions. Over time, minerals replace the organic material through permineralization or recrystallization, leaving an imprint of the original organism. The type of fossil produced depends on factors like the environment and which parts of the organism were made of hard or soft tissues. Body fossils directly preserve bones, teeth, or shells, while trace fossils preserve tracks, burrows, or other signs of biological activity. Fossils provide evidence of prehistoric life and are useful for reconstructing Earth's geological history
This presentation is all about the Terrestrial Biome..made for Environmental Science Students.This came from different authors which I browsed from the net..Hope this will help=)
This document discusses several human activities that negatively impact natural ecosystems, including population growth, acid rain, deforestation, pollution, and global warming. It explains how population growth leads to industrialization, fossil fuel combustion, and pollution, increasing carbon dioxide levels. It also describes how burning fossil fuels releases sulphates and nitrates into the air that form acid rain, acidifying lakes and damaging ecosystems. Deforestation reduces biodiversity and the trees' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Pollution contaminates water and causes oil spills that harm wildlife. Global warming is increasing due to rising carbon dioxide levels enhancing the greenhouse effect and global temperatures.
Forest management involves the administrative, economic, legal, and social aspects of managing forests, including techniques like timber extraction, replanting species, and preventing fires. Forest management is needed to avoid the extinction of thousands of species, heavy soil erosion, increased greenhouse effects, flooding, landslides, and degraded watersheds. Methods of forest management include afforestation, reforestation, sustainable forest management practices, and avoiding wildfires. The document concludes that one of the biggest challenges is ensuring the sustainability of forest resources going forward.
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs and temperatures decrease with increasing altitude. Above the troposphere, the stratosphere gets hotter with altitude due to absorption of UV light by the ozone layer before cooling again at the top. The mesosphere is the coldest part of the atmosphere where most meteorites burn up before giving way to the thermosphere, the hottest layer where the ISS orbits due to absorption of solar radiation.
Classical and molecular taxonomic parameters, species concept, systematic gradation of animals, nomenclature, modern scheme of animal classification into sub-Kingdom, division, section, phyla and minor phyla
The document discusses several topics related to wildlife conservation and management, including the study and preservation of habitats, wildlife research, legislation, veterinary services, education, and establishing protected areas. Effective conservation requires taking measures to protect habitats from degradation, improve habitats, conduct population censuses, enforce protective laws, provide veterinary care, increase public awareness through education, and set aside protected areas for threatened species.
Archaeopteryx is a genus of feathered dinosaurs that lived around 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period and is considered a transitional form between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds, exhibiting both avian and reptilian features such as teeth, claws, and a long tail as well as feathers and a wishbone. Discovered in 1860 in Germany, Archaeopteryx has helped establish birds as modern feathered dinosaurs.
This document lists 26 wildlife acts and laws in Pakistan that regulate the protection and management of wildlife. It also describes 4 schedules that are part of the laws: Schedule I details wild animals that can be hunted with an ordinary permit, Schedule II lists animals that require certificates for possession, transfer or export, Schedule III protects wild birds and animals year-round, and Schedule IV lists unprotected wild birds and animals. The main focus of the laws is to protect and conserve Pakistan's wildlife populations through restrictions on hunting and regulating the trade and transport of protected species.
The document summarizes the key characteristics of the tundra biome. There are two main types of tundra: Arctic and alpine. The Arctic tundra is located near the North Pole and has very cold, desert-like conditions with a short 50-60 day growing season. Alpine tundra is located in mountains worldwide where trees cannot grow. Both types of tundra have low nutrient soils and support low-growing plants and animals adapted to the harsh climate, including caribou, foxes, lichens and mosses. Human activities like hunting and climate change from global warming are negatively impacting the fragile tundra ecosystem.
An ecological niche describes how a species interacts with and fits into its environment, including obtaining resources like food and shelter, and reproducing. A niche encompasses all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. The fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can tolerate without competition from other species. Species niches depend on factors like temperature, resources, and predators. Niches can overlap if species partition resources in non-competing ways, like dolphins and seals eating different types of fish.
1. Biomes are defined as large regions characterized by distinct plant and animal life. The document discusses several major biomes including forests, grasslands, deserts, and aquatic biomes.
2. Each biome has unique abiotic factors like climate and soil that have shaped the adaptations of the plants and animals living there. For example, desert plants have small leaves or none at all to reduce water loss, while aquatic biomes range from freshwater to marine environments.
3. Many biomes are threatened by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.
The document provides information on the wildlife of Pakistan. It discusses the country's geographical features and climate. It notes that Pakistan has a moderately rich diversity of animal and plant species despite human impacts like urbanization, hunting, and habitat loss that have led to population declines. Tables show the number of species in major taxonomic groups and the conservation status of different animal species found in Pakistan. The document also describes the different vegetation zones and their characteristic wildlife.
The document discusses speciation, which is the process by which new species develop from existing species. There are several factors that can lead to speciation, including geographical isolation, reproductive isolation, genetic drift, and variations due to natural selection. The main types of speciation discussed are allopatric (geographical isolation), sympatric (evolution of new niches), parapatric (non-random mating reduces gene flow), and peripatric (isolation of small populations). Examples are given of each type, including Darwin's finches through allopatric speciation and apple maggot flies through sympatric speciation. Reproductive isolating mechanisms that can occur both before and after mating are also outlined.
An ecosystem consists of biotic and abiotic components that interact through nutrient cycling, energy flow, and structure. The key biotic components are producers, consumers, and decomposers, which interact through food chains and webs. Energy and nutrients transfer between trophic levels, with biomass decreasing at higher levels. Ecosystems are influenced by various environmental factors like temperature, water, soil properties, and biotic interactions, with different species having specific tolerances. Ecosystems strive for balance, but human activities can disrupt natural nutrient cycles and environmental conditions.
Environmental conditions play a key role in defining the function an.pdfanandhomeneeds
Environmental conditions play a key role in defining the function and distribution of plants, in
combination with other factors. Changes in long term environmental conditions that can be
collectively coined climate change are known to have had enormous impacts on plant diversity
patterns in the future and are seen as having significant current impacts. It is predicted that
climate change will remain one of the major drivers of biodiversity patterns in the future.
The Earth has experienced a constantly changing climate in the time since plants first evolved. In
comparison to the present day, this history has seen Earth as cooler, warmer, drier and wetter,
and CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentrations have been both higher and lower. These changes have
been reflected by constantly shifting vegetation, for example forest communities dominating
most areas in interglacial periods, and herbaceous communities dominating during glacial
periods. It has been shown that past climatic change has been a major driver of the processes of
speciation and extinction. The best known example of this is the Carboniferous Rainforest
Collapse which occurred 350 million years ago. This event decimated amphibian populations
and spurred on the evolution of reptiles
Greenhouse effect - the mechanism
The sun radiates solar energy on earth. The larger part of this energy (45%) is radiated back into
space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contribute to global warming by adsorption and
reflection of atmospheric and solar energy. This natural phenomenon is what we call the
greenhouse effect. It is agreed that the greenhouse effect is correlated with global temperature
change. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone
Mechanism of global warming:
i. The incoming radiation from the Sun is mostly in the form of visible light and nearby
wavelengths, largely in the range 0.2 – 4 1m, corresponding to the Sun’s radioactive temperature
of 6,000 K. Almost half the radiation is in the form of “visible” light, which our eyes are adapted
to use.
ii. About 50% of the Sun’s energy is absorbed at the earth’s surface and the rest is reflected or
absorbed by the atmosphere. The reflection of light back into space – largely by clouds – does
not much affect the basic mechanism; this light, effectively, is lost to the system.
iii (a) Earth absorbs most of the sunlight it receives; The absorbed energy warms the surface; (b)
Earth then emits the absorbed light’s energy as infrared light; (c) greenhouse gases absorb a lot
of the infrared light before it can leave our atmosphere; (d) being absorbed slows the rate at
which energy escapes to space; and (e) the slower passage of energy heats up the atmosphere,
water, and ground. By increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, humans are
increasing the atmosphere’s absorption of infrared light, thereby warming Earth and disrupting
global climate patterns.
Effec.
Study of avian diversity in and around chinariHamid Ur-Rahman
This study surveyed the avian diversity in and around Chinari, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan over different seasons in 2009. A total of 72 bird species from 13 orders and 39 families were observed. Species richness and abundance were highest in summer with 54 species and 316 individuals, respectively. The most common orders observed were Passeriformes and Coraciformes. The study found variation in avian diversity and population between seasons likely due to food availability and breeding periods. It recommends further surveys and conservation programs to protect endangered species in the area.
The document discusses the savanna ecosystem and pressures on the Sahel region of Africa. It describes the distinct wet and dry seasons in savanna climates and how plants and animals adapt. It explains how the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone brings seasonal rains and how the Sahel is prone to desertification due to insufficient rainfall and overgrazing of grasslands.
This document discusses educational facilities and school plant management. It defines educational facilities as the physical properties of a school, including grounds, buildings, and facilities. Educational facilities are important as they house educational activities and serve as facilitating agents. A comprehensive educational facilities program covers aspects like establishing, organizing, developing, improving, maintaining, financing, and evaluating school infrastructure over short, medium, and long time frames. The program is planned based on educational objectives and involves stakeholders. School mapping is also discussed as a process of planning school distribution, size, and facilities requirements.
Deforestation involves the permanent destruction of forests to make land available for other uses. It occurs through deliberate clearing, as well as natural and accidental means. Logging alone accounts for the loss of over 32 million acres of forests annually. Major causes of deforestation include logging for wood products, urbanization to make way for settlements, agricultural activities to meet food demands, mining, and forest fires. The effects are climate imbalance, increased global warming, soil erosion, floods, and wildlife extinction. In the Philippines, deforestation has led to increased flooding, loss of over 6,500 hectares of primary forests since 2002, displacement of indigenous groups, more frequent landslides, and endangered species like the Philippine Eagle. Proposed solutions
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. They form when organisms are buried rapidly in sediment or other media, protecting them from decay. This can occur through events like mudslides, floods, or volcanic eruptions. Over time, minerals replace the organic material through permineralization or recrystallization, leaving an imprint of the original organism. The type of fossil produced depends on factors like the environment and which parts of the organism were made of hard or soft tissues. Body fossils directly preserve bones, teeth, or shells, while trace fossils preserve tracks, burrows, or other signs of biological activity. Fossils provide evidence of prehistoric life and are useful for reconstructing Earth's geological history
This presentation is all about the Terrestrial Biome..made for Environmental Science Students.This came from different authors which I browsed from the net..Hope this will help=)
This document discusses several human activities that negatively impact natural ecosystems, including population growth, acid rain, deforestation, pollution, and global warming. It explains how population growth leads to industrialization, fossil fuel combustion, and pollution, increasing carbon dioxide levels. It also describes how burning fossil fuels releases sulphates and nitrates into the air that form acid rain, acidifying lakes and damaging ecosystems. Deforestation reduces biodiversity and the trees' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Pollution contaminates water and causes oil spills that harm wildlife. Global warming is increasing due to rising carbon dioxide levels enhancing the greenhouse effect and global temperatures.
Forest management involves the administrative, economic, legal, and social aspects of managing forests, including techniques like timber extraction, replanting species, and preventing fires. Forest management is needed to avoid the extinction of thousands of species, heavy soil erosion, increased greenhouse effects, flooding, landslides, and degraded watersheds. Methods of forest management include afforestation, reforestation, sustainable forest management practices, and avoiding wildfires. The document concludes that one of the biggest challenges is ensuring the sustainability of forest resources going forward.
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs and temperatures decrease with increasing altitude. Above the troposphere, the stratosphere gets hotter with altitude due to absorption of UV light by the ozone layer before cooling again at the top. The mesosphere is the coldest part of the atmosphere where most meteorites burn up before giving way to the thermosphere, the hottest layer where the ISS orbits due to absorption of solar radiation.
Classical and molecular taxonomic parameters, species concept, systematic gradation of animals, nomenclature, modern scheme of animal classification into sub-Kingdom, division, section, phyla and minor phyla
The document discusses several topics related to wildlife conservation and management, including the study and preservation of habitats, wildlife research, legislation, veterinary services, education, and establishing protected areas. Effective conservation requires taking measures to protect habitats from degradation, improve habitats, conduct population censuses, enforce protective laws, provide veterinary care, increase public awareness through education, and set aside protected areas for threatened species.
Archaeopteryx is a genus of feathered dinosaurs that lived around 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period and is considered a transitional form between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds, exhibiting both avian and reptilian features such as teeth, claws, and a long tail as well as feathers and a wishbone. Discovered in 1860 in Germany, Archaeopteryx has helped establish birds as modern feathered dinosaurs.
This document lists 26 wildlife acts and laws in Pakistan that regulate the protection and management of wildlife. It also describes 4 schedules that are part of the laws: Schedule I details wild animals that can be hunted with an ordinary permit, Schedule II lists animals that require certificates for possession, transfer or export, Schedule III protects wild birds and animals year-round, and Schedule IV lists unprotected wild birds and animals. The main focus of the laws is to protect and conserve Pakistan's wildlife populations through restrictions on hunting and regulating the trade and transport of protected species.
The document summarizes the key characteristics of the tundra biome. There are two main types of tundra: Arctic and alpine. The Arctic tundra is located near the North Pole and has very cold, desert-like conditions with a short 50-60 day growing season. Alpine tundra is located in mountains worldwide where trees cannot grow. Both types of tundra have low nutrient soils and support low-growing plants and animals adapted to the harsh climate, including caribou, foxes, lichens and mosses. Human activities like hunting and climate change from global warming are negatively impacting the fragile tundra ecosystem.
An ecological niche describes how a species interacts with and fits into its environment, including obtaining resources like food and shelter, and reproducing. A niche encompasses all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. The fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can tolerate without competition from other species. Species niches depend on factors like temperature, resources, and predators. Niches can overlap if species partition resources in non-competing ways, like dolphins and seals eating different types of fish.
1. Biomes are defined as large regions characterized by distinct plant and animal life. The document discusses several major biomes including forests, grasslands, deserts, and aquatic biomes.
2. Each biome has unique abiotic factors like climate and soil that have shaped the adaptations of the plants and animals living there. For example, desert plants have small leaves or none at all to reduce water loss, while aquatic biomes range from freshwater to marine environments.
3. Many biomes are threatened by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.
The document provides information on the wildlife of Pakistan. It discusses the country's geographical features and climate. It notes that Pakistan has a moderately rich diversity of animal and plant species despite human impacts like urbanization, hunting, and habitat loss that have led to population declines. Tables show the number of species in major taxonomic groups and the conservation status of different animal species found in Pakistan. The document also describes the different vegetation zones and their characteristic wildlife.
The document discusses speciation, which is the process by which new species develop from existing species. There are several factors that can lead to speciation, including geographical isolation, reproductive isolation, genetic drift, and variations due to natural selection. The main types of speciation discussed are allopatric (geographical isolation), sympatric (evolution of new niches), parapatric (non-random mating reduces gene flow), and peripatric (isolation of small populations). Examples are given of each type, including Darwin's finches through allopatric speciation and apple maggot flies through sympatric speciation. Reproductive isolating mechanisms that can occur both before and after mating are also outlined.
An ecosystem consists of biotic and abiotic components that interact through nutrient cycling, energy flow, and structure. The key biotic components are producers, consumers, and decomposers, which interact through food chains and webs. Energy and nutrients transfer between trophic levels, with biomass decreasing at higher levels. Ecosystems are influenced by various environmental factors like temperature, water, soil properties, and biotic interactions, with different species having specific tolerances. Ecosystems strive for balance, but human activities can disrupt natural nutrient cycles and environmental conditions.
Environmental conditions play a key role in defining the function an.pdfanandhomeneeds
Environmental conditions play a key role in defining the function and distribution of plants, in
combination with other factors. Changes in long term environmental conditions that can be
collectively coined climate change are known to have had enormous impacts on plant diversity
patterns in the future and are seen as having significant current impacts. It is predicted that
climate change will remain one of the major drivers of biodiversity patterns in the future.
The Earth has experienced a constantly changing climate in the time since plants first evolved. In
comparison to the present day, this history has seen Earth as cooler, warmer, drier and wetter,
and CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentrations have been both higher and lower. These changes have
been reflected by constantly shifting vegetation, for example forest communities dominating
most areas in interglacial periods, and herbaceous communities dominating during glacial
periods. It has been shown that past climatic change has been a major driver of the processes of
speciation and extinction. The best known example of this is the Carboniferous Rainforest
Collapse which occurred 350 million years ago. This event decimated amphibian populations
and spurred on the evolution of reptiles
Greenhouse effect - the mechanism
The sun radiates solar energy on earth. The larger part of this energy (45%) is radiated back into
space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contribute to global warming by adsorption and
reflection of atmospheric and solar energy. This natural phenomenon is what we call the
greenhouse effect. It is agreed that the greenhouse effect is correlated with global temperature
change. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone
Mechanism of global warming:
i. The incoming radiation from the Sun is mostly in the form of visible light and nearby
wavelengths, largely in the range 0.2 – 4 1m, corresponding to the Sun’s radioactive temperature
of 6,000 K. Almost half the radiation is in the form of “visible” light, which our eyes are adapted
to use.
ii. About 50% of the Sun’s energy is absorbed at the earth’s surface and the rest is reflected or
absorbed by the atmosphere. The reflection of light back into space – largely by clouds – does
not much affect the basic mechanism; this light, effectively, is lost to the system.
iii (a) Earth absorbs most of the sunlight it receives; The absorbed energy warms the surface; (b)
Earth then emits the absorbed light’s energy as infrared light; (c) greenhouse gases absorb a lot
of the infrared light before it can leave our atmosphere; (d) being absorbed slows the rate at
which energy escapes to space; and (e) the slower passage of energy heats up the atmosphere,
water, and ground. By increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, humans are
increasing the atmosphere’s absorption of infrared light, thereby warming Earth and disrupting
global climate patterns.
Effec.
Forest and climate change a study how world By Mr Allah Dad Khan Mr.Allah Dad Khan
Climate change is stressing forests through higher temperatures, altered precipitation, and more extreme weather. Forests play a major role in mitigating climate change by trapping carbon dioxide, but releasing carbon dioxide when destroyed. Different tree species will be impacted differently by climate change, with some benefiting and others declining. Changes in seasonal rhythms may damage interactions between plants and pollinators. Forest growth and productivity will be impacted by increases in temperature, changes in precipitation, and increases in carbon dioxide levels.
Forest and climate change a study how world By Mr Allah Dad Khan Mr.Allah Dad Khan
Climate change is stressing forests through higher temperatures, altered precipitation, and more extreme weather. Forests play a major role in mitigating climate change by trapping carbon dioxide, but releasing carbon dioxide when destroyed. Different tree species will be impacted differently by climate change, with some benefiting and others declining. Changes in seasonal rhythms may damage plant-pollinator interactions that some insects depend on. Impacts on forests from climate change include altered growth processes and productivity over time due to shifts in carbon dioxide, temperature, and rainfall.
The document discusses ecological and evolutionary responses to global warming and the resulting biodiversity crisis. It notes that all life on Earth exists within a single ecological system, and that changes in one location can affect the entire system. It then summarizes observed phenological changes, range shifts of species towards cooler climates, increases in invasive species, impacts on species interactions, and rising extinction rates. It concludes by recommending increased conservation efforts, education, and research to understand and address these issues.
Deforestation occurs at a rate of about 50,000 square miles annually, an area roughly the size of England. The main direct causes of deforestation are agricultural expansion for subsistence and commercial farming and livestock grazing, as well as wood extraction through logging and infrastructure expansion. Underlying causes include poverty, government development policies, and global economic factors like markets and subsidies. Strategies to sustain tropical forests include sustainable agriculture and harvesting, ecotourism, and integrating science into national land use plans.
The document discusses the tropical rainforest biome and the impacts of climate change. It defines tropical rainforests as having very high rainfall, high temperatures, and high biodiversity. Tropical rainforests play an important role in regulating the global climate through carbon storage, oxygen production, and influencing weather patterns. Climate change poses threats to tropical rainforests like rising sea levels which can flood coastal forests, and droughts which make forests more vulnerable to fires. The loss of tropical rainforests exacerbates climate change due to reduced carbon storage capacity.
Global warming poses an existential threat to humanity according to the document. The evidence of climate change is clear from rising sea levels, global temperatures, shrinking ice sheets and increasing extreme weather events. The main causes are human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation that release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect. Effects of climate change include further temperature rises, longer frost-free seasons, changing precipitation patterns, stronger hurricanes, and Arctic ice melt. Wildlife like dugongs, okapis and Siberian tigers are also threatened with extinction. Individual actions like conserving energy, choosing renewable power, reducing waste, and greener commuting can help address the crisis.
This document discusses the topic of human-environment interaction from the perspective of geography. It provides examples of how the environment influences human settlements, housing, agriculture, and transportation. It also examines concepts in environmental determinism and possibilism. The document then discusses various human impacts on the environment such as pollution, climate change, genetic modification, ocean acidification, deforestation, acid rain, and ozone depletion.
Rainforests are dense jungles that receive high amounts of rainfall, sometimes over 33 feet annually. They are home to the richest biodiversity in the world and are scattered around the globe in locations like the Amazon, Daintree, Alaska, Congo, and Southeast Asia. Rainforests are important because they produce oxygen, house much of the world's species, help regulate the climate by preventing global warming, and protect against soil erosion, floods, and droughts. Deforestation contributes to global warming by releasing the carbon stored in trees. The fires currently devastating the Amazon are depleting this important carbon sink and releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
A presentation on impact of human activities on weather and climateVasu Malhotra
This document is a report by students in New Delhi analyzing changes to weather and climatic conditions in nearby areas and the human factors responsible. It discusses how human activities like changed lifestyles, deforestation, agriculture, energy production and waste generation are contributing to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and modifying the environment. The impacts of climate change include rising sea levels, worsening health issues, more severe droughts and melting ice sheets. The report urges actions like preserving forests, transitioning to renewable energy and obtaining a global climate deal to address this urgent problem.
The document discusses how human activity is negatively impacting the environment through overpopulation, pollution, deforestation, and other factors. It notes that humans have altered ecosystems since ancient times by hunting animal populations to extinction. More recently, industrialization and population growth have led to issues like global warming, acid rain, soil erosion, waste disposal problems, and biodiversity loss as species are hunted to extinction. Major human impacts discussed include atmospheric pollution, water pollution reducing water supplies, the shrinking of the Aral Sea, deforestation reducing forests, and the challenges of radioactive waste disposal. The document argues that cumulative human ecological impacts now threaten the long-term viability of the environment and life on Earth.
28.wild l ife as affected by climate change A series of Presentation ByMr All...Mr.Allah Dad Khan
A series of Presentation ByMr Allah Dad Khan Special Consultant NRM , Former DG Agriculture Extension KPK Province , Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan allahdad52@gmail.com
8.wild life and impacts of climate change on wildlifeMr.Allah Dad Khan
A series of Presentation ByMr Allah Dad Khan Special Consultant NRM , Former DG Agriculture Extension KPK Province , Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan allahdad52@gmail.com
Global warming is causing increasingly dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms around the world, demonstrating that climate change poses a serious threat. The effects of climate change include rising sea levels which have already submerged some low-lying islands, threatening coastal regions and entire island nations with flooding in the near future if issues are not addressed. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to slow the impacts of global warming, such as more extreme weather, rising oceans, species loss and risks to human health and food production.
IMPACTS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE ON AQUATIC BIOTAAlbert Wandera
the Presentation discuss the relevant mitigation and adaptation measures which should be employed to address the impacts of Global climatic changes on marine and fresh water habitats and Biota
Climate Change is major thing of Environment, which we should know about it. It's effect is dangerous that many people don't think about it. I upload this PDF for encourage the students and their knowledge.
The document discusses the environment and factors threatening it. It defines the environment as all external factors affecting organisms, including biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. It then discusses several major threats: 1) population growth is a root cause of environmental problems as more people use more resources; 2) global warming is increasing due to greenhouse gases trapping more heat; and 3) habitat destruction is causing species extinction, particularly of rainforests, at an unprecedented rate.
The document discusses how the environment interacts with and influences organisms. It explains that both biotic and abiotic environmental factors form ecosystems and that even small changes can impact species' success. It also addresses how humans have significantly altered environments through activities like deforestation, which has led to issues like climate change and shifts in species distributions. The document outlines how scientists study these environmental impacts and changes.
Similar to Climate change: Changes in the biosphere (20)
The document discusses the massive potential for renewable energy sources on Earth, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and ocean power. The theoretical potential exceeds 4 million terawatts, while the technical potential is around 240 terawatts, over 10 times current worldwide energy consumption annually. Some key renewable energy sources are then discussed in more detail, along with their geographical potential and some considerations regarding their deployment.
This document summarizes information about reconstructing past climates using paleoclimate data and proxies. It discusses how temperature, CO2 levels, sea level, ocean currents, wind patterns, and other climate factors have changed over geological history. Specifically, it examines periods like the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and Early Eocene Climatic Optimum, which saw much warmer global temperatures and higher CO2 than today. The Azolla event approximately 49 million years ago is also discussed, in which massive blooms of freshwater ferns in the Arctic helped draw down atmospheric CO2 and initiate global cooling.
Nuclear energy is generated through fission of uranium or thorium isotopes, which releases heat that is used to generate electricity. It currently provides 13% of the world's electricity, with higher percentages in some countries like France. Uranium is mined through various methods and enriched before being used as fuel in nuclear reactors, where it generates energy through fission. Spent fuel poses environmental and safety risks and challenges with long-term storage, but some methods like fast breeder reactors and thorium reactors could help mitigate these issues. The nuclear power debate involves considerations of both benefits like low-carbon energy production and risks relating to safety, waste disposal, and weapons proliferation.
There are 3 main ways to categorize fossil fuel quantities: resources, probable reserves, and proved reserves. Estimates of coal reserves are more accurate than oil and gas reserves, which have uncertainties from over and underreporting. Conventional fossil fuels amount to around 4000 TW while unconventional sources could provide an additional 2000-25,000 TW. Unconventional sources like oil sands and shale require new extraction methods. Fossil fuels provide the majority of current energy but also have significant environmental and health impacts from pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
This document discusses various methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to less than 2°C, including reducing CO2 and other emissions, improving energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy and carbon sinks, implementing emissions trading programs, and negotiating international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. However, it notes that most countries' commitments to date remain inadequate to meet the 2°C goal.
The document summarizes the costs of different energy technologies. It finds that while upfront capital costs are lower for fossil fuels, accounting for additional costs like carbon capture, public health impacts, and climate change effects makes fossil fuels more expensive than renewable sources over the lifetime of the projects. Renewable costs are expected to continue declining due to technological learning and economies of scale, while fossil fuel and nuclear costs are subject to greater uncertainty and overruns. The document concludes that hidden costs are much lower for wind and solar power compared to traditional sources like coal and gas.
Climate models use mathematical equations and global grids to simulate and predict climate conditions based on physical principles and observational data. They show reasonable agreement with past climate trends and are used to project future climate change under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios. However, uncertainties remain regarding some processes like cloud formation. Current models estimate global warming of 0.3-1.7°C by 2100 under a low emission scenario and 2.6-4.8°C under high emissions, with greater warming over land and in polar regions. The models also predict more hot days and heat waves along with rising sea levels.
The document discusses changes occurring in the cryosphere (frozen parts of the Earth's surface) including polar ice sheets, glaciers, sea ice and permafrost. It provides details on factors contributing to melting and decline of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, such as rising air and ocean temperatures, increased surface meltwater, glacier acceleration and ice shelf instability. Graphs and maps show decreasing trends in Arctic sea ice extent, thickness and concentration over recent decades, as well as rising ice loss from both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
1) Oceans have absorbed over 90% of the excess heat from global warming since 1970, causing ocean temperatures and heat content to rise steadily. This increased heat will affect global climate patterns.
2) Measurements by multiple agencies show the ocean continues to warm both at the surface and at depth, with higher rates of warming at high latitudes and in the Southern Ocean. Warming oceans also lead to rising sea levels and ocean acidification.
3) Precipitation patterns are changing, with statistically significant increases at northern latitudes and decreases at southern latitudes, consistent with a warmer and moister atmosphere under climate change.
This document summarizes data on changes in Earth's surface temperature and atmospheric greenhouse gases. It presents data from 6 independent scientific organizations that show global surface temperatures have been steadily increasing over the past century, with land warming more than oceans and the Northern Hemisphere warming more than the Southern. Regional and seasonal data also show uneven impacts. Satellite, temperature probe, and borehole data corroborate surface warming. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases like CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide have also increased due to human activities and contribute to rising temperatures.
This document summarizes data from multiple scientific organizations on trends in global surface air temperatures and atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. The key points are:
1) Six independent scientific groups find that average global land and sea surface temperatures have steadily increased over the past century, with the most rapid rise occurring over the past 50 years.
2) Regional temperature changes are often larger than global averages, with greater warming at northern high latitudes and Arctic regions.
3) Satellite and weather balloon data also indicate warming of the lower troposphere and cooling of the lower stratosphere.
4) Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane have risen substantially since the industrial revolution due to human activities like fossil fuel burning
This document provides an overview of key concepts in climate science. It discusses how climate science aims to observe, interpret, and explain the interconnected climate system, which includes the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It also notes that climate science requires an integrative and interdisciplinary approach. The document then summarizes several important aspects of the climate system, including definitions of climate and weather; components and complexity of the climate system; natural climate variability mechanisms like ENSO, NAO, PDO, and AMO; climate forcings and feedbacks; and factors that influence climate like solar activity, volcanoes, and plate tectonics.
All natural energy on Earth comes from solar radiation, heat from the Earth's mantle, and gravity. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are limited, non-renewable sources that have formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years. Energy can also be generated renewably from solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass sources. Nuclear fission of uranium and thorium isotopes in the Earth's crust is another non-renewable source of energy. Hydrogen may become a sustainable energy source in the future.
This document summarizes the key findings about climate change from scientific research. It finds that climate change poses a serious threat to humanity if left unaddressed. Global temperatures are projected to rise 4°C by 2100 under business-as-usual emissions, causing devastating impacts including more extreme weather, sea level rise, and parts of the world becoming uninhabitable by 2300. While climate change mitigation efforts are underway, more urgent action is needed to transition away from fossil fuels and reduce emissions 70% by 2050 to limit warming to 2°C. Failure to act risks potentially catastrophic consequences, but with cooperation and innovation in technology, the climate challenge can be addressed.
The document discusses the energy required for various everyday activities and products, including:
- Lighting a 100W bulb for 1 year requires 326kg of coal and emits 750kg of CO2.
- Heating 1000L of water from 20-100°C requires about 1/10 the energy of lighting a 100W bulb for 1 year.
- Transportation by car is less energy efficient than other modes like rail or bus.
- The embodied energy to produce an average car is about 5 times more than the energy used to drive it 20,000km per year.
GFW Office Hours: How to Use Planet Imagery on Global Forest Watch_June 11, 2024Global Forest Watch
Earlier this year, we hosted a webinar on Deforestation Exposed: Using High Resolution Satellite Imagery to Investigate Forest Clearing.
If you missed this webinar or have any questions about Norway’s International Climate & Forests Initiative (NICFI) Satellite Data Program and Planet’s high-resolution mosaics, please join our expert-led office hours for an overview of how to use Planet’s satellite imagery on GFW, including how to access and analyze the data.
The modification of an existing product or the formulation of a new product to fill a newly identified market niche or customer need are both examples of product development. This study generally developed and conducted the formulation of aramang baked products enriched with malunggay conducted by the researchers. Specifically, it answered the acceptability level in terms of taste, texture, flavor, odor, and color also the overall acceptability of enriched aramang baked products. The study used the frequency distribution for evaluators to determine the acceptability of enriched aramang baked products enriched with malunggay. As per sensory evaluation conducted by the researchers, it was proven that aramang baked products enriched with malunggay was acceptable in terms of Odor, Taste, Flavor, Color, and Texture. Based on the results of sensory evaluation of enriched aramang baked products proven that three (3) treatments were all highly acceptable in terms of variable Odor, Taste, Flavor, Color and Textures conducted by the researchers.
A Comprehensive Guide on Cable Location Services Detections Method, Tools, an...Aussie Hydro-Vac Services
Explore Aussie Hydrovac's comprehensive cable location services, employing advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar and robotic CCTV crawlers for precise detection. Also offering aerial surveying solutions. Contact for reliable service in Australia.
1. Changes in the biosphere
Land cover
Plants
Marine life
Land life
Humans
1
Data collection
and presentation
by Carl Denef,
Januari 2014
2. Effect of land cover change
Humans have changed the type of the vegetation (‘land cover’) in many regions and
this can affect the physical properties of land surface, such as surface albedo.
Albedo of agricultural land is very different from that of a forest. Forest albedo is
lower than that of open land because the greater leaf area of a forest and multiple
reflections within the canopy result in a higher fraction of incident solar radiation
being absorbed. The differences can be accentuated when snow is present, because
open land can entirely be snow-covered and hence is highly reflective, while trees
remain exposed above the snow and are less reflective. Surface albedo change may
therefore provide the dominant influence of mid- and high-latitude land cover change
on climate.
Surface albedo can also be modified by the settling of anthropogenic aerosols on the
ground, especially black carbon on snow (see slides on ‘Changes in the
Cryosphere’).
Land cover change can also affect evaporation, transpiration, and the surface
roughness. These changes affect air temperature and humidity near the ground, and
modify precipitation and wind speed.
Anthropogenic land cover change relative to the potential natural vegetation (PNV),
was estimated by IPCC to exert a negative radiative forcing of –0.4 to –0.2 W/m2,
thus, slightly antagonizing global warming. In contrast, deforestation reduces
evaporation in summer, bringing a warming effect.
2
3. In 1750, ~8 million km2 (6 to 7% of the global land surface) were used for crops and
pasture, while forest cover had decreased by ~11 million km2 . By 1990, croplands and
pasture covered ~50 million km2 (~37% of global land). Over the last century
croplands were abandoned along the eastern USA, while the eastern forests
regenerated. However, deforestation is occurring more rapidly in the tropics. In the
1990s, net removal of tropical forest increased in Africa and Asia. Latin America, Africa
and South and Southeast Asia showed exponential increases in cropland in the
last 50 years.
With tropical deforestation becoming more significant in recent decades, warming due
to reduced evaporation may globally become more significant than increased surface
albedo of cropland and pasture surface change. Land change may then result in a
net warming instead of a small cooling.
3
5. Forest plant diseases and wildfires
The response of boreal forests to global
warming is 1) a migration northward and 2) a
transition from forest to woodland or
grassland in dry southern edges of
continental interiors. This leads to an overall
increase in herbaceous vegetation.
Changes in climate together with the
increasing stress from invasive species, are
creating conditions conducive for many forest
plant diseases. Observations indicate the
occurrence of diseases from pathogenic
fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other
microorganisms. The temperature and
moisture conditions, interacting with seasonal
phenology, determine infection severity and
distribution. Extreme weather, such as
drought in regions with low soil moisture, can
kill large expanses of trees. Desiccation of
saplings with shallow roots in the top soil
layers, due to summer drought, suppress
forest reproduction.
5
Jizera Mountains forest dieback in
Central Europe
6. Alaska yellow-cedar decline is drought-related. A weak native pathogen causes red band
needle blight [Dothistroma septosporum]. An aggressive nonnative pathogen causes sudden
oak death [Phytophthora ramorum]). In California and Oregon, sudden oak death rates
abruptly increased and then subsided, the patterm being driven by heavy rains and extended
wet weather during warm periods. Infected trees suffer a reduced capacity to manage water,
but survive until high temperatures and extended dry periods overwhelm their vascular
capability, resulting in death. Two cycles of this pattern have been noted in California: 1998-
2001 and 2005 -2008 (Frankel 2007). The Bay Area experienced an all-time record for rainy
days in March 2006, followed in July by the longest string of hot weather ever recorded.
The Amazon rainforest. The strongest growth in the Amazon rainforest occurs during the dry
season as there is strong insolation, with water drawn from underground that stores the
previous wet season’s rainfall. In 2005, 1,900,000 km2 of rainforest experienced the worst
drought in 100 years.[59] Woods Hole Research Center showed that the forest could survive
only three years of drought.[61][62] Scientists at the Brazilian National Institute of Amazonian
Research argue that this drought response, coupled with the effects of deforestation by
humans, are pushing the rainforest towards a "tipping point" where it would start to die on a
centennial timescale. In the worst case the forest may turn into savanna or desert, with
catastrophic consequences for the World's climate. However, the IPCC AR5 report is less
pessimistic on this issue. In 2010 the Amazon rainforest experienced another severe drought
over 3,000,000 km2. In a typical year the Amazon forest absorbs 1.5 Gt of CO2; instead 8 Gt
less CO2 was captured.[64][65]
6
7. Wildfires
Wildfires depend on vegetation density, temperature, relative humidity, precipitation,
lightning, anthropogenic ignition sources, land-use and population density and fire
suppression capacities. Wildfire incidence in the past can be reconstructed from
sedimentary charcoal and ice core methane in database records, and from models, built
on the above parameters. As shown here, there is a rise in the incidence of large fires
from 1800. Damaged acres per fire also increased during the last 2 decades (see Figure).
The interrelated nature of forest fires, deforestation by humans, drought, and warming may
initiate non-linear devastating effects in the future.
source
Source
7
8. Marine life
When CO2 dissolves in water (aq) the following dissociations and chemical aquilibria
exist:
About 90% of the dissolved inorganic carbon occurs as HCO3
–
and H+
ions. The latter
react with ocean CO3
2–
ions in an equilibrium:
The CO3
2–
ions make an equilibrium with Ca2+
ions and solid CaCO3 which is the
building block of shells and skeletons of marine species:
As a result, CO3
2–
concentrations decrease.
Many calcifying species such as planktonic coccolithophores, pteropods, clams,
oysters, mussels and corals may be adversely affected by a decreased capability to
produce their shells or skeletons. Fish and shellfish will also be negatively impacted.
Other consequences are depression of metabolic rates in jumbo squid,[7] depression of
immune responses of blue mussels,[8] and coral bleaching. On the basis of our present
understandings, the potential for environmental and economic risks is high (IPCC AR5:
Cooley et al., 2009).
Ocean acidification may also generate genome-wide changes in purple sea urchins.
When tested in culture under different CO2 levels, genetic changes occurred in genes
for biomineralization, lipid metabolism, and ion homeostasis, gene classes that build
skeletons and interact in pH regulation[Ref] .
8
9. Coral rifs
The majority of coral rifs is located
in ocean zones where pH values
are lowest and thus they suffer the
most.
The Figure shows changes in decadal
mean pH at the sea surface centered
around the years 1875 (top) and 1995
(bottom), as modelled with CCSM3.
The regional distribution of deep and
shallow-water coral reefs is indicated
with magenta dots.
Coral bleaching
9
From Feely et al 2009 and IPCC AR5
10. Life in the Arctic
Arctic mammals, such as polar bears, seals and walruses depend on sea ice for
habitat, feeding and breeding. They are seriously threatened by sea ice decline.
10
11. Biodiversity
Terrestrial biodiversity tends to be highest near the equator,[2] which seems to be the result
of the warm climate and high primary productivity (growth of their biomass ).[3] Marine
biodiversity tends to be highest along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface
temperature is highest and in the mid-latitudinal band in all oceans.[4 Not the climate itself
but rapid climate change has been associated in the past with biodiversity loss. At least 5
large and several smaller mass extinctions have occurred during the last 500 million years,
but biodiversity over long time periods has steadily expanded despite these massive losses.
Only 1%-3% of the species that have existed on Earth still exist today.[12]
At present, biodiversity is declining again but this is already going on from the beginning of
the Holocene, more than 10,000 years ago. It is thought to be caused primarily by human
impacts, particularly by habitat destruction from human-induced land use change. Thus,
biodiversity loss in not an Industial Era event alone, but there are indications that climate
change may accelerate loss of biodiversity. However, other factors that are human-related
play an even more important role, such as pollution.
From 1950 to 2011, human world population increased from 2.5 billion to >7 billion and is
predicted to reach a plateau of more than 9 billion during the 21st century.[162] It has been
claimed that the massive growth in the human population through the 20th century has had
more impact on biodiversity than any other single factor.[163][164] Whatever the causes,
biodiversity loss means loss of ‘ecosystem services’ to humans.
Biodiversity is a broad subject on its own, it is not further dealt with here but read more here
11
12. Human health
Many deleterious effects of anthropogenic climate change have been reported, such
as:
Heat-related morbidity and mortality
The 2003 summer caused ~15,000 deaths in France. Belgium, the Czech Republic,
Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK all reported
excess mortality during the same period, with total deaths in the range of 35,000. In
France, deaths were massively reported for people aged 75 and over (60%).
Heat waves were also reported in 2003 in Andhra Pradesh, India, and caused the
deaths of 3,000 people
In July 1995, a heat wave killed more than 700 people in the Chicago area alone.
Read more here.
Injuries and death from storms and floods
Changes in infectious disease vectors in some areas in Europe (e.g. the tiger
mosquito)
Allergenic pollen in the Northern Hemisphere at high and mid-latitudes
Disturbed water and food supply leading to malnutrition
12
13. Exposure and vulnerability
According to the 2011 Global Assessment Report, the average population exposed
to flooding every year more than doubled globally between 1970 and 2010, a
period in which the world’s population increased by 87 %. The number of people
exposed to severe storms almost tripled in cyclone-prone areas in the same period.
Read more
Trends in human development along coasts amplify vulnerability, even if climate does
not change. For example, in China 100 million people moved from inland to the coast
in the last 20 years for reasons of benefits to the national economy, but this
population redistribution generated an increased risk from floods and storms. Sea-
level rise also adversely affects development in coastal areas, most seriously in
developing countries, in part due to their lower adaptive capacity. (IPCC AR5).
Coastal areas already experiencing adverse effects of temperature rise are Coral
reefs, Arctic coasts (USA, Canada, Russia) and Antarctic Peninsula
Another example of increased vulnerability is the ‘urban heat island effect’. In cities
plants are replaced with road and building surfaces, that trap heat while the cooling
by evaporating water of plants disappears.The temperature can be up to 7 °C higher
than in the surrounding rural areas. Since more and more people inhabit cities and
cities rapidly expand worldwide, global warming will affect an increasing number of
people more than average temperature trends indicate.
13
14. The picture is a satellite thermal infrared photo, taken by LANDSAT 7, of New York
City area temperature and vegetation distribution. Notice that in areas with plants, it is
considerably cooler. Source
14
16. Economical impacts
Climate change is slowing down world economic output by 1.6 % a year and will lead
to a doubling of damage costs in the next two decades.
Read more here.
Global loss rose from a few billions in the 1980’ to above 200 billions per year (in
2010 US$). (from IPCC “Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to
Advance Climate Change Adaptation (SREX)”
Economic losses in percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (2001- 2006) are:
- 0.3% in low-income countries.
- 1% in middle income countries,
- 0.1% in developped countries,
- 1% in Small Island Developing States (up to 8 % in extreme case).
Most of the increase is due to increase in exposure (high confidence), but
a role of climate change has not been excluded.
During the exceptionally hot 2003 summer in France some nuclear power reactors
had to be temporarily shut down due to lack of cooling water.[Ref] Russia referred an
annual crop failure of ~25%, more than 1 million ha of burned areas, and ~$15 billion
(~1% GDP) of total economic loss.
16
17. Season creep
Observations indicate earlier arrival of spring-like temperatures and later arrival of
winter-like temperatures (season creep), although evidence is not robust enough to
distinguish the change from natural variability with high confidence. In Europe, arrival
of spring appears to have moved up by approximately one week in a recent 30 year
period.[9][10] Studies of plant phenology found advancement in spring in the range of 2–
3 days per decade, and 0.3–1.6 days per decade delay in autumn, over the past 30–
80 years.[11] Studies have suggested that changes in the season-determined
synchrony of biological events is disturbed by climate chang, as different species have
changed their seasonal timing to different degrees. For example, woodland birds feed
moth larvae to their young and produce the greatest number of chicks when caterpillar
number peaks. In warm years caterpillar are now most numerous before the nestlings
have hatched, which can result in starvation and decrease in population size. A large
phenological examination on 542 plant species in 21 European countries from 1971–
2000 showed that 78% of all leafing, flowering, and fruiting records advanced while
only 3% were significantly delayed.[10][30] However, more needs to be studied before
the overall impact of seasonal change on ecosystems can be estimated with high
confidence. Efforts are now being made to gather more data and implement them in
models[Ref].
17