Lecture 29. Climate change

Question 1

what drives climate change?

Answer 1

unprecedented growth in atmospheric CO2
since the middle of the 19th century

as CO2 levels increase, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere, the Temp of the earth is rising

Question 2

What causes the warmth in the atmosphere and the cold in the stratosphere?

Answer 2

energy is trapped in the atmosphere and does not radiate into space, thus making it colder in the higher levels

Question 3

give examples of how climate change affects health

Answer 3

Affects the building blocks of good health

-Atmosphere holds more water-> heavier and unpredictable rains-> flooding

Direct effects:
flooding
heat/fire
drought

Indirect effects:

results of natural disasters-> indirect effects on healthcare system, peoples housing and living conditions, infrastructure

flooding-> poor water quality, human displacement

fires-> indirect deaths from air pollution

Heat-> indirect effect on non-human species, disease vectors( eg moscitoes)

Heat->Yield of crops-> food supply

Question 4

What can be done about climate change?

Answer 4

• diet
• transport: biking
• Community infrastructure: improve insulation in houses

Question 5

NZ climate situation

Answer 5

-50:50
CO2: Methane and Nitrous oxide

• agriculture is a big influence
• NZ emissions reduction plan: required by the legislation( generation Zero group)