Module 5 Flashcards
Long-term average weather pattern in one place.
Climate
Influenced by slow changes in the ocean, the land, the orbit of the Earth about the sun, and the energy output of the sun
Climate
Fundamentally controlled by the balance of energy of the Earth and its atmosphere
Climate
Conditions at one particular time and place, including temperature and rainfall.
Weather
Can change very rapidly from day to day, and from year to year.
Weather
Changes involve shifts in temperatures, precipitation, winds, and clouds.
Weather
_ is defined as the average weather condition of the atmosphere over a long time in a particular place. Throughout the history of humankind, _ played an important role in where people have chosen a place they want to settle.
Climate
_ refers to the day to day atmospheric condition of a particular place and time. can be pleasant or destructive. _ can destroy houses, properties, vehicles, and agricultural activities and even result in death.
Weather
Intense weather
“A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over a comparable period of time.”
Climate Change according to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
“Any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity.”
Climate Change according to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC)
_ is created by complex interactions between the Sun, our atmosphere, oceans, land, ice and biosphere which in turn are affected by an area’s latitude, elevation, terrain, and distance from coasts, mountains and lakes
Climate System
When we talk about the climate system, the _ is known to be the main driver.
sun’s energy
As the sun emits energy and penetrates the atmosphere, it is absorbed, or the clouds are reflecting some. As the energy enters the earth, it brings in heat as well. A natural process such as water evaporation, air currents rising, and radiation in the earth’s surface removes or loses heat. Some of the heat that enters the atmosphere goes out through the atmosphere back to space, but some heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane. In this way, the atmosphere will be able to re-emit back the heat. Eventually, all heat will always go back at the space, but not before it raised the Earth’s surface enough to support living organisms on earth.
Climate variations (internal responses):
Changes in Atmosphere
Changes in Ice
Changes in Vegetation
Changes in Ocean
Changes in Land Surface
Low angle of incoming sunlight:
Sunlight strikes most directly:
60°N and S
0° (Equator)
Trophic of Cancer:
Trophic of Capricorn:
30° N
30°S
Cloudiest Area and (cloud %):
Clearest Area and (cloud %):
Chuuk (Caroline Islands) - 92.3%
Dakhla Oasis (Egypt) - 9.7%
Late-winter maximum extent and historical changes near Iceland
Sea ice
widespread glacier retreat in 20th century
Mountain glaciers
Advances/retreat of ice sheet margins or growth/decay of entire ice sheet
Ice sheet
Climate System
Causes (external forcing):
Changes in plate tectonics
Changes in Earth’s orbit
Changes in sun’s strength
Without the aid of _ absorbing and re-emitting heat, life would not be possible on earth.
greenhouse gasses
If the _ remains still, the climate would not be altered around the globe.
climate system
Since the earth is not flat and tilted, the planet’s exposure to the sun changes at different latitudes and seasons. Generally, there is more heat in the middle portion of the earth (equator) than the Polar Regions. About inequality, the movement or circulation of heat moves from the equator to the poles through the atmosphere and oceans. As observed in tropical countries, arising from thunder, clouds are apparent. These warm forces the air to rise and drift to the poles at high levels. Air that is more cooling flows in the direction opposite the surface of the earth, which will set up cells. The same cells are developing in other areas as it goes up towards the Polar Regions. Furthermore, the boundaries between cells contain two different air, which is either rising or sinking towards the earth.
Note that if the air is _, high pressure is expected with beautiful and glorious weather, while _ air has low pressure with precipitation.
sinking
rising
The _ and _ is responsible for developing currents in the ocean.
changing temperature of the sea and salinity or saltiness of the seawater.
In the north Atlantic, the surface water there is cooled by the winds of the arctic. Those water characterized by being cold, dense and salty, sinks and moves toward deep within the central portion of the ocean. In exchange, the water is moved by the Gulf Stream towards the northeastward, specifically at the shallow portion, to replace it. This movement carries warmth to the northwestern of Europe, creating a milder climate distinct to other places with similar latitudes. It is because of these interactions of the sun’s energy and the ability of the atmosphere and oceans to travel heat across the globe – creates various climates in different parts of the planet and eventually alters daily weather.
For instance, the strongest current in the world is located at the _.
Gulf Stream
Thus, an _ has the potential to create an imbalance of the climate system and affect our climate.
increasing temperature that can lead to warming
Climate Change Mechanisms
Methods in changing the global average temperature of the Earth
Alteration of solar energy’s output
Alteration of albedo effect
Alteration of the global atmospheric composition
The _ in changing the global average temperature of the earth is through the alteration of solar energy’s output.
first method
The _ and _ are undergoing cycles that influence the amount of solar energy that the planet receives.
sun and earth
Sun undergoes an _ cycle of activity, where its magnetic field flips and the number of sunspots on its surface increases and decreases.
11-year
Earth undergoes _, such as changes in its axial tilt and orbit around the sun.
natural cycle
The second method in changing the global average earth’s temperature is the _.
alteration of the earth’s brightness or albedo effect
_ refers to the percent of reflected sunlight.
Albedo
The _ of the earth is responsible for the amount of sunlight re-radiated outside the atmosphere instead of being absorbed in the surface.
albedo effect
The _ can influence the rising of global temperature or cooling.
alteration of the reflectivity of sunlight or albedo effect
The third method in changing the earth’s average temperature is the _.
alteration of the global atmospheric composition
Climate Change Mechanism: Third Method
The composition of the atmosphere affects the _. The _ refers to the process by which infrared radiation is absorbed and re-radiated back to the earth’s surface by greenhouse gases instead of going outside the atmosphere.
greenhouse effect
Climate Change Mechanism: Third Method
_ are efficient in absorbing and keeping heat; that is why it can contribute to the rising of the earth’s surface temperature.
Greenhouse gases
However, it was observed for the last century that there is an unusual rise in global temperature for about _ to _.
1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Scientists around the world point out that the sole responsible for increasing the temperature are _.
anthropogenic activities
To be able to understand
climate change is to understand the concept of _.
Greenhouse effect
These greenhouse gases include _, _, _, _, _, and _.
water vapor, clouds, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (Ch4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and halocarbons.
The start of the _ marked the beginning of intensive human activities such as power plants, factories, and vehicles that depend on fossil fuel burning.
industrial revolution
_ can discharge a gigantic quantity of greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide.
Burning fossil fuels
Moreover, these greenhouse gases absorb and re-emits heat back to the earth, a process known as the _.
greenhouse effect
_ are efficient in absorbing and keeping heat; that is why it can contribute to the rising earth’s surface temperature— scientists around the globe, considering that the intense discharge of _ worsens the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases
According to NASA researches, the ice in the arctic sea had declined by about _, which is a fast decrease for only about _ years.
10%
30
As developed and developing countries aim for _, an increase in the burning of fossil fuel will not stop. Thus, the level of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere will continue to rise.
industrialization
By burning fossil fuels due to industrialization and to sustain our modern lifestyle, the level of _
increase rapidly.
GHGs
Human activities that lead to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases include:
• worldwide deforestation
• increasing industrial activity
• motor vehicle emission and;
• waste management practices
• Carbon sequestration
Basically, there are three main human sources of ghgs:
• energy generation and industrial processes
• transportation and
• land-use and agriculture
There are other three man-made ghgs which were initially intended to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to
prevent further depletion of the ozone layer. However, they were found to be harmful greenhouse gases.
These are:
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
GHGs are even termed “_” since most of them have additional effects, mostly human health.
“climate active pollutants”
Let us have a review on the greenhouse effect. Note that the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon. Remember that greenhouse gases function to envelop the earth to serve its purpose of keeping or let us say trapping the sun’s heat and energy instead of letting it go back outside the atmosphere. In this way, the earth can maintain enough warm temperatures to support living organisms on earth. There are also various greenhouse gases in terms of their capability to absorb and keep the heat (global warming potential) as well as the different half-life in the atmosphere.
The _ is the sole responsible for driving the climate change – the amount of solar energy that the earth receives and the amount of solar energy that goes back outside the atmosphere.
alteration of the balance of the earth’s energy
Technically, the earth receives more energy as humans lessen the amount of heat going outside the atmosphere. Ever since industrialization has begun for over two centuries, anthropogenic activities have contributed to elevating the number of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Global Impacts of Climate Change Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:
_ is apparent, especially in Polar Regions. It includes mountain glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice.
Melting of ice
Global Impacts of Climate Change Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:
It is also discovered that ice melting contributes to the rise of sea level. According to scientists, about _ of sea-level rise annually and is occurring at a much faster rate.
.13 inches (3.2 millimeters)
Global Impacts of Climate Change Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:
The rise in global average temperature is affecting wildlife, including their habitats. Most specifically are those wild organisms living in _ on earth as they are the most vulnerable for sudden changes in temperature.
cold regions
Global Impacts of Climate Change Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:
As there is an increase in temperature, many organisms of different species migrate further _, seeking _ areas.
north
colder
Global Impacts of Climate Change Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:
As expected, _ for many parts of the globe has been increasing. However, some parts are also experiencing severe _. It enhances more loss of potable and drinking water as well as the loss of crops.
precipitation
drought
Global Impacts of Climate Change Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:
The population of species that bring diseases and are considered _ is booming, such as mosquitoes, ticks, pests on crops, and jellyfish.
pests
According to scientists, the _ is one of the most susceptible countries in the face of climate change.
Philippines
Impacts of Climate Change in the Philippines
The impact of climate change in the country includes _, _, _, and _.
an increase in sea level, the rise of many severe weather conditions, an increase in earth’s surface temperature, and extreme precipitation.
Impacts of Climate Change in the Philippines
The reason why the Philippines is vulnerable is that it is highly exposed to _, which mostly depend on natural resources that are sensitive to climate. Also, most of the cities and their population are usually situated in the _. Poor people living in wretched houses in urban areas are at risk since they do not have the capacity or resources to _ to seawater inundation and storm surges.
natural hazards
coastline area
adapt and mitigate
Furthermore, the Philippines is located in a portion of the earth where _ or _ frequently appear.
cyclones or typhoons
Impacts of Climate Change in the Philippines
Annually, about _ typhoons are to be expected, and _ of them strikes land. The rise of sea level in the Philippines was recorded to increase at an unprecedented rate compared to that of the global average. It poses a significant threat of storm surges and permanent inundation to the Philippines since most of it is composed of low-lying islands.
19-20
7-9
Impacts of Climate Change in the Philippines
The Philippines’ main sectors of services are agriculture and industry, which employs about _, _, and _ workforce.
55, 29, and 16
Effects of Climate Change:
• Increase in minimum (nighttime)
temperatures, maximum (daytime)
temperatures, and increases in the
global mean temperature.
• Increase in sea surface temperatures, sea level and changes in evaporation, and thus, changes in rainfall patterns among others.
• Extreme changes in weather patterns
Effects of Climate Change
According to the assessment report:
Global average surface temperature increased by _ ( _ ) which is higher than the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of _ (_).
0.74°C (1906-2005)
0.6°C (1901-2000).
Change in Green House Gases Concentration
There is an increase in 2000.
According to _, in _.
“…warming of the climate system is
unequivocal . . . and that most of the
observed increase in global average
temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations”
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in February 2007
Effects of Climate Change
According to the assessment report:
• Global average sea level rose at an average rate of _ per year over _ to _ or a total of _ for the _ century.
1.8 mm
1961
2003
0.17m
21st
Effects of Climate Change:
Are there projections for further warming?
• there are projected increases from _ to _ during the 21st century leading to an increase in the sea level from _ by _.
1.4°C to 5.8°C
18-59 cm
2100
Effects of Climate Change:
Are there projections for further warming?
• In the Philippines, under the A1B scenario, mean annual temperatures are expected to rise by about _ to _ for _ and _ to _ by _.
0.9°C to 1.2°C for 2020
1.7°C to 2.2°C by 2050
The increase in temperature that will be realized by 2100 will depend on several factors including:
• population growth
• amount and manner of developments
• adoption of environmentally clean
technologies
• and measures/strategies to be put in place by the global community
Impacts of Climate Change:
Coastal and Marine ecosystem
Sea level rise will greatly affect coastal areas through:
and may even cause extreme events
like high tides, storm surges and
tsunamis,
• Inundation and erosion
• Increased flooding, and
• Salt-water intrusion,
Impacts of Climate Change:
Coastal and Marine ecosystem
_ is associated with the loss of symbiotic algae and/or their pigments, and the death of the corals if the warming of the sea surface temperatures are prolonged.
Bleaching of the coral reefs
Impacts of Climate Change:
Coastal and Marine ecosystem
Increased Ocean _
Acidity
Impacts of Climate Change:
Water Resources
• Climate change will influence the _, _, _, and _ which could affect
water resources.
hydrological cycle, changing
evaporation, precipitation and
runoff patterns
Impacts of Climate Change:
Water Resources
• For extreme weather events -
more intense rainfall in the
_ parts of the country; less
rainfall/drought and water
scarcities in _ along and
below the _.
northern
provinces
equator
Impacts of Climate Change:
Agriculture and Food Security
Reduce global food supplies and contribute to _.
higher food prices
Impacts of Climate Change:
Agriculture and Food Security
• For every _ increase in
temperature, rice yields will
decrease by _ (IRRI)
1°C
10%-15%
Impacts of Climate Change:
Agriculture and Food Security
• Water for agriculture is critical
for _. _ is by far the biggest consumer of water worldwide. To raise a _ of rice, a _ of water are needed (IRRI).
food security
Agriculture
ton
thousand gallons
Impacts of Climate Change:
Health
• Potential impacts on health due to sea level rise
• Death and injury due to flooding
• Reduced availability of freshwater due to saltwater intrusion
Impacts of Climate Change:
Biodiversity (Including Forests and
Wildlife)
• Increased outbreaks of pests and
diseases
• Increased risk of forest fires
• Change in species distribution,
composition and abundance
• Invasion of weeds and alien species
• Displacement of native plant/forest
species
• Loss of plant and animal species
• Migration of plant and animal species
• Loss of wetlands
According to the _, vulnerability to climate change will be greater in developing countries, which are located in warmer latitudes, like
the Philippines.
United Nations
Philippines Vulnerability to Climate Change
HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLOODINGS
AND INUNDATIONS
• Archipelago, composed of low lying small islands.
• 70% of cities and municipalities are coastal areas.
• Highly susceptible to flooding and storm surges
Low Agricultural Production
Rice production in the Philippines will
decline by as much as _.
75%
HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO LOSS OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
ACCORDING TO UN, _ OF PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES MAY BECOME EXTINCT AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
20%-30%
Climate Change in the Philippines
Becoming Drier and Wetter
_ refers to the resiliency and the capability of the sectors to cope with current and future changes that climate change will bring.
Adaptation
_ refers to the techniques or methods that will lessen the cause of climate change.
Mitigation
Techniques or methods that are capable of slowing down the concentration of greenhouse gasses level in the atmosphere through the reduction of the current and future emissions.
Mitigation
_ also aims to increase greenhouse gas sinks
Mitigation
What can we do to fight the Climate Change?
Increase the resilience and coping capacity of the sector with the current and future changes
(Adaptation)
Limit the cause of climate change through measures that could slow down the build up of atmospheric GHGs concentrations by reducing current and future emissions and by increasing GHG sinks (Mitigation)
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Agriculture.
Adjustment of planting dates and crop variety, crop relocation, improved land management, e.g., erosion control and soil protection through tree planting, can be an example.
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Water.
Expanded rainwater harvesting, water storage, conservation techniques; water reuse; and desalination; water-use and irrigation efficiency can be examples.
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Human Health
Emergency medical services, heat-health action plans, improved climatesensitive disease surveillance and control, safe water, and improved sanitation.
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Infrastructure/Settlement.
Seawalls and storm surge barriers; dune reinforcement; land acquisition and creation of marshlands/wetlands as a buffer against sea-level rise and protection of flooding of existing natural barriers.
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Energy Supply.
Enhanced supply and distribution efficiency; fuel switching from coal to gas, renewable heat, and power (hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy); combined heat and power; early applications of Carbon Dioxide Capture (e.g., storage of removed CO2 from natural gas).
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Transport.
New fuel-efficient vehicles; hybrid vehicles; cleaner diesel vehicles; biofuels; non-motorized transport (cycling, walking); land use and transport planning are examples
Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Buildings.
Efficient lighting and daylighting; more efficient electrical appliances and heating and cooling devices; improved cook stoves, improved insulation; passive and active solar design for heating and cooling; alternative refrigeration fluids, recovery and recycling of fluorinated gases.
We can make a difference:
• Save electricity
• Plant trees in your neighborhood and look after them.
• Take the bus, ride a bike or walk; maximize the use of public transport systems.
• Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags and newspapers. When you recycle, you help save natural resources.
• Generate as little trash as possible, because trash in landfill sites emit large quantities of methane, and if burned, carbon dioxide is released.
• Reduce on the use of non-renewable sources of energy and increase in the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind energy.
• Encourage cooperation and partnerships among other institutions in programs and activities that would help fight global warming.
• Strengthen environmental awareness and action among your colleagues by initiating innovative and creative information and education campaigns.
• Consume less, share more, live simply.
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢Created the Inter-Agency Committee on Climate Change (IACCC) in May 1991 to serve as the national coordination mechanism and administrative
machinery to implement the country’s commitments to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
➢Signed the UNFCCC on June 1992 and ratified it on August 2, 1994
➢Signed the Kyoto Protocol on April 15, 1998 and ratified it on November
20, 2003
➢Designated the DENR as the National Authority for CDM on June 25, 2004
by virtue of Executive Order No. 320
➢ Issued DENR Adm. Order 2005-17 on August 2005 on the IRR Governing
E.O. 320
➢Republic Act No. 9729: Climate Change Act of 2009 (Signed 23 October 2010)
➢An Act Mainstreaming Climate Change into Government Policy
Formulations, Establishing the Framework, Strategy and Program on
Climate Change, Creating for this Purpose the Climate Change
Commission (CCC), and for Other Purposes
➢Climate Change Commission (CCC)- sole policy-making body of the
government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate Climate Change
programs and action plans attached to the Office of the President
➢The National Framework Strategy on Climate Change – 2010-2022
➢The Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation – 2010-2022
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢Created the _ in _ to serve as the national coordination mechanism and administrative
machinery to implement the country’s commitments to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Inter-Agency Committee on Climate Change (IACCC) in May
1991
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢Signed the UNFCCC on _ and ratified it on _
June 1992
August 2, 1994
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢Signed the Kyoto Protocol on _ and ratified it on _
April 15, 1998
November
20, 2003
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢Designated the _ as the _ on _
by virtue of _
DENR
National Authority for CDM
June 25, 2004
Executive Order No. 320
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢Issued _ on _ on the _
DENR Adm. Order 2005-17
August 2005
IRR Governing
E.O. 320
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
➢An Act Mainstreaming Climate Change into Government Policy
Formulations, Establishing the Framework, Strategy and Program on
Climate Change, Creating for this Purpose the Climate Change
Commission (CCC), and for Other Purposes
Republic Act No. 9729: Climate Change Act of 2009 (Signed 23 October 2010)
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
Sole policy-making body of the
government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate Climate Change
programs and action plans attached to the Office of the President
Climate Change Commission (CCC)-
Significant Milestones in the Philippines’ Response to Address Climate Change
After 2009
➢
➢
The National Framework Strategy on Climate Change – 2010-2022
The Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation – 2010-2022
“Climate change will not be
effectively managed until
individuals and communities
recognize that their behavior can
make a difference.”
- _
The Royal Society, Climate Change: what we know
and what we need to know. (2002)
