CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Climate change and global warming has been warned to no longer be viewed lightly. These changes are considered to be one of the biggest threats that being faced by nature and humanity today. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), climate change can be defined as the changes of climate which is attributed either directly or indirectly towards human activities which also able to change the composition of the global atmosphere. As an addition to this matter, the natural climate changes seemed to change over comparable period of time.
Generally, Malaysia might be one of the lucky countries that do not experience extensive damages due to extreme climate changes. However, mild climate related disasters are quite frequent to happen lately. These refer to occurrence of landslides due to excessive rainfall and strong winds happened at the hilly and the latter, at the coastal areas causing severe damage (MET, 2010).
Environmentally, climate change in Malaysia means increase in total heavy rain falls, rising mean sea level and possibly extreme weather. Extreme weather can be fierce and destructive. According to the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced significantly, the rise in global temperature will be about 2º C towards the end of century. However, if no action should be taken due to this matter, the temperature might increase up
During the past several hundred years, civilization has made rapid progress in industries like air travel, automobiles, and energy production. These developments were made without consideration of the long-term effects that their emissions may have on the planet. Changing weather patterns are now wreaking havoc around the world, and scientists attribute this to human-caused climate change. During President Obama’s State of the Union address in 2015, he stated that, “No challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change,” (“Remarks by the President”). Warming temperatures caused by anthropogenic climate change have disastrous consequences that pose a threat to humanity and the environment.
Global warming is defined as the recent increase in the world 's temperature that is believed to be caused by the increase of certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. There are many different theories on whether global warming is similar or not to climate change. Simplistically, climate change is different because climate change is defined as a change in global or regional climate patterns or, in particular, a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels, having been measured over long periods of time, due to the changes in Earth’s orbit and organic carbon which reflect sunlight. Global warming and climate change are not to be confused because global warming is caused mainly by anthropogenic factors like the emission of carbon dioxide gas and use of fossil fuels whereas climate change is completely natural, however, according to Milan Radovanovic, “it is clear that the anthropogenic factors dominate the increasing temperature and the natural ones have the maximum influence…” (Radovanovic). Therefore, “the contribution to global warming from natural forcings and from natural internal variability is in the range between -0.2 to 0.2 [degrees] celsius over the period 1951-2010…” (Radovanovic). Natural factors have had the most effect on global temperature in the past 59 years totaling a 0.4 degrees celsius increase in
Climate change is evident throughout the world and is a major issue. It is no secret that our planet is getting warmer. Global warming is now recognized in the scientific community as a real problem. There are multiple aspects that are causing this issue. Majority of the warming is caused by greenhouse gases. Volcanic eruptions and changes in the intensity of solar radiation have offset the warming partially. It is estimated that average annual temperatures will increase 3.5°F-9.5°F by the century’s end.
The UNFCC also defines climate change as “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over time periods.”
Climate change and Global Warming are out of control. This means that, no matter what policies, processes or actions are implemented, the Earth as we know it will never be the same again. There is significant evidence to support this hypothesis. The dilemma becomes whether we can limit the damage and adapt to a new status quo or not. Rising sea levels and the damage caused by this phenomenon has irreversible impacts on coastlines worldwide. Damage to sensitive reef systems cannot be fixed. This also has permanent impacts of the ecology not just of those immediate areas but also the ocean as a whole.
Climate change is arguably one of the most discussed issues in climatic conferences and political debates across the world. Climate change is occurring right now whether politicians, oil companies, car manufacturers, scientists and the public admit it or not. There is plenty of scientific evidence to prove that climate change is not a hoax and should be taken very seriously. For the future generations can live in this world without being worried of sea level rising or diseases reaching new locations or rising temperatures. Climate change is defined as a long-term in weather pattern in a specific region or globally. Climate change is the result of human activities that have resulted in an increased concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere,
Global warming and climate change will cause health problems for future generations. Climate change and global warming affect everyone. Polar bears are losing their homes due to global warming, and humans are forced to adapt to a continually changing environment. According to John Balbus, he mentioned “With the climate change can cause exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity which are associated with social and demographic factors” (Balbus n.p). Also, increase susceptibility to higher rates of illness caused by climate change and global warming, which it is similar in some cases. Global warming may be a high risk of health consequences also heat-related disease, mental health consequences, and stress. Global warming gives several adverse health effects in both humans and animals.
Greenhouse gas emissions is the leading cause of climate change. Though throughout history Earth’s temperatures have fluctuated from cold to warm the excess amount of gasses as a result of burning fossil fuels have caused sunlight to be trapped thus warming the earth. Named the greenhouse effect, gasses such as carbon dioxide or methane have risen Earth’s temperatures seen as according to World Meteorology Organization the warmest years have all been recorded occurring after 1988 with. This is also support through the Environmental Protection Agency report earths carbon emissions have been increasing since 1900 reaching almost 9,500 million metric tons in 2010. The effect of climate change is also evident through the rising sea levels, as a result of ice within artic regions melting, going up 17 centimetres. Coral reefs are also being effected as the rising temperatures are harmful to the vulnerable
Human activities have a notable impact on climate change. The consequences of changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse are difficult to predict. Scientists say that climate change is a strong threat to humanity and there are a number of reasons why this threat has arisen . For example, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and risers sea levels. Very important for humanity, scientific organizations such as the National Academy of Science, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the World Meteorological Association (WMO) noted that the climate is changing because of mankind that poses a threat and needs to be resolved. National Academy of Science urges that “The need for urgent action to address climate change is now indisputable.”(WWF, n.d.)
has rose about 6.7 inches in the past 100 years- this rate is almost double
Climate change is a self-contradictory subject and has affected areas worldwide, plants, animals, the environment, habitats, etc. in a variety of ways. One of the main environmental changes faced today are climate changes caused by humans. There was a statement on climate change from 18 scientific associations which stated, “Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate change is occurring, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver"(Scientific consensus: Earth’s climate is warming,” 2017). The government and the public responses to this issue have been really weak. There are programs and businesses that understand and know that climate change
Climate change is an important issue that concerns humanity. Climate change refers to an increase in average global temperatures. Every day, the enhanced greenhouse effect continues to advance, which significantly influences Earth’s long-term climate. In addition, human activity is also contributing to the increase of global warming and is already leading to harmful consequences. Some people believe that global warming is not occurring and the heating of the globe, is just a part of the Earth’s natural cycle. Several consequences such as, ice caps melting, show us that global warming is in fact occurring. Therefore, we should start making changes in order to reduce future damages to the Earth.
Climate change can be defined as the study of weather patterns over an extended period in any environment and at any time of year. Global warming relates to climate change because it is the ongoing increase of Earth’s normal temperature. The cause for climate change is due to the rise in concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere like carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and water vapor. Issues that arise because of climate change are sea levels rising, growth in ocean heat content, and buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to human activities. Humans contribute the most to climate change by engaging in driving, burning fossil fuels, and natural gas distribution. Climate change is conceivably evolving due to human activities and minimally biological factors but, climate change is still a scientific phenomenon that requires further investigation.
Climate change, also called global warming, refers to the rise in average surface temperatures on Earth. An overwhelming scientific consensus maintains that climate change is due primarily to the human use of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air.
Climate change is a long-term alteration in the statistical distribution of weather pattern over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. The world is currently experiencing drastic change in temperature. This change can be felt in the tropical climate areas where the weather is getting hotter and hotter every day. The change in global temperatures and precipitation over time is due to natural variability or to human activity. It is also caused by accumulation of greenhouse effects (Arrhenius, 1896). Should we as humans let this problem worsen? Climate change will affect everything including humans, flora and fauna, and the environment.