2014-2015
Community College Initiative Program
Community College Consortium
Climate Change Research Project
Table of Contents
1. Ocean Acidification And Dimming Effects Of Global Warming
Houston Community College – 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 4
2. Scarcity Of Fresh Water In 21st Century
Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale Campus - 2014-2015 CCI
Participants
pg. 18
3. Climate Change And Migration
Mesa Community College - 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 32
4. Climate Change And Urbanization
Miami Dade College – Kendall Campus - 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 53
5. The Effects Of Industrial Emissions On Health
Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria Campus - 2014-2015 CCI
Participants
pg. 68
6. Green Energy (Past, Present And Future)
College Of DuPage- 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 79
7. “It’s A Small World After All”: The Roles That The Walt Disney Company Plays On
Climate Change
Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus - 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 98
8. Role Of Renewable Energy Resources On Climate Change In Boston
Bunker Hill Community College - 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 111
9. Sustainability Initiatives: The Effects Of Maricopa Community Colleges’ Initiatives
Towards The Climate Change Issue
Scottsdale Community College- 2014-2015 CCI Participants
pg. 135
Note
This research project and the individual research papers were prepared for the U.S. Department of
State’s Community College Initiative Program by the participants of the 2014-2015 Community
College Consortium. Under the direction of Dr. Syedur Rahman, CCIP Director, of Northern
Virginia Community College each of the Consortium’s partner Institutions’ participants worked
together as teams to complete their specific papers. Correspondence concerning this project should
be addressed to Leeza Fernand, Associate Director, Community College Initiative Program 3922
Pender Drive, Suite 165, Fairfax, VA 22030, lfernand@nvcc.edu.
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND DIMMING EFFECTS OF
GLOBAL WARMING
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Houston Community College – Texas
Qurat Ul Ain, Nauali Almeida Ghattas, Nkosana Dabula, Swati Shalini Das, Khundrakpam
Anjalee Devi, Marie Paule Gbogou, Oswaldo Herrera Tatis, Noveed Hussain, Gilbert
Sabinga Lekalau, Georges Junior Limbin, Zenab Memon, Gladys Ndundu, Georges Armand
N’Zi, Imanuel Rumkorem, Fanny Laura Sawor, Sjarifuddin Sukku
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Abstract
Global warming and global climate change have given birth to two envoirnmental effects and
impacts. These are called Ocean Acidification and Dimming. These two cause envoirnmental,
economical, ecological and global threats which might lead to consequances such as poverty,
hunger, danger to aquatic and wild life, financial chaos, deadly diseases and extreme weather
conditions like hurricans, storms, acid rains, droughts and deforestation. If ocean acidification
and global dimming effects and causes are not mitigated or minimized, then chances are that
our planet would no longer be habitable for us, for other living things, and for our future
generations.
Keywords: ocean acidification, dimming, global warming, climate change
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Climate Change and Global Warming : An Introduction
This entire planet is an ecosystem. Every living and nonliving thing is connected to
each other. Human beings and other living things have enjoyed a stable climate since the last
ice age, which fortunately ended several thousand years ago. However, due to many
avoidable and unavoidable factors, it has resulted in climatological shifts, weather changes,
droughts, heavy floods, storms, melting glaciers and abnormal meteorological trends.
Climate Change and Global Warming : Definition
Climate change is not just about the change in the weather.
It’s defined as, “A change in the atmosphere as a result of seasonal changes in the long term.”
Whereas, Global Warming is “an increase in average temperature in the atmosphere.” While,
as mentioned above, climate change refers to other kinds of changes too.
Global Warming and Climate Change – Are they related?
Global warming is a planet wide issue while climate change can affect at global,
continental, regional and local levels. Thus, warmer global temperatures in the atmosphere
and oceans lead to climate changes affecting rainfall patterns, storms and droughts, growing
seasons, humidity, and sea levels.
Global Warming – A growing concern
On May 31st, 2007. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasted
that by 2100, global average surface temperatures would increase 3.2–7.2 °F, depending on a
range of scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions, and stated that it was now ninety percent
certain that most of the warming observed over the previous half century could be attributed
to human activities.
Many scientists predict that such an increase in temperature would cause polar ice
caps and mountain glaciers to melt rapidly, significantly raising the levels of coastal waters,
and would produce new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall, seriously disrupting
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food production in certain regions. The planet is warming, from the North Pole to the South
Pole, and everywhere in between. Globally, the mercury is already up more than 1 degree
Fahrenheit and even more sensitive Polar Regions. And the effects of rising temperatures are
not waiting for some far-flung future. They’re happening right now. Signs are appearing all
over, and some of them are surprising. The heat is not only melting glaciers and sea ice, it’s
also shifting precipitation patterns and setting animals on the move.
GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, NASA, accessed March 4, 2012; Global temperature,
1800-2006, ProcessTrends.com, accessed October 27, 2009
Impacts of Global Warming
Global Warming has had a significant effect across the globe. Following are some
serious impacts of global warming:
 Rapid changes in global temperature
 The Greenhouse Effect
 Extreme weather patterns
 Ecosystem impacts
 Rising sea levels
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 Falling agriculture output
 Increasing world hunger
 Global dimming
 Ocean acidification
Among these, Ocean acidification and global dimming are two of the most significant
effects of global warming, which have not been in the limelight, however, they are equally as
important as the others.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF GLOBAL DIMMING AND OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
Global Dimming
 Definition
Global dimming is defined as,“the decrease in the amounts of solar radiation
reaching the surface of the Earth.”
 How it is created
The by-product of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases, produces other some hazardous
material. These are also pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, soot, and ash, which absorb solar
energy and reflect back sunlight into space. As a result, clouds are formed when water
droplets are seeded by airborne particles, such as pollen. More of the sun’s heat and energy is
therefore reflected back into space. This reduction of heat reaching the earth is known as
Global Dimming. The polluted clouds that are formed due to the emission of fossil fuel and
greenhouse gases pour droplets of liquids known as acid rain. This acid rain when it reaches
the oceans causes the acidification of the oceans.
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http://www.simplydecoded.com/2013/03/15/global-dimming-and-related-issues/
 Causes of Global Dimming
Not so long ago, it was assumed that changes in the sun’s luminosity caused global
dimming, but later it was discovered that this was very small to explain the enormity of
global dimming. It is caused due to multiple factors rather than just one or two. Some of the
causes are as follows:
 Aerosols, symbolically referred to as CFC, have been the core cause of global
dimming. The burning of fossil fuels by industry and internal combustion engines
emits by-products such as sulfur dioxide, soot and ash. These together form pollution
in the atmosphere—also known as aerosols. Aerosols contribute to global dimming in
two ways:
• These particles are injected into the atmosphere and directly absorb solar energy and
reflect radiation back into the space, before it reaches the planet’s surface.
• Water droplets containing these airborne particles form polluted clouds. These polluted
clouds, also known as brown clouds, are then more reflective.
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 Vapors emitted from the planes flying high in the sky are another cause of heat
reflection and are related to global dimming.
 Global dimming and global warming are occurring across the world, and, as a result,
changes in rainfall trends are evident from recent climate change. It is also believed
that it was global dimming behind the 1984 Saharan drought that killed millions of
people in sub-Saharan Africa. However, global dimming has somehow slowed down
global warming, but still the earth’s temperature has increased by more than 1 degree
in the last century.
 As we discussed earlier, heat is being trapped into the atmosphere due to excessive
burning of fossil fuels, emission of harmful gases and pollution. Thus, as a result, it
has enhanced the earth’s temperature. Unfortunately, because of this phenomena,
increasing temperature is offsetting the cooling effect from global dimming.
http://www.redorbit.com/images/pic/33507/air-pollution-impacts-global-warming/
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 Effects of Global Dimming
Global dimming has devastating effects on the earth’s environment and living beings.
The pollutants causing global dimming also leadto acid rain, smog, heat waves, wild fires,
dying off of vegetation, soil erosion, reduced food production and human respiratory
diseases.
The decrease in sunlight or solar radiation has negatively impacted the process of
photosynthesis in plants, and the water in the northern hemisphere has become colder. This
leads to slower evaporation and the generation of less water droplets, further causing a
reduction in the amount of rain reaching certain parts of the globe, resulting in drought and
famine situations. This has tragic consequences like miserable lives and deaths due to
starvation. It has now been determined that the drought and famine of The Sahel, which
killed thousands of innocent people in sub-Saharan Africa during 1970s, was largely due to
global dimming. A growing concern is the impact of global dimming on Asian monsoons
which cause fifty percent of the world’s annual rainfall. If this happens, then half of the
world’s population may be starving.
Global dimming is thought to be counteracting the actual effect of carbon emissions
on global warming. So, if efforts are made to reduce particulate emission causing global
dimming, it will enhance global warming and increase the global temperatures to more than
double. This will make planet Earth almost uninhabitable.
Ocean Acidification
 Definition
Ocean acidification is defined as,“A pH unit is a measure of acidity ranging from 014. The lower the value, the more acidic the environment. Becoming more acidic is a relative
shift in pH to a lower value”.
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 How Ocean Acidification is Created
When carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that
reduce seawater pH1, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically
important calcium carbonate minerals. These chemical reactions are termed "ocean
acidification" or "OA" for short. Calcium carbonate minerals are the building blocks for the
skeletons and shells of many marine organisms.
http://www.oceanacidification.org.uk/
 Causes of Ocean Acidification:
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the pH of surface ocean waters has
fallen by 0.1 pH units. Since the pH scale, like the Richter scale, is logarithmic, this change
represents approximately a thirty percent increase in acidity. Future predictions indicate that
the oceans will continue to absorb carbon dioxide and become even more acidic. Estimates of
future carbon dioxide levels, based on business as usual emission scenarios, indicate that by
the end of this century the surface waters of the ocean could be nearly one hundred and fifty
percent more acidic, resulting in a pH that the oceans haven’t experienced for more than
twenty million years.
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Even though the causes of global dimming and ocean acidification are the same, the effects
on the environment are different.
 Effects of ocean acidification:
Humans are inextricably linked to the health of the ocean. We have always relied on
the ocean's resources for food, recreation, transportation and medicines. From an interpretive
standpoint, the important thing is to help people realize how they are personally connected to
the ocean, and then to be able to explain to them how that connection is being jeopardized by
ocean acidification. One of the most obvious connections people have with the ocean is
seafood. Most of the shellfish we eat are going to be negatively impacted by ocean
acidification due to the fact that they will be unable to build sturdy shells. Some oyster
hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest have already been impacted, and have seen declines in
larval settlement and survival rates. Pteropods may seem insignificant to many people, but
since they are a major food source for fish, their survival is very important to us.
In recent years, there have been near total failures of developing oysters in both
aquaculture facilities and natural ecosystems on the West Coast. These larval oyster failures
appear to be correlated with naturally occurring upwelling events that bring low pH waters
under saturated in aragonite as well as other water quality changes to nearshore
environments. Lower pH values occur naturally on the West Coast during upwelling events,
but a recent observations indicate that anthropogenic CO2 is contributing to seasonal under
saturation. Low pH may be a factor in the current oyster reproductive failure; however, more
research is needed to disentangle potential acidification effects of other risk factors, such as
episodic freshwater inflow, pathogen increases, or low dissolved oxygen. It is premature to
conclude that acidification is responsible for the recent oyster failures, but acidification is a
potential factor in the current crisis to this $100 million a year industry, prompting new
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collaborations and accelerated research on ocean acidification and potential biological
impacts.
Photo: Freshly harvested oysters from Yaquina Bay, Oregon (Credit: NOAA)
 Coral:
Many marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells or skeletons are
negatively impacted by increasing CO2 levels and decreasing pH in seawater. For example,
increasing ocean acidification has been shown to significantly reduce the ability of reefbuilding corals to produce their skeletons. In a recent paper, coral biologists reported that
ocean acidification could compromise the successful fertilization, larval settlement and
survivorship of Elkhorn coral, an endangered species. These research results suggest that
ocean acidification could severely impact the ability of coral reefs to recover from
disturbance. Other research indicates that, by the end of this century, coral reefs may erode
faster than they can be rebuilt. This could compromise the long-term viability of these
ecosystems and perhaps impact the estimated one million species that depend on coral reef
habitat.
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Mitigations of Global Dimming and Ocean Acidification
Though both are opposite phenomena with contrasting effects, both are destructive to
the planet. This is due to both global warming and global dimming that the earth’s
temperature has increased less than what it should have been. Both of them are dangerous and
can prove fatal for our environment. Thus, some of the important steps that need to be taken
are as follows:
 Global dimming can be dealt with by cleaning up emissions.
 Governments and local authorities should establish policies to cut emisions on
different industries.
 Some researchers have suggested to fertilize certain ocean regions with iron which
can be limiting to nutrients in these areas in order to reduce ocean acidification.
 The addition of limestone to ocean water has also been suggested to reduce ocean
acidification. Limestone will react with carbon dioxide and would form traces of
bicarbonates. This will neutralize the acidity.
Conclusion
Global Dimming and Ocean Acidification are severe threats to our planet. Mitigating
and decreasing either of these problems is not enough. This is because if global dimming is
addressed, then the issues of global warming will increase which in turn could result in an
increase in ocean acidification and acid rain.
The recent droughts and failed rains in Sahel could be the result of various steps taken
in Europe in 2003. Many European countries took measures to clean up the emissions to
reduce pollutants that create smog and other problems, but without reducing the greenhouse
gas emissions in parallel.
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Overall, global dimming and ocean acidification are just two pieces of the puzzle.
Global warming and climate change can only be addressed when all impacts are considered
within the context.
We can make a difference
These environmental threats could only mitigate if we, as individuals, start
contributing towards it. A famous proverb, which rightly fits into this context, is
“Charity begins at home.”
We cannot achieve any goals if we rely on others. We can take steps at home, on the
road, and in our office to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the risks associated with
climate change.
Ocean acidification and global dimming have broad impacts and implications.
Therefore, it requires efforts from us as individuals, governments, authorities, corporate,
industries, international organizations like the UN, IMF, World Bank, civil and social bodies,
and military organizations. A famous novelist, Dan Brown, in one of his novels once said
that,“The decisions of our past are the architects of our present.”
It’s a high time for everyone to join hand in hand to make this world a better place.
Our decisions today will shape the world, so that our future generations can live to see and
experience the pleasures of life, health, our world and love.
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References
Acid Rain. Hart, John. Microsoft® Student 2009 Redmond, WA:Microsoft Corporation,
2008. Global Environmental Issues. " Musfil U.S. PLI diktat . Surabaya : Chemical
Engineering ITS 2008. EPA's Great Waters Report
Norton,Joanna M. (n.d.) Ocean accidificcation Cause, Effect, and Potential Mitigation
Approaches
Sources
Rettrived from: http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/hohonu/documents/Vol09x06
OceanAcidification.pdf
Nair, Shankar D.( Date: Mar 15, 2013) Global Dimming and Related Issues
Rettrived from: http://www.simplydecoded.com/2013/03/15/global-dimming-and-relatedissues/
Cosmic,Convergence. (August 27, 2014). Global Climate change: A definition Essay On
The Primary causes of Global Warming
Rettrived from: http://cosmicconvergence.org/?p=7707
Conservative energy future (n.d) Global Dimming
Rettrived from: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-globaldimming.php#sthash.wcrxlKFc.dpuf
Anup, Shah (January 15, 2005). Global Dimming
Rettrived from: http://www.globalissues.org/article/529/global-dimming.
Oceana (n.d). Ocean Acidification. Retrived from: http://oceana.org/en/our-work/climateenergy/ocean-acidification/learn-act/what-is-ocean-acidification
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SCARCITY OF FRESH WATER IN 21st CENTURY
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale Campus - Virginia
Wafi Ahmad, Shehzad Alam, Zeeshan Ali, Tariq Aziz, Muhammed Hanifi Dikmen, Gohar
Hussain, Imtiaz Hussain, Sidiq Kandong, Naeem Khan, Riyaz Kolla, Rosemary Lengunai, Hilal
Piron, Anneke Purwidyantari, Arnoldus Sanadi, Waheed Shahzad, Md Shafiul Umam, Norman
Yahya
Page 18 of 164
SCARCITY OF FRESH WATER IN 21st CENTURY
Introduction
Water Is Life
Water is essential for survival in any place wherever living being resided. The human
body consists of 60 percent of water. Water resource is also significant in producing food,
clothing, computers and moving our waste stream and in return keeping both the environment
and us healthy.
Sadly, humans have proved to be incompetent water users. “The average hamburger
takes 2,400 liters, or 630 gallons, of water to produce, and many water-intensive crops, such as
cotton, are grown in arid regions.” (hodgson).
According to the United Nations, the use of water has increased at double the rate in
comparison to the population in the last century. It is estimated that by the year 2025, 1.8 billion
will be living in areas infested by water scarcity, and two –thirds of the world’s population will
be living in water stressed regions in result of use, growth, and climate change. (hodgson).
The biggest challenge which the entire human race is facing currently is dealing with the
problem of conserving, managing, and distributing the present water resources in an effective
manner.
A Clean Water Crisis
“The water we drink today has likely been around in different forms since the existence
of dinosaurs on Earth, which was hundreds of millions of years ago.” (hodgson).
Even though the freshwater quantity available on the planet has been consistent over
time—and continually recycled through the atmosphere and back into our lives. This calculation
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does not take into account the global population boom. Meaning that competition for a clean,
elated supply of water for daily necessities and sustaining life will increase over the next few
years. Water scarcity is a non-concrete concept to many and a confounded reality for others. It is
the consequence of immense environmental, political, economic, and social forces.
The quantity of freshwater makes up a very narrow percent of the total water on the
planet. Only 2.5 percent of water is fresh, even though 70 percent of the world is covered with
water. The rest of the source is either saline or ocean based. Only 1 percent of fresh water is
accessible, with a valuable amount of it trapped in glaciers and snowfields. Essentially, only
0.007 percent of the planet's water is available to sustain its 6.8 billion people. (hodgson).
Owing to geography, climate, engineering, regulation, and competition for resources,
some regions seem relatively abundant with freshwater, while others face drought and attenuate
pollution. In much of the developing world, clean water is either hard to come by or a good, that
requires great amount of labor or significant amount of financial wealth to obtain.
Antarctica
Located in Southern Hemisphere, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in the world.
The continent which doesn’t have native population is surrounded by ocean of Pacific, Atlantic,
and Indian. Antarctica’s morphology is dominated by ice sheet. Old, igneous, and metaphoric
rocks are composing east part of Antarctica. Whereas, west part consists of younger, volcanic
and sedimentary rocks, which are also part of the Ring of Fire.
Antarctica has the largest single mass of earth on Earth. Around 90 percent of the fresh
water on the Earth’s surface is held in the ice sheet, equivalent to 70 m of water in the world’s
oceans. However, in the east part of Antarctica, the ice sheet rests on a major land mass.
Otherwise, in the West Antarctica, the bed can extend more than 2500 m below sea level.
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According to Siegert, there may be several sub-glacial basins found in East Antarctica.
One of them is Vostok Lake that already found by Russian scientists. These buried sub-glacial
basins contain fresh water. Even though, Antarctica contains 90 percent of fresh water, according
to NASA’s Grace Satellite data, yet, Antarctica is losing over 24 cubic miles (100 cubic km)
annually. This number is continuing to accelerating in each year. Thus, the situation will impact
on rising sea water level and rise global problems (Dunn).
Asia
There are many reasons for the lack of water in Asia, which can bring about serious
deficiency of water there. The Himalayas are one of the most important water collecting areas in
Asia. Deforestation is high in the Himalayan ranges; this has caused sub soils streams flowing
into rivers to dry off. Population growth has led to water shortages in Asia that is another major
factor. The lead to changing consumption patterns, industrialization, and water pollution,
resulting in increased food production (“The News”).
Finally mismanagement and these factors with many other factors, if continued for a long
time in Asia, we will end up with no safe water. Asia has been going through water conflict due
to lack of water. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal have been in conflicts.
Australia
Australia has 23.13 million populations. Australia in current days has been promoting its
water resources by making use of the reservoirs infrastructure from its major water collection
(The Murray-Darling Basin, the most iconic catchment). By 2055, having all of them, Australia
can produce sufficient certain numbers of GL (Giga liter) water with which the future expected
need of predicted population will be fulfilled. However, that system is highly relied on rainfall
which is predicted will be significantly reduced in upcoming 40 years. The total renewable fresh
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water in Australia reaches at 18.372.26 m3 per year per capita. The population is growing 1.2 per
cent per year (“Melbourne's Water Catchments”).
Since 1914 the Australian Government preserved the world largest catchment and one of
the driest, the Murray and Darling Rivers. They have been developing a plan to support the
future water resources such as; Constraints managing strategy, Water Resource Plans (WRP),
Water quality and salinity management plan (“Water Planning”).
Europe
A research shows that the overall, every year, Europe uses a relatively small portion of its
total renewable water resources. In Europe water supply and people are unevenly distributed, so
water availability per capita across Europe varies widely. Some countries have plenty of supply
of fresh water, whereas some countries have the smallest amount of water available per person,
and the countries are Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the southern UK, these countries are EU
25 countries, the highly populated countries (“water scarcity”).
It was estimated that by 2007, at least 11 % of Europe's population and 17 % of its
territory had been affected by water scarcity, and if the temperature will continuously as a result
of the change in the climate it is also expected that it is going to be further getting poorer of the
water situation in Europe. At this time fresh water issue is alarming and the matter of worrying
for 500 million people, so it means it is no more a problem for just a few regions (“water scarcity
and droughts”).
South America
Water scarcity is an issue which is faced by this world, as many countries are trying to
develop the economic growth which could affect the environmental aspect. Politics and current
lifestyle also damage our land. This world is covered by 70% of water which 25% of it is fresh,
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and only 1% of it can be accessed. In South America, economy is growing rapidly, construction
is booming, and the population is increasing, meaning more water needed. In significant parts of
Peru, Bolivia and northern part of Argentina are affected by desertification because of increasing
number of sodium in the soil which is called salination. Nowadays, large natural dessert of
Patagonia in Southern Argentina and Atacama in Northern Chile, have a severe lack of water
because of mining and logging companies damage the sustainable of those dessert. Some areas in
South America are arid or semi-arid and fresh water deprived, as well the deforestation in the
Amazon makes Brazil yet another country in South America with a problem of water scarcity.
The effects of forests fires, fragmentation, and land clearance, with the expectation of losing big
scale of biodiversity will destroy the Amazon to become dry savannah in the future. Sao Paolo,
the largest city in Brazil, and the seventh largest in the world as the richest city in with 12 million
people (MM&FGM 2014).
In terms of water crisis, countries in South America are doing serious actions to save
water, running of the “Integrated Water Resource Management”, (IWRM). IWRM coordinates
management of water, land and society to support economy and social welfare with sustainability
ecosystem. “IWRM guards ecosystem and water and make sure the accessibility and availability
of water, and assign it to different groups and the society. There is a need of collaboration
between and the society and the government in order to give services to the people in the urban
center. The shielding of the Amazon River has positive effects on South America and in result
the Brazil”. IWRS is a good example for distributing fresh water from scarcity of water (Wyre
Davies).
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Central America
A research shows that there is dryness in the Mexico and the Central America, and
consequently will come in the stress of water. One third of the population of Caribbean and the
Latin America is not reach of the drinking water. The freshwater problems had been generally
characterized as a result of unbalanced natural distribution, lack of suitable investment for water
infrastructure, poor freshwater governance, or a mixture of the three (“ UN Chronicle”).
Another research shows that due to the Inequality of water distribution and the bad
sanitation systems Latin America has 31% of fresh water in the world but still there are water
crises in Latin America (“World Bank”).
North America
When Gandhi said that the earth provides enough to satisfy everyman’s need but not
every man’s greed, did he include water in his equation? We all know climate change is the
biggest challenge that we all have to face in the near future. Various countries have initiated
assessments over the issues that they have to face in regards to climate change. Although many
Governments are still trying, not to portray climate change as a major issue, just to avoid panic
within their countries.
Among the major issues in regards to the climate change, fresh water is what concerns
the most to many countries. Countries are running out of fresh water resources at an alarming
speed around the world. Lakes, rivers, and streams can all be means of fresh water. All those
countries who are running short of fresh water resources have already started looking for the
substitute means of fresh water resources.
Like all developed regions, North America region is also facing climate change
challenges in general and fresh water scarcity in particular and there is no doubt countries like
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United States of America and Mexico within the North America region will go to any limit in
order to secure the future of fresh water resources.
What makes this region important and this particular issue interesting is that Canada is
also part of the North America region and Canada is fortunate in terms of fresh water resources
because Canada has the luxury of having almost one-fifth of the world’s fresh water resources.
These fresh water resources are well enough for Canada to survive the future issues and
challenges in regards to the fresh water scarcity around the world.
The obvious choice for Canada is to protect and preserve it fresh water resources which
Canadian government has actually start taking care of but this issue is not as simple as it sounds
because Canada share many of its water reservoirs with United States of America border.
A famous researcher believes that the water resources and distribution will be one of the
major components within the policy making strategies. Policy makers within Canada, Mexico
and United States of America has already start working on looking for different solutions that
can be put into consideration in the future and there is no doubt that without mutual
understanding and cooperation fresh water resources in North America will go from bad to worst
and the relations among the countries can also have some damage (Peschard-Sverdrup).
Africa
Africa is the second largest continent of the world. According to 2011 census report the
population of Africa is 1, 03,532,974, and just over 14% of the World’s human population is
living there. In Africa there are two regions, North Africa and South Africa. Many of the
Africans countries are mostly in range of floods and cyclones. The continent has been troubled
by effects of cyclones and floods; it’s a cause of water crisis in Africa. Gradually peoples are
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migrating from villages to cities, so its increase day by day. In cities there is a problem to
distribute water according to demand (“African History”).
There are four main factors irritating scarcity of water Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) says, “Leading to tremendous temporal variability in water resources
worldwide. If the fresh water on the planet is divided equally around the globe. In the World,
North Africa is the most water scarce effected region of the world. In North Africa People used
6.3 percent in homes as compare to other parts of the World. This region contains only 1.4
percent renewable fresh water that caused diseases such as HIV/AIDS and TB have caused. In
the region the burden of population is increased, and the demands for water resources are
growths. This brief survey challenge of meeting demands given fresh water resources. Country
polices depend on local conditions, including geography, the level of fresh water scarcity,
accessible financial resources, and technical official capacity. These short terms polices
developing increase long terms pressure on water, population pressures in the region continue to
growth. There are fifty internationally shared rivers and lakes in Africa but only 10 percent of
lakes and rivers are enclosed with wetlands. On the other hand, wetlands bring and display
environmental goods and services, such as flood and loss control, water storage and filtering, a
range of food and material products, as well as opportunities for recreation, so they are an
important part of freshwater systems as they Some dams have 60 meters high storage capacity
for water supply and power generation (Climate change: how a warming world is a threat to our
food supplies).
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Measures to be taken in Consideration
Measures and actions to be taken up in different continents have been recommended and
endorsed by most of the convention and environmental protection agencies are as under:Europe:
Community led initiatives to manage water resources better that can help people in urban
areas to gain access to safe, piped water supplies, improved sanitation and public health.
Governments can develop water management that help improving supply and manage water
demand. Governments can support the farmers to improve irrigation efficiency by using hightechnology. Governments should determine agricultural policy to provide that the people who
are interested in agricultural area have to be well-educated. Farmer’s practice such as
responding, including improving irrigation efficiency, reducing the area of irrigated land, ceasing
irrigation and modifying agricultural practices such as cropping patterns and timing of irrigation.
Antarctica
Utilize Antarctic water in order to contribute 90 percent of the fresh water on the Earth's
surface. Maintain sustainability of fresh water in Antarctic. Increase awareness of global
community.
Asia
Asian countries should join hands and share the world’s latest technology to preserve and
conserve the water sources for future generations and help each other to overcome this critical
issue.
Africa:
Lead to tremendous temporal variability in water resources worldwide. If all the fresh water
on the planet were divided equally among the global, there will be Precipitations in both western
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and southern Africa. Involvement of Government for environmental goods and services, such as
flood and erosion control, water storage and filtering, a range of food and material products, as
well as opportunities for recreation. This integrates water management to supply African
community.
Australia:
Constraints managing strategy, that basically govern the potential constraints key in
managing The Murray-Daring Rivers that leads to better environmental result. Water Resource
Plans (WRP), a state-cooperative plan that will be conducted in 2019 which assure both of
groundwater and surface water limitation taken from this river. Water quality and salinity
management plan, structure plan that maintain and increase the quality of water for
environmental, social, economic, and cultural practice (“Water Planning”).
South America:
Water management constructions are built and numbers of populations are increasing
which more water needed. Create a firm policy that rule mining and logging company.
Supporting economy and social welfare with sustainability ecosystem, Managing and Protecting
Amazon River also effect positively for Brazil, also for South America and world
North America:
Need to increase water consumption accordingly with growing populations. Establish
strategic resource of fresh water, and increased water consumption. Due to 20 percent of
the earth’s fresh water are subsidized by North America. Create policymakers that will benefit
from more proactive approach to exploring different creative solutions. One such option could be
regional agreements between Canada, the United States, and Mexico on issues such as water
consumption, water transfers, artificial diversions of fresh water, water conservation
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technologies for agricultural irrigation, and urban consumption. Water control presents even
greater challenges, because international water policy is primarily rooted in decentralized state
laws in the United States and in provincial statutes in Canada. Achieve joint optimum utilization
of the available water and to implement procedures that will help avoid or resolve differences
over water in the face of ever-increasing pressures over this priceless resource.
From the entire above discussion, it is clear that really the scarcity of fresh water is still a
huge problem. The sign is devastating, the fresh water is rare to a greater extent and that roots
several effects on daily life. One day there will be no clean water in the world, if this situation
continuous. However, there are also reasons to have confidence that the clean water scarcity will
be stopped in the future, and thanks to those who determined and proposed many practical
measures and steps. This will certainly take time, but it is worth pursing by greatest efforts.
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Page 31 of 164
CLIMATE CHANGE AND MIGRATION
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Mesa Community College - Arizona
15 December 2014
Mohammad Elsayed Abdallah Sayed Ahmad, Mahesh Andani, Javeria Awan, Ikram Ullah Baig,
Tahira Bibi, Lazarus Bugaleng, Juliana Costa De Oliveira, Mustafa Gurguz, Dessy Natalia, Md
Abdullah Al Noman, Julana Rosa Sebastiao, Sebile Sert, Muhammad Sharif, Shehla Sher, Girish
Venkatesh, Scholastica Cicilia Werluken
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INTRODUCTION
The 21st century has ushered humanity into an era of global consciousness. With all the
advances of technology and science, there have also been advances in our understanding of the
problems and threats we face globally. Climate change is a divisive subject that tends to polarize
people into either “alarmists” or “skeptics.” Similarly, migration is a challenging issue that
polarizes people into extreme responses. It is the purpose of this paper to explore the evidence,
understand the impact and choose an informed, balanced response to the threat of climate change
and its effect on migration patterns.
DEFINITIONS
Climate Change
Climate change is any long-term significant change in the average weather that a given
region experiences. Average weather may include average temperature, precipitation and wind
patterns. It involves changes in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over durations
ranging from decades to millions of years. These changes can be caused by dynamic processes
on earth, external forces including variations in sunlight intensity, and more recently, those
added by human activities.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) 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 comparable time periods. In other words, the FCCC uses the term
climate change to mean only those changes that are brought about by human activities. In recent
applications, especially in the context of environmental policy, the term climate change often
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refers to changes in modern climate. It is the change in climate over a time period that ranges
from decades to centuries and refers to both natural and human-induced changes. For instance,
there is an increase in temperature of 0.13 Celsius every ten years. Climate variability is another
term refers to shorter term (years to decades) fluctuations in climate such as those caused by El
Niño/Southern Oscillation (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 2014).
Migration
Migration is a movement of people from one place to another place for the purpose of
taking permanent and or short term (seasonal movement) residence. In this paper we are focusing
on human migration as a result of climate changes and these are usually across geographical
boundaries. In one understanding of migration, migrants can be divided into two categories.
Voluntary migration occurs when migrants take the initiative to move out to other areas.
Involuntary migration occurs when migrants have been forced to move. Migration is a
phenomenon that has occurred from the dawn of human history as people moved from East
Africa to all over the world. Migration can be categorized by the different scales of distance
people travel (Human Migration Guide, 2005.

Rural to Urban – migration from rural to urban areas

Interregional – migration within countries

Intracontinental – migration between countries within the continent

Intercontinental – migration among the continents
There are many factors involved in such a life disruptive decision. Among the many
considerations are: the weighing of advantages and disadvantages of moving versus staying,
travel mode and means of transportation, and travel time to name a few.
Similarly, there are
many factors leading to why people move from one place to another. Among these are:
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
Political – territory conflicts among countries which lead to political disagreements and
war.

Economic – to earn a better livelihood, stabilize themselves economically.

Cultural – to gain freedom of expression, religion, education, and human rights.

Environmental – it occurs due to climate change, natural catastrophes, and human
activities which influence the global environment.
Werz and Conley report through www.americanprogress.com, “Migration has made
circumstances more complex. The world is experiencing a significant number of people who are
migrating. According to United Nation’s Human Development Report, there are approximately
700 million internal migrants. This number includes a large amount of people who migrate due
to climate change and because of flooding, desertification and rising sea level.” (Werz&Conley,
2012). It is this last factor that is most under consideration in this paper: environmental or
climate change phenomena and its effect on migration. As the pattern and intensity of climate
changes grow, migration is and will continue to be an increasing world development that needs a
considered response.
EVIDENCE OF PROBLEMS
Asian Countries
According to the latest climate report, there will be more impact of global warming
across Sub-Saharan African, South Asia, and South East Asia. Climate changes put into jeopardy
the agriculture and living safety in Sub Saharan African, and the upsurge in sea-level and
wreckage to coastal areas in South East Asia. Water shortage and water oscillation in South Asia
is a signpost of the issues of flood and the resulting power supply problems that follow. It has
been comprehended that from the past decade, the occurrence and austerity of flooding in Asian
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countries has been enlarged. Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Cambodia are particularly listed
as initial victims. Related to this situation, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs has secured a significant number of people as about 9.6 million have been
being affected by flood. In Thailand alone, 5.3 million people were adversely affected. These
floods have also been characterized as the nastiest floods for last 60 years (Torti, 2012).
Other forthcoming warnings and impacts have been forecast for Asia:
1. The melting ice caps in the Himalayas predisposes floods, storms, and demolition leading
to scarce water resources in next two decades.
2. The scarceness of natural resources puts pressure on natural resources because of rapid
increased population, urbanization, mechanization, and trade and industry development.
3. The crop harvesting could be decreasing equal to 30% in South Asia by the mid of 21 st
century.
4. The mortality rate will increase as a result of flooding and scarcities, especially in South
Asia.
Some research indicates that Bangladesh, which is a part of South Asia, crowns the list of
the flooding affected countries in the world. Glaciers are melting from Himalayan ranges which
in turn elevates the global weather temperature. The Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers are
flooding every year and the effect runs to Bay of Bengal, where the shoreline is vulnerable to
flood. It has also been considered that it is a threat to millions of people who will face scarcity of
water and other necessities of life. Bangladesh and two cities of India are going to be
antagonized politically because of more flood, powerful cyclones, warming temperatures and
rising of sea level (What Climate Change Means for Africa, Asia and the Coastal Poor. 2013).
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Another Southeast Asian country, the Philippines, which entails more than 7,000 islands,
heads the list of countries which are in threat of fronting recurrent and penetrating storms. In
2008, according to Brussels-based Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, it was
considered as one of the most disaster prone countries. Moreover, according to reports, warmer
water temperature and environment annihilation could also make a way to 50% diminution in
ocean fish catch in southern Philippines (Global: Twelve Countries on Climate Change Hit-List,
2009).
South America
Brazil is one of the most affected countries by the effects of scarcity of water in South
America. Although the country is extremely rich in biodiversity, the constant rise of temperature
has depleted the quality of the soil, leading to droughts, one of the driving forces for the
migration and displacement, mostly in the northeast part of the country.
Even though the region is historically known for being distressed by high temperatures
and lack of water supply, recent climate change has been playing an important role in
intensifying the aspects of the hot semi-arid climate. According to the researcher Paulo Nobre
from 1980 to 2005, the average maximum temperature in this particular region has increased
around three Celsius degrees. Other concrete evidence that shows that climate change is the
reason for the expansion of the vulnerability of the northeast area is the overall subtle rise in the
sea surface temperature between 0.5 Celsius degrees and 1.5 Celsius degrees in the central and
east Equatorial Pacific Ocean (Gutierrez, 2014). This creates the perfect scenario for an
imbalance on the occurrence of the El Nino phenomenon. The result is that the amount of days in
the dry period has increased significantly and overarches parts that have not had to deal with this
issue before. (Reynold, 2010),
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Inter and intra-region migrations are commonly addressed by the population as a solution
to avoid the consequences that drought brings. That said, one of the obstacles the northeast
region has to overcome is how to maintain the subsistence agriculture, its major economic
activity.
Africa
Sharon E. Nicholson through her climate research published in 2001 shows a study that
for the past two centuries, most African countries have been suffering from climate change,
particularly increased aridity, since the 1980’s (Nicholson, 2001). Another study revealed a
decline in the eastern and southern African growing-season rainfall. These have been linked to
anthropogenic (human caused) warming in the Indian Ocean.
Nevertheless, Nicholson also mentioned that the rainfall conditions over Africa during
the last 2 to 3 decades are not unprecedented. Records indicate that in 2008, a huge flood hit
southern Africa that was occurred due to heavy seasonal rain, which arrived earlier than expected
normally, and causing rivers to burst their bank and suffered Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and Swaziland (White, 2011). Less than a year after this catastrophe,
a cyclone hit Mozambique, causing the people to suffer more before being totally recovered and
left them with mostly nothing. The cyclone destroyed their crops (such as maize), livestock,
houses, and damaged the infrastructure. What happened next was that people were relocated to
other areas to survive and to recover from the environmental stress and generally they migrated
within the country.
Sadly, the areas contributing the least in causing the climate change tend to be the most
adversely affected. The Focus Migration website explains endangered states generally are poor
Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the sub-Saharan states, Asian costal states, the Polar
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region, African developing states (Less Developed Countries, or LLDC), the near and Middle
East, and Central Asia (Climate Change and Migration, 2009).
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MIGRATION
Economy
Recently, it has been discovered that climate change and migration are both interlinked
and there is also an economic impact from both. The course of action of economic and social
development fuels all forms of migration. People tend to migrate from developing countries to
developed countries and this leads to a reduction in the rate of employment in the destination
land, as well as break the economy structure in their abandoned homeland. For example, the
labor market in Canada illustrates that migration has amplified the rate of unemployment
transitory (Licker, R., & Oppenheimer, M, 2013). Natural disasters have also been contributing
reasons for migration to urban cities, ultimately putting pressure on those particular areas.
During hurricane Sandy in the United States and Caribbean in 2012, the country economy was
devastated. Economic losses exceeded $65 billion and contributed to the loss of more than
10,000 jobs. Eileen Fisher, a retailer in the United States, said she lost her store inventory when
Sandy hit the state where she lives in (Liverman & Glasmeier, 2014).
It is apparently clear that an additional problem occurs due to this devastation. When
destruction occurs and timely rebuilding does not occur restore the damage, migrants do not go
back to their homeland but remain where the feel security and opportunity.
Distribution of Population
Continuously related to the economy factor, population distribution is also affected.
Population growth, as well as migration, has been aggravated by water scarcity, soil degradation,
diseases deployment, and deforestation. United Nations Population Fund shows a figure of
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population growth from 1.6 to 6.1 billion in the 20th century (Does Population Growth Impact
Climate Change, 2009). Some cities in Asia such as Mumbai, Karachi and Dhaka are rapid
growing areas influenced by both displacement and voluntarily migrants due to natural
catastrophes and factors of better jobs with higher salaries, opportunity, quality of life, good
education, good healthcare and protection (What Climate Change Means for Africa, Asia and the
Coastal Poor, 2013). Faster population in some urban areas also leads an unplanned rapid
urbanization. The density of each area also determines the progress each area makes in regard to
the economic development, for example, Shanghai in China has been projected to grow by 150%
from 440 km² to 1100 km². The most populous countries, India and China, are probably more to
suffer in later years by migration due to climate change, whereas a change in population pattern
and rural-to-urban migration will affect the water supply within the areas. The availability of
freshwater per capita is projected to drop off in India from 1,900 m3 at this moment to 1,000m3
by 2025 due to migration and population growth (United Nations, 2011).
Distribution of Food Impact
It is not the case that only specific areas are vulnerable and suffer from food and crop
shortages. The fact is that almost every country in the world is adversely impacted. The
prediction of climate increase to 1-2 Celsius degrees within the next 30 years will be causing a
slump in various crop yields that are expected to fall around 5-20%. Apparently, we cannot deny
that it is apparently a cycle term where climate change has been changing certain crops grown in
the warmer is replaced by cooler grown crops and conversely.
The predicted increase in rainfall up to 20% is destined to bring food shortage and
suffering to China and some southeastern Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia
and Laos. The staple crops will suffer due to extreme weather events, insect attacks and diseases.
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Australia has been low in rainfall percentage, doubling the number of hot days since 1960, and
rainfall has dropped around 15% since 1970 severely affecting food output in the country. In the
U.S., California is losing 10-30% of its yields due to extreme heat attacks.
In the American
Southwest states; fruit and crops which depend on cooler days must be relocated to better
weather areas. Crops typically grown in southern Europe will now be able to be grown in
northern areas. Africa which has been suffering from poverty, malnutrition and lack of food
supplies is even experiencing worse situation caused by the climate change. Their main crop
yield of maize and sorghum, will be getting low and lower in 2050 because of water scarcity.
Robinson, the former Irish president, said: "Climate change is already having a domino
effect on food and nutritional security for the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. Child
malnutrition is predicted to increase by 20% by 2050. Climate change impacts will
disproportionately fall on people living in tropical regions, and particularly on the most
vulnerable and marginalized.” (Vidal, 2013).
Because of affliction to the crops growing in their homeland, many people are voluntarily
or involuntarily moving to a better resource land where they can grow and cultivate their crops,
or leaving for a better job instead of farming anymore (this is linked to the economy effect). The
food chain is disrupted and will continue to be so by the time they are moving out. The land will
produce less affected crops and or grow alternative crops to adapt. In 2011 Russia, for another
example, banned its wheat and grain export activity because they harvested less and they need to
feed their own people. In this case, when migrants come into Russia, the more food sharing is
forced within the country. Some studies brought up a fact that recently a northward shift in the
agricultural growing land will improve crop yield and people will follow the pattern shift to get
their food produced. But on the other side, it happens too, people will follow the pattern move to
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any other part of the world when they are facing different extreme weather than they used to face
previously (Vidal, 2013).
Global Health Impact
Based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provided data, the
melting glaciers in Arctic have shown reduction of about nine percent every decade and since the
1960’s it has been 40% melting down. Natural Resources Defense Council also mentions when
the heat is worsening, it is forecasted by summer 2040, the Arctic could be ice-free and the sea
level would increase about 23 inches by 2100. Global sea level has increased within 4-8 inches
in the past century. These are leading to another significant concern on the world health whereas
these changes bring out extreme weather change both cold and heat. There is data that reveals
during 2003 in Europe, more than 23,000 people overall the country suffered to death because of
the extreme heat hit it. France registered themselves for 17,000 alone in total of the death.
Another extreme tragedy happened in the United States of America in 2005, five hundred people
died in Arizona and around 400 people in California due to extreme heat. Meanwhile, in
comparison, Chicago indicated 800 people died due to an extreme cold in 1995 and there was a
similar impact in Minneapolis, Detroit and Cleveland (Natural Resources Defense Council).
Yet people have been struggling for less clean air, safe drinking water, and sufficient
food and secure shelter because of this climate change. Pollen and aeroallergen are getting higher
in extreme heat, triggering asthma or other respiratory issues (Climate Change and Health,
2014). An article in The Journal of American Medical Association (Patz et al., 1996) wrote that
mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, and viral encephalitis, are among those
diseases most sensitive to climate. The climate change increases reproductive and biting rates,
shortening the pathogen incubation period. Increased and higher sea level temperature can lead
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to higher incidence of water-borne infectious and toxin-related illnesses, such as cholera and
shellfish poisoning. They are damaging the human health infrastructure. In addition to this
broken health infrastructure, migrants carry diseases that are communicable wherever they
migrate. Clearly, the domino effect begins to play out, expanding the potential risk.
Natural Resources Impact
Having explored the impact and importance of above referenced categories, it is
interesting to understand that the impact on the natural resources is no less important than these.
Climate change seems to be absorbing water from the earth surface and replacing it with drought
land. For example, forestry is destroyed by flood and fire due to extreme heat. Migrants who step
in to another areas are driven by better weather, land, food, work, and even better natural
resources which they cannot derive any longer from their land due to the climate change
affliction. One of problems that has arisen in the destination lands as described in one of
UNHCR 2007 article (UNHCR Backs Environment Plan with Pledge to Plant 9 Million Trees,
2007), is that migrants tend to use the natural resources in the migration land with less
responsibility as they think it is just a temporary land to stay until they move again to another
area.. Again, domino effect runs through, ignorance of taking care of the resources inflicts the
climate change cycle.
Nevertheless, the more migrants come into a land, the fact is that they add more activities
to utilize resources within the areas they live in and current citizens have to share the resource
with the newcomers. It does mean that the usage percentage just in a rough calculation must be
increased.
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Pollution Impact
Pollution is always going be a problem and it has been one of the considerable issues
facing global awareness. Pollution causes irreparable damage to the earth as well as human
health. Due to global pollution, hundreds of millions people are affected with fatal and epidemic
diseases, in the immediate impact as well as the effect pollution has on climate change and
global warming. Studies show some disturbing facts about the hazardous impact of pollution as
14 billion pounds of plastic garbage are dumped into the ocean every year. Over one million
seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals are killed. Also, people who live in places with high levels of
air pollutants have a 20% higher risk of death from lung cancer than the ones who live in less
polluted areas.
Future predictions due to pollution and population flows to urban cities show the majority
of the world’s population will be concentrated in these cleaner areas, specifically in developing
countries. These people move out because of the unhealthy environment but then inherit the
critical conditions of inappropriate housing facilities and access to basic resources and water.
Cities also suffer from severe air pollution which affects the poor and the population in general.
One imperative aspect which explains the relationship between environmental decline and
migration is the population’s health which is highly affected by environmental pollution which
simultaneously increases migrants. In Brazil’s two largest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro,
air pollution causes approximately 4,000 premature deaths every year. It is also estimated that in
Mexico City 25 million workdays are lost due to exposure to excessive air pollution. Some
scientists are convinced that pollution is responsible for global warming and one certain fact that
it is causing people to migrate both domestically and internationally (11 Facts About Pollution,
2014).
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Global Survival and Longevity Impact
The extremes in heat and cold that are occurring due to climate changes have spiked the
annual mortality rate. A study by Oliver Deschenes and Enrico Moretti about Extreme Weather
Events, Mortality and Migration, which was published in December 2007, gives a statistical
number of increased death numbers in the United States of America. The average age decline for
a potential life is around 10 years.
Migration awareness can also have a positive impact on global longevity as people move
to more moderate climates to avoid extreme exposure. This mobility can increase longevity at an
average rate of 8 to 15 thousandths per calendar year. In the United States, there is a 3 - 7%
increase in longevity for people who migrate to other states that are warmer or cooler in terms of
extreme cold weather or heat. People migrate to the west and south regions from north to avoid
extreme cold. Basically, the idea is that as the climate changes, causing changes in extreme
weather, it will lead people to survive by moving in to other areas which have better weather
conditions (Climate Change and Health, 2014).
Conclusion
Having explored the definition, evidence and impact of climate change, and having
further explored the evidence of its relationship and impact on migration, it is the position of this
paper that climate change is real and poses a serious threat to the sustainability of our planet.
The evidence further reveals that climate change is a significant causal factor in the patterns of
migration which, in turn, pose a further significant threat to the well-being and sustainability of
our planet. All of life is interconnected and part of a whole.
In the last 30 years, hurricanes have increased measurably in frequency and intensity.
Rain patterns have shifted and agriculture and living conditions have suffered with both drought
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and flooding. The ocean is rising measurably and major coastal population centers stand in
increased risk of flooding and disappearing into the sea. Global warming has altered the altitude
of snowfall accumulation leaving many inhabited areas in a water shortage that is restricting and
even eliminating developed living areas.
The phenomenon of climate change dynamically impacts the patterns of migration and
these pose a threat to the well-being and sustainability of our planet.
Nevertheless, these
developments have been met with polarized responses. There are “alarmists” who exaggerate
the facts in an effort to awaken people and governments. There are also “skeptics” who deny the
facts of reality and block the progress that awareness and remediation might offer. These
polarized positions impede the possibility to respond in an informed and united effort to address
the threat.
The impact of climate change and migration occurs unequally across the globe. The
developing nations and regions are harder hit with the intensity of this phenomenon. They often
do not have the infrastructure governmentally and developmentally to address and respond to the
threats. Additionally, as they strive to develop and catch-up to the developed nations, they are
impeded in their motivation to implement any environmental restrictions that would encumber
their development. Lower socio-economic civilizations are overwhelmed with their immediate,
daily needs to think futuristically toward sustainability of our world.
Developed nations, too, struggle with impediments to a global consciousness. Living in a
well-developed civilization, these nations are motivated to “protect” what they have
accumulated. The adverse impact of mass migration disrupts the balance and comfort of their
lifestyles and they are disinclined to develop migration policies to accommodate influxes and the
best-interest of all global peoples. With their attachment to their comfortable status quo, these
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nations do not demand that their government respond proactively to global threats to the planet.
Global-minded leaders do not tend to be “popular.”
Given these challenges, what suggestions are there for how we might respond to the
viable threat of climate change and migration? What is needed to begin to make a difference and
how can we motivate people toward a global awareness of these threats and needs of our world?
People are motivated by “push” and by “pull.” “Pushes” address the base drives of
humanity: fear, external force, and survival.
“Pulls” are invitations to our higher nature:
opportunity, wisdom, and compassion. Pushes include laws, government intervention, disease
and starvation. Pulls include incentives for a better life, a universal concern for all humanity,
and the awareness that we are “one.” Both pushes and pulls can be utilized to motivate people at
whatever level they function. When awareness is elevated in sufficient depth and breadth, we
can reach a critical mass that brings forth a tipping point toward a proactive global response to
sustain our world.
Toward this end, it is our individual opportunity and responsibility to live and behave in
deliberate choices that are consistent with the threat we face. Recycling, personally reducing our
participation in the carbon footprint that contributes to the greenhouse effect, and striving to find
creative ways to invite our neighbors to an elevated awareness of the threat we face is just a
beginning. Adaptation is also an attainable solution to control adverse impact of climate change
where people can take advantage of new opportunities by understanding the vulnerability, which
is determined by three factors: the nature of climate change, the climatic sensitivity of the system
or region being considered, and our capacity to adapt to the resulting changes. The status quo and
fear of change mindset of those who live in areas less affected by climate change predisposes
them to see migration as a bad or threatening development. In nature, migration is a neutral
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phenomenon as creatures adapt to changes. By contrast, human migration is largely experienced
as a threat. Progress will involve sacrifice and sacrifice will only be embraced by the “pull” of a
higher consciousness combined with the “push” of legislative and policy action.
We must strive tirelessly to awaken our national consciousness to the impending threat
that climate change and migration pose to our well-being and sustainability. We need to elect
leaders who clearly understand our expectations that they must lead our nation and impact our
global world with policies and “push and pull” global incentives aimed at remediating our
destructive path. As a nation, we must lead the way by our example and find creative measures
to elevate the consciousness and participation of developing nations and victimized regions.
It is our global responsibility to understand the inter-connectedness of our planet and all
its inhabitants. Our problems and the threats we face, such as climate change and migration, are
interconnected and so must our efforts to respond be interconnected. We must live and behave
in a manner consistent with this awareness and increase our proximity and interface with our
global sisters and brothers. “Who is our neighbor?” We must strive to embrace the reality that
at this point in history, we are one creation, one collective organism and our destiny is one
shared reality.
But these suggestions all begin with “being the change we want to see.”
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Deschenes, O., & Moretti, E. (2007). Extreme Weather Events, Mortality and Migration
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Doyle, A. (2012). Climate Change Poses Food Distribution Risks, Expert Worry. Retrieved from
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Fisher, S., & Newman, K. (2011). People, Population, and Climate Change: Opportunities for
Advancing Climate Resilience and Reproductive Rights. Retrieved from
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Gutierrez, A. A., Engle, N. L., Molejon, C., & Martins, E. S. (2014). Weather and Climate
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Licker, R., & Oppenheimer, M. (2013). What Climate Change Means for Africa, Asia, and the
Coastal Poor Featured Story. Retrieved from http://www.climate-impacts2013.org/files/wism_licker.pdf
Liverman, D., & Glasmeierapr, A. (2014). What Are the Economic Consequences of Climate
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Page 52 of 164
CLIMATE CHANGE AND URBANIZATION
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Miami Dade College – Kendall Campus – Florida
Edwin Huwae, Flavia Torres Mansano, Iqbal, Manish Amrutiya, Mehwish Malik, Nida
Abdul Hakeem, Piet Hein Rumbiak, Ranjit Kumar, Muhammad Shahroz Sadiq, Sumbal
Qamar, Tanveer Ahmad, Tokelo Motaung
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Abstract
This paper argues that modern climate change is led by human influences,
especially industrialization and modernization, which are large enough to surpass the
constraints of natural variability. Human induced deviations in atmospheric composition
are the core reasons of global climate change. These agitations arise mainly from
urbanization that led emissions of greenhouse gases associated with burning fossil fuels
and deforestation, but changes in land use are also important. Though there has been
progress in understanding and monitoring climate change, there is still substantial
uncertainty about the expected rate of change in climate. It is clear that these changes will
be progressively manifested in material and imperative ways, such as changes in
precipitation and extremes of temperature, decreases in perennial and seasonal ice and
snow extent, rising sea levels and magnified flooding, diminishing water supplies and
natural resources, and augmented health risks. Therefore, it appears that human made
influences on climate are considerable but natural forces still prevail. Clearly, this should
not lead to contentment. The potential for anthropogenic climate changes is real and at
this stage we should strive for urgent eradication by using environmentally friendly
sources of energy, such as Solar, Wind and Water to decrease the emission of CO2,
managing deforestation and using sustainable transportation.
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Introduction
Urbanization is defined by United Nations as a movement of people from rural to
urban areas with population growth equating to urban migration. It is linked to factors
such as industrialization and modernization. In essence, it would be proper to say that pull
factors in terms of education, better job opportunities, healthcare, and other facilities have
succeeded in rapid movement of people from the rural to the urban sector. By 2030, the
urban population is likely to reach 5 billion – 60 % of the world’s population (UN 2007).
With time, an increasingly greater number of people are dwelling in urban areas, thereby
demanding provisions of living and other necessities. This has led to expansion in cities
- forests and green belts are cut down as more accommodation and job opportunities have
to be provided. Human activities have released large amounts of greenhouse gases and
carbon dioxide into the air. The majority of the greenhouse gases come from burning
fossil fuels to produce energy, deforestation, industrialization and some agricultural
practices as well (Satterthwaite 2007). This has adversely impacted the environment over
the time span and now stands as a challenge for the human race.
The average temperature of Earth has risen by 1.4°F over the past century, and is
estimated to rise another 2°F to 11.5°F over the next hundred years (McCarthy, M and
Betts 2010). Small changes in the average temperature of the planet can translate to large
and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather. There have been devastating
episodes such as Tsunamis, hurricanes and even floods such as those of 2010 and 2014
in Pakistan. One interesting example in this regard is Can Tho, a Vietnamese city that
faces the typical problems of urbanization and has reported that flooding has become
widespread - as much as 50% of the city area as compared to 30% previously (Huong and
Pathirana 2013). It is interesting that climate change is a concern to both the developing
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and the developed countries. Similarly, developing countries are less advanced and are
unable to cope with this issue efficiently. However, the gravity of the problem is
increasing in recent times and not only governments of developing and developed
countries need to think about it, but also take action especially in the developing countries
through multilateral agencies (Satterthwaite 2007).
In a nutshell, it can be argued that urbanization led to changes in climate which
are now impacting life in urban areas. Not only there is change in the levels of temperature
but there has been a massive increase in natural hazards and calamities in the form of
famines, droughts, floods, typhoons and others.
Increasing Temperature and Rising Sea Levels
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently published “The fourth
Assessment Report” (2013), according to which, the average temperature of Earth has
increased by more than 1°F in the last century.
The main reason behind this warming up of globe is the human activities and their
influences. Human activities over the last 250 years have been warming up the Earth
rapidly. This influence, mainly burning fossils fuels, effects the accumulation of
greenhouse gases. The level of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen from 280 parts
to 379 parts per million in the last 150 years due to the industrial activities which are the
result of urbanization and population growth.
The indicator for Earth’s warming up is that all the three main global surface
temperatures (land-air-sea) have increased. Most of this warming has happened since
1970's with the twenty warmest years occurring since 1981. In the last 12 years we had
the 10 warmest years ever.
The graphic illustration below indicates the increasing of the temperature in
degrees Celsius:
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One of the scientifically best-established results of this global warming is the
international water level rise. The global sea level rise is because of the following two
major causes:
1. Thermal expansion of oceans – which means that the water expands as it gets
warm.
2. The loss of land-based ice – meaning the warming actually shrinks the glaciers
and ice sheets, which ultimately adds more water into the ocean.
The two causes mentioned above repeats as a cycle and are affecting each other.
On average, from 1961 to 2003, the observed sea level rise is believed to be one-quarter
due to this thermal expansion and less than half due to melting of ice.
According to Wolman (1993), in settlement with climate models, the data and
observations show that the rise in sea level is not the same around the globe. In some
regions, this rate is higher than the global mean rise, whereas in other parts the sea level
is actually falling. This is happening because of wind pattern, ocean currents and other
factors as North Pole is close to some places and very far from others.
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In some places, the land is rising or sinking because of plate tectonics – the same
forces that cause earthquakes, create volcanoes, and build mountain ranges. In addition
to plate tectonics, land can also sink because people have pumped lots of oils, natural gas,
or water out of the ground. When the land is also rising, sea level rise might not seem
bad. However, in coastal areas when the land is sinking, the effects of sea level rise will
be even worse.
According to Rolling Stones magazine (2013), the city of Miami is doomed. They
say that the city would be underwater soon. That is because half of the area surrounding
Miami is five feet above sea level. Miami’s topography is flat, that means that water can
easily go in. It will be the most affected area because of higher temperatures and rising
sea levels. This is a huge problem because around 75% of the 5.5 million people in South
Florida live along the coast. Other affected areas within the United States will be New
York and Boston.
Health Risk
Weather and Climate have a significant influence on people’s health. The
scientific consensus has recorded that the world’s climate is taking a turn for the worse,
and the increasing temperature has played a huge role where health is concerned. One of
the countries that has been greatly affected by climate change is China in the past decade.
Extremely high air temperatures have contributed directly to deaths by cardiovascular and
respiratory disease, especially of older people. For example, in 2003 in Europe, more than
70,000 excess deaths were recorded. High temperatures have also increased the level of
ozone and other pollutants in the air that exacerbate this disease.
As evidence mounts up that climate change has caused substantial health
deterioration, the Chinese Government has paid full attention to climate warming, but
little or no focus has been paid on health impacts.
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Health impacts of climate change include a high increase in diseases found in
water, like cholera and diarrhea. In addition to that, inhalation disorders, such as Asthma
and stress related issues, have increased the most. Worldwide, the number of reported
weather-related natural disasters have increased since the 1960s to more than three times.
Every year, these disasters result in over 60,000 deaths, particularly in developing
countries.
If only a subset of the possible health impacts and assuming continued economic
growth and health progress are taken into account, climate change expects to cause
approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. Of that, 38,000
due to heat exposure in elderly people; 48,000 due to diarrhea; 60,000 due to malaria and
95,000 due to children under nutrition.
For instance, Malaria is strongly influenced by climate. Transmitted
by Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria kills almost 800,000 people every year – mainly
African children under 5 years old. The Aedes mosquito, vector of dengue, is also highly
sensitive to climate conditions. Studies suggest that climate change could expose an
additional 2 billion people to dengue transmission by the 2080s.
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The map below shows which countries have suffered with deaths from climate
change the most:
In conclusion, climate has played a considerable part in the impact of world health.
In order to combat this and to prevent a disaster for future generations, the world will
need to start taking climate change seriously, ultimately reducing mass migration and
improving health conditions.
Flooding
According to Eschooltoday website Flooding is “a natural event or occurrence
where a piece of land (or area) that is usually dry land, suddenly gets submerged under
water.” It is known that Flood is extremely hazardous to the society. It can cause damage
to an entire city, affecting people’s life and their properties, even if the water is not more
than 10cm high.
Urbanization is vigorously triggering flood events in the past years. The reasons
are: constructions on the riverbank and near to water bodies, lack of green land and trees
to absorb the rain water, and unplanned and uncontrolled development of cities.
For instance, South Asia has been spotted to be the most flood affected place in
the world due to climate change. Floods have been reoccurring in Pakistan, India and
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Bangladesh destroying most crops and property. If no action is taken, this will continue
to occur in South Asia. This disaster is affecting South Asia in different ways because of
different level of temperatures in those countries. If this phenomenon continues
to increase it may affect the agriculture system, for example, which is the main source of
income for most families in these countries.
Flooding is dangerous as most rivers overflow destroying nearby houses and it
can kill many people. From 1987 to 2007, Bangladesh had experience five massive
floods, which caused a great damage to the society. Recently, in August 2014, the flood
affected more than 800,000 people, of which 500,000 had to leave their houses. In
addition, the number of people suffering with this type of situation is increasing until
now. Also, floods are increasingly targeting vulnerable areas of India, such as Kolkata
and Odisha.
There is a variety of actions to be done in order to avoid flooding. The government
and people need to work together and realize that every action influences the
environment. That being said, Climate Change is the main cause of these kind of disasters
and if controlled, the other actions such as management of urban areas will be easy to
solve the issue of flood.
Diminishing water supplies and natural resources
Water resources are very important for every living organism in this planet to live
in healthy and peaceful life. We essentially need clean and healthy supply of drinking
water in order to lead a sustainable, healthy life. This is the most widely used substance
in this world to run everyday activities. It is used for agriculture, household purposes,
plantation, energy production, recreation and manufacturing. Most of these benefits
pressurized water resources to affect climate change. It is important to know that majority
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of the earth surface has salt water and only 2.5% of the land has fresh plain water and that
is stored as icecaps in Antarctica and Greenland.
In 2007, The Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture
quantified that one in three people are already facing water shortages. Demand for water
is increasing day by day due to rise in temperatures. High temperature evaporates water
that results in increase in the atmosphere’s capacity to grasp water. Furthermore, rise in
temperature causes more rain than snow. Due to increase in temperatures, snow in winter
begins to meltdown. As temperatures rises, people and animals need more water to drink
to release their thirst and maintain their health.
Many economical activities like energy at power plants, raising livestock’s and
growing food crops require large quantity of water in daily life. Changes in amount of
rain during storms indicates that water cycle is already changing. The amount of water is
reduced due to global warming, and competition for water resources are increasing as day
passes. Many areas of United States have less supply of water due to hot weather. West
has less amount of water resources and the demand for the water is increasing while
supply is limited. West area of United States has experienced low rain during past 50
years as compared to other areas. In the western part of the U.S., there is less snowpack
in the mountains, less amount of total annual rainfall, and earlier snowmelt means less
water will be expected to be available in the summer months when demand is at its
highest. As snow melts it increases the level of water in the sea, which results in the
mixing of salt and fresh water. Warm air temperature and hot weather can also affect the
aquatic organisms that need cold temperatures to maintain their lives.
According to Dr. Kenneth D. Frederick, Water is critical for the health of both
humans and ecological systems and an important element in many of our recreational and
economic activities. Water covers almost 70 percent of the surface of the globe and is the
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Earth's most plentiful resource. About ninety seven percent of the water is in the oceans
and is too salty to drink, grow crops, or most other human uses. Ice caps of Antarctica
and Greenland or deep underground aquifers carry almost all of the freshwater where for
most practical purposes, it is unreachable for human use. Only round 0.3 percent of the
earth's freshwater is found in rivers and lakes, which is less than 100,000 cubic kilometers
or 81 trillion acre-feet. These surface waters together with accessible groundwater
resources comprise the usable supply.
Timing, location, and reliability are important dimensions of the prospective value
of supplies. Because of the latitudinal and historical variations in national and long-term
annual averages of runoff and the distribution of water, and precipitation are not good
indicators of accessible supplies and potential problems, for practical purposes.
Precipitation generally declines as one moves from east to west in the United States.
According to Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), in the coming decades,
climate change will have a noteworthy impact on the sustainability of water supplies.
According to Tetra Tech, global warming will cause water scarcity in more than 1,100
counties by mid-century. About 50 percent of these counties will face tremendously high
risks of water scarcity.
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The following picture can define another impact of water supply in United States:
Matching photographs taken 18 months apart during the most serious period of
recent drought show a significant decrease in Lake Powell. Source: USGCRP (2009)
Many areas of the United States, particularly the West, presently face water supply
issues. The available amount of water in these areas is already inadequate, and demand
will keep on rising as population grows. Over the past 50 years, the West has experienced
increases in the severity and length of droughts as well as less rain and this has been a
special concern in the Southwest.
Conclusion
So far, we have learnt that Urbanization has gradually changed climate with
Industrialization being the main factor. Now those changes in climate are reverting to
urban areas and affecting them accordingly, and we have just elaborated those effects.
However, to discuss some problem has never been a solution. We must have to take
initiatives and go out of the box to counteract the problem, especially when whole
humanity is concerned. We have some extremely efficacious solutions, though
complicated, but if we own our individual responsibility of saving our environment,
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starting from today, it will contribute towards attaining our goal of first diminishing then
overcoming the negative impacts of climate change.
For example, garbage recycling is something already going on in a lot of places,
but it should be implemented everywhere. Also, green infrastructure helps to revert the
global warming issue. The greener, the better. One of the main causes of Climate Change
is the burning of fossil fuels; therefore, the society should replace fossil fuel with
environmentally friendly sources of energy, such as Solar, Wind and Water. In
consequence, the emission of CO2 will decrease. Deforestation is inevitable, but
manageable. Sustainable transportation is another way to each person to contribute.
There are many actions already in course, but everyone must think how they are
contributing to help the society and start taking parts. It is the only way to prevent further
destruction in the future.
We can blame climate change as much as we want but if we don't take any action
today, we might as well say goodbye tomorrow. As the current residents of earth, we are
in charge of passing it to the next generations. We have to make a difference, because
change starts with all of us.
In conclusion, if we make small changes now in the way we live, we can avoid
huge changes in the future. Scientists, governments, and individuals must work together
to overcome this threat.
Page 65 of 164
References
Grimmond, S. "Urbanization and global environmental change: local effects of global
warming." The Geographical Journal, 2007.
Huong, H T, and A Pathirana. "Urbanization and climate change impacts on future
urban flooding in Can Tho city, Vietnam." Hydrology and Earth System Sciences,
2013: 379-394.
McCarthy, M P, J Best M, and R A Betts. "Climate change in cities due to global
warming and urban effects." Geophysical Research Letters, 2010.
Satterthwaite, D. CLIMATE CHANGE AND URBANIZATION: Effects and
Implications for Urban Governance. New York: United Nations, 2007.
United Nations. "UN State of the World Population Report." 2007.
M. Gordon Wolman, "Population, Land Use, and Environment: A Long History,"
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Boyle Torrey, Committee on Population, Commission on Behavioral and Social
Sciences and Education, National Research Council (Washington, DC: National
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Rolling
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(2013)
“Goodbye,
Miami”.
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M. Monirul Qader Mirza. “Climate change, flooding in South Asia and implications”
2011
World Bank. “For a breath of fresh air: Ten years of progress and challenges in urban
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Government of India (2004). “India’s national communication to the United Nations
framework convention on climate change.” Ministry of Environment and Forests,
New Delhi
“IPCC, 2013: Summary for Policymakers.” In: Climate Change 2013: The Physical
Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K.
Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M.
Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and
New York, NY, USA.
Robine JM et al. Death toll exceeded 70 000 in Europe during the summer of 2003.
Les Comptes Rendus/Série Biologies, 2008.
Hales S et al. Potential effect of population and climate changes on global
distribution of dengue fever: an empirical model. The Lancet, 2002.
WHO, “Quantitative risk assessment of the effects of climate change on selected
causes of death, 2030s and 2050s”, Geneva.
Kan H. London SJ, Chen H, Song G, Chen G, Jiang L, et al. “Diurnal temperature
range and daily mortality in shanghi”. China. 2007
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change programme. Bejjing: National Development and reform commission.”
Retrieved from: http//www.ccchina.gov.cn
Eschooltoday. Retrieved from http://eschooltoday.com/natural-disasters/floods/whatis-a-flood.html
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THE EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS ON HEALTH
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria Campus – Virginia
Project Leaders: Gerard Kra and Michael Lebotha
Presenters: Andres Castillo Ferrer, Daniel Pena Rios, Kazim Ali, and Vusumuzi Langa
Remaining Team Member: Hilal Ahmed, Noman Akbar, Suborna Das, Novi Sherly Dimara, Nontokozo
Lerato Makhubo, Gege Kurnia Rahmadi, Rizwan Uddin, Kaustubh Sapkale, Gesti Hutami Satoto, Riana
Wadibar
Page 68 of 164
ABSTRACT:
The below mentioned research paper will explore the hazardous health implications of industrial
emissions. It will look into the role these emissions play in global warming along with the
origins of industrial emissions.
Several researches conducted by National Geographic have indicated that air pollution is made
of dangerous chemicals that harmfully affect the health of humans, plants and the general
ecosystem. These chemicals come in the form of gases or liquid droplets. Common gases include
Carbon Dioxide, CFC`S (Chloroflurocarbons), Hydrogen Cyanide etc. Large percentage of air
pollution comes directly from power plants, vehicles, planes and even cigarette smoke. Forest
fires and volcanic eruptions count as air pollution but these are natural sources (National
Geography Society, 1994). One of the biggest sources comes from large scale commercial
industries, large factories being one of the main culprits. The most common problem in big cities is
Air pollution. London experienced the adverse health effects of smog, combination smoke and fog, which
came from the burning of wood and coal. Scientific studies of mummified remains of lung tissue from
Egyptians and Peruvians show evidence of blackened lungs from long term expose from domestic fires
(Stephen Mosley, 2010). According to Care4air Org. a commission was set up in 1285 to investigate the
pollution caused by burning coal in Britain. Today large cities like Beijing (China), New Delhi (India)
and California (USA) are experiencing the bad consequences of industrial emissions. Now in most of the
countries the political agenda is gaining greater attention for the climate change and they are more
concern. From organizations such as the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the World
Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) such attention has
been carved out to provide decision-makers (Care4Air, 2014)
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1. STATISTICS & INDUSTRIES
After 1854 nearly 2/3rd of all industrial carbon dioxide and methane emissions can be traced
to fossil fuel and cement production by just 90 entities. About 63 % of the industrial carbon
emissions discharged into the atmosphere is traced to the carbon extracted from the Earth by just
ninety entities which include 83 producers of coal, oil, and natural gas, and 7 cement
manufacturers. The companies topping the “Wall of Shame” are Chevron, ExxonMobil, Saudi
Aramco, British Petroleum, Gazprom, Shell and the National Iranian Oil Company. These
companies have produced almost 1/5 of all industrial carbon dioxide and methane emission
released into the atmosphere. (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2013)
1.1 Major Industries (2013):
● Lead-acid battery recycling, which affects 4,800,000 people;
● Lead smelting (2,600,000 people)
● Mining and ore processing (2,521,600 people)
● Tannery operations (1,930,000 people)
● Industrial/municipal dump sites (1,234,000 people)
● Industrial estates (1,060,000 people)
● Artisanal gold mining (1,021,000 people)
● Product manufacturing (786,000 people)
● Chemical manufacturing (765,000 people)
● Dye industry (430,000 people)
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2. INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS
This past century human exploitation such as industrial activities have released abundant of
amount of gases into atmosphere which called Greenhouses. The large amount gases quantity
that released in to atmosphere became problem if exceed the normal quantity in atmosphere.
Raw materials transformed chemically in to results waste product such as carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) and F-Gases as the results of greenhouses effect.
2.1 Carbon Dioxide Emissions (CO2):
2.1.1
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is primary gas product that release through human
activities that made greenhouses effect. In the Reference Scenario, CO2
emissions that released to environment jump to 42 gigatones in 2030 from
27 gigatones in 2007, based on International Energy Agency. (United
States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014)
2.2 Methane Emissions (CH4):
2.2.1
Industrial emissions produce Methane (CH4) gas from industrial activity.
The largest source is from natural gas and petroleum or oil and gas
activity, and it is the main component we can find as the natural gas. Some
of the CH4 spread to the atmosphere during the production until
distribution. (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014)
2.3 Nitrous Oxide Emissions (N2O):
2.3.1
The synthetic commercial fertilizer uses the Nitric acid, and it produces
Nitrous oxide as the side product. It can be used to make synthetic
products such as fibers or nylon. (United States Environmental
Protection Agency, 2014)
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2.4 Emissions of Fluorinated Gases:
2.4.1
The three categories of Fluorinated Gases are hydro fluorocarbons
(HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (PFCs). The
industrial activities that produce these gasses for example are aluminum
production and the manufacturing of semiconductors, PFC, and
magnesium processing and semiconductor. (United States Environmental
Protection Agency, 2014)
3. INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS AND IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
Industrial development has changed the living standards of human beings but on the other
side it is destroying our environment. These gases from industry emissions remain in air during
days, months, and even years, when they react with water in air in form of fog, rain or in snow
they make dangerous acidic materials and can travel thousands of meters and came back to earth
surface and become mix with water and other ecological systems, from where ultimately to the
human bodies and that cause to the diseases.
The industrial emission resulting the effect of global warming causing on human health are
impact of extreme weather, impact of warmer and wetter climates, impact of warmer ocean,
malaria, dengue fever, and mental health. The emissions like CO2, SO2, mercury and other
harmful emission leads to dangerous disease of respiratory system, lungs diseases, skin diseases ,
cancer, heart ,eyes diseases and many others. (United States Environmental Protection Agency,
2014)
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3.1 Some gases and their specific effects on Health:
3.1.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Nitrogen dioxide is one the gases that effect the lungs from
its proper function and lower its resistance to so normal infections like influenza. The short
term exposure to NO2 are still uncertain and unknown, but continuous or frequently
exposure with higher concentration of NO2 in air can increases respiratory diseases in
children. The EPA’s Health base national air quality standard for NO2 is 0.053ppm
(measured as an annual average). (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014).
3.1.2 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Health issues related to high concentrations of SO2 include
effects on most body systems i.e. respiratory, cardiovascular and internal lining of all human
tissues special population more sensitive to SO2 include children, elderly age people and
patients who are already having symptoms of asthma ,emphysema and bronchitis. (United
States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014).
3.1.3 Lead (Pb): Lead exposure from soil, paint takes routes of respiratory system and stores
and accumulates in body tissues including brain, eyes, liver and even circulate in the blood,
it cause the irreversible inhibition of the enzymes which are required for body function and
even it blocks the cytochrome enzymes of the electron transport chain, as lead is not readily
excreted it cause devastating effect in to many organs like brain, kidneys, liver, spleen etc.
Lead also stores in the bones and studies shows it may cause osteoporosis especially in
women. One of the most drastic effects of lead is CNS damage and neurological damages
including the peripheral nervous system. Lead also causes damage to the fetus of child
bearing mother.one thing important to mention is even low dosage of lead is also toxic to
human health. (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014).
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3.1.4 Carbon Monoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide diminishes the oxygen through
bloodstream that is circulated to body’s organ and tissues. Those who ail cardiovascular
disease will gain most serious effect because of the health threat from CO. Carbon
Monoxide also affects an individual’s health, but it will just happen for those who have
higher levels of exposure. Exposure to raise CO levels will cause visual demolition,
decreased work capacity, decreased manual agility, lack of learning capability, and hard to
do complex tasks. (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014).
4. EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS
In order to effectively confront industrial emissions, we must significantly reduce the
amount of heat-trapping emissions we are putting into the atmosphere. Nowadays we have the
technology and practical solutions to accomplish it. As individuals, we can help by taking action
to reduce our personal carbon emissions. But to fully address the threat of global warming, we
must demand action from our elected leaders to support and implement a comprehensive set of
climate solutions. The following are some of the strategies estimated by the Union of Concerned
Citizens to considerably reduce industrial emissions:
•
Expanding the use of renewable energy and transform our energy system to one that
is cleaner and less dependent on coal and other fossil fuels.
•
Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency.
•
Setting limits on the amount of carbon that polluters are allowed to emit.
•
Building a clean energy economy by investing in efficient energy technologies,
industries, and approaches.
•
Building support for national climate policies.
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•
Influencing on International climate treaty negotiations. This is the most significant
action we all can take to reduce industrial emissions. This is a global issue. Strong
U.S. action and leadership is critical, but so too are international efforts that work
toward reducing emissions worldwide. (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2013)
Over the past 20 years, there have been a series of failed attempts to create an effective
international treaty on climate change mitigation. In 1997, the first major international
agreement was passed, The Kyoto Protocol. The US—one of the top polluters—didn’t ratify.
Since then, many Summits and many efforts to come to agreement—Rio, Copenhagen—have
ended in a flop. However; in Paris, governmental organizations and non-profit leaders started
to work on an agreement that intends to cut emissions and limit the warming to 2°C. Let’s
make 2015 the year when our leaders pass a historic binding, global climate treaty.
(Members of EarthShare, 2014)
CONCLUSION:
The above points have shown and explained the problem that we are facing today as a whole
climate is been changed and human health is being compromised. We have learned that air
pollution is made up of dangerous chemicals that have a negative and life threatening effect to
the health of humans. Not only design the emissions of gasses threaten human health it also
works it is way around the ecosystem by killing plants because they rely on air for their growth.
The statistics and industries gives us an actual figure and detail about the perpetrators of the issue
that the world faces today. A huge percentage of the carbon extracted from the earth by a close to
a hundred entities which are the main producers of coal, oil and natural gas. Through this process
the industries have disturbed the natural air by infecting it with harmful gasses.
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There are more specific gasses that affect human directly. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) damages and
gives an improper function to the lungs. A continuous or frequent exposure with a high
concentration of NO2 in the air increases respiratory diseases in children. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
is a threat to children, elderly aged and patients who already have symptoms or are already living
with asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Lead (Pb) the exposure of lead from the soil is the also
most dangerous to human health as it causes permanent damage in body tissues including the
brain, eyes, liver and kidneys. Carbon Monoxide CO diminishes the oxygen through the blood
stream that is circulated to body's organ and tissues. It will mostly affect those with higher levels
of exposure. Let’s make 2015 the year when our leaders pass a historic binding, global climate
treaty
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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
● B.C. Air Quality. (n.d.). bcairquality. Retrieved 09 30, 2014, from British Columbia:
http://www.bcairquality.ca/101/ozone-depletion-impacts.html
● Care4Air. (2014). Air Quality. Retrieved November 2014, from Care4Air:
http://www.care4air.org/
● Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. (2008, Fall). Air Pollution Impacts on
Infants and Children. (P. Arthur M. Winer, Editor, & S. Gruber, Producer) Retrieved
September 15, 2014, from UCLA:
http://www.environment.ucla.edu/reportcard/article1700.html
● Members of EarthShare. (2014). Earth Day Network. Retrieved from
http://www.earthday.org/2015
● National Geography Society. (1994). Exploring your World: The Adventure of
Geography. In M. G. Dunn, Exploring your World: The Adventure of Geography.
Washington DC: National Geographic Society, Washington, DC.
● U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2011, 01 13). EPA. Retrieved 09 30, 2014, from
EPA: http://www.epa.gov/spdpublc/science/effects/index.html
● Union of Concerned Scientists. (2013). Largest Producers of Industrial Carbon
Emission. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from Science for a healthy planet and safer
world. Global Warming:
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/largest-producersindustrial-carbon-emissions.html#.VIuIdyvF_uI
Page 77 of 164
● Union of Concerned Scientists. (2013). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from
Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/globalwarming/solutions/global-warming-solutions-reduce-emissions#.VIsHfyvF_Tr
● Unitated States Environmental Protection Agency. (2014, 11 13). Health Effects on Air
Pollution. Retrieved 13 2014, 25, from Unitated States Environmental Protection
Agency: http://www.epa.gov/region7/air/quality/health.htm
● United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2014, November 04). Health Effects of
Air Pollution. Retrieved November 15, 2014, from EPA:
http://www.epa.gov/region7/air/quality/health.htm
Page 78 of 164
GREEN ENERGY (PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE)
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
College of DuPage – Illinois
Marwa Raafat Mahmoud Abdelmegid, Walberto Aguilar Asprilla, Adriana Bolivar Romero,
Ruth Dayme, Luis Diaz Mesa, Gore Yann Pierre Goli Bi, Jamila Halidu, Ahsan Javaid,
Ntwanano Wendy Mabasa, Anas Nanjo Mohammed, Zahida Parveen, Priskilla Ikrar Samanta,
Sundar, Ahmed Teleba, Liza Yuliarti Yulizar
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Green Energy
(Past, Present and Future)
Introduction:
Energy is one of the most fundamental needs of our world. It can help us to produce or do
work. Energy lights our cities. Energy powers our vehicles, trains, planes and rockets. Energy
warms our homes, cooks our food, plays our music, and gives us pictures on television. Energy
powers machinery in factories and tractors on farms. Everything we do is connected to energy in
one form or another. Energy is essential for economic and social development, and energy supply
will affect the prospects of future generations. What will be the consequences to our planet earth
of continued unchecked energy use? One of the biggest effects already is climate change.
What is climate change? According to the UN “Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), climate change is a change in the climate 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 comparable time periods.” Climate change is partly due to an
increase in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). However there is a difference between climate
variability and climate change. Climate variability occurs when a natural phenomenon quite often
generates abnormal weather patterns, but it is a temporary and transitory. Climate change, on the
other hand, denotes a process that is not temporary or natural and can be verified in time reviewing
climate data.
Technology plays a critical role in an effective global response to the climate change
challenge, since technology is the source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. Achieving the
global reduction of GHGs requires innovation to transform current technologies into cleaner and
climate-resilient technologies.
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Energy In the Past (Before the Industrial Era):
No doubt, wood is the first energy source used by humans in the past. People in the past
started using wood as a source of energy. They cut the trees into the small pieces and burned them
for cooking, lighting and heating. This was the activity that people at that time find this source the
only way to survive. As the human was evolved do the way obtaining power was slowly changing.
Let me summarize the evolution of technology from 2000BC to before the industrial era.
Time line
2000 BC – 1499

2000 BC - Chinese First to Use Coal as an Energy Source.
 Coal was already being burned there for heating and cooking.

200 BC - Chinese Develop Natural Gas as an Energy Source.
 They used it to make salt from brine in gas-fired evaporators, boring shallow wells
and conveying the gas to the evaporators via bamboo pipes.

200 BC - Europeans Harness Water Energy to Power Mills.
 Productivity increased, dependence on human and animal muscle power gradually
declined, and locations with good water-power resources became centers of
economic and industrial activity.

1st Century - Chinese First to Refine Petroleum (Oil) for Use as an Energy Source.
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 Long ago, our ancestors already applied petroleum for lamps, as lubricants, in
medicine and for military actions.

10th Century - Windmills Built in Persia to Grind Grain and Pump Water.
 Vertical carousel-type mills utilized the wind to grind corn, and to raise water from
streams to irrigate gardens.
1500-1799

1590s - Dutch Build Windmills for Multiple Uses.
 Was the means of raising the water of the rising streams and canals: it maintained
the balance between the water and the land that made life possible in this precarious
situation.

1600s - Development of Coal Coke in England Aids Iron Production and Helps to Pave the
Way for the Industrial Revolution.
 roasting process used to make charcoal [from wood] could be adapted to coal, the
result being an extremely hot-burning fuel called coke

1700s - Coal Begins to Displace Use of Other Energies.
 Coal began to take the place of current sources of energy... Wood, wind, water,
beeswax, tallow, sperm-oil - all these were displaced steadily by coal and
derivatives of coal.

1748 - First Commercial Coal Production in US Begins in Richmond, Virginia
Energy in the Present (during the industrial era):
Ever since the Industrial Revolution started in the 18th century, vast quantities of fossil
fuel have been used to power the economy and deliver unprecedented affluence to huge numbers
of people. Fossil fuels remain our main source of energy.
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Fossil fuels are organic matter made from the remains of flora and fauna subjected to
immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth over millions of years. Petroleum, coal, and
natural gas are fossil fuels. During the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels seemed to be the ideal
energy source. Steam locomotives, the quintessential machines of the Industrial Revolution, used
coal as a fuel source from early on to compensate for a lack of firewood and charcoal. Not only
was a seemingly inexhaustible supply of coal available from easily exploited seams near the
surface, but it could be used in its natural form.
Since the modest beginnings of the oil industry in the mid-19th century, petroleum has
risen to global prominence. Initially, kerosene, used for lighting and heating, was the principal
product derived from petroleum. However, the development of drilling technology for oil wells in
mid-19th century America put the petroleum industry on a new footing, leading to massconsumption of petroleum as a highly versatile fuel powering transportation in the form of
automobiles, ships, airplanes and so on, applied to generate electricity, used for heating and to
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provide hot water supplies. The usage of fossil fuels has been increasing in step with economic
growth. Fossil fuels were prerequisites for the birth of a new industrial civilization that transformed
our world.
Greenhouse Gases Increase in Proportion to Fossil Fuels Consumption:
“Greenhouse Effects” is the process by which the atmosphere traps some of the sun’s
energy, warming the Earth and moderating our climate. A human-driven increase in ‘greenhouse
gases’ has enhanced this effect artificially. “Greenhouse Gases” occur naturally, human activities
have increased their levels and added new ones. These greenhouse gases include: carbon dioxide,
produced by burning fossil fuels and through deforestation, methane released from agriculture,
animals and landfill sites, nitrous oxide, resulting from agricultural production and a variety of
industrial chemicals.
The mechanism of greenhouse effect is the Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form
of ultraviolet visible, and infrared radiation, most of which passes through the atmosphere without
being absorbed. Of the total amount of energy available at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), about
50% is absorbed at the Earth's surface. Because it is warm, the surface radiates far IR thermal
radiation that consists of wavelengths that are predominantly much longer than the wavelengths
that were absorbed (the overlap between the incident solar spectrum and the terrestrial thermal
spectrum is small enough to be neglected for most purposes). Most of this thermal radiation is
absorbed by the atmosphere and re-radiated both upwards and downwards; that radiated
downwards is absorbed by the Earth's surface. This trapping of long-wavelength thermal radiation
leads to a higher equilibrium temperature than if the atmosphere were absent.
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Greenhouse Gases Role in Climate Change:
Climate is usually defined as the “Average Weather” in a place. It includes patterns of
temperature, precipitation (rain or snow), humidity, wind and seasons. Climate patterns play a
fundamental role in shaping natural ecosystems, and the human economies and cultures that
depend on them.
“Strengthening of the greenhouse effect through human activities is known as the enhanced
greenhouse effect. This increase in radioactive forcing from human activity is attributable mainly
to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. According to the latest Assessment of United
Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "most of the observed increase in globally
averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in
anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.”
(IPCC 2001)
CO2 is produced by fossil fuel burning and other activities such as cement production and
tropical deforestation. Measurements of CO2 from the Mauna Loa observatory show that
concentrations have increased from about 313 ppm in 1960 to about 389 ppm in 2010. It reached
the 400 ppm milestone on May 9, 2013. The current observed amount of CO2 exceeds the
geological record maxima (~300 ppm) from ice core data. Over the past 800,000 years, ice core
data shows that carbon dioxide has varied from values as low as 180 parts per million (ppm) to the
pre-industrial level of 270 ppm. This data on climate change has raised high level of awareness of
the effect on our planet. (Wikipedia)
Impacts of Greenhouse Gases which Forced Climate Change:
1. Biodiversity Loss:
Thousands of species risk extinction from disappearing habitat, changing ecosystems and
acidifying oceans. According to United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
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Change (IPCC) will put some 20% to 30% of species globally at increasingly high risk of
extinction, possibly by 2100.
2. Decline in Polar Bears:
Arctic sea ice is the polar bear's feeding habitat. As sea ice disappears, bear mortality rises.
In 2008, the polar bear became the first animal to be added to the Endangered Species Act
list of threatened species because of global warming. The U.S. Geological Survey has
warned that two-thirds of the world's polar bear populations could be lost by mid-century
as sea ice continues to retreat.
3. Acidifying Oceans:
About one-third of the CO2 pollution from smokestacks and tailpipes is absorbed by the
world's oceans, where it forms carbonic acid. A 2010 study published in Nature Geoscience
warns that unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could cause oceans to acidify at a rate
unprecedented in at least the last 65 million years.
4. Shifting Habitat:
As the mercury rises, plants and animals are shifting their ranges toward the poles and to
higher altitudes, and migration patterns for animals as diverse as whales and butterflies are
being disrupted.
5. Thinning Ice and Rising Sea:
Rising seas are one of the most certain effects of global warming as warming ocean waters
expand and melting glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets add more water to the oceans. The
IPCC estimates that melting ice caps and glaciers—which are some of our most visible
indicators of climate change—accounted for about 25% of sea level rise from 1993 to 2003.
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6. Arctic Sea Ice is Shrinking:
Satellite images show that the extent of Arctic summer sea ice has decreased by almost 9%
per decade since 1979. The Arctic summer could be ice-free by mid-century, according to
a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
7. Sea Level Rise:
During the 20th century, sea level rose an average of 7 inches after 2,000 years of relatively
little change. The 2007 IPCC report conservatively predicts that sea levels could rise 10 to
23 inches by 2100 if current warming patterns continue.
8. Melting Glaciers:
A 2005 survey of 442 glaciers from the World Glacier Monitoring Service found that 90%
of the world's glaciers are shrinking as the planet warms. Glacier National Park now has
only 25 glaciers, versus 150 in 1910. At the current rate of retreat, the glaciers in Glacier
National Park could be gone in a matter of decades, according to some scientists.
Government and International Acts:
International organizations like the United Nations and World Bank put measures in place
to prevent the impending dangers of this global challenge. This has made most governments across
the globe to examine to our sources of energy such as solar, coal, fossil fuel, nuclei plants, etc. of
which some are renewable sources and others not. Government attention is focus on generating
energy from renewable sources. This created the demand for cost effective, low carbon emission
sources as one way of addressing climate change issues. All this isn't just about climate change but
also a way to look for a more efficient energy technology for the future. In this particular chapter,
our focus will be on present government actions, policies and scientific research that focuses on
green/clean/renewable energy across the globe in the 21st century.
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As the transition to renewable sources of energy becomes a top priority of most government
as a way of reducing carbon emission into the atmosphere, others seems to be reducing their
investments in it. A recent publication on theguardian.com on Friday Oct 3, 2014 EDT mentioned
that Australia, a former world load investor in clean energy has reduced their investment making
them in 31st position in 2014.
Countries like Canada have invested $3.1 billion dollars in their clean Energy projects this
year. In the first half of 2014, Germany has increased its renewable energy sources to about 30%
which was initially 6.3% in 2000. They intend to increase the percentage to 35% by 2020. Also,
since 2007 the United States has also strongly supported the generation of power from renewable
sources. And as a result US renewable power generation has doubled since 2007 to 2012. Wind
and solar power generation has increased by 300% and 600% respectively and all these increments
have been due to Federal and State support for renewable sources of energy. In recent years, the
United States have supported a number of government policies and subsidies and one of the most
successful forms of support has been the Federal Renewable Energy production tax credit and the
States Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). The interesting note on the State Renewable Portfolio
Standard, is that only 36 States have developed it. It generates 70% of the US total net power and
states are intending to increase supply to about 20% of total power consumed from renewable
sources by 2020. And if the majority of these states are able to accomplish this target, carbon
emissions could be reduced drastically in the future.
International organizations such as the World Bank are also putting a lot of efforts on clean
energy projects in North Africa. The World Bank is planning to invest $5.5 billion for North
African Solar projects. And as part of their plans they are thinking of including five more countries
in this project and hoping to triple worldwide solar power technology capacity. A total of 900MW
of power is expected to be generated by the project by 2020.
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Despite the fact that individual countries are focusing on their internal commitments to
shifting their sources of energy from the traditional (coal, fossil fuel) to modern renewable sources
they are also making efforts to encourage other countries invest in renewable energy in their
country. For example, China is calling on foreign companies, especially from the United States to
visit and invest in Chinese wind power generation. The United States is trying to persuade China
to curb its emissions into the atmosphere and to adopt better renewable sources.
Energy In the Future (Green Energy and Technology On the Rise):
As the awareness of climate change, environmental issues and renewable energy grows,
people start to think about making future energy clean, reliable and sustainable. Green energy is
an energy that is produced in such a way as to minimize its negative impact on the environment.
Traditional (current) energy sources, most notably fossil fuels, produce greenhouse gases that are
believed to be the primary cause of an effect known as global warming or climate change. Sources
of green energy, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro energy, are developed and promoted
as alternative sources that make little or no contribution to climate change.
Green technology uses innovative methods to create environment friendly products.
Mainly, it comprises of various everyday cleaning products, energy sources, inventions, waste,
clothing and a host of others. Green technology uses renewable natural resources that never
deplete. Green technology uses new and innovative energy generation techniques. Green
nanotechnology, that uses green engineering and green chemistry, is one of the latest in green
technologies.
One of the important factors for environmental pollution is the disposal of waste. Green
technology has answers to that as well. It can effectively change waste pattern and production in a
way that it does not harm the planet and we can go green. One of the most sought after goals of
major world economies is to reduce carbon emissions and control temperature rise, which can be
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addressed by the use of green technologies such as sustainable manufacturing, green buildings,
fuel efficient transportation, paperless offices, energy efficiency measures, waste recycling etc.
Future Development of Green Energy and Technology :

Hydro Energy:
This technology uses the movement of water to power turbines attached to generators, and
in many countries, it provides a larger proportion of energy than any other green resources.
Hydropower does not produce a significant amount of waste and provides a unique
environmental advantage. Many of the largest hydroelectric dams make use of a reservoir,
which can serve as a location for recreational activities. The presence of a large water
supply can also provide valuable support for agricultural regions. Below are the world’s
largest hydroelectric power plants (projected future capacity).
The Three Gorges Dam (China) - 22,500 Megawatts (the turbines produce enough energy
to light up Boston, Washington DC and New York City combined).
 Itaipu Dam (Brazil-Paraguay) – 14,000 Megawatts
 Xiluodu Dam (China) – 13,860 Megawatts
 Belo Monte Dam (under construction in Brazil) – 11,233 Megawatts
 Guri Dam (Venezuela) – 10,235 Megawatts

Solar Power:
Solar power does not produce any emissions, is renewable, and is highly suitable for
powered portable devices as well as homes. Many new homes take solar energy generation
into consideration as a design concept, with solar panels and water-heating systems. While
the goal of solar-powered transport has not yet been achieved, the panels can be employed
in vehicles as a source of power for air conditioning. When it comes to large-scale energy
production, the main disadvantage of solar technology is that solar panels and energy
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storage devices use a significant amount of land. This can be defrayed somewhat by
building on land that is not suitable for other uses.
In asking question regarding the use of significant amount of land to install the solar
panels, scientists are now proposing to put giant solar panels out in the space.

Wind Power:
Wind is used to generate energy with large turbines connected to a power collection,
storage, and distribution system. This type of energy generation is a highly effective
method of providing electricity to small, isolated communities. They are often preferred
over solar-powered methods in agricultural areas, because land which contains wind
turbines is more easily able to be used for other purposes. Off-shore wind farms have much
higher building and maintenance costs, but they are able to harness stronger, more
consistent winds. Below are the lists of on-shore and off-shore wind farms :
 Gansu Wind Farm (China, on-shore) – planned to have 20,000 Megawatts capacity.
 Alta Wind Energy Center (USA, on-shore) – planned to generate 3,000 Megawatts
capacity.
 London Array Wind Farm (United Kingdom, off-shore) – 630 Megawatts capacity.
 Greater Gabbard Wind Farm (United Kingdom, off-shore) – 504 Megawatts
capacity.(Wikipedia)

Geothermal Energy:
Geothermal energy is generated by the earth underneath its surface in the form of heat.
While it is not technically a renewable source, it is sustainable more or less indefinitely,
and produces only a small amount of waste in comparison to fossil fuels. Many countries
use this type of energy for a portion of their requirements. Most thermal energy plants are
located near tectonic plate boundaries, where the energy can be extracted more easily.
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
Batteries:
With the increasing of renewable, green energy and technology, future batteries are needed
to store the energy that we don’t use for the future needs.
 Titanium Dioxide (new generation of lithium-ion batteries)
 All-Liquid Battery to store solar and wind energy
Benefits of Green Energy and Technology:

Money Saving:
Although the up-front costs for green technologies are often higher, the lifetime savings
are significant. Green technologies are designed to use resources efficiently, which usually
leads to financial savings for the owner. With a green building, you can see big savings in
utility bulls. Geothermal systems, for example, use up to 50 percent less electricity than
standard systems for heating and cooling.

Tax Incentives:
Green buildings, both commercial and residential, are eligible for government tax credits.
For new residential construction, homeowners can receive a credit of 30 percent of the cost
of installing environmentally-friendly technologies including geothermal, photovoltaic
cells, solar water heaters and small wind systems.

Emissions Reduction:
Pollutants released by fossil fuel-fired electricity contribute to global climate change, cause
air quality issues such as acid rain and smog, and pose risks to human health. Green
building techniques like solar powering, daylighting, and facilitation of public transport
increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
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
Environmental Benefits:
One of the most obvious benefits to building with green technology is the environmental
impact. Green technology helps reduce emissions, conserves water, reduces waste and
consumes less energy than conventional technology. Green buildings also use materials
more efficiently. Over 20 years, a single solar water heater can keep over 50 tons of carbon
dioxide emissions out of the atmosphere; geothermal pumps reduce emissions by up to 70
percent and use up to 50 percent less electricity.

Lifetime and Property Value:
With proper maintenance, green technologies can have long lifetimes. Geothermal
systems, for example, can have warranties of up to 50 years for underground pipes and 20
years for pumps. A small wind system can last up to 20 years. According to the City of
Bloomington, Ind., green technologies can increase property value because they require
little maintenance and save money. This is particularly useful for commercial property
owners or rental managers.
Government and International Acts of Green Energy and Technology Awareness:
Based on International Green Energy Council website, current green energy policy only
available for 22 States in U.S and several countries such as Canada, South Africa, Greece, Senegal,
Zambia, Nigeria, Philippines, Netherlands, Russia, Brazil, China and Republic of Morocco.
In U.S alone, green energy is one of Government concerned, it shown by 31 Policies
currently active and known are: President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, Federal Action for a
Climate Resilient Nations, Presidential Climate Action Project and Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding
Policy. Also, U.S Government had spent a lot of money in purposing and showing their ideas about
Green Energy through around the world, but many countries was not responded to these ideas. So,
for present government policy about green energy, only U.S and U.N with several countries as
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mentioned above that eager to run the policy in their countries and still trying to make some
changes for availability and hopefully might be influence other countries to do the same.
Conclusion:
Well, we are not scentists or engineers, but what can we do help our planet?
The answer is “Energy Efficiency”. Energy effieciency can be done by any profession, whether
it’s engineer, lawyer, business or finance community, energy auditor, policy maker and even
children. Here are some ways that we all can implement as parts of energy efficiency movement :

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
Buying products with minimal packaging will help to reduce waste. By recycling half of
your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning:
Adding insulation to your walls and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors
and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount
of energy you need to heat and cool your home. Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping
at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Install a
programmable thermostat because setting it just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in
summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Drive less and Drive Smart:
Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great
forms of exercise. When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For
example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than
3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds
of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
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
Buy Energy-Efficient Products:
Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent
bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than
standard light bulbs.

Use Less Hot Water:
Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if
it is more than 15 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350
pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your
use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least
500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households.

Use the "Off" Switch:
Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room,
and using only as lighter as you need. And remember to turn off your television, stereo and
computer when you're not using them. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water when
you’re not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car,
turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing.

Plant a Trees:
If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give
off oxygen. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its
lifetime.

Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company:
Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas
in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer
rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.
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
Encourage Others to Conserve:
Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors
and co-workers.
Above all, this is our planet, this is the places where we live, so by creating a few things
that support Green Energy as mentioned above, it could be the biggest help that we have
to save the planet for future and also for our upcoming generations.
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Work References:
1. "WAYS TO GO GREEN AT HOME." Www.greenenergycouncil.com. Web.
<http://www.greenenergycouncil.com/green tips.htm>.
2. "Alternative Energy." Www.dasolar.com. Web. <http://www.dasolar.com/alternative-energy>.
3. Lamb, Robert. "What is the biggest energy source of the future?" 12 July
2010. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/biggestenergy-source-future.htm> 30 November 2014.
4. "What Is the Biggest Energy Source of the Future?" Www.alternative-energy-news.info. Web.
<http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/future-energy/>.
5. Diep, Francie. "AN ALL-LIQUID BATTERY FOR STORING SOLAR AND WIND
ENERGY."Www.popsci.com. 22 Sept. 2014. Web. <http://www.popsci.com/article/science/allliquid-battery-storing-solar-and-wind-energy>.
6. Anthony, Sebastian. "Your next Smartphone or EV Will Recharge to 70% in Just Two Minutes,
Thanks to New Lithium-ion Battery Tech." Www.extremetech.com. 14 Oct. 2014. Web.
7. "Renewable and Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards." Www.c2es.org. Web.
<http://www.c2es.org/node/9340>.
8. "Australia's Investment in Renewable Energy Slumps 70% in One Year."Www.theguardian.com.
3 Oct. 2014. Web. <http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/oct/03/australiasinvestment-in-renewable-energy-slumps-70-in-one-year>.
9. Renewable energy in Germany. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_Germany
10. Greenhouse effect. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_effect
Page 97 of 164
“IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL”: THE ROLES THAT
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY PLAYS ON CLIMATE
CHANGE
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus – Florida
Muhammad Ejaz, Kailash, Karim Kahn, Zinhle Kobo, Ece Konacer, Koffi Kouakou, Eduardo
Leite, Ali Nawaz, Khyrul Nisa, Ashok Pal, Akhon Shah, Kazi Tabassum, Ferdinandus Watu
Page 98 of 164
Abstract
This paper discusses The Walt Disney Company and its methods on preventing climate change
effects. In 1923, a man named Walter Elias Disney established a studio called Disney Brothers
Cartoon Studio that later became The Walt Disney Company. It became an important tourism
destination and American cultural icon, creating a great impact on people worldwide. The
founder was also an early advocate for environmental consciousness. Due to his values, a
legacy occurred for decades within the company, in which it strives in various ways to prevent
climate change through water and energy conservation, greenhouse gas emission reduction,
waste minimization and ecosystem conservation. The company has various outreach initiatives
to make positive impacts on the environment as well. As a corporation, it has become a role
model for other companies to prevent this crisis. Climate change can be fought if we work
together, because just as one of Walt Disney’s songs, “It’s a Small World After All,” teaches
people, the world is indeed small – small enough to be potentially overtaken by this global
issue, which certainly knows no boundaries.
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Introduction
Climate change is affecting our lives globally and it is getting worse every day; almost
everything that happens around the world contributes to climate change in either of the
following ways: global warming, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, air pollution, etc.
According to („Global Warming‟, 2014), human activities are causing climate change around
the world because of the way we live in this century. In addition, the forever changing
technology also plays a big role in the causes. It is an increasing problem which affects us
globally and we need to do something about it.
Some large-scale corporations, such as the Walt Disney Company, have started playing a
positive role towards combating climate change. They have a series of procedures and actions
to minimize the impact on this global challenge, such as water and energy conservation,
greenhouse gas emission reduction, waste minimization, ecosystem conservation and various
outreach initiatives to make positive impacts on the environment (Environmental Policy, n.d.).
Since it is one of the biggest entertainment destinations in the world with huge
recognition, the Walt Disney Company is an example and motivation to society, as well as,
to other companies to minimize the effects on climate change by recycling, saving energy,
and making reforestation. With these initiatives, the Walt Disney Company is protecting the
planet for future generations.
History
Walter Elias Disney, the founder of the Walt Disney Company, was an American
motion- picture and television producer, showman, pioneer cartoonist, and the creator of
Disneyland (Walt Disney and His Business, Barry L 2007). He was born on December 5,
1901, in Illinois and started working with his parents at the age of nine to support and generate
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his family’s income. Although Disney had no formal education in the field of business, he
became a business hero and a pioneer who, time after time, risked everything he owned and
created things that were newer, bigger and better. Before he died on December 15, 1966, at the
age of 65, he had won 22 Academy Awards. He and his brother, Roy Disney, co-founded Walt
Disney Productions, which became one of the best-known motion-picture production
companies in the world.
In the early 20th century, Walt Disney began building an entertainment empire whose
power and influence are still prominent today. The Walt Disney Company, together with its
subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and
media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio
entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. The Walt Disney Company not only
focuses on providing entertainment, but also takes care of the environment as it has
procedures to help directly or indirectly reduce climate change in its theme parks.
Walt Disney Company and its Impact on Climate Change
The Walt Disney Company is conscious about the problem of climate change and is
taking measures to mitigate the problem. The company founder, Walt Disney, was an early
advocate for environmental consciousness. The Walt Disney Parks, restaurants, hotels and
shops, dining and entertainment districts all follow responsible environmental practices. The
company’s Cruise Lines made strides to conserve energy through a mix of technical and
operational enhancements. Scorecards have replaced the old lighting and fixtures with more
energy efficient alternatives.
The Walt Disney Company is also working in the area of ecosystem services which
draws upon the expertise of key leaders in this field, including the United States
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Environmental Protection Agency’s Ecosystem Service Research Partnership. The company is
concentrating on its construction sites; it has developed new analysis methods and new design
software to help us create truly sustainable buildings. Its wood use standards, which provide a
framework for responsible wood selection in construction projects throughout Disney, is
working with conservation organizations, including World life and the World Resource
Institute.
Walt Disney Company water conservation efforts have been in place since 1990, which
helped the company to maintain its beautiful landscape while minimizing impact towards its
local water supplies. More than six million gallons of reclaimed water, for example, is treated,
reprocessed and reused each day to irrigate golf courses, wash buses and clean streets at the
park resort hotels. Disney Cruise Lines is also active in applying technology toward
conserving water. The laundry facility on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship, for instance,
consumes about one-third of the total water used on the ship. More efficient washing machines
were installed in 2010 that have improved water efficiency in the laundry by more than 20
percent. The ship also recycles water from the onboard air conditioning system to supply fresh
water to the laundry facilities and for cleaning its outer decks, amounting to a minimum of 50
tons of water conserved each day.
Like other sustainable projects, Walt Disney is also working on waste management.
The parks and resorts set a goal to decrease solid waste to landfill to 50 percent of the 2006
baseline level (the total waste generated that year) by 2013. The total waste generated by
Disney’s parks and resorts increased by 27,786 which were significant to the building
projects at the Disneyland Resort in California. According to the (Lefkowitz, 2011),
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“Walt’s vision for preserving wildlife and their habitat also included early efforts with
Florida’s wetlands in the 1960s when he set aside nearly one third of the Walt Disney
World Resort as a dedicated conservation area. In 1995, the company established the
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to support the important work of organizations
that are positively impacting wildlife, ecosystems and communities around the
world.”
The Walt Disney Company seeks to establish and sustain a positive environmental legacy
for Disney and for future generations. In doing so, the company commits to minimizing its
overall impact on the environment while encouraging and activating environmentally responsible
behavior on the part of cast members and employees, guests and business associates throughout
the world. Specifically, Disney aims to conserve water, energy and ecosystems; to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions; to minimize waste and to inspire public consciousness in support of
environmental sustainability. The company seeks to identify measures and understand the direct
and indirect impact of its operations and develop innovative and realistic solutions for mitigating
those impacts. It also complies with and, in some cases, exceeds environmental laws and
regulations. Finally, the company is committed to communicating regularly its progress in
implementing the policies and achieving the targets that it has established. (Lefkowitz, 2011)
Walt Disney Company’s Conservation Focus Areas
1.
Water and Energy Conservation
Water and energy conservation includes the improvement of water and energy
efficiencies in existing operations. The company invests in new technologies and systems that
enhance water and energy conservation. It includes water and energy management as an integral
part of planning for future projects to reduce the consumption of water and energy.
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Through the company, worldwide energy management is a key to success. Airconditioning, refrigeration, compressed air, and water-moving systems for buildings, rides, and
transportation all operate primarily on electricity and natural gas. To maximize energy
conservation and efficiency while minimizing costs and environmental concerns, the Walt Disney
World Resort in Orlando, Florida, for instance, has implemented a state-of-the-art Energy
Management Program (EMP) that can and has served as a role model to owners and
administrators of public and private facilities. For instance, Walt Disney World Resort’s approach
to water conservation begins with using less water where possible, and maximizes use of
reclaimed water. Approximately thirty percent of the resorts‟ overall needs and eighty percent of
its irrigation needs are met with reclaimed water. („The Walt Disney Company‟, n.d.)
2. Waste Minimization
Waste minimization involves minimizing waste in different operations and business
activities. It focuses on disposing of waste conscientiously and creatively by making
"reduce/reuse/recycle" the standard operating procedure. The company incorporates waste
reduction into the design of products, programs, and facilities, reducing waste through innovative
product development, supply chain management, and end-of-life recycling.
Recycling is a big part of waste management at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. In
2007, Walt Disney World Resort recycled more than 39,000 tons of materials including: 1,048
tons of scrap metal; 1,255,090 pounds (628 tons) of cooking grease; and 14 million pounds of
cardboard. Disney Harvest reduced food waste by gathering excess prepared food from Walt
Disney World Resort kitchens and distributing it through the Second Harvest Food Bank of
Central Florida. More than 1,000 local children are fed weekly through this program. In 2007,
Disney Harvest gave more than 625,000 pounds of food to the hungry in Orange, Osceola, Lake,
and Seminole counties.
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3. Ecosystem Conservation
Ecosystem Conservations focuses on promoting wildlife and habitat conservation through
cooperative efforts with the scientific and academic communities and organizations committed to
preserving the earth's biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The company effectively plans and
manages conservation lands for the preservation of native plant and animal species. It also
integrates natural resource conservation in future planning, development and operations activities.
Recognizing that ecosystems are the basis of the planet’s health, the Disney Worldwide
Conservation Fund provides financial support for the study of wildlife, the protection of habitats
and community conservation and education. The goal is to support conservation organizations
that focus on long-term positive impacts for wildlife and habitats (Careers D, n.d). The Disney
Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), founded in 1995, is a key pillar in Disney’s efforts to
protect the planet and help kids develop lifelong conservation values. DWCF grants provide
financial support for: the study of wildlife; the protection of habitats; the development of
community conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems; and experiences that
connect kids to nature through exploration and discovery. To date, the DWCF has awarded more
than $24 million to projects in 112 countries. The Annual Conservation Grants are by invitation
only.
The following statements are also related to the company’s contribution towards combating
climate change. First and foremost, the Disney Company has:
1 - Disney’s Strategy to reduce its environmental impact
In 2009, the Walt Disney Company announced a set of ambitious, long-term goals to minimize
and reduce its environmental impact. The company inspires and tries to encourage their
employees, business associates and consumers to do friendly environmental work. Disney thinks
such goals minimize environmental pollutions and have a positive impact on the ecosystem and
environment. („FAQs‟, n.d.)
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2 - Funding for third party greenhouse gas emission reduction project
Another one of Disney’s approaches is to lower their direct and indirect greenhouse gas
emissions. They are avoiding and reducing emissions and for this purpose they are using lowcarbon emission fuel sources and avoiding high-carbon fuel usage. The company also is funding
third party projects to ensure to reduce carbon emissions. According to („FAQs‟, n.d.)
“They receive a carbon offset credit that quantifies and certifies the actual greenhouse
gas emission reductions from the project. We determine the „high-quality‟ of third party
emission reduction projects by applying a strict set of criteria and standards, including
that the offset projects are real, transparent, measurable, and provide additional
emissions reductions beyond those that may have been realized in the ordinary course of
business.”
There is a Climate Solutions Fund which is the name given to Disney’s Internal Carbon Pricing
Program. The costs of carbon offset projects are charged back to individual business units at a
rate proportional to their contribution to the company’s overall direct emissions footprint.
Charging the business units for their greenhouse gas emissions creates the Climate Solutions
Fund that is then used to invest in third party emission reduction projects. („FAQs‟, n.d.)
3 - Forests protection around the world
Disney has invested $23.5 million in carbon offset projects globally so far. The most amount of
this investment involves forest conservation, reforestation and forest management. This includes
a $7 million investment for forest conservation in both Peru and the Democratic Republic of the
Congo and $8.9 million in the United States for reforestation and forest management projects. In
addition, Disney also supports programs that engage communities in protecting natural
ecosystems. .”{McLennan, W. (2011, April 8)}.
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4 - Reduce the environmental impact of its cruise ships
All of The Walt Disney’s Company cruise ships have industry-leading practices to reduce
environmental impact and personnel dedicated to identifying reductions in environmental
footprint. Disney has Environmental Officers with specialized training in environmental
regulations and systems. All Disney ships have an innovative hull coating that is both 100
percent nontoxic and effective in increasing fuel efficiency at sea. In addition, the Disney
shipboard recycling processes annually eliminate more than 405 tons of recyclables from
traditional waste streams. Excess heat from power generators on all Disney ships are used daily
to run evaporators, transforming tons of sea water into potable water for use in laundry facilities
and for cleaning outer decks. Furthermore, Disney Cruise Line’s ships recycle water collected
from the onboard air conditioning system also to supply fresh water to the ship’s laundry
facilities and for cleaning the ship’s outer decks. („FAQs‟, n.d.)
5 - Minimizing Water Usage Plan
Disney believes in a localized approach to managing and conserving the water usage, which
provides a healthy benefit to the communities and planet. Therefore, in order to construct the
World of Color show at Disney’s California Adventure, for instance, all sixteen million gallons
of water in Paradise Bay had to be drained. Rather than using traditional methods, which would
have lost the water to the ocean, Disneyland Resorts sent the water to Orange County Water
District’s Groundwater Replenishment System. This state of the art system treats water far
beyond drinking water standards and then pumps it into large infiltration basins where, over
time, the water percolates into Orange County’s groundwater basin. („FAQs‟, n.d.)
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6 - Wildlife protection
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund provides financial support for the study of wildlife,
the protection of habitats and the development of community conservation and education
programs in critical ecosystems around the world. Since 1995, the Disney Worldwide
Conservation Fund has contributed more than $17 million to more than 800 projects in 111
countries. („FAQs‟, n.d.)
Conclusion
This paper, talks about how the Walt Disney Company plays a role in minimizing the
effects of climate change. Everyone has to take measures in order to save the planet by
challenging and motivating other enterprises to play a role. Climate change can be fought if we
work together, because just as one of Walt Disney’s songs, “It’s a Small World After All,”
teaches people, the world is indeed small – small enough to be potentially overtaken by this
global issue, which certainly knows no boundaries.
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References
At the Disney Wilderness Preserve, nature offers you a front-row seat to conservation at its best.
(2014, January 1). Retrieved October 8 from
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/florida/
placesweprotect/the-disney-wilderness-preserve.xml
Capodagl, B., & Jackson, L. (2007). 2.3. The Disney way harnessing the management secrets of
Disney in your company, (1st ed., p. 35). New York: McGraw Hill.
Careers, D. (n.d.). Making the world a better place. Retrieved October 14, from
http://disneycareers.com/en/ about-disney/corporate-citizenship/
Dewan, A. (n.d.). Disney caught up in carbon offsetting controversy. Retrieved October 4, 2014,
from http://climate-connections.org/2011/04/08/disney-caught-up-in-carbon-offsettingcontroversy/
FAQs. (n.d.). Retrieved 2 October 2014, from http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/content/faqs
Global Warming. (2014, October 24). Retrieved 2 October 2014, from
http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/default.asp
Lefkowitz, K. A. (2011, July 13). Making the Magic More Sustainable at Disney Parks and
Resorts. Retrieved 7 October 2014, from
http://www.environment.ucla.edu/newsroom/making-the-magic-more-sustainable-atdisney-parks-and-resorts/
Linetsky, MA, MBA, B. (2007, January 1). Walt Disney And His Business Philosophy In
Action. THE STRATEGIC PLANNING GROUP.
Mitchell, S. (n.d.). Just How “Green” is Walt Disney World? Retrieved October 11, from
http://zannaland.com/just-how-green-is-walt-disney-world/
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McLennan, W. (2011, April 8). Disney caught up in carbon offsetting controversy. Retrieved
September 4, 2014, from
http://climate-connections.org/2011/04/08/disney-caught-up-in-carbon-offsettingcontroversy/
The Walt Disney Company. (n.d.). Environmental Policy. Retrieved 2 October 2014, from
http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship/policies/environmental-policy
The Walt Disney Company. (n.d.). Retrieved 7 October 2014, from
http://www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship/disney-worldwide-conservation-fund
Page 110 of 164
ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES ON CLIMATE
CHANGE IN BOSTON
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Bunker Hill Community College – Massachusetts
Adele Creado, Andrea Benitez, Arifa Karim, Ferdaus Muhammad, Ilyas Muhammad, Jean Rahmadan,
Molwantwa David Letlhake, Muhammad Shahzad Khan, Naila Amin, Ongky Lay, Usman Siddiqui,
Perimsu Bayrak
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Abstract
This research paper focuses on Boston’s role in working with climate change. The city has been
studying the effects of renewable energy to alleviate the negative aspects of climate change. According to
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, “Boston achieved in 2013 the highest score in City
Energy Efficiency Scorecard, due to its community-wide programs and utility partnerships, including the
Renew Boston initiative” (Eric Mackres, 2013). In addition, to gathering information from other sources,
we conducted a survey and attended a workshop to get the information about the public’s general
awareness regarding the use of renewable energy resources and climate change. Climate change has a big
effect on Boston, especially in the rise of the sea level, temperature, and the soil moisture. The solution
for this is to use the renewable energy resources, but the people in Boston are not really aware of it and
many are not using renewable energy resources which makes the issue of climate change in Boston
remain unsolved challenge.
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Introduction
Climate change has been on the minds of people for the past few decades. As other countries
around the world, the United States has a significant part in how this issue has increased recently. Boston,
Massachusetts is the city where this research was conducted. Boston is a green city, full of green energy
resources and natural resources like water, solar and wind and the city has the capability to avail the
hydro, wind and solar energy because of the geography of the area. However, the city is still highly
dependent upon the non-renewable energy resources such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear energy,
which is causing climate change which has led to global warming. Renewable energy resources can help
us in the fight against global warming. The top three available renewable energy resources in Boston are
hydro, solar and wind energy resources. These renewable energy resources also make the city green and
will benefit the residents and government on a monetary level as well. Aware of the jeopardy of the
situation coming along, the government of Boston is now trying to convert the use of non-renewable
energy to renewable energy.
Literature Review
History and background
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is a shift in long-term weather patterns: temperature, precipitation, wind, and
more. There is scientific consensus that our climate is changing as a result of global warming caused by
human activities that produce greenhouse gas emissions (What Is Climate Change, 2014).
Climate Change in Boston, Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is expected to experience warmer temperatures, increased
frequency and intensity of storms, public water supply shortages, rising sea levels, and increased erosion
which threaten our coastal areas. Recognizing the gravity of these threats, Massachusetts state agencies
are taking the lead in reducing their environmental impacts. The Hurricane Sandy for example hit not
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only Massachusetts, but also the entire East Coast. A storm of this severity demonstrates the short-term
damage of global warming. (What Is Climate Change, 2014).
When did they start to use renewable energy sources?
U.S faced big oil crises in the 1970s. This awakened the nation to possibility our oil reserve
would not last forever, so renewable energy resources were considered more seriously.
History of Renewable Energy in Boston, Massachusetts
In 1769, English inventor and industrialist Richard Arkwright (1732-1792) planted a waterpowered textile loom for spinning cotton that revolutionized the textile industry. One of the pioneers in
the effort was a New England (Boston) businessman, Francis Cabot Lowell (1775-1817). In early
nineteenth century Lowell imported British Technology to the Charles River in Waltham, Massachusetts.
In the early nineteenth century Lowell imported British technology (hydropower for textile spinning) to
the Charles River in Waltham, Massachusetts where he and other business owners built textile mills
powered by the river (Weisblatt, 2006). That was the first time renewable energy being used in Boston.
Effects of Climate Change in Boston
Impact on Temperature and Sea Level
According to the New England Climate Coalition, some impacts of climate change in
Massachusetts are: the average temperature in Amherst, Massachusetts has increased 2 ◦F over the last
century; precipitation has increased by 20% in many parts of the state; by 2100, temperatures could
increase by 4◦ in winter and spring and about 5◦ in summer and fall; and precipitation by 2100 is estimated
to increase about 10% in spring and summer, 15% in the fall, and 20-60% in winter. When the amount of
precipitation increases in extremely wet or snowy days in winter, then the frequency of hot days in
summer would also increase. Heat-related deaths in Boston during a typical summer could increase 50%
by 2050. (Climate Change In New England, 2014)
Due to the increase of the temperature in Boston, the potential for transmission of diseases such
as malaria, Dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Lyme diseases increased with global warming, as the
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habitats of disease-carrying insects expand. Warmer seas could contribute to the increased intensity,
duration and extension of harmful algal blooms, which damage habitat and shellfish nurseries and can be
toxic to humans. (Morris, 2015)
In Boston, the sea level has risen by 11 inches over the last 100 years (both because of climate
change and land subsidence) and could rise another 2 to 6 feet by 2100. The cost of sand replenishment to
protect the coast of Massachusetts from 20 inch sea level rise by 2100 is estimated at $490 million to $2.6
billion. (Climate Change In New England, 2014)
More than half the country’s population now lives along the nation’s coasts, and one third lives in
the highly populated coastal areas of the Northeast. The area between Boston and Philadelphia is one of
the most populous areas of the country, with extensive infrastructure, buildings and businesses. Global
climate change affects the coastal areas with rising air temperature, increasing rainfall, rise in ocean
temperature and rising sea level, which lead to increase coastal floods. In addition to sea level rises, much
of the Northeast shoreline is gradually sinking, increases the effects of rise in ocean water. (Climate
Change In New England, 2014)
In Boston, if the number of 100-year storm increases, more buildings and infrastructure will be at
risk of being inundated by rising water during intense weather such as hurricanes and nor’easters. While
many of Boston’s neighborhoods are protected from wave action and floods by seawalls, they have not
been fully tested by extreme weather conditions and rising sea level.
Many of Boston’s neighborhoods and landmarks including the New England Aquarium are built in areas
that are highly susceptible to flooding and the effects of extreme weather. For example, under projected
100-year storms (based on a high emissions scenario), many of Boston's best-known landmarks are
threatened, including Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Station, Fan Pier, Copley Church, John
Hancock Tower and the Public Garden (Climate Change In New England, 2014).
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Impacts on Forests
Due to the increase in temperature, the soil is getting dry which badly affected the growth of trees
and plant, and that is unfavorable for the cultivation. Different cities of Massachusetts are losing several
trees as well as animal species losing their inhabitance due to rising temperature. The places near the sea
are also effected by climate change as humidity in the soil is increasing, which is unfavorable for forests
as see water contains huge amount of salt and crops cannot be grown in those area.
According to the Boston Harbor Association report ”Current models predict that Boston will
experience up to two feet of sea level rise by 2050 and up to six feet by 2100” (Ellen Douglas, 2013)
Boston, and the rest of the United States northeast, is experiencing rising sea levels due to climate change
as well as land subsidence. As the temperature rises we see an increase of rainfall and severe storms that
contribute to rising sea level and problematic flooding. This will eventually cause massive problems for
the region. Many people will be affected as one third of the country’s population calls the northeast home
and a lot of the country’s economic centers are also based in the region. If this issue is not controlled the
risk of flooded buildings close to the coastal area may increment due to the rise of the sea level, in
particular during environmental emergencies when the rain precipitation exceeds the limit.
Need of Renewable Energy in Boston
Currently Boston is greatly relying on the non-renewable energy resources, such as fossil fuels,
natural gas, and petroleum etc. for producing electricity which has an abundant role in climate change in
the city. On the other hand, the city is full of different renewable energy resources such as wind, solar,
photovoltaic, hydro, geo-thermal, and biomass. All these resources have the ability to produce electricity
to reduce the climate change in the city and world as well.
Approximately 46% of the land in Boston is occupied by water. The majority of this 46% can
easily be utilized to produce electricity by installing hydropower plant. According to US Department of
Energy, “Advanced systems can be applied at more than 80% of existing hydropower projects, and can
also be built at small existing dams that have not been previously used to produce power” (Kemp, 2006).
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These dams can easily work out the shortcomings of the production of the electricity by non-renewable
energy resources. Boston has renewable energy resource in the form of solar thermal electric &
Photovoltaic which can be used to generate electricity by using Solar Panels. According to a report
published by Public Citizens organization, “Every hour more energy strikes the surface of the earth than
is consumed globally in a year” (Kemp, 2006). On a day-to-day basis, a lot of Sun rays fall on the earth
which is not utilized to produce electricity, though the exact amount of sunlight depends on the region and
the season. The quantity of solar energy by any extent is also huge. The ratio of usage of solar energy is
very rare as compared to the availability of this renewable source of energy.
Boston is one of the windiest cities in the nation and the Office of Environmental and Energy
Services is actively promoting the building of small and large scale wind turbines where feasible
(www.cityofboston.gov, 2014). The city of Boston has also the capacity of using windmills for generating
electricity. Presently in Boston, inadequate windmills are installed which needs to be improved to reduce
the climate change caused by using non-renewable energy resources for generating electricity.
Types and Usages of Renewable Energy
There are many types of renewable energy resources. The major are: solar energy, wind energy,
bio-energy, geothermal energy and ocean energy.
Solar Energy
This is the form of renewable energy that came from sun light, which can be used for producing
electricity, to provide heating and cooling buildings, and to heat water both for commercial and domestic
uses.
Wind Energy
Kinetic energy is available in dry areas and obtained through the use of wind turbines to generate
electricity in particular to remote area.
Biomass Energy
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This kind of energy comes from organic materials like plants, animal, landfill gas, wood, solid
waste, crops and alcohol fuels which keep energy from the sun. This can be used to generate electricity
and for chemicals or transportations fuels.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy emerges from the internal area of the Earth; it can be used to generate electric
energy, calefaction and cooling but is limited to certain locations.
Ocean Energy
Ocean energy is obtained from ocean waves produced as by the tides as by the winds. The energy
that comes from the sun can produce a change in the temperature of the water of oceans, making it as
another energy alternative
Hydroelectric Energy
This energy is obtained from the movement of the water. It is useful to provide energy to areas
close to bodies of waters, such lakes and rivers.
Advantages and Efficiency of Renewable Energy
The city of Boston has the capabilities of renewable technologies and has the huge availability of
renewable energy resources. These resources are not only inexpensive and inexhaustible because they can
be reused, but also have technical potential to supply. Renewable energy produces little or no waste
products such as carbon dioxide or other chemicals pollutants, so has impact on the environment.
Renewable energy can also improve in public health and environmental quality which will play a great
role both on the economy and control on climate change perspective.
Availability of Renewable Energy in Boston
The New England Aquarium stated on their website that, “Boston Mayor Thomas Menino issued
an executive order that established a green power purchasing goal of 11% for the city government,
effective immediately, and a goal of 15% by 2012. The executive order also requires all existing
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municipal properties to be evaluated for the feasibility of installing solar, wind, bio-energy, combined
heat and power (CHP), and green roofs”. (The executive order updated an announcement by Mayor
Menino in 2006 that the city government would purchase 8.6% of its power from renewable energy
sources as part of its EPA Green Power Partnership.) (Database Incentives/Policies for Renewables &
Efficiency, 2014)
According to American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Boston achieved in 2013 the
highest score in City Energy Efficiency Scorecard, due to its community-wide programs and utility
partnerships, including the Renew Boston initiative. This program has made affordable renewable energy
for communities as it is a network of energy efficiency and alternative energy providers that coordinate
efforts to help the city achieve its energy goals. Those goals include reducing electricity usage by 200
megawatts by 2017, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
(acee.org, 2014).
According to city of Boston in 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental
and Energy Services awarded the City of Boston $6.5M in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block
Grant funds made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Mayor’s
Office of Environmental and Energy Services’ Renew Boston program, through which the fund are being
administered, has partnered with the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) to make
available $900,000 for energy retrofit of affordable housing developments in an effort to improve the
energy performance of low-income multi-family buildings (cityofboston.gov, 2014)
Viability of Renewable Energy in Boston
Power companies love to build solar power plants. They add to their capital investment, raising
regulated profits. They cost a lot of money and produce a minimal amount of energy. They add nothing to
the peak power capability, meaning increased demand still has to be met by investing in conventional
plants (more investment and more profits). The costs can all be passed on to the consumer through
regulated rate increases.
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The existing renewable energy supply in Boston is dominated by contributions from the Trash-toEnergy facilities (hydroelectric and biomass). For viability the government should open more landfills
where trash will be converted in to electrical energy.
To provide energy and reduce expenses for electricity or fuel, a renewable energy system can be
a source of revenue because it is freely generated. Renewable energy technologies are getting cheaper,
through technological change and through the benefits of mass production and market competition. As the
cost of renewable power falls, the scope of economically viable applications increases.
Methodology
Data:
Informational interviews, workshops and survey were conducted for the collection of data to
gather the views of the residents of Boston about the climate changes and their awareness. All the three
sources are playing the key role on the topic of the paper. Two climate change workshops were attended
by us about the climate change in Boston. One was with the Boston Harbor Association and the other was
a lecture about climate change effects on the anthropological findings in Boston. Respondents from
diverse backgrounds were selected for the survey.
Subjects
Thirty-five people participated answering the survey conducted. They were 19 men and 14
women, from 15 to 70 years old. They had different educational background; they were 7 High School
students, 11 College students, 4 associates, 7 bachelors, 1 master and 1 PhD. They answered the survey
conducted voluntarily. It was pertinent to regard with the participation of people from different
backgrounds and age, since it could provide more information for a wider picture about the role of
renewable energies in Boston.
Settings:
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The topic selected for the paper has a great impact on climate change in our current times. Boston
is the hub of different renewable energy resources, so this research will add up the values more and find
out how these resources are best utilized. We chose experts based on sampling techniques from different
groups, which represent the whole of Boston. Their views are considered as multi minded which has
benefited us by having diverse opinions about the topic. The theme of the questions asked in the survey
was about the topic of the paper, through which we have a very strong results about the role of renewable
energy resources usage to reduce the climate change.
Analysis Techniques
Two basic techniques were used for gathering information about the topic, The Text analysis
techniques used in conducting the data analysis in this research paper. It is being done by gaining
information from books, articles, and other research papers as well. We are also using Correlations
techniques to find out relationship between variables that we have in our data.
Finding & Results:
After conducting the survey, the findings show that around 77% of the sample understands the
difference between the renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, while 23% of the sample
participants did not understand the difference. When they were briefed about the difference between these
two energy resources, then all of them recommended the use of renewable energy resources. Around 89%
of the population stated that Boston has the renewable energy resources in the form of solar, wind, biomass, geo-thermal, and hydro while only 11% showed the lack of knowledge about the renewable energy
resources available in Boston. The respondents showed that the most affordable renewable energy
resources are solar, wind and hydro. They mentioned that because of the high cost, limited resources,
environmental issues, difficulties in finding, lack of information, and convenience are the basic reasons
which prevent us from the usage of the renewable energy resource in Boston. They also mentioned that
Boston has the renewable energy resources but because of the lack of publicity or promotion, no suitable
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accessibility, alternatives, high cost, people are too busy looking for substitution, afraid of change, lack of
income, little awareness, demand and different qualities are the factor which preventing them from using
renewable energy resources. The majority of the population has no idea about the climate change. Around
56% of the survey participants stated that they have no idea about the climate change in Boston and the
actions to be taken for reducing the climate change. The rest of the 44% had the knowledge about the
climate change and suggested that Boston should maintain proper recycling system, use of wind and solar
energy resources, research, spread awareness, stop using non-renewable energy resources, save the energy
and invest in the energy and green house for reducing the climate change in Boston.
Bostonian's Awareness about Climate Change
Aware
44%
56%
Suggestion to Reduce Climate Change
6%
56%
Unaware
6%
3%
6%
3%
11%
3%
3%
3%
Recycling
Wind Power Use
Research
Solar Panels
Stop Using NRE
Awareness
Save Energy
Invest in Energy
Green House plan
No Suggestions
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Analysis and Projection
Based on findings and results of the survey, an extensive percentage of people in Boston are not
aware of climate change. They have the understanding between the renewable and non-renewable energy
resource which is playing a key role in climate change, and they recommended the use of renewable
energy resources. The city of Boston is now moving towards to working on reducing the effects of
climate change and is still continuously working hard to develop more innovations and protect the
environment by using renewable energy resources since the city itself offered the huge availability of
renewable resources such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. If the city continues using the renewable
energy resources, Boston will have a friendlier environment, pollution level would decrease, the quality
of soil and air would improve, forestation would raise and it will leads to a healthier and greener
environment in the future.
Conclusion
Climate change has a vast effect on Boston, especially in rise of sea level, temperature, and the
soil moisture. The solution for this is to use the renewable energy resources. These are available but the
people in Boston are not really aware of them and therefore they do not really use them, which causes the
issue of climate change in Boston remain unsolved.
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Works Cited
Climate Change In New England. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.neaq.org:
http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/climate_change_in_new_englan
d.php
Ellen Douglas, P. K. (2013). Preparing for the Rising Tide. Boston: The Boston Harbor Association.
Eric Mackres, K. J. (2013). The 2013 City Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Washington: American Council
for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Kemp, M. (2006). Renewable Energy is capable of meeting our needs. Public Citizens. Retrieved from
www.energyactivists.org
Morris, R. A. (2015). Retrieved from New Englan Aquarium:
http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/climate_change_in_new_englan
d.php
Weisblatt, N. S. (2006). Alternative Energy. Farmington Hills: Thomson Corporation.
What Is Climate Change. (2014). Retrieved from www.mass.gov:
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/climate-energy/climate/about/what-is-climatechange.html
Page 124 of 164
APPENDICIES
Climate Change
Role of Renewable Energy Resource on Climate Change in Boston
Questionnaire
Participation:
Gender Wise:
Male
Female
19
16
Gender Wise
Male
46%
54%
Female
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Age Wise:
15-16
18-20
21-22
24-25
27-35
54-56
61-70
No answer
2
5
5
6
8
3
3
3
Age Wise
9%
6%
9%
15-16
14%
18-20
21-22
8%
24-25
14%
27-35
54-56
61-70
23%
No answer
17%
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Level of Education:
High School
College
Associates
bachelor
Master
7
11
4
7
1
Ph.D.
no answer
1
4
level of education
11%
3%
3%
20%
High School
College
Associates
20%
bachelor
31%
12%
Master
Ph.D
no answer
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Q- 1 What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources
People who understand
27
People who don’t understand
8
Understanding the Difference b/w
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
Resource
23%
Understand
Don't Understand
77%
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Q-2 Would you recommend the use of renewable energy resources?
Yes
35
No
0
Recommendation of Renewable Energy
Resources
0%
Yes
No
100%
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Q-3: What kind of renewable energy resources are available to use in Boston?
Content
Total
Solar
Wind
26
20
Bio-Mass
2
Geothermal
Hydro
1
8
Don’t Know
7
Availability of Renewable Energy Resources
solar
11%
wind
12%
41%
2%
3%
BioMass
Geothermal
Hydro
Do not know
31%
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Q-4: What kind of renewable energy resources are the most affordable for all people in Boston?
Content
Solar
Wind
20
Total
Don’t Know
Hydro
6
1
12
Most Affordabale Energy Resources
4%
4%
solar
21%
wind
hydro
do not know
71%
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Q-5: What would prevent you from using renewable energy resources?
Cost
Limited Access/Resources/Environment
Hard to Find
20
16
3
Nothing
Convenience
3
4
Factors Preventing Bostonian from Using RE.
Cost
9%
7%
Limited
Access/Resources/Environment
6%
43%
Hard to Find
Nothing
Convenience
35%
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Q No 6 If Boston has affordable energy resources nowadays why do you think people still use nonrenewable energy resources?
No Advertisement
1
Non-renewable More accessible
3
No alternatives
2
Cost
9
Too busy to looking for substitution
1
Afraid of change/comfortable with Non-renewable
4
Not Alert/Awareness:
4
Don’t know
1
Lack of information/resources/access
10
Demand
1
Different quality
1
Monopoly
3
Non-renewable
Monopoly : 3 No Advertisement
Different quality 8%
3%
More accessible
3%
8%
Demand
No alternatives
3%
5%
Lack of
information/resourc
es/access
25%
Don’t know : 1
3%
Not
Alert/Awareness: 4
10%
Cost : 9
23%
Too busy to looking
Afraid of for substitution
change/comfortable 3%
with Non-renewable…
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Q-7: Should the people of Boston should be worried about the climate change? What is being done to
overcome it?
Suggestions
No of Persons
Recycling
2
Wind Power Use
2
Research
1
Solar Panels
2
Stop using Non-renewable energy resources
1
Awareness
4
Save Energy
1
Invest in Energy
1
Green House plan
1
No Suggestions
19
Recycling
Suggestions
Wind Power Use
Research
6%
56%
Solar Panels
6%
3%
6%
3%
11%
3%
3%3%
Stop using Non-renewable
energy resources
Awareness
Save Energy
Invest in Energy
Green House plan
No Suggestions
**********
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SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES: THE EFFECTS OF
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ INITIATIVES
TOWARDS THE CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE
Community College Initiative Program 2014-2015
Scottsdale Community College – Arizona
Ahtesham Azhar, Rohina Bano, Revathi Batola, Jalaluudin Mughal, Gohar Hassan,
Arooba Kamal, Nangamso Hlobokazi Mqamelo, Bhoopali Nandurkar, Dahlia Rera Oktasiani,
Julian Ribeiro Nogues, Thulisa Sigwabe, and Aline Lie Yamada
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Abstract
This paper presents comprehensive research about the plans and actions of the Maricopa County
Community College District (MCCCD) to address the issues and concerns about the
environment, natural and acquired resources, and especially the struggle against the negative
effects of climate change. The objective of this research is to demonstrate how the MCCCD, its
community of educators, students and collaborators, as well as authorities and experts of the
Phoenix Valley, Arizona, are participating actively in the discussion about climate change. This
paper looks at how these stakeholders manage challenges, problems, implement innovative ideas
and projects, but also follow required, or expected, standards of sustainability demanded by the
environmental, social and ethical situation mankind faces. By analyzing and applying the
findings and discussions, in the conclusion of this research paper, the proposals, insights and
examples of the MCCCD and the people in the Phoenix Valley can be applied to other education
institutions around the world, extending as much as possible the awareness and consensus among
people of the climate crisis.
Keywords: sustainability, water conservation, energy conservation, recycling
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Sustainability Initiatives: The Effects of Maricopa Community Colleges’ Initiatives
towards the Climate Change Issue
Global warming and the greenhouse effect are topics that have been gaining significant
importance in the world, specifically in recent years. Yet, the climate change issue is not a recent
problem; it is an issue that has plagued the earth from the beginning of the human race. Almost
seven billion tons of carbon dioxide have been released every year through human activities. The
rapid change in climate leaves a massive impact on people, ecosystems, cities, and energy use.
According to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
average global temperatures are likely to rise by another 2 to 8.6 degrees Fahrenheit by the year
2100, and if the required sustainability measures do not occur, the change will be even more
considerable. However, if people take action to reduce emissions, the temperature change could
be modest. Most experts agree that the changes are anthropogenic — caused by humans —
largely from emissions of heat-trapping gases released to the atmosphere when fossil fuels burn.
Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the most significant of these gases; CO2 levels are at their highest in
650,000 years (“Sustainability MCCCD,” n.d.; Ffolliott, Baker, DeBano, 2003).
Curbing climate change is not the responsibility of stake holders only, but taking part in
order to reduce climate change is the responsibility of every individual, group, society,
organization, and country. Being a responsible educational institution, the Maricopa County
Community College District (MCCCD), a system of ten colleges and two skill centers in
Arizona, have been playing vital role in curbing climate change effects. On February 17, 2010,
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Chancellor Rufus Glasper signed the American College & University President’s Climate
Commitment (ACUPCC) on behalf of all ten colleges, becoming the largest community college
district ever to sign the commitment (“Sustainability MCCCD,” n.d.).
The commitment empowered the MCCCD colleges to pursue initiatives, which target
sustainability practices; therefore, a district-based Sustainability Council and a Sustainability
Committee were formed to address the district-wide sustainability initiatives and projects. To
ensure successful progress and completion towards climate neutrality, as stated in the ACUPCC,
it is necessary to determine if the negative effects of climate change can be reduced by the
Maricopa community colleges, along with other entities in the Phoenix Valley, Arizona. In order
to reach that conclusion, it is essential to analyze the initiatives and plans directed towards
energy conservation, recycling, and resource management.
Energy Conservation
Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC) executes a computer-based energy
management system which reduces unnecessary air conditioning and lighting on campus. As the
college is developing new buildings, it promises to focus on Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certified facilities, a voluntary consensus-based national
standard. LEED represents the standard in green building rating systems, providing high
performing and sustainable buildings (“Sustainability CGCC,” n.d.).
Glendale Community College (GCC) pledged to help the MCCCD to become carbon free
by 2025. During 2014, GCC’s involvement resulted in the decline of 44 metric tons of carbon
dioxide. A ten-week energy saving program determines the amount of energy savings associated
with carbon dioxide. To ensure the program’s success the following measures were undertaken:
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reduction in electricity consumption by switching off power when buildings remain unoccupied,
adjustment of the thermostat temperatures in accordance with the seasons, and combining classes
in one building. By implementing these basic measures, GCC achieved 3-5% energy savings,
and almost 5% cost savings (“Sustainability GCC,” n.d.).
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), as a part of the Maricopa County Trip
Reduction Program, facilitates and encourages the use of public transportation and carpooling.
EMCC also offers subsidized bus passes for its students and employees, encouraging them to
take part in trip reduction by using hybrid cars, and developing alternative work schedules for
employees. EMCC uses hybrid cars, vehicles, and buses, operated on alternative fuel or electric
power. Some alternative fuels are local, dropping the reliance on imported oil, and some derive
from renewable sources (“Welcome to Sustainability @EMCC,” n.d.).
Mesa Community College (MCC) has been actively involved in the conservation of
natural resources to minimize the negative impact on the environment by reducing energy
consumption and shifting the paradigms of non-renewable energy consumption to usage of
renewable energy sources. MCC makes annual measurable progress towards energy
independence, and strives to educate and support the other MCCCD community colleges in
different ways to uphold their main goal of environmental conservation (“Sustainability MCC,”
n.d.). MCC applies sustainable practices into construction and remodeling projects in order to
reduce energy costs by working in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council’s
Leadership and the State Energy-Efficient Design Program.
Sustainability Coordinator at MCC, Suzi Dodt, said that the school has a mechanism to
set temperature set points to help reduce electricity use for heating and air conditioning, as well
as changing to more efficient light fixtures. MCC is teaching sustainability classes and offering
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sustainability certificates. Main water use at MCC is landscaping, which they are planning to
change to xeriscaping in most areas of campus. (Appendix A).
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) pursues carbon footprint reduction by
taking steps such as addressing greenhouse gas emissions and having drafted an initial
Climate Action Plan (CAP). A sustainability committee was developed in 2012 to monitor
and improve PVCC’s commitment to the ACUPCC (“Sustainability PVCC,” n.d.). This
college’s sustainability program is based upon the Triple Bottom Line framework, which
represents three dimensions: economic feasibility, environmental responsibility, and social
justice, an interconnected web that ties the individual strategic goals and objectives. To achieve
these goals sustainability must be a core principle, and it affects all these areas. With the goal
of carbon neutrality in mind, PVCC developed an effective energy efficiency plan throughout
the main campus. The energy efficiency projects, such as s witching to a demand response
plan, and controlling the thermostat set points, account for a range of energy savings
responsible for reducing the total annual emissions by up to 1,600 metric tons of CO2, and
reducing overall energy consumption by 3,000,000 k i l o w a t t s , o r kWh. This is enough to
power 200 average households in Arizona for an entire year. In 2014, PVCC analyzed energy
and carbon print reduction, and financial savings, through reports and projects (Brasovan,
2014).
Phoenix College (PC) developed a greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategy, in order to
curb excess emission of greenhouse gases by 25% (9,382 MTCE) by 2022. During the period
from 2007 to 2011, GHG emission was reduced by 6% due to small-scale energy system
retrofits, energy sub-meters installed in all buildings on campus, and an improved digital
building control system (“Phoenix College Sustainability Plan,” n.d.). PC has an elaborate
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sustainability action plan to develop an environmental friendly campus by achieving goals like:
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 10 years, providing support and practicing
sustainable and green efforts in daily operations, improving the awareness of environmental
issues. PC educates and encourages people to adopt sustainable practices, integrating technology
to reduce paper in the classroom, LED lighting, rewards for recycling initiatives, creation and
maintenance of a garden and food program, and use of solar panels (“Phoenix College
Sustainability Plan,” n.d.).
Recycling
Recycling is a powerful way to minimize waste, and experts say that even the smallest
step in recycling efforts can play significant role in climate change. The Maricopa County
Community College District has many different kinds of recycling projects (“Sustainability
MCCCD,” n.d.). In Chandler-Gilbert Community College, there is a separate recycling system
for paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum. Besides using biodegradable cleaning products, this
college is also currently transitioning to the use of green certified cleaning products
(“Sustainability CGCC,” n.d.).
In January 2012, Glendale Community College (GCC) developed the Zero Waste
Program to create awareness about the waste generated on campus. To achieve efficiency in the
program, “zero waste bins” are used to collect all recyclable objects and limit the daily waste
produced in the offices and around campus, proving to be very effective (“Operation Initiatives,”
n.d.). GCC also propagates the Green Gaucho Guide on the matter of recycling, divided into
three major resources: mix paper, plastic, and metals. This guide instructs how to separate
recyclable and non-recyclable materials, which has led to a significant reduction of paper use on
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the campus. From February 2 to March 29, 2014, GCC took part in the Recycle Mania
Tournament, submitting reports of their trash collection data, such as the amount of waste
recycled. GCC collected 14.92 tons of recyclable materials out of the total waste, which led to a
decline of 45% of total waste production, witnessed during the 2013-2014 academic year
(“Operation Initiatives,” n.d.).
Similarly, EMCC Environmental Protection Plan puts in to practice the reduce, reuse, and
recycle philosophy. Recycling containers are available across campus and in classrooms to
encourage students, faculty, and staff to be stewards of the environment. Recycling includes
paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, cardboard, shredded paper, junk-mail, newspapers, magazines,
books, colored paper, post-it notes, wrapping paper, glossy paper, cardstock, etc. All plastic
containers and bottles, utensils, such as forks, spoons, and knives, hard plastics, plastics bags,
glass bottles, and jars as well as cans and foils are emptied before recycling to avoid
contamination. All cardboard boxes are broken down and all shredded paper is put into plastic
bags and placed next to the recycling containers. EMCC does not have recycling facilities for
electronic waste (e-waste) disposal; however, the college has a partnership with local
organizations to host an annual electronic recycling event (“Welcome to Sustainability
@EMCC,” n.d.).
Moreover, MCC provides secured bins at specific locations for employees, where they
can discard confidential documents by collecting them in plastics bags. A partnership with
Terracycle, a company which specializes in waste collection, has proved to be beneficial due to
the recycling of pens and markers, and an award of two cents on each recyclable item, which
goes to the account of the Maricopa Foundation’s scholarship program. MCC has recognized that
the location of recycling bins is very important and makes an impact on the amount of recyclable
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items collected. Placement is organized in a very imposing manner, so that the recycle bins are
placed next to the trash bins, providing easy access and encouraging recycling, as well as
reducing contamination. (“Recycling & Sustainability,” n.d.).
Phoenix College (PC) recycles toner cartridges, computers batteries, lamps, ballasts, and
metals, cardboard, and office paper in both exterior areas across campus and in common areas of
the departmental offices. Increased use of e-books and online resources, availability of
textbooks, quarterly hazardous waste pickups, and fundraising for promotion of green programs
on campus are a key guideline for PC’s sustainability efforts (“Phoenix College Sustainability
Plan,” n.d.).
South Mountain Community College (SMCC) has a recycling program for aluminum;
which includes metal cans, aluminum cans, and foil. Glass that includes bottles and jars, papers
including, junk mail, newspapers, magazines, books, colored paper, post-it notes, cardboard, and
plastic including the plastic bags, containers and bottles are all recycled through this program
(“Sustainability SMCC,” n.d.).
In 2009, Scottsdale Community College (SCC) sent 291 tons of waste to the landfill; but
by 2012, this number was reduced to 207 tons, an almost 28% reduction (“SCC Sustainability
Resources,” n.d.). In 2011, SCC won an award for excellence in recycling from the Arizona
Recycling Coalition. In 2013, its recycling program saved 77,774 pounds of materials from
going to the landfill. The information technology department collects electronic waste, such as
phones, computer parts, video cassettes, and toner cartridges. SCC hosts shredding units to assist
in the disposal of confidential documents, regularly picked by a specialized company for
recycling (“SCC Sustainability Resources,” n.d.).
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Resource Management
To understand how the Maricopa community colleges are curbing climate change, while
managing their resources, it is important to study the distinctive efforts of each college. GCC
won 150 recycle bins from two grant awards; in 2013, the Alcoa Foundation grant provided 75
recycling bins, and the Keep America Beautiful 2010 grant contributed to the remaining 75.
Every staff member is responsible for segregating waste and encouraged to carry reusable food
and water containers. A global sustainability initiative, called Green Efforts, meets every month.
Students of biology, the sustainable cities club, and the environmental club have created a
petition to reduce the air pollutant emissions by supporting the frequent usage of light rail, bus
service, subsidized passes for buses, and using other green transportation, such as bikes
(“Sustainability GCC,” n.d.).
To reduce water waste on campus, PC devised measures to improve systems responsible
for maximum water usage, and, in turn, use water judiciously. Restrooms have the largest water
consumption rates; therefore, it is important to use systems that consume less water and promote
sustainability. Some features implemented are the installation of touch less faucets with sensors,
auto-flush toilets, and touch less and controlled paper and soap dispensers (“Phoenix College
Sustainability Plan,” n.d.).
In addition, SMCC is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability
in Higher Education following a self-reporting framework that gauges relative progress toward in
all sustainability efforts within higher education. This enables meaningful comparisons over time
and across institutions, establishing a common standard for measurement of sustainability
(“Sustainability SMCC,” n.d.).
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Furthermore, SCC is committed to inspiring its students to be responsible towards the
environment, understand sustainability, and take steps to reduce students’ carbon footprint, while
sharing sustainability practices and performance to build a stronger sustainable community.
Arizona is famous for its hot weather; therefore, water use is extremely high. To balance this,
SCC has installed water bottle re-fill stations.
The Center for Native and Urban Wildlife protects native plants, animals, and turns grass
landscaping into desert landscaping through a process called Xeriscaping. SCC converted a
93,500 square feet area from grass to desert, saving more than 290 million gallons of water,
which has played a vital role in water conservation (“SCC Sustainability Resources,” n.d.).
CGCC Pecos’ campus connects to a reclaimed water system supplied by the City of
Chandler. Reclaimed water is a non-potable form of water that the city processes and then
distributes for landscape irrigation. Waterless urinal fixtures exist on both Pecos’ and Williams’
campus restrooms. The construction of a new environmental technology center visualizes a costefficient living classroom that will serve as a hub for environmental education and a resource for
students, local schools, non-profit organizations, and community members (“Sustainability
CGCC,” n.d.).
Findings, Discussion, and Conclusion
The research concludes that the initiatives undertaken by the Maricopa County
Community College District has effectively addressed the adverse impacts of climate change and
contributed towards building a sustainable and environment friendly community. The
environmental sustainability projects for energy conservation, recycling strategies, and resource
management techniques are great efforts. Carbon footprints, electricity waste, over-consumption
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of non-renewable resources and financial resources have been some of the prime concerns, and
of course, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. MCCCD has been striving to attain energy
savings and cost efficiency on all its campuses.
The important aspect of recycling is to segregate the waste generated in different bins,
assigned for a specific purpose. Most colleges have devised systems to collect recyclable
materials and promote reuse, recycle and regenerate model. Resource management is playing a
significant role in maintaining sustainable usage of resources. MCCCD has pledged to conserve
water as a valuable asset, continuing to improvise electronic and technical systems to safeguard
resources like electricity, water, soil, fuel, and trees.
Water conservation has been the prime concern for most colleges, because the state of
Arizona faces severe water scarcity. Therefore, the community colleges are actively involving
students to be a part of the solution and bring about effective changes towards developing a
green community. To summarize the findings of this research, the following are the key
highlights:

Energy efficiency projects could reduce PVCC’s total annual emissions by up to 1,600
metric tons of CO2 and overall energy consumption by 3,000,000 KWh.

Phoenix College (PC) developed a greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategy, curbing
the excess emission of greenhouse gases by 25% (9,382 MTCE) by 2022.

Greenhouse Gas (GHS) emissions in PC during the year 2011 accounted for 12,509
MTCE (Metric tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent).

GCC collected 14.92 tons of recyclable materials out of the total waste, which led to a
decline of 45% of total waste production, witnessed during the year 2013-14.
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
In 2013, the SCC recycling program saved 77,774 pounds of materials from going to the
landfill.

In 2011, SCC converted a 93,500 square feet area from grass to desert and saved 290
million gallons of water.
These findings evidence that Maricopa community colleges are capable of bringing
valuable changes towards environmental guardianship. The participants of the U.S. Department
of State’s Community College Initiative Program 2014-15, from Brazil, India, Indonesia,
Pakistan, and South Africa, have recognized potential improvements in the environmental
conservation plans for colleges and educational institutes in their respective home countries.
Taking inspiration from the initiatives undertaken by Maricopa colleges, the CCIP participants
have suggested the following action plans to make a positive difference for the environment in
their home country communities:

To install separated trash bins, for segregation of waste, and develop recycling programs
on campuses.

To encourage students to use bicycles, public transport and carpooling to increase fuel
efficiency.

To install light sensors in classrooms and facilities, reducing electricity wastage.

Laboratories and cafeterias should use solar energy and other renewable resources as
substitute to electricity.

Restrooms can be improved in many ways, to reduce water waste.

Water refills stations can be provided across campuses.

Environment and sustainability related courses should be compulsory (for example,
Arizona State University opened the world's first School of Sustainability, which offers
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305 corresponding majors and 500 minors, courses affect various other sectors like
environment science, engineering business, and political science and the students benefit)

Faculty and students must be aware, and receive training for sustainable actions.

The institutions which establish sustainability and environmental protection plans must
collaborate with other colleges on newly designed plans in those regards.

Government and private sectors should collaborate to provide funds to colleges, to
improve environmental conservation plans and incentivize progress.
In addition to these findings, the 2014-15 Community College Initiative Program students
at Scottsdale Community College have conducted discussions and interviews with people
involved in organizations that address water resources, such as the Salt River Project, municipal
authorities on the Phoenix Valley, and sustainability experts of MCCCD attached as Appendixes
A, B, C and D.
Educational institutions act as a foundation in bringing about awareness for
environmental stewardship. Students are encouraged to carry forward the message of
sustainability. Through combined efforts, concerns over climate change could be effectively
addressed. Every small effort taken today can make a big difference for the community as a
whole and contribute towards a greener tomorrow.
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References
Bernard, G. (1995). World Population, Economic Growth, and Energy Demand, 1990-2100:
A Review of Projections. Population and Development Review, 21(3), Population
Council-Population Council.
Brasovan, A. (2014, August 6). Climate Corps 2014: PVCC Final Report Page 1 Increasing
Energy Efficiency at Paradise Valley Community College. Retrieved November 10,
2014, from:
http://www.paradisevalley.edu/sites/default/files/sustainability_edf_finalreport_2014.pdf
F. Ffolliott, P., B. Baker Jr., M., & F. DeBano, L. (2003). Arizona Watershed Management
Program. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science, 35(1), 5-10.
Operation Initiatives. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2014, from:
http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/community/Sustainability/Pages/Operation-Initiatives.aspx
Phoenix College Sustainability Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2014, from
http://www.phoenixcollege.edu/sites/default/files/docs/department/5716/sustainability
-plan-fy13-17.pdf
Recycling & Sustainability. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2014, from
http://www.mesacc.edu/recycling-sustainability
SCC Sustainability Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved December 6, 2014, from
http://showcase.scottsdalecc.edu/green/
Sustainability GCC. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014, from
http://www2.gccaz.edu/sustainability
Sustainability MCCCD. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
http://sustainability.maricopa.edu/
Page 149 of 164
Sustainability. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2014, from
http://www.paradisevalley.edu/sustainability
Sustainability. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from
http://www.southmountaincc.edu/about-us/sustainability/
Welcome to Sustainability @ EMCC. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2014, from
http://www.estrellamountain.edu/sustainability/
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Appendix A
Interview with John M. Felty, Manager Water Customer Programs, Salt River Project
1.
What in your opinion is the most challenging aspect of climate change in Arizona
and how we can come-over it?
Ans.
In my opinion, the most challenging aspect of climate change for Arizona is
quantifying
local effects and impacts. There are significant differences between
increased climate variability, and long-term step shifts in precipitation and snowfall
averages. For instance, the summer monsoon storms of 2014 were some of the wettest on
record in Central Arizona. Should planners expect more or less monsoon moisture in
Arizona in climate change?
2.
What can leaders like yourself do, to support more water and energy
conservation?
Ans.
Customer and public education programs are very effective at influencing
behaviors. SRP would like its customers to be efficient with water and energy resources.
3.
What are the future plans to support water conservation in Arizona? How do you
think the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Maricopa Community College District
(MCCCD) can work together to decrease resource consumption?
Ans.
SRP is a partner of many water providers and agencies in a variety of water
conservation, customer education and outreach efforts. SRP could collaborate with
MCCCD in water-conservation education programs.
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4.
How do you think SRP and MCCCD can work together to decrease resource
consumption?
Ans.
SRP has several commercial programs that help customers identify energy
efficiency opportunities at their facilities. Water foot printing for facilities is an effective
way to start becoming more water efficient.
5.
What can people do to be more water conscious and get involved with this
initiative?
Ans.
‘Everyone has a responsibility to be efficient with water and energy. Little steps
like checking for leaks, or turning off the lights can add up to significant communitywide savings.
6.
What do you think are the top three things that people can do to save water?
Ans.
a) Convert outdoor landscaping to water efficient native plant choices.
b) Replace older plumbing fixtures with water sensing labeled products.
c) Check for leaks on plumbing, irrigation, and pools.
7.
Do you think the shrinking availability of water resources could ever put a limit
on the growth that Arizona is experiencing?
Ans.
In my opinion, Arizona is approaching the limits of its existing water resources
for its current population. Significant growth will necessitate importation of additional
water or changes in lifestyles to accommodate more people within the current water
budget. Water efficiency, innovation and reuse may extend current resources for decades.
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Appendix B
Interview with Haley Paul, Water Conservation Specialist, Water Conservation Division
Town of Gilbert
1.
Can you please tell me about your current position and responsibilities and how
long have you been working in this position?
Ans.
I work for the Town of Gilbert in the Water Conservation Division, and I am a
Water Conservation Specialist. Employed here since September 2013, I provide
assistance to residents and businesses to help them save water. We offer a free audit
service where we can assess a home or commercial facility’s water usage and provide
recommendations for savings. Residents who participate in our program save, on average,
45,000 gallons of water a year after our visit! Additionally, we provide assistance to
Homeowner Associations (HOAs) to ensure that their common area landscapes look
great but use the right amount of water for their specific landscape (we help them reduce
overwatering, which is common among HOAs). I also coordinate the youth education
program. We provide water conservation education to fourth and sixth graders within the
Town of Gilbert to normalize water conservation and make it a part of everyday life. We
want people to see saving water as a normal habit that we all practice.
2.
Can you explain how your current role and responsibility is related to climate
change?
Ans.
By helping people save water, we are helping people save energy. Saving energy
can translate to reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which relates to climate
change. We often call this the water-energy nexus. In the Phoenix Valley and throughout
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the populous parts of Arizona, some water travels great distances to reach people. This is
particularly true about the Colorado River water we use. A 336-mile long aqueduct,
called the Central Arizona Project (CAP), delivers Arizona’s allocation of the Colorado
River to Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties. The CAP is the largest user of energy (from
a coal-fired power plant) in the state because it takes massive amounts of energy to pump
water uphill from the Colorado River to where the water is used (roughly 2,000 feet
uphill). Therefore, when people save water, they save energy, because less water is
needed to meet demands, thus reducing the amount of water sent uphill.
3.
What in your opinion is the most challenging aspect of climate change (regarding
water pollution) in Arizona and how we can overcome it?
Ans.
In my current role, I do not explicitly focus on water pollution, though it is
certainly important and we have people in the Town responsible for these issues. Often
related to storm water runoff, water pollution can be largely prevented if residents and
businesses take the appropriate actions. By reducing the application of fertilizers and
pesticides, reducing overwatering (overwatering can lead to runoff, which carries
pollution down to dry river/ creek beds), and by implementing rainwater harvesting
practices we can greatly reduce the amount of water that runs off of our built
environment picking up pollutants in the roadways along the way (hardscapes such as
roads, sidewalks, etc.). The most challenging aspect of climate change is getting people
to believe they can make an impact on mitigating it. If a whole lot of local municipalities
worked together to reduce emissions, then great strides could be made. It is possible that
the collective action of smaller individuals (cities, towns, counties) could add up to the
emission reductions of entire nations! I think with climate change the biggest issue is
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preventing people from being overwhelmed by the problem at hand, and motivating them
to DO something about it. At this point, I am not sure there is the political will to
overcome it. But we can do other things as individuals that impact overall sustainability
and climate change (such as water conservation, recycling, composting, gardening,
reducing consumption of non-essential goods, buying second hand, driving less, etc.).
4.
What was the most significant thing that was done by your organization to reduce
water pollution?
Ans.
We do not allow storm-water to run off and out of the development; it must be
contained on site (for example in retention basins, dry wells, green infrastructure, and
rainwater harvesting features). Storm-water is managed in this way to prevent runoff into
local waterways such as dry washes or flowing rivers because of regulations related to the
Clean Water Act.
5.
Why do you think supporting sustainability is important at an educational
institution?
Ans.
a) Because there are jobs to be had in the field.
b) Because educating the next generation of leaders and professionals is essential
if we want to see positive change towards a more sustainable future come about.
6.
What do you think are the top three things that people can do to save water?
Ans.
a) Know how much water you should be using outside on your yard if you have
one (50-70% of a household’s water use is devoted to outdoor uses such as irrigating
landscapes). Use this guide to help you figure out how much water your landscape needs:
landscapewateringguide.com.
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b) Check for leaks. People often do not realize they have a leak until they get the
high water bill. Use this guide to help you locate and fix leaks:
smarthomewaterguide.org.
c) Replace old showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators with Water Sense labeled
products, which people can buy at home improvement stores, and look for label.
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Appendix C
Interview with Suzi Dodt Sustainability Coordinator, Mesa Community College
1.
Can you please tell about your current positions and responsibilities and how long
you have been working on same position?
Ans.
I started as Sustainability Coordinator in July of 2009. The job was brand new at
that time, it was to coordinate pickup of recycling all over campus, improve recycling,
and work on documents required as part of our ACUPCC commitment. ACUPCC is the
American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. I also participate
with the district committee of people that do similar work at the other colleges in our
district, and coordinate a campus committee of other employees that want to help with
improving sustainability.
2.
Can you explain how your current role and responsibility is related to climate
change?
Ans.
Our ACUPCC commitment is to reduce emissions, I work to bring awareness to
students and employees, advice about process changes that can help conserve, and I do
the greenhouse gas and progress reports for ACUPCC.
3.
What in your opinion is the most challenging aspect of climate change in Arizona
and how we can come-over with it?
Ans.
In AZ, water is probably the most challenging. MCC is working on changing out
most of our grass areas to xeriscaping in order to both conserve water and to model the
importance of water conservation to our students and employees.
4.
What was the most significant thing that was done by your organization (MCC) to
save energy and water?
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Ans.
We set temperature set points to help reduce electricity use for heating and air
conditioning, as well as changing to more efficient light fixtures. This was done by both
MCC and by all the schools in MCCCD. Throughout the district, these changes resulted
in 1.1 million kWh saved in one year. Our district won an award for this project from
SRP, you can watch a video about it
here: http://www.srpnet.com/energy/powerwise/business/awards.aspx
5.
Why do you think supporting sustainability is important at an educational
institution?
Ans.
We teach sustainability classes and offer sustainability certificates, so it only
makes sense that we attempt to incorporate as much sustainability as possible to serve as
a model to students and our community. We are serving our community and using their
tax dollars...we can do that by being efficient and sustainable. We signed the ACUPCC
commitment because we know the great impact our large school and district can have on
climate change, and we are committed to helping decrease emissions; however, we can.
6.
Ans.
What can leaders like yourself do, to support more water and energy conservation?
Bring awareness. Share information with people. So many people still do not
know about sustainability. Most associate it with recycling or solar, but it is about so
much more. Weather and our food sources, comfort, air quality, energy needs. These are
all things that can be addressed by taking sustainable measures in our daily actions, like
reducing waste of resources, water, and energy and conserving when possible.
7. Do you think that MCCCD can make a lasting positive impact on our climate in
Arizona? How?
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Ans.
Yes! We are the largest community college district in the country; we make a
huge impact on the communities around each school. We teach people that will go out
and work in our communities, and we want to make sure they take sustainability
knowledge with them to their workplaces and continue improving things wherever they
work and live.
8. What do you think is the most significant effort that is going on right now where
MCC is positively addressing climate change?
Ans.
We are consulting with solar firms to incorporate large solar installations at all the
colleges. Some might be ground-mounted, some might be installed as parking structures
that provide a place to mount the solar but also covered parking. This can lead to us
providing significant power to the grid to help reduce the need for other non-renewable
energy sources in the state.
9. What do you think MCC should focus on in the short and long term to make a lasting
positive impact to our Climate?
Ans.
Additional energy savings (via solar) and improving alternate transportation
options. Transportation is the number one greenhouse gas emission of most community
colleges due to lack of residential living (such as dorms).
10. What is MCC currently doing to reduce transportation consequences on air
pollution?
Ans.
We are working to improve alternate transportation subsidies, and MCC
collaborates with the City of Mesa on the new Fiesta District, which surrounds the school
in hopes to make it more pedestrian and bike-friendly. We encourage carpooling and
offer electric vehicle chargers.
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11. Have you worked with MCC on water conservation efforts? If yes, what did you
did? If no, what can be done to increase cooperation between MCC and cities?
Ans.
Our main water use is landscaping, which we are changing to xeriscaping in most
areas of campus. We already use flood irrigation of reclaimed water to reduce the use of
sprinklers. The horticulture program is also working on a rainwater collection system for
the community garden.
12. What do you think is the #1 effort that MCC could take within the next year to
reduce its water consumption?
Ans.
Xeriscaping and rainwater collection/use
13. What are the significant positive effects of the initiatives taken for sustainability so
far?
Ans.
We are bringing awareness to employees and students that never knew what
sustainability was. Now they take that new and interesting knowledge and tell friends.
Their friends tell friends. This is how information can be shared throughout the
community. We also publicize our efforts, such as press releases about our efforts and
awards. We have saved significant amounts of money on energy conservation and waste
reduction, which allows for better use of our financial resources.
14. What do you think of the students and MCC’s staff of awareness of water
conservation efforts in MCC?
Ans.
Awareness can always be improved, and social media helps; almost every student
is on some form of social media, so we need to improve our efforts there. The employees
learn by how we implement sustainability in their work areas.
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15. What do you think are the top three things that people can do to save water?
Ans.
To save water at home, change your landscape to be more desert-climate friendly.
Landscape is usually the highest contributor to water use in a home. Check for leaks
(keep an eye on your water bill details to see if you see spikes in water use or cost), take
shorter showers, and wash full loads of dishes and clothing instead of partial loads. If you
have a pool, cover it to cut down on evaporation that leads to the need to refill. If you
have a garden or trees/bushes that need watering, install a rain barrel and use that water in
your garden instead of water from the tap.
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Appendix D
Interview with Terrence Romaine, Environmental Quality Specialist, Water Department, City of
Phoenix
1.
Can you please tell about your current position and responsibilities and how long
have you been working in this position?
Ans.
I am an Environmental Quality Specialist in the Water Department for the City of
Phoenix. I have been in the position for 11 years. I am responsible for implementing
quality assurance activities for the Environmental Services Division, I preform audits and
data review for the sampling data for the variety of environmental monitoring programs
the city has for pollution prevention and control to help protect the environment.
2.
Can you explain how your current role and responsibility is related to climate
change?
Ans.
My position indirectly relates to climate change, because the division has several
monitoring and pollution prevention programs. The data generated in these programs are
used to assess the level and types of pollutants being introduced into the environment.
The goal of these programs is to prevent pollution from entering the environment. Our
department also supports the goal of the city plan to expand the use of solar and other
renewable energy, reduce energy use, support alternative fuels and help achieve a more a
sustainable future.
3.
What in your opinion is the most challenging aspect of climate change (regarding
water pollution) in Arizona and how we can overcome it?
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Ans.
The most challenging aspect of climate change is to educate people on how they
affect the climate. People assume once you flush pollutants or chemicals or throw
something away they are taken care of. The city has taken an active role in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. They recently adopted a new goal to reduce GHG up to 15%
by 2015.
4.
What was the most significant thing that was done by your organization to reduce
water pollution?
Ans.
Our division implemented the Industrial Pretreatment Program as part of the
Clean Water Act. The program aims to limit or eliminate the discharge of pollutants from
industries in the Phoenix area. This helps to protect the wastewater treatment plants and
the environment that the plants discharge. We sample the wastewater to verify
compliance with those industries we issue permits.
5.
Why do you think supporting sustainability is important at an educational
institution?
Ans.
Sustainability is paramount to ensure a healthy environment and future for our
children’s children. By understanding sustainable practices, we can begin to turn the tide
of having larger population of sustainability activists. This will have a larger effect on the
reduction on greenhouse gases and the greater reuse and recycling of our consumable
products. Knowledge is the key to increase the advancement of sustainable practices.
6.
What do you think people should focus on in the short and long term to make a
lasting positive impact to our Climate?
Ans.
In the short-term, people should focus on what they can do individually to reduce
their impact on the environment, especially when it comes to wastes. People can reduce
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their impact on the environment without realizing it by doing as something simple as
recycling an aluminum can or riding their bike one day a week to work or school. Long
term, people should become active in their communities to contribute to sustainable
activities including green teams and clean up days. Once we contribute as a larger
community then bigger impacts will happen to the environment and climate change.
7.
What do you think are the top three things that people can do to save water?
Ans.
a) Actually to understand how much water you use, I believe many people do not
realize how much is used during daily activities. There are calculators available to help
understand this fact.
b) Be conscious that water is limited, and should not be wasted.
c) Implement water saving techniques as much as you can, these include low flow
showerheads, xeriscaping yards and turn off the water when not use. There are many
resources with water saving tips that should be taught in schools and at home.
8.
What is your organization currently doing to reduce water pollution?
Ans.
Besides the Industrial Pretreatment Program, we also have a Pollution Prevention
(P2) program where our organization attended outreach events to educate the public. The
City of Phoenix initiated the program in 1995, focusing on three primary goals: to reduce
the use of hazardous materials in city operations, to eliminate the generation of hazardous
waste, and to assist departments with compliance with hazardous materials management
and reporting requirements. The Environmental Services Division also requires industries
and city facilities to have storm-water pollution prevention plans to prevent pollutants
from entering the environment during rainstorms.
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