Module
1
Introduction to Climate Change
HOW TO LEARN FROM THIS MODULE
Here’s a simple guide for you in going about the module.
1. Read and follow the instruction carefully.
2. Read each lesson and do all the activities provided for
you.
3. Perform all the activities diligently to help and guide
you in understanding the topic.
4. Take the Learning Activities after each lesson to
determine how well you understood the topic.You may
answer it via the online link provided or write your
answers on a sheet of paper that you can physically
submit, or you may take a picture of your answers and
send it via messaging platforms with which you agreed
with your instructor during the class orientation.
Introduction
Climate change resulting from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions is affecting the
Earth in ways that are and will be significantly impacting people and our environment for
generations to come. One aspect of climate change refers to the increase in average global
temperatures resulting from more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The impacts of global
temperature increase on the Earth are pervasive and significant, including sea level rise, changes
in precipitation and humidity patterns, increased extreme weather events, and more climate
variability. We refer to all of these changes as ‘climate change’.
The goal of this module is to educate students on the expected effects of climate change on
humans, animals and the environment. This knowledge will help us to prepare for and adapt to
the effects of climate change.
After completing the module, you should be able to answer the following:
1. What is climate?
2. What is greenhouse effect?
3. What is causing climate change?
4. What are greenhouse gases?
5. How is the global climate changing?
6. What are the effects of climate change?
7. What is environmental awareness?
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, the students should be able to:
Differentiate climate and weather


Discuss climate change, greenhouse effect, greenhouse gasses

Discuss climate change impacts

Discuss how the community help in mitigating the hazards caused by climate change
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
1
Warm-up!
“KWL CHART”
Instruction: In the first column “K”, write what you know about climate change and write what
you want to know in the second column “W”. The third column “L” will be accomplished at the
end of this module.
K
“What you KNOW”
Lesson 1
W
“What you WANT TO LEARN”
L
“What you have LEARNED”
Climate and Weather
Learning Content
During the Earth’s history, the climate has changed many times and has included ice ages
and periods of warmth. Before the Industrial Revolution, natural factors such as volcanic
eruptions, changes in the Earth’s orbit, and the amount of energy released from the sun were the
primary factors affecting the Earth’s climate. However, beginning late in the 18th century, human
activities associated with the Industrial Revolution and burning fossil fuels began changing the
composition of the atmosphere.
 What is Weather?
 Weather describes the conditions outside right now in a specific place. For example, if you
see that it’s raining outside right now, that’s a way to describe today’s weather. Rain, snow,
wind, hurricanes, tornadoes — these are all weather events.
What is Climate?

Climate is weather averaged over an extended period of
time (30-year intervals are typically used in establishing
baseline climatology) (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Climate: Weather, such as
temperature, precipitation and wind,
averaged over an extended period of time.

Climate is also controlled by wind, oceans, and mountains.

Winds bring moisture to land. North and south of the Equator, the trade winds blow
from the northeast and southeast, respectively. These winds converge in the tropics,
forcing air to rise. This produces thunderstorms, humidity, and monsoons.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
2


Mountains force wind to rise as it crosses over them. This cools the air, causing
moisture to condense in clouds and rain. This produces a wet climate on the upwind
side of the mountains and an arid "rain shadow" on the downwind side.
Oceans provide moisture that fuels rainstorms. They also buffer the temperature of
coastal regions, regardless of latitude.
Types of Climate
Depending on how altitude, latitude, land forms, and distance from the sea are combined,
they fall into one of the 3 different climate zones, within which there are smaller more specific
subgroups.This is the most popular, accepted classification:
 Hot climates
The subgroups of this climate zone have one thing in common: the sun, whose rays hit the
atmosphere perpendicularly, generating more heat. Here there are plenty of meadows, savannas,
and rainforest.
Regions affected by hurricanes and heavy rains, and usually with minimal temperature
variation (it's usually warmer than 20 degrees on average).
1. Equatorial



Also known as a rainforest climate, marked by high temperatures
that usually rise above 27 degrees on average.
Located in low latitude zones (places near the equator), with central
Africa and the Amazon rainforest being the two most recognized
places.
San José, Costa Rica, Salvador de Bahía, and Kuala Lumpur are some well-known places
with this type of climate.
2. Tropical

Bogotá, Río de Janeiro, Caracas, Miami, Santo Domingo,
Manila, and Jakarta are cities with a tropical climate.
These are all located in areas up to 23 degrees North and
South latitude, and characterized by high temperatures and
abrupt daytime thermal variations: during the day it's hot,
and at night it cools off.



These are humid areas where temperatures don't usually fall below 0
degrees: it never freezes. Besides, in these areas the cold air from one hemisphere
meets with the warm air from the other, causing an intertropical convergence zone
(ITCZ), with heavy rains all year round as a consequence.
This climate gives rise to the formation of tropical rainforest and savannah,
depending on how arid or humid the place is.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
3
3. Subtropical




situated between 20 and 35 degrees latitude
and usually marked by moderate temperatures
when compared with other hot climate
subgroups.
Los Angeles, Madrid, Casablanca, Athens, Cairo,
Buenos Aires, Asunción, San Paulo, Nueva Delhi,
and Lima are some of the most widely recognized locations with a subtropical
climate.
The average yearly temperature doesn't dip below 18 degrees, and
minimums are no lower than 6 degrees. However, there are two subgroups here
depending on how humid or arid a place is.
In Eastern facing locations of the continents, warm sea currents prevail, while the
Western side is influenced by cold currents. The Eastern territories form a part of the
humid subtropical climate, while those located in the West are considered arid
subtropical.
 Temperate climates
Temperate climates are characterized by average yearly temperatures of about 18 degrees, and
average precipitation doesn't rise above 2,000 millimeters per year. Some traits of this climate
zone are quite similar to those of subtropical regions.
1. Mediterranean

The Mediterranean climate gets its name from the Mediterranean sea
since this is the area that it encompasses, although it is also located in
some other parts of the world like Santiago de Chile and Capetown.
It is characterized by cold, humid winters and hot, dry summers,
with moderate rain that only reaches more than 1,0000
millimeters yearly in some places. The closer you get to the poles,
the more mild and rainy the climate becomes, with an oceanic influence. The closer you are
to the equator, the hotter it is, and there's more desert influence.


Here there are often evergreens (trees with needles that don't fall off during the winter
season) and an incredible wealth of plant life. The Mediterranean is also favorable for
irrigated agriculture that produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
2. Chinese



In cities like Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Atlanta, Orlando, Sydney, and Hong Kong there is a
Chinese climate.
This is characterized by mild winters and humid summers, mixed with heavy precipitation.
The winters are warm and dry depending on the location relative to the coast.
Winters can be harsh, and freezing temperatures are reached, along with abundant snow. It
continually rains, even during dry periods, and there can be monsoons. That's
why the landscape of these places is generally very green and rich in vegetation.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
4
3. Oceanic
It is always close to the ocean, resulting in high temperatures and
abundant precipitation. The yearly temperature shift is minimal, with cold
winters and mild summers, but very little change between one and the
other.


The oceanic climate is present in ocean side communities in Europe like
Atlantic cities in Portugal, Spain, and France, and other countries and Northeastern Europe
(Dublin, Amsterdam, Bergen) besides towns in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Peru,
Ecuador, Colombia, Canada, and the United States.

The average temperature doesn't rise above 22 degrees in the hottest month, nor
does it dip below -3 in the coldest months. Vegetation is abundant and varied, with many
deciduous forests and vast expanses of pasture.
4. Continental
The most characteristic trait of this type of climate is the extreme
temperature changes between winter and summer.

In the winter the ground freezes and temperatures drop radically, and
summers tend to be hot as well. On the other hand, precipitation in a
continental climate is infrequent.


This climate is present in the Northern hemisphere in places with a medium altitude, for
example, Chicago, New York, Moscow, Kabul, Beijing, Bucarest, and Warsaw. Besides, a
continental climate can be applied to large deserts such as the Sahara, where the sea doesn't
affect the climate and produces extreme changes in temperature.
These long-term weather patterns are typical of taigas, boreal forests, meadows, fir and
pine forests, and the steppes.
 Cold climates
Cold climates are one of the types of climates on our list that affect areas where man hasn't
settled, and plant and animal life barely survive. The most extreme subcategory is the polar
climate, which is incompatible with any life form beyond certain lichens and moss.
1. Polar

A polar climate is a cold climate whose temperatures are almost always
below 0 degrees. Besides, there are intense winds, and the climate
is dry, with a lack of humidity. This weather pattern is an obstacle for
any form of life, which is why it lacks abundant flora and fauna.
This climate zone is located in the Arctic and Antarctica, and at the peaks
of the tallest mountain ranges. The coldest temperatures recorded come
from Antarctica, at lower than negative 70 degrees. The warmest
temperatures here rarely reach more than 0 Celsius.


Unlike the rest of the places in the world, polar climate regions don't experience 4
seasons, just two: an extraordinarily intense and prolonged winter, and a short summer
where temperatures rarely rise above 0.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
5
2. Highland


At altitudes above 2,000 meters, the highland climate is found
-characterized by long and cold winters, and short and mild summers.
Precipitation is conspicuous by its absence, and temperatures change
very little between seasons.
In the case of a highland climate, altitude plays a huge role, no

matter what its latitude, which means that this climate is found in Spain (Pyrenees), in the
Americas, in the Andes and the Mexican Sierra Madre.

This type of climate tends to give rise to vegetation classified by altitude, like a division
between different tiers of vegetation depending on the height it's found at. So, you can see
(from highest to lowest elevation): lichens and mosses, conifers, shrubs, leafy trees, and pines
and oaks.
Learning Activities
 Activity 1. Venn Diagram (10pts)
Using the Venn diagram, compare and contrast climate and weather.
Rubric for Venn Diagram
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
6
 Activity 2. Essay (10pts)
If you were not living in the Philippines which is known to be a tropical country, what place and
what type of climate do you want to live in for the rest of your life?Explain your answer.
Submit your output via
Rubric for Essay
Features
Quality
Writing
Expert (5-4)
of


Grammar,
Usage and
Mechanics
Lesson 2

Piece
was
written in an
extraordinary
style and voice
Very
informative
and
well
organized
Virtually
no
spelling,
punctuation or
grammatical
errors
Accomplished (3)



Piece
was
written in an
interesting style
and voice
Somewhat
informative
and organized
Few
spelling
and
punctuation
errors, minor
grammatical
errors
Capable(2)



Piece
had
little style or
voice
Gives some
new
information
but poorly
organized
A number of
spelling,
punctuation
or
grammatical
errors.
Beginner(1)



Piece had no style
or voice
Gives no new
information and
very
poorly
organized
So many spelling,
punctuation and
grammatical
errors that it
interferes with the
meaning
Climate Change
Learning Content
Figure 2. Alaska's Muir glacier in August 1941 and August 2004. Significant changes occurred in the 63 years between these two photos. Credit:
USGS
Climate change is a long-term shift in weather conditions identified by changes in
temperature, precipitation, winds, and other indicators. Climate change can involve both
changes in average conditions and changes in variability, including, for example, extreme events.
The earth's climate is naturally variable on all time scales. However, its long-term state and
average temperature are regulated by the balance between incoming and outgoing energy,
which determines the Earth's energy balance. Any factor that causes a sustained change to the
amount of incoming energy or the amount of outgoing energy can lead to climate change.
Different factors operate on different time scales, and not all of those factors that have been
responsible for changes in earth's climate in the distant past are relevant to contemporary
climate change. Factors that cause climate change can be divided into two categories - those
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
7
related to natural processes and those related to human activity. In addition to natural causes of
climate change, changes internal to the climate system, such as variations.
In ocean currents or atmospheric circulation, can also influence the climate for short periods
of time. This natural internal climate variability is superimposed on the long-term forced climate
change.
How scientists know climate change is real?
The climate of the past is recorded in ice, sediments, cave formations, coral reefs and even
tree rings. Researchers can look at chemical signals — such as the carbon dioxide trapped in
bubbles inside glacial ice — to determine atmospheric conditions in the past. They can study
microscopic fossilized pollen to learn what vegetation used to thrive in any given area, which in
turn can reveal what the climate was like. They can measure tree rings to get a season-by-season
record of temperature and moisture. Ratios of chemical variants of oxygen in corals and
stalactites and stalagmites can reveal past precipitation patterns.
The most recent changes in the climate — since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution —
can also be tracked directly. Keeping records of things like land temperature began to improve in
the late 1800s, and ship captains began to keep a wealth of ocean-based weather data in their
logs. The advent of satellite technology in the 1970s has provided an explosion of data, covering
everything from ice extent at the poles to sea surface temperature to cloud coverage.
How the climate is changing?
Before the Industrial Revolution, there were about 280 carbon dioxide molecules for
every million molecules in the atmosphere, a measure known as parts per million (ppm). As of
2018, the global average level of CO2 was 407.4 ppm, more than 100 ppm higher than that level
has been for the past 800,000 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).The last time atmospheric carbon reached today's levels was 3 million
years ago, according to NOAA.
The rate of change in today's atmospheric carbon is also faster than in the past, according to
NOAA. The rate of increase was 100 times faster over the past 60 decades than any time in the
last million years or so — a period that saw eight major climate flip-flops between glacial cycles,
in which ice expanded from the poles into the middle latitudes, and interglacial cycles, in which
the ice retreated to where it is today. And the rate continues to increase. In the 1960s,
atmospheric carbon went up by an average of 0.6 ppm a year. In the 2010s, it rose an average
of 2.3 ppm per year.
The heat-trapping ability of all that extra carbon has translated to rising global average
temperatures. According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), Earth's average
temperature has risen by just over 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) since 1880, a
measurement accurate to within a tenth of a degree Fahrenheit. As with the rate of atmospheric
carbon increase, the rate of global temperature increase is also speeding up, according to NASA's
Earth Observatory: Two-thirds of that warming has occurred since 1975.
Learning Activities
 Activity 3 Essay (10pts)
What is the evidence that shows the climate is changing? Discuss briefly.
Submit your output via
Rubric for Essay
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
8
Features
Quality
Writing
Expert (5-4)
of
Piece
was
written in an
extraordinary
style and voice
Very
informative
and
well
organized


Grammar,
Usage and
Mechanics
Lesson 3
Virtually
no
spelling,
punctuation or
grammatical
errors

Accomplished (3)



Piece
was
written in an
interesting style
and voice
Somewhat
informative
and organized
Few
spelling
and
punctuation
errors, minor
grammatical
errors
Capable (2)



Piece
had
little style or
voice
Gives some
new
information
but poorly
organized
A number of
spelling,
punctuation
or
grammatical
errors.
Beginner (1)



Piece had no style
or voice
Gives no new
information and
very
poorly
organized
So many spelling,
punctuation and
grammatical
errors that it
interferes with the
meaning
Causes of Climate Change
Learning Content
The Earth's climate can be affected by natural factors that are external to the climate system,
such as changes in volcanic activity, solar output, and the Earth's orbit around the Sun. Of these,
the two factors relevant on timescales of contemporary climate change are changes in volcanic
activity and changes in solar radiation. In terms of the Earth's energy balance, these factors
primarily influence the amount of incoming energy. Volcanic eruptions are episodic and have
relatively short-term effects on climate. Changes in solar irradiance have contributed to climate
trends over the past century but since the Industrial Revolution, the effect of additions of
greenhouse gases to the atmosphere has been over 50 times that of changes in the Sun's output.
 Natural Causes
1. Greenhouse Gas
The main driver of climate change is the greenhouse effect. Some gases in the Earth's
atmosphere act a bit like the glass in a greenhouse, trapping the sun's heat and stopping it from
leaking back into space and causing global warming.
Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include:
Figure 3. Examples of Greenhouse Gases
Water vapor. The most abundant greenhouse gas, but importantly, it acts as a
feedback to the climate. Water vapor increases as the Earth's atmosphere warms, but so
9
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”

MAM 090796
does the possibility of clouds and precipitation, making these some of the most important
feedback mechanisms to the greenhouse effect.

Carbon dioxide (CO2). A minor but very important component of the atmosphere,
carbon dioxide is released through natural processes such as respiration and volcano
eruptions and through human activities such as deforestation, land use changes, and
burning fossil fuels. Humans have increased atmospheric CO2 concentration by 48% since
the Industrial Revolution began. This is the most important long-lived "forcing" of climate
change.

Methane. A hydrocarbon gas produced both through natural sources and human
activities, including the decomposition of wastes in landfills, agriculture, and especially rice
cultivation, as well as ruminant digestion and manure management associated with
domestic livestock. On a molecule-for-molecule basis, methane is a far more active
greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but also one which is much less abundant in the
atmosphere.

Nitrous oxide. A powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation practices,
especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid
production, and biomass burning.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Synthetic compounds entirely of industrial origin used in
a number of applications, but now largely regulated in production and release to the
atmosphere by international agreement for their ability to contribute to destruction of the
ozone layer. They are also greenhouse gases.
2. Volcanic Eruptions
A volcano releases a large amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), water vapor,
dust, and ash into the atmosphere when it erupts. These large volumes of
gases and ash can trigger climate change by increasing planetary reflectivity
causing atmospheric cooling. Aerosols are tiny particles that are produced by
volcanoes. Aerosols remain in the atmosphere for only a few days and reflect
solar energy back into space where they have a cooling effect on the world.
4. Ocean Currents
Variations in ocean currents can also influence climate change for short periods of time.
Ocean currents move vast amounts of heat across the planet. Movement of cold water deep
under the oceans towards the regions near the equator and movement of warm water near the
equator back towards the pole play an important role in determining the atmospheric
concentration of CO2.
5. Solar Radiations
The sun is the ultimate source of supply of energy for the earth’s climate
system. A small change in the output of the sun’s energy can influence
climate change. These changes include changes within the sun and changes
in Earth’s orbit. Changes occurring in the sun can cause the climate to
become warmer during periods of stronger solar intensity and cool during
periods of weaker solar intensity.
Studies suggest that solar variations have played a role in past climate change. For example,
the period between approximately 1650 and 1850 is known as “Little Ice Age” which may have
been partially caused by low solar activity.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
10
6. Earth Orbital Changes
A slight change in the tilt of the earth can lead to climatic changes. While less tilt means
cooler summers and milder winters, more tilt means warmer summers and colder winters. These
small and slow changes can lead to important changes in the strength of the seasons over tens of
thousands of years.
Human Activities
Humans have been influencing the climate since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Since
then, the average world temperature has risen by approximately 0.8 degrees Celsius. In
North-West Europe (including the Netherlands) the average temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees.
The sea level has risen by around twenty centimeters and most of the glaciers have shrunk
dramatically.
1. Agriculture
Agriculture impacts climate change in many significant ways. From
deforestation in places like the Amazon to the transportation and
livestock that it takes to support agricultural efforts around the world,
agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of the world’s
greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Deforestation
Deforestation and climate change often go hand in hand. Deforestation is a major
contributor to global warming, and at the same time, climate change increases deforestation by
way of wildfires and other extreme weather. Deforestation is the second leading cause of global
warming worldwide, and it produces about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Deforestation in the tropical rainforests contributes more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
compared to the sum of all cars and trucks that drive on the roads globally.
3. Livestock
Livestock in the form of cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry play a
significant role in climate change. According to one study, “Livestock and
Climate Change,” livestock around the world is responsible for 51% of
annual global greenhouse gas emissions.
Learning Activities
Activity 4 Concept Map (15pts)
Make a creative concept map showing the causes of climate change.
Submit your output via
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
11
Rubric for Concept Map
Feature
5-4
Lesson 4
3
2
1
Greenhouse Effect and Greenhouse Gases
Learning Content
What is Greenhouse Effect?
Figure 4. Greenhouse Gas: Any gas that absorbs heat in the atmosphere
(e.g., CO2)
Greenhouse Effect: Trapping and buildup of heat in the atmosphere near the
Earth’s surface caused in part by increased levels of greenhouse gases.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
12
Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth’s surface. Some of this solar
radiation is reflected by the Earth and the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,
such as carbon dioxide (CO2), absorb heat and further warm the surface of the Earth. This is
called the greenhouse effect (Figure 4). As more greenhouse gases are emitted into the
atmosphere, heat that would normally be radiated into space is trapped within the Earth’s
atmosphere, causing the Earth’s temperature to increase.
Figure 5. Not enough greenhouse effect: The planet
Mars has a very thin atmosphere, nearly all carbon
dioxide. Because of the low atmospheric pressure, and
with little to no methane or water vapor to reinforce the
weak greenhouse effect, Mars has a largely frozen
surface that shows no evidence of life.
Figure 6.Too much greenhouse effect: The
atmosphere of Venus, like Mars, is nearly all carbon
dioxide. But Venus has about 154,000 times as much
carbon dioxide in its atmosphere as Earth (and about
19,000 times as much as Mars does), producing a
runaway greenhouse effect and a surface temperature
hot enough to melt lead
On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. Over the last century the
burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon
dioxide (CO2). This happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen
in the air to make CO2. To a lesser extent, the clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other
human activities has increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.
The consequences of changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse are difficult to predict, but
some effects seem likely:

On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer
temperatures, but others may not.

Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but
individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.

A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the ocean and partially melt glaciers and ice
sheets, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further
to sea level rise.

Outside of a greenhouse, higher atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels can have both
positive and negative effects on crop yields. Some laboratory experiments suggest that
elevated CO2 levels can increase plant growth. However, other factors, such as changing
temperatures, ozone, and water and nutrient constraints, may more than counteract any
potential increase in yield. If optimal temperature ranges for some crops are exceeded,
earlier possible gains in yield may be reduced or reversed altogether.

Climate extremes, such as droughts, floods and extreme temperatures, can lead to crop
losses and threaten the livelihoods of agricultural producers and the food security of
communities worldwide. Depending on the crop and ecosystem, weeds, pests, and fungi
can also thrive under warmer temperatures, wetter climates, and increased CO2 levels,
and climate change will likely increase weeds and pests.
Finally, although rising CO2 can stimulate plant growth, research has shown that it can
also reduce the nutritional value of most food crops by reducing the concentrations of
protein and essential minerals in most plant species. Climate change can cause new
patterns of pests and diseases to emerge, affecting plants, animals and humans, and
posing new risks for food security, food safety and human health.
13
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”

MAM 090796
Learning Activities
Activity 5 Illustration (20pts)
Using art materials (or any other materials available at home), illustrate how greenhouse effect
works.
Submit your output via
Rubric for Illustration
Feature
5-4
3
2
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
1
14
Lesson 5
Impacts of Climate Change
Figure 7. The potential future effects of global climate change include more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought in some regions and an
increase in the number, duration and intensity of tropical storms. Credit: Left - Mellimage/Shutterstock.com, center - Montree
Hanlue/Shutterstock.com.
In Brief: The effects of human-caused global warming are happening now, are
irreversible on the timescale of people alive today, and will worsen in the decades
to come.
Global climate change has already had observable effects on the environment. Glaciers have
shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted and
trees are flowering sooner.
Effects that scientists had predicted in the past would result from global climate change are
now occurring: loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change isn’t something that’s happening in 10 or 20 years. It’s happening now. Here are
some effects of climate change you’ve already seen.
1. Extreme Temperatures
Because human-induced warming is superimposed on a naturally
varying climate, the temperature rise has not been, and will not be,
uniform or smooth across the country or over time.
2. Changes in Precipitation Patterns
“Climate change has already altered, and will continue to alter, the water cycle, affecting where,
when, and how much water is available for all uses… Climate change
impacts include too little water in some places, too much water in other
places, and degraded water quality. Some locations will be subject to all of
these conditions during different times of the year.”
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
15
3. More Droughts and Heat Waves
Drought is a natural disaster of significant concern in the Philippines.
Although the Philippines receives a tropical climate with rainfall ranging
from 960 – 4,000 mm per year, a modest drop in normal rainfall can
trigger water shortages so its critical that the Filipinos be well prepared in
the event of a drought.
4. Stronger and More Intense Hurricanes
The intensity, frequency and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes,
as well as the frequency of the strongest (Category 4 and 5) hurricanes,
have all increased since the early 1980s. The relative contributions of
human and natural causes to these increases are still uncertain.
Hurricane-associated storm intensity and rainfall rates are projected to
increase as the climate continues to warm.
5. Sea Level Will Rise 1-8 feet by 2100
Global sea level has risen by about 8 inches since reliable record
keeping began in 1880. It is projected to rise another 1 to 8 feet by 2100.
This is the result of added water from melting land ice and the
expansion of seawater as it warms.
In the next several decades, storm surges and high tides could
combine with sea level rise and land subsidence to further increase
flooding in many regions. Sea level rise will continue past 2100 because the oceans take a very
long time to respond to warmer conditions at the Earth’s surface. Ocean waters will therefore
continue to warm and sea level will continue to rise for many centuries at rates equal to or
higher than those of the current century.
6.
Arctic Likely to Become Ice-Free
The Arctic Ocean is expected to become essentially ice free in summer
before mid-century.
How does climate change affect human health?
While climate change is a global process, it has very local impacts that can profoundly affect
communities. It can affect people's health and well-being in many ways, some of which are
already occurring by:


Increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves, leading to more heat-related
illnesses and deaths.
Changing the range of disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas that
transmit West Nile Virus, dengue fever, Lyme disease, and malaria to humans.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
16





Increasing exposure to pollen, due to increased plant growing seasons; molds, due to
severe storms; and air pollution, due to increased temperature and humidity, all of which
can worsen allergies and other lung diseases, such as asthma.
Increasing temperatures and causing poor air quality that can affect the heart and
worsen cardiovascular disease.
Increasing flooding events and sea level rise that can contaminate water with harmful
bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, causing foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, in addition to
causing injuries, deaths, illnesses, and effects on mental health from damage to
property, loss of loved ones, displacement, and chronic stress.
Placing added stress on hospital and public health systems, and limiting people's ability to
obtain adequate health care during extreme climate events.
Awesome Solutions to Climate Change
1. Renewable Energies
The first challenge is to forego fossil fuels by eliminating the burning of coal, oil and,
eventually, natural gas. The alternatives are renewable energies like solar, wind, biomass and
geothermal. So we must try to employ alternatives whenever possible such as plant-derived
plastics, biodiesel, wind power and to invest in the change, be it by divesting from oil stocks or
investing in companies practicing carbon capture and storage.
2. Energy & Water Efficiency
Producing clean energy is essential, but reducing our consumption of energy and water by
using more efficient devices (e.g. LED light bulbs, innovative shower systems) is less costly and
equally important.
3. Sustainable Transportation
Transportation is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Burning a
single gallon of gasoline produces 20 pounds of CO2. Cutting down flights, moving closer to
work, promoting public transportation, carpooling, switching to walking or cycling if needed but
also electric and hydrogen mobility can definitely help reduce CO2 emissions and thus fight global
warming.
4. Sustainable Infrastructure
Buildings worldwide contribute around one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions (43% in the
U.S. alone), even though investing in thicker insulation and other cost-effective,
temperature-regulating steps can save money in the long run. The reduction of CO2 emissions
from buildings caused by heating, air conditioning, hot water or lighting requires both to build
new low energy buildings and to renovate the existing constructions.
5. Sustainable Agriculture & Forest Management
Improved agricultural practices, along with paper recycling and forest management, means
balancing the amount of wood taken out with the number of new trees growing that could
eliminate GHG emissions significantly. Using natural resources in a better way, stopping massive
deforestation as well as making agriculture greener and more efficient should be a priority.
17
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
6. Consuming Responsibly& Recycling
Adopting responsible consumption habits is the easiest way to cut back on greenhouse gas
emissions, be it avoiding consumption of meat, forgoing an automobile, carrying a reusable
grocery sack, choosing the right clothing, and cosmetics or cleaning products. Simply buy less stuff.
Cutting back on consumption results in fewer fossil fuels being burned to extract, produce and
ship products around the globe. Last but not least, recycling is an absolute necessity for dealing
with waste.
PROTOCOLS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF THE GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is one of the most complex issues facing us today. It involves many
dimensions – science, economics, society, politics and moral and ethical questions – and is a global
problem, felt on local scales, that will be around for decades and centuries to come. Carbon
dioxide, the heat-trapping greenhouse gas that has driven recent global warming, lingers in the
atmosphere for hundreds of years, and the planet (especially the oceans) takes a while to
respond to warming. So even if we stopped emitting all greenhouse gases today, global warming
and climate change will continue to affect future generations. In this way, humanity is
“committed” to some level of climate change.
How much climate change? That will be determined by how our emissions continue and also
exactly how our climate system responds to those emissions. Despite increasing awareness of
climate change, our emissions of greenhouse gases continue on a relentless rise. In 2013, the daily
level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surpassed 400 parts per million for the first time in
human history. The last time levels were that high was about three to five million years ago,
during the Pliocene era. Because we are already committed to some level of climate change,
responding to climate change involves a two-pronged approach:
1. Reducing emissions of and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere (“mitigation”);
2. Adapting to the climate change already in the pipeline (“adaptation”).
Mitigation and Adaptation
Mitigation – reducing climate change – involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases (for example, the
burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat or transport) or enhancing the “sinks” that accumulate
and store these gases (such as the oceans, forests and soil). The goal of mitigation is to avoid
significant human interference with the climate system, and “stabilize greenhouse gas levels in a
timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, ensure that food
production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable
manner” (from the 2014 report on Mitigation of Climate Change from the United Nations
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, page 4).
Adaptation – adapting to life in a changing climate – involves adjusting to actual or
expected future climate. The goal is to reduce our vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate
change (like sea-level encroachment, more intense extreme weather events or food insecurity). It
also encompasses making the most of any potential beneficial opportunities associated with
climate change (for example, longer growing seasons or increased yields in some regions).
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
18
Learning Activities
1.
Activity 6 Essay (10pts)
In your opinion, what is the deadliest effect of global climate change? Discuss briefly.
2.
How does climate change affect biodiversity? Explain briefly.
Submit your output via
Rubric for Essay
Features
Quality
Writing
Expert (5-4)
of


Grammar,
Usage and
Mechanics

Lesson 6
Piece
was
written in an
extraordinary
style and voice
Very
informative
and
well
organized
Virtually
no
spelling,
punctuation or
grammatical
errors
Accomplished (3)



Piece
was
written in an
interesting style
and voice
Somewhat
informative
and organized
Few
spelling
and
punctuation
errors, minor
grammatical
errors
Capable (2)



Piece
had
little style or
voice
Gives some
new
information
but poorly
organized
A number of
spelling,
punctuation
or
grammatical
errors.
Beginner (1)



Piece had no style
or voice
Gives no new
information and
very
poorly
organized
So many spelling,
punctuation and
grammatical
errors that it
interferes with the
meaning
Environmental Awareness
Learning Content
Environmental Awareness
Environmental awareness is to understand the fragility of our environment and the
importance of its protection. Promoting environmental awareness is an easy way to become an
environmental steward and participate in creating a brighter future for our children.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
19
Our environment is constantly changing, and as our environment changes so does the need
to become increasingly aware of the environmental issues that are causing these changes. With a
massive increase in natural disasters, warming and cooling periods, and different types of
weather patterns, people need to be a lot more cautious with the way they lead their lives in
conjunction with the types of environmental issues our planet is facing.
Environmental Issues
Environmental issues are the harmful effects of human activities on the environment. Various
environment protection programs are being practised at the individual, organizational and
government levels with the aim of establishing a balance between man and environment.
Some of the current environmental issues that require urgent attention are:

Climate Change
Climate change is a great concern in today’s scenario. This problem has surfaced in
the last few decades. Greenhouse gases are the major cause of climate change.
Environmental changes have several destructive impacts such as the melting of glaciers,
change in seasons, epidemics, etc.

Global Warming
The burning of fossil fuels, emissions from the automobiles and chlorofluorocarbons add
to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in earth’s temperature
causing environmental changes. This increase in temperature across the globe is known
as global warming.

Ozone Layer Depletion
The ozone layer is a layer of concentrated ozone gas. It protects us from the sun’s
harmful ultraviolet rays. This very important layer is being destroyed by CFCs
(chlorofluorocarbons), which are used in industries and everyday life (e.g. aerosol cans).
The chlorine in these compounds destroys the ozone layer. The hole in the ozone layer
leaves humans and wildlife exposed to the harmful UV rays resulting in several skin diseases
including cancer.

Water Pollution
The introduction of harmful substances into rivers, oceans, lakes and ponds, which
changes the physical, chemical or biological condition of the water is called water pollution.
The polluted water lacks oxygen and therefore the organisms die.
Water is the main source of life and therefore it is our prime duty to prevent it from any
kind of pollution.

Air Pollution
Air pollution is the result of emissions from the industries, automobiles, and increasing use
of fossil fuels. The gaseous emissions have added to an increase in the temperature of the
earth. Not only this, but it had also increased the risk of diseases among individuals.

Solid Waste Management
Solid-waste management is defined as the discipline associated with the generation,
storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid waste in a manner
that it does not have a harmful effect on the environment.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
20

Deforestation
Deforestation is the depletion of trees and forests at an alarming rate. The trees provide
us with oxygen, several raw materials and also maintain the temperature of the earth. Due
to the depletion of trees for commercial purposes, there has been a drastic change in the
earth’s climate.
Forests are an abode to a large number of wild animals and plants. Destruction of forests
has led to the elimination of a large number of plants and animal species affecting the
biodiversity.

Overpopulation
The earth’s population is increasing drastically. It is estimated to be more than seven
billion. The increasing population has led to a shortage of resources. If this continues, it will be
very difficult to sustain such a huge population. The other environmental issues including
pollution, waste management, deforestation, climate change and global warming are all
associated with over-population.
Learning Activities
Activity 7 Essay (1opts)
Why is overpopulation a problem? Expound your answer.
Submit your output via
Rubric for Essay
Features
Quality
Writing
Expert (5-4)
of


Grammar,
Usage and
Mechanics

Piece
was
written in an
extraordinary
style and voice
Very
informative
and
well
organized
Virtually
no
spelling,
punctuation or
grammatical
errors
Accomplished (3)



Piece
was
written in an
interesting style
and voice
Somewhat
informative
and organized
Few
spelling
and
punctuation
errors, minor
grammatical
errors
Capable (2)



Piece
had
little style or
voice
Gives some
new
information
but poorly
organized
A number of
spelling,
punctuation
or
grammatical
errors.
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
Beginner (1)



Piece had no style
or voice
Gives no new
information and
very
poorly
organized
So many spelling,
punctuation and
grammatical
errors that it
interferes with the
meaning
21
Wrap up!
Instruction: Fill out the last column of the KWL Chart.
K
“What you KNOW”
W
“What you WANT TO LEARN”
L
“What you have LEARNED”
References:
https://climatekids.nasa.gov/weather-climate/
https://www.vedantu.com/bology/difference-between-weather-and-climate
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/climate
https://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/what1.htm
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/nasa/Unit_2_Grades_7-9_Activity_2-4_CausesAndEffectsOfClimat
eChange.pdf
https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/
https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/Downloads/Climate_Change_Science_Facts.pdf
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-climate-change-k4.htm
https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2019/12/27/climate-change-impacts-everyone/
https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health
https://study.com/academy/lesson/environmental-awareness-definition-history-importance.html
https://www.delta-net.com/health-and-safety/environmental-awareness/faqs/what-is-environment-awareness
https://www.pachamama.org/environmental-awareness
https://byjus.com/biology/environmental-issues-solutions/
https://thedestinyformula.com/types-of-climates/
https://www.basicplanet.com/climate-types/
https://healthywaymag.com/science/types-of-climate
“Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”
MAM 090796
22