GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental Science Theory Into Practice - II
Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies
PRESENTED BY
Akshat Swami
22503
Moksh Ahuja
22532
Nancy Garg
22536
Urva Dhamija
22562
I. CLIMATE CHANGE
CLIMATE CHANGE
Understanding the Issue: Climate Change, its Influential Factors, and Root Causes
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional
climate patterns, primarily driven by human activities and natural
processes
This leads to global warming, causing a wide range of
environmental, social, and economic impacts, including rising
temperatures, sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather
events
Climate change is a significant global challenge that requires
mitigation and adaptation strategies to reduce its harmful effects
Factors
Affecting
Climate
Change
1.
Natural Phenomenon
2.
Human Activities
3.
Greenhouse Gases
Climate change is caused by a range of factors, including natural phenomena and
human activities. Here are some of the main causes of climate change:
Deforestation contributes to
increased atmospheric CO 2 levels
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Urbanization can increase heat
absorption and alter climate
Waste management
produces methane from
organic waste decay
Greenhouse gases trap
heat in the atmosphere
The use of fertilizers in
agriculture leads to the
release of nitrous oxide
The burning of gasoline in
vehicles is another source
of CO2 emissions.
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
CLIMATE CHANGE
Overwhelming evidence solidifies the reality of climate change
A wealth of compelling evidence leaves no room for doubt – climate change is an undeniable reality.
Let's have a look at evidences which support the change of climate over the years.
1
2
3
Temperature Rise
Sea Level Rise
Extreme Weather
The planet's average
surface temperature
has risen about 2
degrees
Fahrenheit
since the late 19th
century. This is driving
regional and seasonal
temperature extremes
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global sea levels are
rising as a result of
human caused global
warming, with recent
rates being
unprecedented over
the past 2500 plus
years
Heat waves, droughts,
wildfires, and
floods are becoming
more severe, causing
damage to property,
loss of life, and
population
Global Warming
4
Glacial Melting
Glaciers are shrinking
in size and number due
to anthropogenic
climate change,
causing a rise in sea
levels and a loss of
freshwater resources
Carbon Footprint
5
Ocean Acidification
The ocean absorbs over
25% of all anthropogenic
emissions from the
atmosphere each year,
and as CO2 dissolves in
seawater, it forms
carbonic acid, thereby
decreasing the ocean’s pH
Ozone Depletion
CLIMATE CHANGE
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Climate Change: Analyzing the challenges and solutions
Adaptation Measures:
Adaptation measures are
essential for managing climate
impacts.
Costs:
Short-term costs for
low-carbon transition
offset by long-term
benefits.
International cooperation:
Divergent national interests can
hinder international cooperation.
Technological barriers:
Technological obstacles
persist in sectors, like
transportation, with limited
fossil fuel alternatives.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Addressing climate change requires a comprehensive set of solutions to
mitigate its impact and foster a sustainable future. Here are a few:
01
Mitigation Strategies:
Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving
energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and
protecting forests and oceans
02
Adaptation Strategies:
Adaptation strategies such as water management, land
and building policies, crop adaptation and inclusive
development can help prepare for the severe impact
03
International Agreements:
International agreements on climate change should focus
on creating an enabling environment for investments and
technology uptake
04
Individual and Community Actions:
Incorporating community engagement into the process of
creating climate action plans can help bring key
collaborators together to create reasonable action plans
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
CLIMATE CHANGE
Impact on Biodiversity
Impact on human communities
Climate change affects human communities by altering the availability of natural
resources, such as water and food, and increasing the frequency and intensity of
natural disasters. Climate change also affects the spread of diseases, which can have
a significant impact on human health
Extinction of species
Changes in rainfall and temperatures will increase species extinction rates. Climate
change could lead to expansions, reductions, or extinctions of some populations,
affecting the overall biodiversity of a region
Disruption of natural communities
Climate change will cause the disruption of natural communities and extinction of
species. The threat posed by climate change to biodiversity is expected to
increase, yet thriving ecosystems also have the capacity to help reduce the impacts
of climate change.
Alteration of ecosystems
Rising global temperatures have the potential to alter ecosystems over longer
periods by changing what can grow and live within them.
Shift in distribution of species
Climate change affects the health of ecosystems, influencing shifts in the
distribution of plants, viruses, animals, and even human settlements
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
CLIMATE CHANGE
Impact on Global Economy
Damage to property and infrastructure
Warmer temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather can damage property
and critical infrastructure, impacting human health and productivity
Supply Chain disruptions
Extreme weather events due to climate change can disrupt supply chains, damage
transport infrastructure, and affect international trade routes
Agriculture
The agriculture sector is particularly vulnerable to climate risk, with changes in
temperature and precipitation patterns affecting crop yields and food prices
Stranded Assets
The transition to a low-carbon economy could lead to stranded assets, such as coal
reserves that become uneconomic with carbon pricing, which could affect
corporate balance sheet quality
Increased Operational Costs
As global temperatures rise, operational costs for businesses and governments will
increase due to the need for adaptation and mitigation measures
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
II. GLOBAL WARMING
GLOBAL WARMING
Understanding the Issue: Global Warming, its Influential Factors, and Root Causes
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average
surface temperature due to the enhanced greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4),
and water vapor, trap heat from the sun in the Earth's
atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space.
Global warming is primarily driven by human activities, especially
the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas),
deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities release
large quantities of greenhouse gases, leading to a rapid increase in
atmospheric concentrations.
Factors
Affecting
Global
Warming
1.
Deforestation
2.
Urbanization
3.
Greenhouse Emissions
Climate change is caused by a range of factors, including urbanization and
other human activities. Here are some of the main causes of climate change:
The combustion of fossil fuels is a
major source of CO2 emissions.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Industrial activities release gases
with a high global warming potent.
Waste management
produces methane from
organic waste decay
Greenhouse gases trap
heat in the atmosphere
The use of fertilizers in
agriculture leads to the
release of nitrous oxide
The burning of gasoline in
vehicles is another source
of CO2 emissions.
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
GLOBAL WARMING
Overwhelming evidence solidifies the reality of global warming
Irrefutable Proof: The Case for Global Warming
Let's have a look at evidences which support the change of climate over the years.
1
2
3
4
Carbon Isotopes
Glacial Retreat
Warming Oceans
Species Shift
Analysis of carbon
isotopes
in
the
atmosphere confirms
that the increase in
CO2 is primarily due to
the burning of fossil
fuels,
due
to
its distinct isotopic
signature.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
The retreat of glaciers
around the world is a
visible indicator of
warming temperatures
and
is
welldocumented through
historical records and
satellite imagery.
The
oceans
are
absorbing the majority
of the excess heat.
The increase in sea
surface temperatures
contributes to the
bleaching of coral
reefs.
Global Warming
Observations of plants
and animals moving to
higher altitudes as
temperatures
rise
provide evidence of
the impact of global
warming
on
ecosystems.
Carbon Footprint
5
Historical Data
Paleoclimate data, such
as ice cores and tree
rings, reveal past climate
patterns. These records
show that the recent rate
of temperature increase
is correlated with human
activities.
Ozone Depletion
GLOBAL WARMING
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Global Warming: Analyzing the challenges and solutions
Policy and Regulation:
Crafting effective policies and
regulations can face opposition
from vested interests.
Climate Inertia:
Effects of past
emissions will continue
to influence for years
to come.
Disproportionate Impact:
Impacts vulnerable communities,
posing justice challenges.
Political and Economic:
Transitioning to cleaner
energy sources can be
politically challenging and
economically disruptive.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Solutions for Global Warming: Charting a Sustainable Path Forward.
Here are a few:
01
Mitigation Strategies:
Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving
energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and
protecting forests and oceans
02
Adaptation Strategies:
Adaptation strategies such as water management, land
and building policies, crop adaptation and inclusive
development can help prepare for the severe impact
03
International Agreements:
International agreements on climate change should focus
on creating an enabling environment for investments and
technology uptake
04
Individual and Community Actions:
Incorporating community engagement into the process of
creating climate action plans can help bring key
collaborators together to create reasonable action plans
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
GLOBAL WARMING
Impact on Biodiversity
Habitat Loss
As temperatures rise, species are being forced to move out of areas where they've
evolved for millions of years, making those areas uninhabitable for them.
Extinction of species
The projected rapid rise in temperature and destruction of habitats could easily
disrupt the connectedness among species, transforming existing ecosystems.
Narrowly adapted and endemic species are particularly at risk of extinction
Changes in species composition and interactions
Changes in rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification are
putting pressure on species already threatened by other human activities. As a
result, species ranges may expand or contract, and species compositions and
interactions may change
Invasive species
As species move to new areas in response to climate change, they may come into
contact with new species, leading to the spread of invasive species Invasive species
can aggressively compete with native species for resources, negatively affecting the
biodiversity of the area
Loss on carbon sinks
Loss of biodiversity affects climate change because there are incredible ecosystems
throughout the world, from trees to soils to peatlands, that are huge carbon sinks.
This means they are incredibly important for pulling emissions out of the
atmosphere and slowing climate change
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
GLOBAL WARMING
Impact on Global Economy
Economic losses
The effects of climate change can be expected to shave 11 percent to 14 percent
off global economic output by 2050 compared with growth levels without climate
change. The study projected that if global temperatures rose 4.5˚ C from preindustrial levels by 2100, climate change impacts on 22 sectors could cost the U.S.
$520 billion each year
Increased demand for energy
The demand for energy will increase as power generation becomes less reliable,
and water supplies will be stressed
Adverse impact on sectors
As the global mean temperature rises, various sectors will be adversely impacted,
such as agriculture, crime, coastal storms, energy, human mortality, and labo
Infrastructure damage
Warmer temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather will damage property
and critical infrastructure, negatively affecting sectors such as agriculture, forestry,
fisheries, and tourism
Inflationary effects
Agricultural yields are sensitive to weather conditions, and as our climate changes,
it is likely that crop yields will be affected, leading to higher food prices
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
III. CARBON FOOTPRINT
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Understanding the Issue Carbon Footprint, its Influential Factors, and Root Causes
A carbon footprint quantifies the amount of greenhouse gases
produced as a result of various activities or processes, including
energy consumption, transportation, manufacturing, and more.
It is typically expressed in units of carbon dioxide equivalent
(CO2e) and is used to assess the environmental impact of these
activities.
The carbon footprint concept also extends to products and
services, representing the emissions associated with their entire
life cycle, from production to disposal.
Factors
Affecting
Climate
Change
1.
Energy Use and Sources
2.
Transportation Behaviour
3.
Lifestyle Choices
The carbon footprint is influenced by various factors and activities that contribute
to greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some common causes of carbon footprints:
The consumption of energy leads
to carbon emissions.
Red meat-heavy diets
have larger carbon
footprint
Purchasing choices impact
emissions from production,
transport, and disposal.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Carbon emissions from vehicles
contribute to carbon footprints
The disposal of waste
produces methane
emissions
Everyday choices can
influence the carbon
footprint.
Ozone Depletion
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Unraveling the Science of Carbon Footprint Measurement and Calculation
Unlocking the Science of Sustainability: Measuring and Calculating Carbon Footprint.
Let's have a look at steps involved while measuring Carbon Footprint
Step 1: Identify
Sources of Emissions
Identifying all
sources of emissions
associated with the
entity. Some
common ones
include energy use,
transportation,
waste management
Identification
Data Collection
Step 2: Data
Collection
Gather data related
to each source of
emissions. This may
include, energy bills,
fuel and food
consumption, data
on waste disposal
activities
Step 3: Emission
Factors
Calculate emissions
from the data
collected by using
emission factors.
Emission factors are
coefficients that
convert activity data
into CO2e emissions.
Emission
Factor
Conversion
Step 4: Conversion
to CO2e
Convert all emissions
from various sources
to a common unit,
typically CO2e. This
step allows for a
consistent
comparison of
emissions.
Step 5: Summation
Total all CO2e
emissions from to
arrive at the entity's
carbon footprint.
This final value
represents the
environmental
impact in terms of
CO2e emissions.
Summation
Reporting
Step 5: Reporting
and Analyzing
Report the carbon
footprint, and
consider its
significance. Analyze
areas where
emissions are high .
Measuring and calculating a carbon footprint is a critical step towards understanding and reducing an entity's environmental impact.
It provides valuable insights into areas for improvement and informs strategies to mitigate climate change.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Carbon Footprint: Analyzing the challenges and solutions
Global Cooperation:
Achieving consensus, coordinating
efforts among nations and
navigating complex international
agreements can be difficult.
Behavioral Change:
Promoting sustainable
practices and energy
reduction is challenging.
Transitioning to Clean Energy:
Overcoming the inertia of existing
carbon intensive energy systems
is a major challenge.
Economic Transition:
Transitioning to a lowcarbon economy can
pose economic challenges,
including job displacement
and industry restructuring.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Empowering Change: Solutions to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Here are a few:
01
Energy Efficiency:
Energy efficiency can be increased by using energyefficient appliances, upgrading insulation, sealing drafts,
and switching to LED lighting
02
Sustainable Transportation:
By opting eco-friendly modes such as public transit,
carpooling, biking, walking, or using electric vehicles, you
can markedly reduce your carbon footprint
03
Dietary Changes:
Plant-based diets have a lower carbon footprint as the
production of meat, especially beef and lamb which
generate significant greenhouse gas emissions
04
Waste Reduction and Recycling:
Minimize your carbon footprint by adopting waste
reduction and recycling practices, including composting
organic waste and reducing single-use plastics
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Impact on Biodiversity
Habitat Destruction
High carbon emissions contribute to climate change, which leads to habitat loss and
degradation, affecting various species.
Extinction of species
Climate change disrupts ecosystems and can drive some species to extinction due to
changing temperatures, altered migration patterns, and food source availability.
Ocean Acidification
Increased carbon emissions lead to ocean acidification, harming marine life, such as
coral reefs and shellfish, which rely on calcium carbonate for their structures.
Altered Ecosystems
Changing climate and extreme weather events can disrupt the delicate balance of
ecosystems, affecting species interactions and biodiversity.
Invasive Species Spread
Climate change can create conditions for invasive species to thrive, outcompeting
native species and further endangering biodiversity.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Impact on Global Economy
Economic costs of Natural Disaster
Increased carbon emissions contribute to more frequent and severe natural
disasters, leading to significant economic losses in terms of property damage and
recovery efforts.
Healthcare Costs
Air pollution from carbon emissions can result in higher healthcare costs due to
increased cases of respiratory illnesses and related healthcare expenses.
Decreased Agricultural Productivity
Climate change can negatively impact agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields
and increased food prices, which can affect the global economy.
Infrastructure Costs
Rising sea levels and extreme weather events necessitate costly infrastructure
upgrades and adaptations to protect vulnerable coastal areas.
Energy Investments Transitions
Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires significant investments in
renewable energy, electric transportation, and other green technologies, which can
stimulate economic growth.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
IV. OZONE DEPLETION
OZONE DEPLETION
Understanding the Issue Ozone Depletion, its Influential Factors, and Root Causes
Ozone Depletion refers to the gradual reduction of the ozone
layer, a region of the Earth's stratosphere, primarily due to the
release of ozone-depleting substances.
It involves the breakdown of ozone molecules (O3) in the
stratosphere, leading to a decrease in ozone concentration.
Ozone depletion is a critical environmental issue that can result in
increased levels of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the
Earth's surface, with potentially adverse effects on human health
and ecosystems.
Factors
Affecting
Climate
Change
1.
Ozone Depleting Substances
2.
Stratospheric Conditions
3.
UV Radiation Levels
Ozone Deletion is influenced by various factors and activities that contribute to
increased UV Radiations. Here are some common causes of carbon footprints:
Emission of CFCs and halons from
industrial and consumer products.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Nitrogen oxides released at high
altitudes by aircraft engines.
Improper disposal of
products like refrigerators
and air conditioners
Fumigants containing
ozone-depleting
compounds in agriculture
Use of aerosol propellants
containing ozone
depleting substances
Industrial and consumer
solvent use releasing
ozone-depleting chemicals
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
OZONE DEPLETION
Overwhelming evidence solidifies the reality of ozone depletion
Irrefutable Proof: The Case for Ozone Depletion
Let's have a look at evidences which support the depletion of ozone layer.
1
2
3
4
5
Satellite Data
Ground Based
Observations
Seasonal Variants
Increase in UV
Radiation
Ozone Hole
Formation
Satellite
measurements have
shown a significant
reduction in ozone
concentration,
especially in the ozone
hole over Antarctica..
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Ground-based
instruments
like
spectrophotometers
have recorded lower
ozone levels in various
parts of the world.
Ozone depletion is
more
pronounced
during certain seasons,
such as spring in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Global Warming
Ozone depletion leads
to an increase in
harmful
ultraviolet
(UV) radiation at the
Earth's surface.
Carbon Footprint
The formation of the
ozone hole over
Antarctica is a
prominent example of
ozone depletion.
Ozone Depletion
OZONE DEPLETION
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Ozone Depletion: Analyzing the challenges and solutions
Global Cooperation:
Achieving global consensus and
implementing measures to combat
ozone depletion can be
challenging.
Layer Recovery:
Ozone layer recovery
takes time, and
continued vigilance is
needed.
Monitoring and Enforcement:
Ensuring compliance with
international agreements and
monitoring can be complex.
Replacement Chemicals:
Phasing out ozone-depleting
substances and finding
suitable alternatives can be
technologically and
economically challenging.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Empowering Change: Solutions to Prevent Ozone Depletion:
Here are a few:
01
The Montreal Protocol:
The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that aims
to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting
substances.
02
Transition to Alternatives:
Encouraging industries to switch to ozone-friendly
alternatives, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
03
Public Awareness
Raising awareness about the importance of protecting the
ozone layer and reducing personal use of ozone-depleting
products.
04
Scientific Research:
Continued research into ozone layer recovery and
monitoring of ozone-depleting substances can help find
better ways to reduce ozone depletion.
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
OZONE DEPLETION
Impact on Biodiversity
Increased UV Radiation
Ozone depletion results in higher levels of harmful UV radiation, which can
harm aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial plants, and wildlife.
Marine Ecosystems
Climate change disrupts ecosystems and can drive some species to
extinction due to changing temperatures, altered migration patterns, and
food source availability.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Ozone depletion can lead to reduced crop yields and affect plants, which, in
turn, can impact herbivores and the entire ecosystem.
Amphibians
Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to UV radiation, and their
populations may be affected.
Coral Reefs
UV radiation can harm coral reefs, which are crucial for marine
biodiversity.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion
OZONE DEPLETION
Impact on Global Economy
Healthcare costs
Increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion can lead to higher
healthcare costs, as it may result in more cases of skin cancer and eye
cataracts.
Agriculture and Fisheries
Ozone depletion can disrupt agricultural and fisheries industries, leading
to economic losses.
Damage to Materials
Increased UV radiation can cause damage to materials, such as plastics
and building materials, resulting in repair and replacement costs.
Solar Power Generation
Ozone depletion can affect solar power generation, which is an emerging
sector in the global economy.
Climate Change Interactions
Ozone depletion can have complex interactions with climate change,
which can impact various economic sectors.
Sources:
Team
Analysis
Climate Change
Global Warming
Carbon Footprint
Ozone Depletion