MODULE 3

"Curbing climate change," or climate change mitigation, refers to actions taken to

reduce or prevent the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,
aiming to limit the extent of global warming.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
 What it is:
Climate change mitigation focuses on reducing the flow of greenhouse gases (like
carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) into the atmosphere, which trap heat and
cause the planet to warm.
 Why it's important:
By reducing emissions, we can slow down the rate of climate change, mitigate its
harmful effects, and potentially avoid the most severe impacts.
 How it works:
 Reducing sources of emissions: This involves transitioning to renewable energy
sources (like solar and wind), improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation,
and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
 Enhancing "sinks" that absorb and store greenhouse gases: This includes protecting
and restoring forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems, as well as promoting soil health.
Examples of mitigation actions:
 Transitioning to renewable energy: Replacing fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)
with renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.
 Improving energy efficiency: Using energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation in
buildings, and adopting smart transportation systems.
 Sustainable land management: Protecting forests, promoting reforestation, and adopting
sustainable agricultural practices that reduce emissions.
 Developing and deploying carbon capture technologies: Technologies that capture
CO2 emissions from industrial sources and store them underground or use them to create
new products.

1. The Basic Science of Climate Change:

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather patterns, primarily driven by
increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, leading to global warming
and various impacts on ecosystems and human systems.
Here's a more detailed explanation of the basic science of climate change:
1. What is Climate Change?
 Climate change is a long-term shift in the average weather conditions of a region,
including its typical temperature, rainfall, and windiness.
 It's a natural process, but human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have
accelerated it significantly.
 The term "climate change" is often used interchangeably with "global warming," which
refers specifically to the increasing average temperature of the Earth's surface.
2. The Greenhouse Effect and Greenhouse Gases
 The Earth's atmosphere naturally contains greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide, which trap heat and keep the planet warm enough
to support life.
  Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, release large amounts of these gases
into the atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect.
 This enhanced greenhouse effect leads to a rise in global temperatures, causing climate
change.
3. Key Drivers of Climate Change
 Fossil Fuel Burning:
The primary driver of current climate change is the release of greenhouse gases from
burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy.
 Deforestation:
Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, so deforestation reduces the planet's
capacity to absorb this gas, exacerbating climate change.
 Industrial Processes:
Certain industrial processes also release greenhouse gases, contributing to the
problem.
4. Observed Impacts of Climate Change
 Rising Temperatures:
Global average temperatures have increased significantly in recent decades, and this
trend is expected to continue.
 Extreme Weather Events:
Climate change is linked to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such
as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.
 Sea Level Rise:
As glaciers and ice sheets melt due to warming temperatures, sea levels are rising,
threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
 Changes in Precipitation Patterns:
Climate change is causing shifts in rainfall patterns, leading to some regions becoming
drier and others wetter.
 Ocean Acidification:
The absorption of excess CO2 by the oceans leads to acidification, which harms
marine life, especially coral reefs.
5. Addressing Climate Change
 Mitigation:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitioning to renewable energy
sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices is crucial to
mitigate climate change.
 Adaptation:
Adapting to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, such as developing drought-
resistant crops or building sea defenses, is also necessary.
 Climate change has many consequences, including rising sea levels, extreme
weather events, and economic damage.
Sea level rise
 Ocean water expands as it warms, causing sea levels to rise
 Melting ice sheets and glaciers also contribute to sea level rise
Extreme weather events
 Rising temperatures lead to more frequent droughts, floods, and storms
 Heat waves make it harder to work and redu ce productivity
 Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons can devastate millions of people
Economic damage
 Climate change is a major threat to economic stability
 Extreme weather events can cause substantial economic costs
 These costs can be distributed unequally Air quality
 Climate change can impact air quality, and air pollution can contribute to
climate change
 Air pollution is a major risk to health and causes millions of deaths worldwide
each year

Agriculture
 Climate change has a significant impact on all forms of agriculture
 Agriculture also contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas
emissions and deforestation
Health
 Extreme temperatures can lead to an increase in the death rate
 Tropical diseases can spread more easily due to climate change

Climate change affects the environment in many different ways,

including rising temperatures, sea level rise, drought, flooding, and more.
These events affect things that we depend upon and value, like water,
energy, transportation, wildlife, agriculture, ecosystems, and human
health.
2. Consequences of Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges, affecting the environment, economy,
and human well-being. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental
degradation are already having severe consequences worldwide.

1. Environmental Consequences

a) Rising Global Temperatures

 The Earth's average temperature has increased due to greenhouse gas emissions.
 Higher temperatures lead to heatwaves, wildfires, and desertification.

b) Melting Ice Caps and Rising Sea Levels

 Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting, causing sea levels to rise.
 Low-lying areas and island nations face the risk of coastal flooding and displacement.

c) Extreme Weather Events

 More hurricanes, typhoons, droughts, and heavy rainfall are occurring.

 Storms and floods destroy homes, crops, and infrastructure.

d) Loss of Biodiversity

 Rising temperatures and habitat destruction lead to species extinction.

 Ecosystems like coral reefs and rainforests are disappearing.

2. Economic Consequences

a) Damage to Agriculture and Food Supply

 Droughts and floods reduce crop yields, causing food shortages.

 Farmers struggle with unpredictable weather, leading to income loss.

b) Increased Costs for Disaster Recovery

 Governments spend billions on rebuilding cities after natural disasters.

 Insurance costs rise, affecting businesses and homeowners.

c) Impact on Global Trade and Economy

 Disruptions in agriculture, transportation, and industries slow economic growth.

 Climate-related migration increases strain on urban infrastructure and job markets.
 3. Social and Health Consequences

a) Health Risks and Diseases

 Heatwaves increase the risk of heat strokes and respiratory diseases.

 Changing climates allow the spread of infectious diseases like malaria and dengue.

b) Water Scarcity and Sanitation Issues

 Droughts reduce access to clean drinking water.

 Waterborne diseases increase in flood-prone areas.

c) Climate Migration and Refugees

 Millions of people are forced to leave their homes due to extreme weather and rising sea
levels.
 Overcrowding in cities leads to social tensions and poverty.

4. Political and Security Consequences

a) Resource Conflicts

 Competition for water, land, and food can lead to political instability and wars.
 Countries may face conflicts over diminishing natural resources.

b) Increased Burden on Governments

 Governments must allocate resources for climate adaptation and disaster relief.
 Climate policies require international cooperation, which is often slow and complex.

3. Mitigation in Climate Change

Climate change mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, limiting global warming and its impacts. Effective mitigation strategies focus on transitioning
to clean energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land use.

Key Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation

1. Transition to Renewable Energy

Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources significantly reduces carbon emissions.
✅ Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power provide sustainable alternatives.
✅ Investing in green technology makes renewable energy more accessible and efficient.

2. Energy Efficiency Improvements

Reducing energy waste helps lower emissions and saves costs.
✅ Energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart grids help minimize energy consumption.
✅ Green buildings with better insulation and natural lighting reduce heating and cooling demands.

3. Sustainable Transportation

The transportation sector is a major contributor to GHG emissions.

✅ Electric vehicles (EVs), public transport, and biking infrastructure reduce fuel consumption.
✅ Biofuels and hydrogen-powered transport offer cleaner alternatives to gasoline and diesel.

4. Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use

Farming and deforestation contribute to climate change through methane and CO₂ emissions.
✅ Reforestation and afforestation help absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
✅ Sustainable farming techniques like crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and reduced tillage lower
emissions.
✅ Reducing food waste minimizes methane emissions from landfills.

5. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Technologies that capture and store carbon emissions prevent them from entering the atmosphere.
✅ Direct air capture (DAC) removes CO₂ from the air.
✅ Carbon sequestration in soil and forests enhances natural carbon absorption.

6. Circular Economy and Waste Management

Reducing waste and promoting recycling lower carbon footprints.

✅ Recycling and composting minimize landfill emissions.
✅ Using sustainable materials and reducing plastic cuts energy use and pollution.

7. Policy and Global Cooperation

Governments and international organizations play a key role in mitigation.

✅ Carbon pricing (carbon tax or cap-and-trade systems) incentivizes businesses to cut emissions.
✅ The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2°C.
✅ Investment in green infrastructure creates jobs and reduces emissions.

Challenges to Climate Change Mitigation

🚧 High costs of transitioning to renewable energy.

🚧 Resistance from fossil fuel industries and political barriers.
🚧 Need for global cooperation, as emissions affect all countries.
🚧 Developing nations require financial support for sustainable growth.