green_building sustainable building pptx
- 1. GREEN BUILDING UNIT NO. 01 (PT.02)-Environmental Crises (Ozone layer depletion, Loss of bio diversity, Global warming) - Definition, Causes and impacts.
- 2. Environmental Crises: • Environmental crises refer to large-scale challenges that disrupt the Earth's ecosystems, harm biodiversity, and threaten human well-being. • These crises are interconnected and primarily driven by unsustainable human activities. • Environmental crises refer to significant and often catastrophic disruptions in the Earth's natural systems, resulting in long-term damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies. • Three major crises— 1. ozone layer depletion, 2. loss of biodiversity, and 3. global warming —are interrelated and critical to the health of the planet. ozone layer depletion
- 3. Ozone Layer Depletion Definition: The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere (15-35 km above Earth), absorbs and blocks most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning or significant reduction of this protective layer due to the release of ozone- depleting substances (ODS). Causes: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): CFCs are synthetic chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol sprays, and foam production. When released, they rise into the stratosphere, where UV radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules. Halons and Bromofluorocarbons: Found in fire extinguishers and agricultural fumigants, these compounds release bromine atoms, which are even more destructive to ozone than chlorine. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Emissions from jet aircraft, fertilizers, and industrial processes release nitrogen oxides that react with and deplete ozone. Volcanic Eruptions: Large volcanic eruptions release gases that may temporarily accelerate ozone depletion.
- 4. Impacts of Ozone Layer Depletion : Increased UV Radiation: Higher levels of UV-B radiation reach the Earth's surface, leading to: Increased cases of skin cancer and cataracts in humans. Suppressed immune systems, reducing resistance to diseases. Ecosystem Disruption: Aquatic ecosystems: Increased UV radiation affects plankton, the foundation of marine food chains. Terrestrial ecosystems: UV exposure reduces plant growth and crop yields. Climate Effects: Ozone depletion influences stratospheric and tropospheric temperatures, indirectly affecting global climate systems. Formation of Ozone Holes: The most notable example is the Antarctic ozone hole, observed annually during spring, caused by extremely cold temperatures that accelerate chemical reactions depleting ozone.
- 5. for Overcome Ozone Layer Depletion : Phasing Out Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS): Implement and enforce international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, which successfully banned or limited the production of harmful chemicals like CFCs, halons, and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). Transition to safer alternatives like hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and natural refrigerants (e.g., ammonia or CO2). Promoting Eco-Friendly Technologies: Use ozone-friendly cooling systems and air conditioners. Avoid aerosol products containing ODS. Regulating Industrial Emissions: Establish strict policies to control nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from industrial processes and aviation. Raising Public Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and encourage environmentally friendly habits, such as using eco-labeled products. Supporting Ongoing Scientific Research: Invest in monitoring ozone recovery and identifying potential threats from new chemicals.
- 6. 2. Loss of Biodiversity Definition: Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity refers to the decline or extinction of species, the degradation of ecosystems, and the loss of genetic diversity within species. Causes: Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation: Deforestation: Forests are cleared for agriculture, urbanization, and industrial development. Wetland Draining: Wetlands are converted into agricultural land or urban spaces. Pollution: Air pollution: Acid rain damages forests and aquatic systems. Water pollution: Chemicals, plastics, and heavy metals harm aquatic ecosystems. Soil pollution: Contaminants affect soil fertility and microorganism diversity. Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging lead to population declines and species extinction. Examples: Overfishing in oceans, poaching of wildlife for ivory or exotic pet trade. Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced to new habitats often outcompete or prey on native species, disrupting ecosystems. Example: Kudzu vine in the U.S. or water hyacinth in freshwater systems. Climate Change: Altered temperature and rainfall patterns disrupt ecosystems. Coral reefs, for instance, are severely affected by warming oceans and acidification.
- 7. for Overcome Loss of Biodiversity: Conservation of Habitats: Establish protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and marine reserves. Promote community-based conservation programs that engage local populations in habitat protection. Reforestation and Afforestation: Restore degraded ecosystems by planting native species and conserving existing forests. Combat deforestation by enforcing laws to regulate logging and land-use changes. Combating Pollution: Reduce plastic waste by implementing bans on single-use plastics and promoting recycling. Enforce regulations to limit industrial discharge of pollutants into air, water, and soil. Sustainable Resource Management: Implement sustainable fishing, hunting, and agricultural practices. Encourage crop diversification to maintain genetic biodiversity. Control of Invasive Species: Monitor ecosystems to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Develop strategies to control or eradicate invasive species where they have already established. Climate Change Mitigation: Take measures to reduce global warming (detailed below) to prevent habitat loss caused by climate change. Public Awareness and Education: Promote biodiversity education in schools and communities to create a sense of responsibility and stewardship. Strengthening Legislation: Enforce international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Develop laws that prioritize biodiversity conservation at national and regional levels.
- 8. 3. Global Warming Definition: Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily from human activities. Causes: Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon dioxide (CO2): Emitted from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy. Methane (CH4): Released from livestock, wetlands, and landfills. Nitrous oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural activities and industrial processes. Deforestation: Reduces the planet’s ability to absorb CO2, contributing to higher atmospheric carbon levels. Industrialization: Manufacturing processes emit large quantities of GHGs. Agriculture: Livestock farming produces methane, and fertilizer use releases nitrous oxide. Urbanization: Cities generate heat due to energy consumption and loss of vegetation. Transport Sector: Vehicle emissions significantly contribute to atmospheric CO2.
- 9. Impacts of Global Warming: Rising Temperatures: Increased heatwaves, resulting in heat-related illnesses and deaths. Changes in growing seasons, affecting agriculture and food security. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers and polar ice caps contribute to sea-level rise. Coastal regions and small islands are at risk of flooding and erosion. Extreme Weather Events: Higher frequency and intensity of storms, hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. Ecosystem Disruption: Coral reefs experience bleaching due to warming oceans. Habitat loss forces species to migrate or face extinction. Economic Losses: Damage to infrastructure, reduced agricultural yields, and increased disaster recovery costs. Human Health Risks: Increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Scarcity of freshwater resources leads to conflicts and migration.
- 10. for Overcome Global Warming: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Implement carbon pricing mechanisms (carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems) to incentivize emission reductions. Promote energy-efficient technologies in industries, transportation, and households. Afforestation and Reforestation: Enhance carbon sequestration by planting trees and restoring degraded forests. Protect carbon sinks like mangroves, wetlands, and peatlands. Improving Energy Efficiency: Upgrade infrastructure to be more energy-efficient (e.g., LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances). Promote sustainable building practices such as passive cooling, insulation, and renewable materials. Sustainable Transportation: Promote public transportation, carpooling, cycling, and walking. Transition to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Agricultural Reforms: Implement sustainable farming practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and reduced use of chemical fertilizers. Promote plant-based diets to reduce methane emissions from livestock. Policy and International Cooperation: Strengthen commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C. Foster collaboration among nations to share technology, resources, and best practices. Public Awareness and Lifestyle Changes: Educate people about the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. Encourage behavioral changes like conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable brands. Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Build infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events (e.g., flood defenses, drought-resistant crops).