Climate Change,

Environmental Awareness,
and
Alternative Energy Resources

(Group 5 Written Report)

Submitted by:
Donna Marie Baluyut
Love Alexchelle Ducut
Jaypee Maniego
Eunice Angela Martin
Evangeline Masangcay
Patricia Ann Pineda
Eloisa Rigor
Christian Paul Rivera

BSA-2B
Lesson 6: Climate Change
Climate Change
 Statistically significant changes in climate for continuous period.
 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - United Nations body that
evaluates climate change science, and released reports on global climate change.

Reports important conclusions:

 World's climate has changed significantly over the past century.
 The significant change has human influence
 Using climate models, and if trend continues, global surface temperature will increase
between 1˚C and 3.5˚C by 2100.

Why increasing few degrees of warming a concern?

 Greater potential to change life in our planet except nuclear war.
 Will also lead to numbers of potentially serious consequences.
Factors that contributes to climate change:
 Natural internal process
 External forces
 Persistent Anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use.
 Acts of human beings
Causes of Climate Change
 Natural Causes
 Volcanic Eruptions
 When volcanic eruption occurs, it emits different types of gasses and natural aerosols
(carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxides, salt crystals, volcanic ashes or dusts, and
microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses) that causes a cooling effect in the
lithosphere, which blocks a certain percentage of solar radiation.
 When volcanic ash particles reach stratosphere, sulfur dioxide combines 2 water vapor
and it forms sulfuric acid and sulfurous aerosols that are transported by easterly or
westerly winds. These natural aerosols cause acooling effect that lasts for about 2 years.

Several major volcanic eruptions recorded that caused climate change:

o Mt. Tambora (Indonesia, 1816)
 Largest known volcanic eruption in human history.
 Caused snowfall in northeastern US and Canada, that affects their agricultural
lands, losing crops, resulting to food shortage and increased mortality rate.

o Mt. Krakatau (Indonesia, 1883)

o Mt. Pinatubo (Philippines, 1991)
 Orbital Changes
 Milankovitch Theory – "Earth travels through space around the Sun, cyclical variations
in the amount of solar energy that reaches Earth (Academic Emporia, 2017).

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Three Elements having Cyclic Variations:
 Eccentricity
 To describe the shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun.
 The impact of variation is a change in the amount of solar energy from
perihelion (around January 3) to aphelion (around July 4).

o Perihelion – Closest distance from Sun.

o Aphelion – Farthest distance from Sun.
o The time frame for the cycle is approximately 98,000 years, and
currently the Earth's eccentricity is 0.016, and a 6.4% increase in
insolation from July to January.
 "Eccentricity influences seasonal differences: when Earth is closest to the
sun, it gets more radiation. If perihelion occura during winter, the winter is
less severe. If a hemisphere has its summer while closest to the sun,
summers are relatively warm."

 Obliquity
 Variation of the tilt of Earth's axis away from the orbital plane.
 As tilt changes, the season become more exaggerated. The obliquity
changes on a cycle taking about 40,000 years.
 "The more tilt means more severe seasons – warmer summers and colder
winters; less tilt means less severe seasons – cooler summers and milder
winters." (Academic Emporia, 2017)

 Precession
 Change in orientation of Earth's rotational axis.
 The cycle takes about 19,000 - 23,000 years.
Precession is caused by 2 factors:
 Wobble of Earth's axis
 Turning around of the elliptical orbit of Earth itself.
 Obliquity affects the tilt of Earth's axis, while Precession affects the
direction of Earth's axis.
 Changes in the axis location change the dates of perihelion and aphelion,
and increases the seasonal contrast in one hemisphere while decreasing in
another hemisphere.
 Another consequence of precession is shift in celestial poles. Five thousand
years ago, North Star was Thuban in the constellation Draco. But currently,
the North Star is Polaris in the constellation Ursa Minor.

 The Carbon Dioxide Theory

 Carbon dioxide is added when power and heat are produces by burning coal,
oil and other fossil fuel.

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  Carbon Dioxide is transparent to sunshine but not invisible to infrared (heat)
radiation.
 Carbon Dioxide absorbs part of infrared radiation in the air and returns it to
the ground keeping the air near the surface warmer than it would be if the
carbon dioxide did not act like a blanket.

 Doubling Carbon Dioxide raises temperature to 2 ˚C to 3 ˚C.

 Human Activity
 The largest known contribution comes from the burning fossil fuels, which
releases carbon dioxide gas to the atmosphere.
 Greenhouse gases and aerosols affect climate by altering incoming solar
radiation and outgoing infrared (thermal) radiation that are part of Earth’s
balance.
 Since the start of the industrial era (about 1750), the overall effect of human
activities on climate has been a warming influence.

 Human activities result in emission of four principal greenhouse gases: car

bon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and the halocarbo
n (a group of gases containing fluorine, chlorine, and bromine).
 Ozone is another greenhouse gas that is continually produced and destroyed
in the atmosphere by chemical reaction. Human activities have increased
ozone through the release of gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons
and nitrogen oxide, which chemically react to produced ozone.

 On September 16, 1986, an international treaty was adapted. It is called the

“MONTREAL PROTOCAL”. The treaty aimed to regulate the production
and use of chemicals that contribute to ozone layer depletion.
 Effects of Climate Change on Society
 It direct affects the basic elements of people’s lives like water, food, health, u
se of land, and the environment.
 Climate change will increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition and heat
stress.
 Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever could become mor
e widespread if effective control measures are not in place.
 Rising sea levels may result in more flooded areas each year wit5h a warm
ing of 3 or 40C
 Melting glaciers will increase flood risks during the wet season and strongly
reduce
 Dry-season water supplies to one-sixth of the world’s population.
 Declining crop yields due to drought.
 Ocean edification, a direct result of rising carbon dioxide levels will have ma

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 jor effects on marine ecosystem, with possible adverse consequences on fish
stocks.
 Ecosystem will be particularly vulnerable to climate change, with one study
estimating that around 15-40% of species face extinction
Energy Crisis
 it is the concern that the world's demands on the limited natural resources that are used to
power industrial society are diminishing as the demand rises.
 Broad and complex topic.
 Ongoing and getting worse, despite of many efforts.

How real is the Energy Crisis

 The reality of the energy crisis is that you cannot have growing demands on limited
resources without eventually running out of the resource.

Causes of Energy Crisis

1. Overconsumption- there is a strain on fossils fuels such as oil, gas and coal due to
overconsumption- which then in turn can put a strain on our water and oxygen resources by causing
pollution.

2. Overpopulation- another cause of the crisis has been the steady increase in the world’s
population and its demands for fuel and products.

3. Poor Infrastructure- most of the energy producing firms keep on using outdated equipment
that restricts the production of energy.

4. Unexplored renewable energy options- most of the energy comes from non-renewable sources
like coal. It is still remains the top choice to produce energy. Renewable energy sources can reduce
our dependence on fossils fuels and also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Delay in commissioning of power plants- Old plants come under huge stress to meet the daily
demand power. When supply doesn’t matches demand, it results in loading shedding and
breakdown.
6. Waste of Energy- In most parts of the world, people do not realize the importance of conserving
energy.

7. Poor distribution system- Frequently tripping and breakdown are result of a poor distribution
system.

8. Major accidents and natural calamities- major accidents like pipeline burst, and natural
calamities like volcanoes erruption, flood, earthquakes, can also cause interruptions to energy

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supplies. The huge gap between supply and demand of energy can give raise the price of essential
items which can give rise to inflation.

9. Wars and attacks- Wars between countries can also hamper supply of energy specially if it
happens in Middle east countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar.

10. Miscellaneous Factors- Tax hikes, strikes, military coup, political events, severe hot summers
or could winters can cause sudden increase in demand of energy and can choke supply.

Possible solutions of the Energy Crisis

1. Move towards renewable Resources- The best possible solution is to reduce the world’s
dependence on non-renewable resources and to improve overall conservation efforts.
2. Buy energy efficient products- Replace traditional bulbs with CFL’s and LED’s.

3. Lightning controls- Preset lightning controls, slide lightning, touch dimmers, integrated
lightning controls are few of the lightning controls that can help to conserve energy and reduce
overall lightning cost.

4. Easier grid access- People who use different options to generate power must be given
permission to plug into the greed and getting credit for power you feed into it.

5. Energy Simulation- Software can be used by big corporates and corporations to redesign
building unit and reduce running business energy cost.

6. Perform energy audit- Process that helps you to identify the areas where your home or
company is losing energy and what steps you can take to improve energy efficiency.
7. Common stand on climate change- both developed and developing countries should adopt a
common stand on climate change. They should focus on reducing the greenhouse gas emission
through an effective cross border mechanism.

What is being done today?

 there are many global initiatives that are working towards resolving the energy crisis.

Possible Project Ideas

 Instead of driving to work or school, take the bus, carpool, walk or ride your bike to cut
down on greenhouse gas emissions. (According to EPA, transportation adds, 33% of the
total atmospheric carbon dioxide.)
 Consider investing in appropriate technology like clean power, if not for your home maybe
for your community. This will also help wean ourselves off fossil fuels.
 Buy reusable products such as glass bottles, reusable bags and cups etc.
 Start composting and recycling.

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  Support local businesses and farmers by only buying organic food at farmers markets.

10 ways that technology has actually taken us two steps back, instead of one step forward.
1. During social gatherings, everyone resorts to staring at their phone.
2. People are glued to their phones and can’t leave the house without it.
3. Texting while driving.
4. Sleep patterns are disrupted by constant exposure to bright screens on iPhones, laptops,
TVs, and tablets.
5. Navigation is becoming impossible to do without the use of technology.
6. Information is at our fingertips, giving kids in school easy access to cheating.
7. Physical books are becoming outdated and left in the dust by e-books and audio books.
8. Cyber bullying and sexual predator activity is reaching new lengths.
9. People’s jobs are being replaced by high tech computers.
10. People’s attitudes, in general, are becoming more impatient and entitled.

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 environment steward and
participate in creating a brighter future for our children.

What is Environmental Awareness

- We must first understand the environmentalism movement. Environmentalism is an
ideology that evokes the necessity and responsibility of humans to respect, protect, and preserve
the natural world from its anthropogenic (caused by humans) afflictions.

- Is an integral part of the movement’s success. By teaching our friends and family that the
physical environment is fragile and indispensable, we can begin fixing the problems that threaten
it.

How to Promote Environmental Awareness

- Before you can begin promoting environmental awareness in your own community you
must first make sure that you have a thorough understanding of environmental issues. Staying up
to date on environmental news and reading comprehensive books about environmental threats are
both great resources, but if you’re the type of person who prefers a more interactive approach,
attending environmental seminars is a great option.

Make a Difference

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 - The symposium acts a catalyst for you to begin your role as an environmental steward
and provides online courses and other resources to keep you on track.

- A good course of action that ensures your continued participation as a global citizen is to
pick an environmental issue that strikes you as most urgent.

- After your decision is made, explain its importance and urgency to your community,
friends, and family, create beneficial communal projects, and find more causes to become part of.

Examples of Environmental Issues That Need Fixing

Oil Drilling- This issue is one that causes a great deal of environmental destruction. Our
dependence on fossil fuel is a global addiction that affects every aspect of the world. Oil spills and
offshore drilling poison marine life, oil drilling (on land) suffocates the earth, and the combustion
of fossil fuels add to the increased atmospheric CO₂, which in turns causes the progression of
global warming and ocean acidification. This is a multifaceted issue and is a good cause to get
involved with because it covers such a broad spectrum of issues.
Deforestation- Millions of acres of forest are cut down for industrial benefit, such as large scale
farming, oil mining, and the production of paper goods. Deforestation causes wildlife and
biodiversity extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a Red List
of environmentally threatened species with up-to-date information. Oftentimes, the cause for their
threatened existence is listed as loss of habitat as it is for many Amazonian species.

Production of Plastic Goods- Currently our society creates a great deal of waste and much of that
waste is comprised of plastic. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2010
alone 31 million tons of plastic waste was created. This waste ends up all over the globe in both
land and water, a good example is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Not only is plastic waste an
issue, but the production of plastic is also dependent on fossil fuel combustion. According to the
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in 2010 191 million barrels of liquid petroleum
gases(LPG) and natural gas liquids (NGL) were used in the U.S. alone to produce plastic goods.

Possible Project Ideas

Once you’re well versed in environmental issues, use that knowledge to create beneficial project
in your home and in your community.

 Instead of driving to work or school, take the bus, carpool, walk, or ride your bike to cut
down on greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA transportation adds to 33% of
the total atmospheric CO₂.
 Consider investing in appropriate technology like clean power (solar or wind), if not for
your home maybe for a community center. This will also help wean ourselves off fossil
fuels.
 Buy reusable products such as glass bottles, reusable bags and cups etc. Avoid buying
paper towels, plastic bottles and bags.

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  Start composting and recycling, which will help cut down our waste production.
 Support local businesses and farmers by only buying organic food at farmers markets.
Make sure the food is pesticide free. This will help your community become self-reliant.

Alternative energy

- is any energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuel. These alternatives are intended to
address concerns about fossil fuels, such as its high carbon dioxide emissions, an important
factor in global warming.

1. Solar Energy - radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical
reactions, or generating electricity.

2. Wind Energy - the use of airflow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power
to turn electric generators and traditionally to do other work, like milling or pumping.

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3. Geothermal Energy - form of energy conversion in which heat energy from within Earth
is captured and harnessed for cooking, bathing, space heating, electrical power generation,
and other uses.

4. Hydroelectric Energy - also called hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a form of

energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water flowing over a
waterfall—to generate electricity.

5. Biomass Energy - the use of organic material to generate energy. Biomass is just organic
matter – think, stuff that’s made in nature – like wood pellets, grass clippings and even
dung.

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6. Ocean Energy - refers to all forms of renewable energy derived from the sea.

7. Hydrogen - when used in a fuel cell to provide electricity, is an emissions-free alternative

fuel produced from diverse energy sources.

8. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) - uses the temperature difference between
cooler deep and warmer shallow or surface seawaters to run a heat engine and produce
useful work, usually in the form of electricity. OTEC can operate with a very high capacity
factor and so can operate in base load mode.

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