CHAPTER 16 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENERGY CRISIS

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the topic, the readers are expected to:
1. Differentiate weather and climate.
2. Describe the environmental changes brought about by increased global temperature.
3. Identify the causes of climate change.
4. Discuss the capacity of each nation in facing the effect of climate change.
5. Describe the relation of climate change and energy crisis.
6. Identify the renewable energy sources in the Philippines.
7. Describe the role of renewable energy in reducing the coal and fossil fueldependence and
impact of climate change.
Weather, Climate and the Causes of Climate Change
The overall state of the atmosphere that is influenced by marine environments, terrestrial
areas and ice sheets in a given period of time is referred to as weather. Weather condition evident
in a region for a period of time is climate. In the Philippines, there are four existing climate zones
where varying wet and dry condition exist throughout the year.
The change in the regional or global climate pattern brought about by the increase of
atmospheric temperature is known as climate change. Changes in the climatic condition were
observed over the past millions of years due to certain natural processes such as volcanic
eruptions and the variation of Sun's radiation. Studies have considered that the sun's energy is the
ultimate driver of climate on earth as sunlight is reflected by the different surfaces of the planet.
Over the past century, the increase in greenhouse gases concentration most especially
carbon dioxide (CO₂), chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), methane (CH) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) has
contributed greatly to climate change. The rise of sea level and the decrease of global ice sheets
and glaciers have been attributed to such condition. Increased concentration of CO, and CH, in
the atmosphere reduces the amount of light that is reflected back into space (Figure 16.2). These
conditions have shown the reinforcing feedback process that is happening to our environment.
Several environmental changes have been recorded in more advanced countries with respect to
the increase of global temperature as reported by the Australian Academy of Sciences in 2015.
They are as follows:
 Mountain glaciers have been shrinking and contributing to global sea level rise since
about 1850 but accelerated melting has significantly started in the 1990's. Increased
discharge of melted ice into the Earth's ocean due to the disappearance of the Greenland
and West Antarctic Ice Sheets since 1990.
 Sea ice cover and thickness have reduced significantly since 1987.
 Shifts in the ocean and wind currents in the Southern Ocean have changed
 The areas covered by ice due to constant warming. The thinning of the ozone layer has
been linked with the strengthening circumpolar winds around Antarctica.
  An increased amount of water vapor in the atmosphere most especially during warmer
season has been recorded since 1980.
 Ocean and fresh water surface dilution occurred due to increased rainfall in some parts of
the world. Even ocean currents have changed in response to the variations in surface
winds, ocean temperature and ocean saltiness. These changes include a southward shift of
the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and increasing southward penetration of the East
Australian Current.
 Organismal shifts in distribution and life cycles coincide with the variations in
temperature around the globe.
Human activities were considered as major contributors to climate change, CO, concentration
in the atmosphere increased from 280 to 396 ppm for the periods 1800 to 2013. Constant
exchanges of CO, occur between the atmosphere, terrestrial and marine environment as plants
grow, die, decay and as the carbon-rich water circulates in the ocean. This carbon cycling (Figure
16.4) was considered to be in balance and in a steady state until when human-induced CO₂
emissions started in the 19th century.
Most events that contributed to the increase in CO₂ concentration are the excessive
combustion of fossil fuel, manufacture of cement and deforestation. The dependence of the
global growth in energy consumption and utilization in connection with the growing economic
activities most especially in Asian countries have increased fossil fuel combustion to about 3.2%
per year from 2000 to 2010.
Although a steady increase of CO, concentration has been noted, yearly variations were
recorded and attributed to different weather patterns and by some volcanic activities around the
globe. Their temporary reducing effects were identified as they promote plant growth and as
volcanic haze cools the atmosphere.
Looking at how nature cycles CO, over the last 50 years brought us into the
understanding that 25% of the total emission were absorbed by the oceans, 30% were taken up
on land and the remaining 45% were just accumulated in the atmosphere (Figure 16.5 and 16.6).
From these findings, the increased absorption of the world’s ocean has been linked with events
like ocean acidification and coral bleaching. Both conditions not only harm ocean dwellers but
also pose a great threat to human food supplies.
Global Impact of Climate Change
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 2007)
emphasized that impacts and vulnerability to climate vary between regions of the globe. Some of
these regions include Africa, Asia, Latin America and some Small Islands. Below is the
summarized information regarding the impact, vulnerability and adaptive capacity of each region
to climate change based on the studies conducted by Boko et. Al (2007), Christensen et al.
(2007), Cruz et al. (2007), Magrin et al. (2007) and Mimura et al. (2007).
Africa
 - It is expected that the temperature in this continent will increase by about 1.5% than the
global average that will result to a warmer subtropical region. In addition, decreased
annual rainfall is expected in several areas such as the Mediterranean Africa, Northern
Sahara and Southern Africa which may trigger desertification in many areas. On the
contrary, it is expected that increased annual mean rainfall is expected in East Africa and
in the dry Sahel area.
- The drier condition in majority of the areas in Africa could pose a more severe water and
food shortage to about 220 million people by 2020. Agricultural production could be
compromised since it is heavily dependent on good water source to grow crops and
support livestock needs. With the projected worsening condition, human health is
expected to suffer from several diseases like malaria, dengue fever, meningitis, cholera,
etc. because they are transmitted by vectors.
- In general, Africa has a low adaptive capacity to the impact of climate change due to
some of the nation’s existing developmental challenges like low GDP per capita,
widespread endemic poverty, weak institutions, low levels of education and low levels of
primary health.
Asia
- Increase in the mean global temperature is expected in central Asia, the Tibetan plateau,
northern, eastern and southern Asia which leads to snow and ice reduction in the
Himalayan and Tibetan Glaciers. This would lead to increase in the number and severity
of glacial melt-related floods, slope destabilization followed by decrease in river flows as
glaciers disappear. Increasing temperature would also increase the frequency and
intensity of extreme events such as El Niño (drought during summer months) and La
Niña (intense precipitation). This would definitely affect the agricultural productivity in
some areas. In addition, Asian health conditions may be at risk of increased morbidity
and mortality due to heat stress, severe cholera and the changing dynamics of vector
borne diseases.
- In terrestrial ecosystems, rapid increase in the incidence of species extinction is projected
as climate change and habitat fragmentation increases due to the synergistic impact of
human activities and natural phenomenon. A more and serious condition can be felt in the
coastal areas, as millions of coastal inhabitants are affected by a rise in sea level and an
increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones.
- The Philippines is considered one of the most affected countries by climate change. Aside
from the fact that we cannot evade global impacts, our country also lacks the natural
barriers such as coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems due to the recorded accumulated
50% reduction since 1918. This natural structure serves as buffers for typhoons before
they hit the coastal communities. Geography of the Philippines also shows each area
could face unique conditions in relation to the impact of climate change.
- Adaptive capacity in the ASEAN region varies between countries depending on their
social structure, economic capacity, geography and level of environmental degradation.
Latin America
 - In Latin America, higher temperature is predicted than the global mean which generally
leads to the reduction of Andes glaciers and a decrease in the annual precipitation in most
areas with variability around the mountainous areas. On the contrary, increased
precipitation during the winter and summer are projected in Tierra del Fuego and South
Eastern South, America respectively.
- Some of the possible extreme events that may be experienced by the inhabitants of this
region are severe floods, landslides, dry spells, drought and heat waves in the mega cities.
The agricultural sector has projected that about 50% of the agricultural lands will be
subjected to desertification and salinization in the next 20 to 30 years. This would affect
food security and health among others.
- Adaptive capacity for these regions is limited by high infant mortality, low secondary
school enrolment and high levels of inequality in income and access to fresh water and
health care.
Small Islands
- It is expected that all small islands in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and North and South
Pacific will experience warming which would increase the annual rainfall and will expose
these islands in increasing intensity of tropical cyclones, storm surge, coral bleaching and
land inundation.
- The same scenario will be felt on food security as affected by sea-level rise, inundation,
soil salinization, seawater intrusion into freshwater sources, and decline in freshwater
supply. Limited size, proneness to natural hazards and external shocks enhance the
vulnerability of the islands to climate change thus their adaptive capacity and adaptation
cost are high and are highly dependent on their GDP.
Global Energy Crisis and Climate Change
The rapid conversion and modernization of communities and of individual lifestyle has
been seen to be very much dependent on different technologies that make life convenient. From
the smartphones and laptops intended for communication and education, television and
entertainment sets at home, electric stoves and laundry equipment, propelling engine of vehicles
to the well-lighted street, all needs electricity – energy. An unexpected cut in energy supply will
make life a bit difficult and frustrating since almost all work activities are linked to it.
Many might not know that planet Earth through its increasing human population is facing
a serious energy crisis, which is anchored on the escalating global energy demand derived from
fossil- based fuels. This process has not only depleted our non – renewable sources but it has also
created a steady increase in the global carbon emissions and in the average global temperature.
Many nations and scientific communities have accepted that these events occurred due to
anthropogenic activities. The International Energy Agency has outlined several actions that are
to be implemented until 2030. Some of these would include the use of energy efficient
technologies, low carbon energy technologies, enhanced generation integration through
renewable energy sources, increase in nuclear energy base load provider, the use of energy plants
capable of capturing and storing carbon, and most importantly shifting from combustion –
powered vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles by 60%.
In December 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change called
for the leaders of developing and developed countries to meet in Paris, France to make a
significant commitment in addressing climate change which is known as the Paris Agreement.
However, even before the commencement of the Paris climate conference, some countries
already submitted their proposed climate commitments which include targets for emission
reductions. About 187 countries, accounting for 97 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,
have submitted their climate pledges based on the nationally determined contribution of each
country.
1) United States will cut economy-wide emissions of greenhouse gas emissions to 26% by
2025 and make best efforts to reduce it to 28%.
2) China will increase non-fossil fuels sources to 20% of the energy mix, And reduce carbon
emissions by 60 to 65% from 2005 levels by 2030. 3. India will reduce emissions
intensity by 33 to 35% by 2030, increase cumulative electric power capacity from non-
fossil fuel energy resources to 40% by 2030, and create additional carbon sequestration of
2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.
3) Mexico will cut greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutants to 25% by 2030,
implying a reduction of 22 percent for greenhouse gas emissions and 51 percent for black
carbon.
4) European Union will reduce emissions to at least 40% by 2030 through domestic
measures.
5) Brazil will reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2025 by
increasing renewable resources to 45% of the energy mix by 2030, and by increasing the
share of non-hydropower renewables in the electricity mix to 23 percent by 2030.
6) South Korea will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 37% by 2030 Z across all economic
sectors.
7) Indonesia will cut emissions by 29% by 2030.
8) Japan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26% 2030.
9) Australia will reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28% by 2030.
This initiative indicates a stronger transparency and accountability system for all countries where
they will report the greenhouse gas inventories and projections that will be subjected to technical
expert review. This agreement may not solve our climate change problem but will eventually
ignite a new wave of global climate action that will create a more aggressive action in the future.
Renewable and Other Alternative Sources of Energy
Humans become more dependent on coal and fossil fuels as sources of energy starting from the
year 1800, but scientists have realized that these sources will not last forever and their continued
use contributes to environmental pollution.
Renewable energy sources
 - Are energy supplies that are replenished through natural processes and their energy
comes ultimately from the sun. Despite being renewable, they can still become exhausted
if humans will not utilize them wisely. Alternatives energy sources are not renewable, but
they use the energy more efficiently than older technologies. This will enable humans to
lengthen the lifespan of coal and fossil fuel sources.
Types of Renewable and Alternative Forms of Energy
Some of the renewable energy sources listed in the handbook of alternative energy of the State of
Virginia (2014) used today are as follows:
1. Hydropower
- Which is generated by releasing flowing water through channels installed with
turbines. This is considered as one of the oldest and largest renewable power sources.
The use of hydropower does not contribute to any emission of pollutants in the
atmosphere, but the establishment of dams significantly pose major ecological
problems such as habitat’ modification and water quality problems.
2. Biomass
- Consists of organic matter such as industrial and agricultural wastes that serve as the
second main source of renewable energy. Heat or energy is generated as it is burned
directly but, it is considered to be cleaner than coal since it emits lesser amount in the
atmosphere. Biomass can also be used as indirect source of energy through the
process of gasification where a combustible gas like methane is produced when
biomass decomposes. Energy that can be used is produced when methane is burned.
3. Geothermal energy
- Is harnessed from deep underground chambers with high temperature originating
from the earth’s core. Steams produced from these chambers cause turbine to move
and later generate energy. In a sense, some may consider this as renewable sources
since it may take hundreds of millions of years before the core of our planet cool
down.
4. Solar energy
- Comes directly from the sun. This can be harnessed when the sun’s heat is converted
to electricity using solar cells of photovoltaic technology. There can be an active or
passive system in the utilization of the sun’s heat. In active systems, solar collectors
use circulating air or liquid to bring heat in areas where it is needed in certain
facilities while in passive systems, facilities are built with specific structures such as
windows and other heat absorbing surfaces to maximize heating most especially
during cold seasons. Both systems are suitable for residential use.
5. Wind energy
- Is generated when aerodynamic blades attached to a hub turn due to wind current.
The hub is connected to a shaft that turns the generator.
6. Fuel cells
 - Are alternative energy devices that use chemical reactions to generate heat or
electricity. Unlike batteries that depend on the activity of the stored chemicals within
them, fuel cells generate energy depending on the availability of the raw materials.
In the Philippines, renewable energy resources include solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and
biomass. These resources cover about 24% of the total energy needs of our country, that is about
21,979,459 megawatt-hour of electrical energy out of 90, 797, 891 megawatt-hour (Figure 16.9).
Furthermore, the Department of Energy through the Renewable Energy Law (R.A. 9513) that
promotes the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources,
provide incentives to project proponents that utilize renewable resources. Some efforts of the
transportation industries in the country is to offer and utilize electric vehicles such as bicycle,
tricycles and jeepneys (Figure 16.10). This direction is given by the government to replace the
traditional vehicles with electric ones.
Some Energy Tips and Recommendations
The Department of Mines, Mineral and Energy of the State of Virginia in the United States has
identified some tips and recommendations in relation to renewable energy.
1) The use of renewable energy systems should be considered in every nation since it
produces clean and non-polluting energy aiding also in the preservation of our natural
environment. The burden of having high cost of investment in establishing such energy
sources can be balanced by their long-term saving.
2) Small communities located near streams should at least develop small microhydropower
systems to power community lights and other house needs.
3) Solar panels are suggested to be installed in the roof of individual houses to generate
electricity for household use.
4) When space and annual wind current is available, small residential wind energy systems
should be established to provide a clean, non-polluting source of electricity.
5) When several renewable energy sources are available, a hybrid power system that
combine different renewable energy sources should be used to produce electricity.
6) Utilize fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen without the need of combusting
these substances to generate electricity and gives off water vapor as by product.
7) Individuals and communities should take advantage of existing government programs on
renewable energy systems.
8) People should understand that reducing energy use through conservation and increased
efficiency will always be cheaper than installing a renewable energy system.