Self-Assessment Questionnaire

1. Differentiate weather and climate.

The difference between weather and climate is a matter of time. The term "weather" describes the local
atmospheric conditions for a brief period of time, often 24 hours. The average atmospheric conditions over relatively
lengthy periods of time—typically 30 years—are referred to as the climate. In other words, when one refers to the
climate, they are discussing the long-term pattern, and when one refers to the weather, they are discussing the short-
term conditions.
There is ample proof that human endeavors like farming and industrialization unintentionally alter the
weather. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere by industry generate acid rain, which has a
negative impact on freshwater lakes, flora, and buildings. Air quality and visibility are decreased by anthropogenic
pollution. Long-term consequences of unintentional weather modification could seriously endanger many facets of
civilization, including ecosystems, natural resources, the production of food and fiber, economic growth, and human
health. It is anticipated that the frequency of extreme weather occurrences, such as drought, extreme temperatures,
flooding, high winds, global warming, and severe storms, would vary due to climate change brought on by human
activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. "Climate Change" is a common euphemism for global
warming. A physical basis for the mathematical models used to predict how the atmosphere will change in the future is
collected data that characterize the current state of the atmosphere (namely the temperature, humidity, and wind).
Because of the chaotic nature of the environment, it is impossible to make precise forecasts, and forecast accuracy
declines as the forecast's range widens. Based on weather data, climate is measured. As patterns over a length of time
must be noted, a general term of 30 years is selected to anticipate the climate of an area. The usual classification of the
earth's climatic zones is mostly based on the annual cycles of temperature and rainfall.
Our natural environment is significantly influenced by the weather and climate. These environmental
elements regulate the distribution of plants and animals throughout the world, which in turn influences human
behavior and activity. The occurrence of weather and climate over an extended length of time is their primary
distinction. As you travel further offshore and away from the relative protection of inshore waters or sheltered harbors,
weather becomes progressively more crucial. For passagemakers and long-distance cruisers, the weather becomes a
crucial consideration when planning any voyage. As a result, it is imperative that we learn everything there is to know
about these two subjects because doing so will be extremely beneficial to us.

2. Explain the interaction of climate system.

The five main components of the climate system—the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere (snow and ice), land
surface, and biosphere—as well as their interactions, are the highly complex global system known as the climate
system. These interactions not only affect our day-to-day weather but also the long-term averages we refer to as the
climate. Of the five elements, the atmosphere is the most unstable and subject to rapid change. Throughout Earth's
history, its composition has undergone numerous changes, but at the moment, nitrogen (78.1%) and oxygen (20.9%)
make up the majority of it. These gases seldom ever interact with incoming sunlight and don't do so with the Earth's
infrared radiation. However, there are some trace substances in the atmosphere that do interact with this light,
particularly greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The impact of these gases on the world
climate system is covered in the section that follows. The many parts of the climate system interact with one another
frequently since they are all open systems with the ability to freely interchange mass, heat, and momentum. The
ocean-atmosphere system, which is a closely connected system that exchanges heat and water vapor through
evaporation among other things, is an example of an interaction. This is a component of the hydrologic cycle, which
also provides energy to weather systems and results in condensation, cloud formation, and precipitation. The ocean
serves as a significant carbon sink in the ocean-atmosphere system, which also exchanges gases like carbon dioxide.

3. Make a concept paper on this topic.

CONCEPT PAPER

Protecting natural systems is necessary not only as a matter of good stewardship but also so that they can
continue to offer us with essential services like oxygen, clean water, food, storm and erosion protection, natural goods,
and the potential for new genetic stocks for cultivation. However, input from atmospheric scientists, oceanographers,
ecologists, economists, policy analysts, and other experts is required for even the preliminary modeling of the effects of
greenhouse gas sources and sinks on future temperatures. The issue is made even more challenging by the fact that
when the climate changes, the very elements that affect temperature changes, such as ocean circulation and responses
of terrestrial ecosystems, will also change.
For the purpose of providing ground truth regarding patterns of change for use in climate models, researchers
have looked to the geologic record. Evidence from earlier epochs points to Earth conditions that could be comparable
to those of a future world with higher CO2. Because there isn't a precise counterpart to contemporary occurrences in
earlier geologic eras, projections based on such historical information are still uncertain, yet even the most upbeat
predictions are gloomy. For instance, the pace of environmental changes brought on by a changing climate would
make it impossible for many species to adapt, which will result in widespread extinctions. Even species that may adapt
to the new climate might nevertheless experience declines as the ecosystems on which they depend fail. The seas'
productivity will decline as they stratify further. Sadly, I believe that these outcomes are unduly optimistic. We are not
only seeing an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, but also eutrophication, water and air pollution, extensive land
conversion, and many other offenses, all of which will interact with one another and have cumulative impacts. The
issue of cumulative impacts is the one that needs to be resolved in order for us to really comprehend how the
environment of Earth may change. Although the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (approximately 55 million
years ago) is the time frame thought to be a good parallel to a future with increased CO2, the planet was not going
through these other stressors and climatic change at the same time.
The science behind cumulative impacts can be simple in certain cases, like in the case of tying ecosystems
together to create migration routes in response to sea level rise brought on by climate change. Even "clear-cut" issues,
however, call for more effort, more collaboration, and more time to resolve. If we are to develop workable answers to
the true environmental catastrophes of the upcoming decades, we must prioritize tackling problems of cumulative
dimensions. All scientists must accept this challenge and rise to it.

4. In your own way as a student/child, how can you help the earth/ environment to mitigate/ prevent climate change?

We have overcome enormous issues throughout history by repeatedly doing modest things, like planting trees.
The practice of planting trees and maintaining forests must be carried on from one generation to the next. We want to
stop climate change from making forest hazards like fire and drought worse. Our forests will continue to look out for
us in the future if we take care of them now.
Knowing the effects of climate change is important since, as they say, knowledge is half the battle. Being an
activist and getting involved are crucial, but you must also understand why you are doing it. Knowing will enable you
to make more intelligent choices and long-lasting behavioral and lifestyle improvements. It might not be immediately
clear what you can do to lessen your carbon footprint while at college, but there are many ways you can live more
sustainably. You can lessen your personal impact by taking shorter showers, consuming fewer meat and dairy products,
and making sure the lights are off when you are the last student to leave the classroom. A fantastic method to combat
climate change is to take the time to get engaged in local conservation activities. Long-term benefits might come from
organizing and implementing improvements in your neighborhood with the aid of student or local groups.
Additionally, connecting with larger groups is made possible by collaborating with regional organizations. Numerous
sizable organizations are striving to protect the environment and address climate change across the nation. By joining
one of these organizations, you can connect with others who share your values and influence a greater number of
individuals.
Everyone, especially college students, has a role to play in the fight against climate change. Young adults all
throughout the nation are eager to participate but lack the knowledge to do so.