UNIT 5 Impact of Global Climatic Change

1. Agriculture
Global climatic change, particularly the increase in average
temperatures and alterations in precipitation patterns, has significant
impacts on agriculture. These changes affect various aspects of
agricultural systems, including crop production, livestock farming, and
overall food security. Here are some key impacts of global climatic
change on agriculture:

1. Crop yield and productivity: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall

patterns can lead to decreased crop yields in many regions. Extreme
weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves can damage
crops, reduce pollination, and increase the risk of pests and diseases.
Additionally, changes in temperature and precipitation can disrupt the
timing of planting, flowering, and harvesting, affecting crop growth and
productivity.

2. Shifts in crop suitability and geographical distribution: Changes in

climatic conditions may alter the suitability of certain regions for specific
crops. As temperature and rainfall patterns change, traditional growing
areas may become less favorable, while new areas may become more
suitable. This could result in the need for farmers to adapt by changing
crop types or moving to different regions, which can have economic and
social implications.

3. Water availability and irrigation: Climate change can affect water

availability for agriculture. Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to
increased water scarcity, especially in regions already prone to drought.
This can impact irrigation practices, as water resources become limited
or more costly. Farmers may need to invest in more efficient irrigation
systems or explore alternative water sources to sustain crop production.

4. Livestock and animal husbandry: Rising temperatures can stress

livestock, affecting their health, growth rates, and reproduction. Heat
stress reduces milk production in dairy cows and lowers fertility in
various species. Changing climate patterns can also affect the
availability and quality of grazing lands and impact feed production,
leading to challenges in livestock management and increased costs.
 5. Pests, diseases, and invasive species: Climate change can influence
the distribution and behavior of pests, diseases, and invasive species.
Warmer temperatures can expand the range of certain pests and
diseases, allowing them to thrive in new areas or persist for longer
periods. This can lead to increased crop damage and the need for
additional pest management strategies, including increased pesticide
use, which can have environmental and health implications.

6. Food security and prices: The impacts of global climatic change on

agriculture can have significant implications for food security. Decreased
crop yields, changes in growing regions, and increased production costs
can result in reduced food availability and higher food prices,
particularly in regions that heavily rely on agriculture for their food
supply. Vulnerable populations, including small-scale farmers and
low-income communities, are often the most affected by these changes.

Addressing the impacts of global climatic change on agriculture requires

a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies. These include
developing climate-resilient crop varieties, improving water
management practices, promoting sustainable agricultural practices,
and implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
mitigate climate change. International collaboration and support are
crucial to help farmers adapt to the changing climate and ensure global
food security.

2. Physical Chemical and Biological properties of Ocean

The ocean is a vast and complex ecosystem with a wide range of
physical, chemical, and biological properties. Here are some key
properties of the ocean:

1. Physical Properties:
- Temperature: The ocean temperature varies depending on the
location, depth, and season. It plays a vital role in shaping marine
ecosystems and influencing ocean currents.
- Salinity: Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts, primarily
sodium chloride, in the ocean water. It is typically around 3.5% or 35
parts per thousand (ppt) but can vary in different regions. Salinity affects
the density and buoyancy of water.
 - Density: Density is determined by temperature and salinity. Cold and
salty water is denser than warm and less salty water, which affects
ocean circulation patterns.
- Pressure: Pressure increases with depth in the ocean due to the
weight of the overlying water. The pressure can reach extreme levels in
the deep ocean, impacting the adaptations and distributions of marine
organisms.

2. Chemical Properties:
- pH: The ocean has a slightly alkaline pH ranging from about 7.5 to
8.4. However, ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide
(CO2) absorption from the atmosphere, is reducing the pH and
impacting marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate
shells.
- Dissolved Gases: Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the
primary gases dissolved in seawater. Oxygen is essential for marine life,
while carbon dioxide levels influence pH and affect the balance of
carbonate ions in seawater.
- Nutrients: Nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, are vital
for the growth and productivity of marine plants (phytoplankton) and
other organisms. Nutrient availability influences primary productivity and
the overall food web in the ocean.
- Trace Elements: The ocean contains trace elements like iron,
manganese, zinc, and copper, which are essential for various biological
processes in marine organisms.

3. Biological Properties:
- Biodiversity: The ocean is incredibly diverse, hosting a wide array of
species, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. Coral
reefs, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems are particularly rich in
biodiversity.
- Food Chains and Food Webs: The ocean supports complex food
chains and food webs, with primary producers (phytoplankton) forming
the base and providing energy to higher trophic levels, including
zooplankton, fish, marine mammals, and apex predators.
- Marine Organisms: Marine organisms have unique adaptations to
survive in the ocean environment. These include special body shapes,
swimming abilities, coloration, and physiological adaptations to
withstand high pressures, low temperatures, and variations in salinity.
 - Ecosystem Services: The ocean provides numerous ecosystem
services, such as carbon sequestration, oxygen production, climate
regulation, coastal protection, nutrient cycling, and fisheries resources.

Understanding and monitoring these physical, chemical, and biological

properties of the ocean are crucial for managing and conserving marine
ecosystems, predicting climate change impacts, and ensuring
sustainable use of marine resources.

3. Vulnerability of Marine Organisms

Marine organisms are vulnerable to various factors due to the unique
characteristics of the marine environment. Here are some key
vulnerabilities faced by marine organisms:

1. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and

changes in ocean currents and circulation patterns associated with
climate change pose significant risks to marine organisms. These
changes can disrupt reproductive cycles, alter habitats, and impact the
availability of food and resources. Marine species may struggle to adapt
or migrate fast enough to cope with the rapid pace of climate change.

2. Overfishing: Overfishing depletes fish populations and disrupts

marine food webs. It can lead to the collapse of fisheries, loss of
biodiversity, and changes in ecosystem structure. Removing key
species from the ecosystem can have cascading effects, affecting
predator-prey relationships and overall ecosystem health.

3. Habitat Loss and Degradation: Coastal development, pollution, and

destructive fishing practices contribute to the loss and degradation of
marine habitats. Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and other
important habitats are particularly vulnerable. When habitats are
destroyed or altered, marine organisms lose their homes, breeding
grounds, and sources of food.

4. Pollution: Marine pollution from sources such as oil spills, chemical

contaminants, plastics, and nutrient runoff can harm marine organisms.
Pollutants can accumulate in the tissues of organisms, causing toxic
effects, reproductive disorders, and compromising immune systems.
Plastic pollution, in particular, poses a threat as marine organisms can
become entangled or ingest plastic debris.
 5. Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species into marine
ecosystems can disrupt native species and ecosystems. Invasive
species can outcompete native organisms for resources, alter habitats,
and transmit diseases, leading to declines in native populations and
changes in ecosystem dynamics.

6. Ocean Noise: Underwater noise from sources like shipping, sonar,

and seismic surveys can disturb marine organisms. It can interfere with
communication, navigation, feeding, and mating behaviors, leading to
stress and disruptions in vital life processes.

7. Ocean Acidification and Deoxygenation: Increased carbon dioxide

absorption by the ocean causes acidification, which affects organisms
with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and shellfish.
Deoxygenation, caused by factors like nutrient pollution and climate
change, can create low-oxygen zones, known as hypoxic or dead
zones, which are harmful to marine life.

Addressing these vulnerabilities requires concerted efforts in

conservation and sustainable management practices. This includes the
establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices,
reduction of pollution, mitigation of climate change, and international
collaborations to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term
health and resilience of marine ecosystems.

4. Glacier Melting
Global climate change has had a significant impact on glacier melting
worldwide. As temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas
emissions, glaciers are experiencing accelerated melting rates and
overall mass loss. Here are some key impacts of global climate change
on glacier melting:

1. Increased meltwater production: Rising temperatures cause more

snow and ice to melt during the warmer months. This leads to increased
meltwater production, which flows into rivers and contributes to rising
sea levels.

2. Glacier retreat: Glaciers are receding at an alarming rate. The melting

of glaciers outpaces their ability to regenerate through snowfall. As a
result, glaciers shrink in size and retreat uphill, leaving behind bare rock
and debris.

3. Loss of freshwater resources: Glaciers act as natural reservoirs,

storing freshwater in the form of ice. As glaciers melt, they release
freshwater into rivers and streams. However, as they diminish in size,
the availability of freshwater resources is at risk, particularly for
communities that rely on glacial meltwater for drinking water,
agriculture, and hydropower generation.

4. Altered ecosystems: Glaciers support unique ecosystems with

specialized flora and fauna adapted to cold environments. The retreat of
glaciers disrupts these ecosystems, leading to the loss of habitat for
various species. Additionally, the increased influx of meltwater into
surrounding ecosystems can affect aquatic life, altering the temperature,
chemistry, and flow patterns of rivers.

5. Changes in hydrological cycles: Glacial meltwater plays a crucial role

in regulating global hydrological cycles. As glaciers shrink, the timing
and volume of meltwater runoff change. This can impact downstream
water availability, affecting agriculture, irrigation, and overall water
security.

6. Sea-level rise: Glacial melting contributes to rising sea levels. When

glaciers melt, the water they release ultimately flows into the oceans.
The increased volume of water raises sea levels globally, posing
significant threats to coastal communities and low-lying areas.

7. Feedback loop: Glacier melting contributes to a positive feedback

loop for climate change. As glaciers melt, they expose darker surfaces
such as rock and soil, which absorb more solar radiation than reflective
ice and snow. This leads to further warming, accelerated melting, and a
continued reduction in glacial ice.

The impact of global climatic change on glacier melting is a complex

and multifaceted process. It not only affects the physical environment
but also has social, economic, and ecological implications. Efforts to
mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions are
essential to slow down glacier melting and preserve these vital
freshwater resources.
5. Impact of Global Climatic Change on Cloudburst and Flash Floods
Global climate change can have significant impacts on cloudbursts and
flash floods. Here's how:

1. Increased Intensity of Precipitation: Climate change is causing an

increase in the intensity of rainfall events in many regions. Warmer
temperatures lead to more evaporation, resulting in higher moisture
content in the atmosphere. This increased moisture can fuel more
intense rainfall within a shorter period, leading to cloudbursts. These
sudden and intense rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems
and cause flash floods.

2. Altered Weather Patterns: Climate change can disrupt traditional

weather patterns, leading to changes in rainfall distribution. Some
regions may experience more frequent and severe droughts, followed by
heavy downpours when rain finally arrives. These erratic weather
patterns can contribute to the occurrence of cloudbursts and flash
floods.

3. Melting Glaciers and Snowpack: Rising global temperatures are

causing glaciers and snowpack to melt at an accelerated rate. Glacial
meltwater and rapid snowmelt can increase the volume of water flowing
into rivers and streams, leading to higher chances of flash floods during
heavy rainfall events.

4. Changes in Storm Patterns: Climate change can influence the

behavior of storms, including their frequency, intensity, and tracks.
Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns can result in storms
stalling over an area for an extended period, leading to prolonged and
intense rainfall. This can increase the likelihood of cloudbursts and
flash floods.

5. Impact on Urbanization and Land Use: Climate change interacts with

human activities, such as urbanization and changes in land use,
exacerbating the risk of cloudbursts and flash floods. Rapid
urbanization can lead to the replacement of natural land surfaces with
impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt. These surfaces
prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the ground, causing
 increased surface runoff during heavy rainfall events and contributing to
flash floods.

6. Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding: Climate change-induced sea

level rise can intensify the impacts of storm surges and coastal
flooding. When powerful storms coincide with high tides or sea level
rise, they can cause coastal inundation and exacerbate the risk of flash
floods in coastal areas.

To mitigate the impact of global climate change on cloudbursts and

flash floods, it is essential to focus on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, adapting infrastructure to changing climate conditions,
implementing effective urban planning strategies, and promoting
sustainable land management practices. Additionally, improving early
warning systems and emergency response capabilities can help
communities prepare for and respond to these extreme weather events
more effectively.

6. Impact of Global Climatic Change on Human Health and Migration

Global climatic change, or climate change, has significant impacts on
human health and migration patterns. These impacts can be both direct
and indirect, affecting various aspects of human well-being. Here are
some key ways in which global climatic change affects human health
and migration:

1. Extreme weather events: Climate change is associated with an

increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such
as hurricanes, cyclones, floods, and droughts. These events can result
in injuries, loss of life, and the destruction of infrastructure, leading to
immediate health risks. Displaced populations often face inadequate
access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare, which can
contribute to the spread of diseases.

2. Changes in disease patterns: Climate change influences the

geographic distribution and prevalence of diseases. Warmer
temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affect the life cycles
and behaviors of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks. This
can lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue
fever, Zika virus, and Lyme disease, impacting both affected
communities and those receiving displaced populations.

3. Air pollution and respiratory health: Climate change exacerbates air

pollution, primarily through the increased emission of greenhouse gases
and the intensification of wildfires. Poor air quality negatively impacts
respiratory health, leading to an increased incidence of respiratory
illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), and respiratory infections.

4. Food security and malnutrition: Changes in temperature and

precipitation patterns affect agricultural productivity, leading to shifts in
crop yields and food availability. Climate change can disrupt food
production systems, resulting in reduced crop yields, food shortages,
and increased food prices. These factors contribute to malnutrition and
undernutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations, including
children and communities dependent on subsistence agriculture.

5. Mental health impacts: Climate change-related events and the

associated loss of livelihoods, displacement, and community
disruptions can have severe psychological impacts. Increased exposure
to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, can lead to
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other
mental health conditions. These effects are particularly pronounced in
areas with limited resources and support systems.

6. Forced migration and displacement: Climate change-induced

environmental changes, such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and
desertification, can render certain areas uninhabitable. This can lead to
forced migration and displacement, as communities are compelled to
relocate to safer regions. Climate refugees and internally displaced
persons (IDPs) face various health challenges, including inadequate
access to healthcare, increased vulnerability to diseases, and
psychological distress.

7. Social and economic disruptions: Climate change can disrupt

economies and social systems, particularly in vulnerable regions that
rely heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and fishing.
The resulting economic hardships, loss of livelihoods, and resource
scarcity can contribute to social unrest, conflicts, and population
displacement.

Addressing the impacts of global climatic change on human health and

migration requires a comprehensive approach. This includes efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development
practices, strengthen healthcare systems, enhance early warning
systems for extreme weather events, support adaptive strategies for
communities, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations.
International cooperation and coordinated action at all levels are crucial
for effectively mitigating the health and migration challenges posed by
climate change.