Group Work 1.

Discuss and share the possible effects of climate change based on the
five precepts given. Each group should cite at least 2 or more concrete examples for
each collection of topics.
1. On water resources: In areas/regions where rainfall is projected to decrease,
there will be water stress (both in quantity and quality), which will most likely
cascade into more adverse impacts, particularly on forestry, agriculture and
livelihood, health, and human settlement. Hydropower production from dams and
other related infrastructure will be limited due to heavier rainfall or longer
droughts, therefore largely affect energy sufficiency of the country. Additionally,
flooding events could severely impact public infrastructure, such as roads and
bridges, including classrooms, evacuation centers, and hospitals.
2. On coastal resources: coastal and low-lying areas and islands will face
permanent inundation in the future due to sea level rise. The combined effects of
increased temperature, changes in rainfall, and accelerated sea level rise may
result to stronger and more devastating tropical cyclones, storm surges and
expose the population to related hazards. Minute changes in the ocean
temperature and acidity can also lead to death of coral reefs which are breeding
ground of marine animals, therefore limiting the seafood supply of people.
3. On ecosystems. Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns can lead to
death of species due to their sensitivity to weather conditions. Longer dry
seasons during the warm phase of El Nino could cause forest fires and
communities that largely depend on the ecological services provided by forests
may be largely affected.
4. On health. Increase in temperature and rainfall could trigger health
emergencies such as outbreaks and spread of water-based and vector-borne
diseases leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary and cardiovascular
diseases will be more prominent in young and elderly populations.
5. On biodiversity. Rising global temperatures also have the potential to alter
ecosystems over longer periods by changing what can grow and live within them.
There is already evidence to suggest that reductions in water vapor in the
atmosphere since the 1990s has resulted in 59% of vegetated areas showing
pronounced browning and reduced growth rates worldwide.

Example
1. On water resources
1.1 Forestry
Forests provide water for drinking, irrigation, recreation, and other uses.
Forest watersheds also moderate extreme weather impacts, such as flooding
from heavy rainfall, on downstream communities and ecosystems. Droughts,
wildfires, rising temperatures, and reduced snowfall and snowpack due to
climate change can all limit a watershed’s ability to provide these services. For
example, more frequent or severe droughts could reduce streamflow in some
forests. Less streamflow means less water may be available for people to use.