CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF MOZAMBIQUE

INSTITUTE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

PEMBA RESOURCE CENTER

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT. GLOBAL AND

LOCAL PERSPECTIVES.
Nome do Estudante: Eleuterio Benjamim
Código: 708237803

Curso: Ensino de Geografia.

Disciplina: Ingles
Ano de frequencia: 1ª ano
Tutor.

Pemba, August, 2023

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ÍNDIC
E
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................3

1.1.OBJECTIVE.........................................................................................................................3

1.1.1.Objective general...............................................................................................................3

1.1.2.Specific objectives.............................................................................................................3

1.2.Work methodologies.............................................................................................................3

1.3.CLIMATE.............................................................................................................................4

2.CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS CAUSES.............................................................................4

2.1.The relationship between the greenhouse effect, global warming and climate change........5

2.2.Climate change and environmental impacts.........................................................................6

2.3.Climate change and its socioeconomic and human health impact........................................7

3.Consequences of changes weather...........................................................................................9

CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................11

Bibliographic Reference...........................................................................................................12
INTRODUCTION
The theme of this work is: “Climate change and its effects on development. global and local
perspectives”.

Climate change is commonly called global warming because one of the most likely
consequences of the existence of greater concentrations of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere is an increase in the planet's average temperature. But other effects resulting from
the increase in temperature could be equally important, potentially causing new patterns of
winds, rain and ocean circulation.

The work has the following objectives:

1.1. OBJECTIVE
1.1.1. Objective general
 learn about Climate Change and its effects on development.
1.1.2. Specific objectives
 Define climate change;
 Identify the causes of climate change;
 Describes its impact on development (economic and social) and livelihoods
(contextualize where possible).
1.2. Work methodologies

Regarding the methodology for carrying out the first field work of the English course, it was
necessary to consult literary works and the names of the consulted authors are mentioned in
the development of the work.

As for its structure, the work is sequenced into four sections: pretexts, introduction,
development and bibliographic reference.

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1.3. CLIMATE

Mendonça, (2007) Climate “is the set of meteorological phenomena that characterize the
average state of the atmosphere over a given point on the Earth's surface”.

Sorre (1934) “Climate is the atmospheric environment constituted by the series of states of the
atmosphere in a given place and their usual succession” defining supports that such
atmospheric states vary over time and with a certain rhythm.

Köppen (1906) “Climate is the average state and ordinary process of the weather in a given
place, taking into account that the weather changes, but the climate remains constant - a
definition that implicitly considers the dynamism of atmospheric situations.

The term “climate” refers, according to the Portuguese Language Dictionary:

“The set of meteorological phenomena that characterize the average state of the
atmosphere in a given region, environment or environment”. The terms “climate
change” or “climate change” refer to regional or global variations in climate over time
observed on Earth, due to natural variability or as a result of human actions (Bernardi,
2008).

2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS CAUSES

Climate change is the changes caused in long-term weather patterns. They have been the
subject of discussions around the world, worrying the population.

Climate change is a change attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the
composition of the global atmosphere and is additional to the natural climate variability
observed over comparable periods of time (Blank, 2015).

Climate Change is defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

(2007) as any change in climate that occurs over time, due to natural variability or
resulting from human activity, (IPCC) (2007).

The concepts presented have the same vision regarding climate change, since, for the authors
mentioned, MC are variations in climate conditions, associated with natural causes and human
activities.

However, this work is guided by the concept presented by Blank (2015), as he argues that
climate change is caused by human activity that alters the composition of the global

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atmosphere, as well as by natural climate variability observed over comparable periods of
time.

The main natural processes responsible for climate change include: i) variation in the
Earth's orbit, - which influence the distribution of solar radiation that reaches the
Earth's surface, contributing to the change in the global climate state, ii) volcanisms -
which are phenomena characterized by the excretion of magma, gases and hot
particles, whose processes result in the partial blocking of the transmission of solar
radiation to the earth's surface, iii) oceanic variations, given the fundamental role
played by the oceans in the redistribution of temperature through phenomena such as
El Niño that translate into climate variability , iv) movements of tectonic plates -
which are responsible for the reconfiguration of continents and oceans. This
reconfiguration changes the transfer of temperature and humidity at a global level
(Zolho 2010).

Regarding climate change caused by human activities, the following stand out: the burning of
fossil fuels. From the end of the 19th century onwards, there was a significant increase in
industrial production and in the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere, and in the amount of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrogen
oxides ( NOx)) (UNESCO, 2008).

Global warming is a process that results in an increase in the average temperature of the
atmosphere and oceans and which, according to observations, has been occurring since the
mid-19th century, essentially caused by emissions of greenhouse gases, one of the main ones
being CO2 (carbon dioxide). ), CH4 (methane) and N2O (nitrous oxide) (IPCC, 2007).

There is a great debate regarding the causes of climate change on the planet, it is not known
whether they are due to natural causes resulting from cyclical changes in the climate, which
cools and warms in different locations, or whether they are caused by men, the so-called
anthropogenic causes (IPCC, 2007).

Many scientists and meteorologists, therefore, have vehemently stated that the greatest
influence on the increase in temperatures on the planet is due to the actions of men, with the
burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which cause the almost instantaneously releasing
huge quantities of this gas into the atmosphere (IPCC, 2007).

2.1. The relationship between the greenhouse effect, global warming and climate
change

Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, tons of greenhouse gases, especially carbon
dioxide, were released into the atmosphere. It is known that the Earth's atmosphere is made up

5
of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and also water vapor These gases, mainly
carbon dioxide, have the capacity to absorb solar radiation emitted to the Earth's surface.

This absorption prevents heat from being completely returned to the space, retaining it. The
portion of heat retained ensures energy balance, thus avoiding a large thermal amplitude, that
is, a large difference between maximum and minimum temperatures. By maintaining the
Earth's average temperature at around 14°C, the Earth then presents conditions favorable to
the existence of life. This natural process is called the greenhouse effect. Therefore, if it did
not exist, there would be no development of living beings. (Nobre, 2008).

When talking about the greenhouse effect, many people associate it with something bad, but it
is essential to maintaining life on Earth. The problem is that this natural process that
maintains the Earth's average temperature has been aggravated mainly by human action.
Industrial activities and the increase in vehicles that emit polluting gases into the atmosphere
are responsible for the highest concentration of gases. (Schaeffer, et al., 2008).

As these gases act to absorb heat, it has been prevented from being returned to space,
becoming trapped in the Earth's atmosphere. This imprisonment has caused a considerable
increase in Earth's temperatures, which, combined with increased levels of deforestation and
pollution, causes what we call global warming.

2.2. Climate change and environmental impacts

Climate change generates a series of serious environmental consequences, many of which can
already be observed today. One of the consequences of the increase in the planet's
temperature is the rise in sea levels, which occurs due to the melting of glaciers. This could
result in flooding and submersion of coastal areas, causing a lot of damage to people living in
these areas.

"High temperatures could also cause major droughts, which will actively affect agriculture,
causing several problems in relation to food production. IPCC data from 2019 indicate that
the warming of the planet could cause a reduction in corn harvests in Brazil by 5, 5% for each
degree of warming. With the reduction in food production and the consequent increase in
prices, many people will suffer from the issue of food security, that is, access to quality food,
in sufficient and permanent quantity.

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In addition to affecting agriculture, the drought is related to an increase in fires and water
shortages. This last problem could lead part of the population to suffer from low availability
of drinking water and could generate competition for this resource."

2.3. Climate change and its socioeconomic and human health impact

"The impacts of climate change are significant and affect everything from our health to food
production. Below, you will better understand what climate change is and how it affects our
lives and the lives of other living beings on the planet."

Climate change has been occurring since the beginning of human existence on Earth, as
highlighted by Barcellos et al. (2009).

For these authors, “[...] the Earth's climate has always been subject to changes, produced by
long or short cycles, which are recorded in the history of Humanity”. However, only in the
last five decades has this issue begun to deserve special and increasing attention (Santos,
2007).

Climate Change essentially results from changes in the climate system (Moreno,
2006). Currently, there is undeniable evidence of the causes caused by human action
in climate change, associated with adopted lifestyles, production and consumption of
goods that contribute to the exploitation of resources in an unstable and unsustainable
way for nature (Nichols et al., 2009 ).

Human action is responsible for air pollution which causes, on the one hand, the destruction
of the ozone layer in the stratosphere, whose function is to reduce the amount of solar
radiation that reaches the Earth's surface (troposphere); and, on the other, an increase in gas
concentrations, causing the greenhouse effect in the troposphere. These changes lead to global
warming, changes in rainfall patterns, an increase in the frequency of natural disasters, among
other negative effects on nature (Parmesan 2003).

The impact of climate change, with socioeconomic and human health consequences, is being
observed in various parts of the world, but the magnitude of this impact is not uniformly
distributed (Stern, 2007).

Apparently, its most severe consequences, according to some scholars (ST. Louis & Hess,
2008), will occur in poorer countries, constituting a clear paradox when taking into account its
contribution to environmental pollution.

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 According to the World Health Organization (Pruss-Üstun and Corvalán, 2006), the
burden of diseases attributable to climate change at a global level is significant,
despite clear variations in this aspect in different regions of the world, although there
is not much data statistics on this relationship. A recent publication makes an attempt,
despite limitations, to present some global annual estimates: 800,000 deaths as a result
of environmental air pollution; 1.6 million deaths from indoor air pollution; and 154
thousand deaths resulting from climate change (Ezzati et al., 2002).

These estimates represent around 2.5 million deaths that could be prevented each year
worldwide. However, experts in the field foresee a more serious scenario if the current levels
of gas emissions, pollution and destruction of nature continue to occur (ST. Louis &
Hess,2008).

According to Nichols et. al.(2009), the impact of climate change on health is

characterized by an increase in the occurrence of infectious diseases and health
problems resulting from heat waves (waves), floods, droughts, fires/burnings, among
other natural disasters. which lead to a greater demand for care with a significant
impact on health services, in addition to socioeconomic consequences for countries
with scarce resources and vulnerable populations (Stephenson et al.,2010).

A spatial and temporal distribution of diseases caused by vectors such as malaria may occur
more frequently because of the increase in temperature that creates appropriate conditions for
the development of vectors of this disease, thus contributing to changes in the dynamics of
communicable diseases (Stephenson et al, 2010).

The consequences of climate change are also observed in other sectors, such as agriculture,
livestock and fishing, which, in turn, may also have an indirect impact on the health of
populations (Nichols et al., 2009).

Scientists have also drawn attention to the effects of pollutants on the environment and
environmental degradation with a reduction in cultivable areas for agriculture (Mcmichael,
1999).

Other negative consequences occur: in the quantity and quality of water resources; in
biological diversity and natural ecosystems; in soil erosion processes and coastal regions.

An example is the El Niño phenomenon of 1997-1998, which resulted in serious

consequences worldwide resulting from extreme natural events such as droughts and floods
causing enormous damage.

3. Consequences of changes weather

8
As previously described, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have started to
threaten the balance of the planet's climate system. The topic has gained greater repercussion
on the global political agenda, mainly due to its unequivocal nature, generating effects that
include rising ocean levels, new patterns of winds, rain and ocean circulation that will affect
all countries around the world. very high probability of areas in the arid and semi-arid
northeast of Brazil being especially vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change on
water resources, with a decrease in water supply. (Nobre, 2008).

This scenario is even more relevant if we consider the expected increase in demand for water
due to population growth.

2. High probability that the increase in rainfall in southeastern Brazil will impact plantations
and other forms of land use, as well as favoring the frequency and intensity of floods. An
average increase of 0.5o was found C in Brazil's temperature.

3. High probability that in the coming decades the extinction of a considerable number of
species in the tropical region of Latin America. Gradual replacement of tropical forests by in
the eastern region of the Amazon and in some semi-arid and arid areas in northeastern Brazil
(desertification), due to the increase in temperature and the decrease in the amount of water
on the ground. Risk of biodiversity loss. By 2050, there is a high probability that 50% of land
agricultural areas are subject to desertification or salinization. The dry season stands out each
in the Amazon region in 2005. (Nobre, 2008).

4. There is a high probability that the expected rise in sea level will affect Brazilian coastal
areas. windrow, with adverse impacts including on mangroves. It is also worth noting that the
large Most of Brazil's urban and industrial areas are found in coastal regions. In these regions
also is a large part of the population. A rise in mean sea level would make large areas of the
country is extremely vulnerable, potentially resulting in major economic and social losses.
(Nobre, 2008).

5. High precipitation is the main factor related to global climate change that will exacerbate
the impacts caused by erosion. The northeast of Brazil is vulnerable, as erosion in this region
has already has caused the sedimentation of reservoirs and, consequently, reduced the
capacity of water storage and supply. Developing countries are especially vulnerable to
erosion, even more so when it comes to the slopes of illegal settlements in metropolitan areas.
Schaeffer, et al., 2008).
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10
CONCLUSION
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a body created with the main
objective of making assessments regarding climate change, being responsible for creating
documents that show what is actually happening to the planet, our role in this process and the
future perspectives of this impact Its creation, in 1988, occurred at a time when the role of
man in relation to the increase in the Earth's temperature became increasingly clear.

The first report was published in 1990 and highlighted the importance of international
cooperation to prevent the damage caused by climate change. This report was essential for the
creation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the
main international treaty aimed at reducing global warming.

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Bibliographic Reference

IPCC; (2010). The Physical Science Basis.Summary for Policymakers. Disponível em: Acesso
em: 01 de maio.

Mcmichael, A. J. (1999). From hazard to habitat: rethinking environment and health.

Epidemiology, v. 10, n. 4, p. 460-464.

Nichols, A. et al. (2009). Health, climate change and sustainability: A systematic review and
thematic analysis of the literature. Environmental Health Insights, v. 3, p. 63-88.

Nobre, C. A., (2008). Mudanças Climáticas e o Brasil - Contextualização. In: CGEE.

Parcerias Estratégicas v. 27, p. 7-17. Brasília: CGEE. Disponível em:
<http://www.cgee.org.br/parcerias/p27.php>.

Sari kovats, R. (2000). El Niño and human health. Bulletin of World Health Organization, v.
78, n. 9, p. 1127-1135.

Schaeffer, et al., (2008). Mudanças Climáticas e Segurança Energética no Brasil. Rio de

Janeiro: PPE/COPPE/UFRJ.

Smit, B. et al." (2001). Adaptation to climate change in the context of sustainable

development and equity". In: McCarthy et al(ed.) Climate Change 2001: impacts,
adaptation and vulnerability. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

ST. Louis, M. E.; Hess, J. J. (2008). Climate Change: impacts on and implications for global
health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, v. 35, n. 5, p. 527-538.

Stephenson, J.; Newman, K; Mayhew, S. (2010). Population dynamics and climate change:
what are the links? Journal of Public Health, v. 32, n. 2, p.150-156.

Stern, N. (2007).The economics of climate change: the stern review .Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.

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