Climate Change is a "change in climate which attributed directly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods."(United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
So what are the greenhouse gases?
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous Oxide
- Ozone
- Water Vapor
These are naturally found in the atmosphere and they trap heat close to the Earth's surface to make the planet a sphere of life. But by burning of fossil fuels to sustain our modern lifestyle, we increase their levels VERY FAST.
Importance of the Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
These are the naturally occurring gases that keep the Earth comfortably warm enough for plants and animals to live, at an average temperature of 15°C.
GHGs are produced by natural processes:
- water cycle
- growth and death of plants and animals
- decaying of wood and other biodegradable materials
- volcanic activities
HOWEVER, increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases as a result of human activities, enhances greenhouse effect thereby increases global surface temperature to CLIMATE CHANGE that results in sea level rise and extreme weather patterns.
Human activities that lead to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases include:
- Worldwide deforestation
- Increasing industrial activity
- Motor vehicle emission
- Improper waste management practices
- Intensive agriculture
Human sources of GHGs:
- Energy Generation Industrial Processes
- Transportation
- Land Use: Agriculture and Forestry
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Most prevalent GHG
Methane (CH4) – Second most common, 21x the potency of CO2
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – 310x the potency of CO2
Other Gases – HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 = range 600 – 23900x potency of CO2
WASTE AS A SOURCE OF GHG EMMISSIONS
Read more about Climate Change at Wikipedia. CLICK HERE.
Methane (CH4) – Second most common, 21x the potency of CO2
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – 310x the potency of CO2
Other Gases – HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 = range 600 – 23900x potency of CO2
WASTE AS A SOURCE OF GHG EMMISSIONS
- Decaying solid waste in landfills emits methane.
- Decomposing waste in water can also emit methane.
IS CLIMATE CHANGE INEVITABLE?
We have pumped enough greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to warm the planet for many decades to come. The Earth's natural system will be affected for decades even if GHG emissions are reduced now.
-PAGASA/DOST
PHILIPPINE VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE
According to the United Nations, vulnerability to climate change will be greater in developing countries, which are located in warmer latitudes, like the PHILIPPINES.
Climate Change had been altering the weather patterns giving extreme weather conditions such as super typhoons and drought. It affects the livelihood of many Filipinos. Different agencies from all around the world had been helping each other in lessening the risks of disasters will affect lives and properties. However, without the help of the community, itself, the goals will be nothing. Communities must realize that they are the stakeholders of the projects of these organizations.
(I had been working as project staff of the FAO-DIPECHO Project. See their project here.)
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