🚧Social Problems and Public Policy Unit 10 – Environmental Degradation & Climate Change

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Environmental degradation involves the deterioration of the natural environment through depletion of resources (air, water, soil), destruction of ecosystems, and extinction of wildlife
• Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, primarily attributed to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels
  • Includes changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns
• Anthropogenic factors are human activities that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change (deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes)
• Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide)
• Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
• Ecological footprint measures the impact of human activities on the environment in terms of the amount of land and water required to sustain those activities
• Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variations within species
• Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems (clean air, water purification, pollination)

Historical Context and Trends

• The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in human impact on the environment, with increased fossil fuel use and urbanization leading to air and water pollution
• Population growth and economic development have contributed to increased resource consumption and waste generation
• Deforestation has accelerated over the past century, with an estimated 420 million hectares of forest lost since 1990
• Global carbon dioxide levels have risen from pre-industrial levels of 280 parts per million (ppm) to over 410 ppm today
• The Earth's average surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era
• Sea levels have risen by about 21-24 centimeters since 1880, with the rate of rise accelerating in recent decades
• Species extinction rates are estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times higher than the background rate, primarily due to habitat loss and climate change

Major Causes of Environmental Degradation

• Deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and urbanization, leads to habitat loss, soil erosion, and increased carbon emissions
• Fossil fuel combustion releases greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to climate change and air pollution
• Industrial processes and waste disposal can lead to air, water, and soil contamination
• Overconsumption and unsustainable resource extraction deplete natural resources and generate waste
• Urbanization and land-use changes alter ecosystems and contribute to habitat fragmentation
• Agricultural practices, such as monoculture farming and pesticide use, can degrade soil health and harm biodiversity
  • Livestock farming is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions (methane)
• Plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments, harms wildlife and ecosystems
• Invasive species, often introduced through human activities, can disrupt native ecosystems and contribute to species extinctions

Climate Change: Science and Evidence

• The greenhouse effect is a natural process where gases in the atmosphere trap heat, maintaining the Earth's temperature
  • Increased greenhouse gas concentrations due to human activities enhance this effect, leading to global warming
• The primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Atmospheric CO2 levels have increased from pre-industrial levels of 280 ppm to over 410 ppm today, primarily due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation
• The Earth's average surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, with the majority of warming occurring in the past 40 years
• Ice core data, tree rings, and other paleoclimatic evidence indicate that current warming is unprecedented in the past 1,000 years
• Observed changes include rising sea levels, declining Arctic sea ice, retreating glaciers, and more frequent and intense heatwaves and extreme weather events
• Climate models project continued warming and changes in precipitation patterns, with the magnitude dependent on future greenhouse gas emissions
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assesses the scientific, technical, and socio-economic information relevant to climate change

Environmental and Social Impacts

• Biodiversity loss and species extinctions disrupt ecosystems and diminish the resilience of natural systems
  • Habitat loss, climate change, and overexploitation are major drivers of biodiversity loss
• Deforestation contributes to soil erosion, landslides, and reduced water quality, affecting both ecosystems and human communities
• Air pollution, particularly in urban areas, has significant health impacts (respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems)
• Water scarcity and contamination affect millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries
• Climate change impacts include sea-level rise, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and shifts in agricultural productivity
  • These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and exacerbate existing social inequalities
• Food security is threatened by soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change impacts on agriculture
• Environmental degradation and climate change can contribute to forced migration and displacement, as well as resource-related conflicts
• The loss of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices tied to natural resources can have significant social and cultural impacts

Policy Responses and Initiatives

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere
  • The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement are key agreements under the UNFCCC
• The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, outlining their emissions reduction targets and adaptation strategies
• Carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes, aim to internalize the environmental costs of greenhouse gas emissions
• Renewable energy policies, including subsidies and targets, promote the transition away from fossil fuels
• Energy efficiency standards and labeling programs encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices
• Protected areas and conservation efforts aim to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems
• Sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture, can help to combat soil degradation and enhance carbon sequestration
• Waste reduction and recycling initiatives aim to minimize the environmental impact of waste and promote a circular economy

Challenges and Controversies

• Political and economic barriers, such as vested interests in fossil fuel industries and concerns about the costs of climate action, can hinder progress on environmental policies
• The unequal distribution of the costs and benefits of environmental degradation and climate change raises issues of climate justice and equity
• The concept of common but differentiated responsibilities acknowledges that while all countries have a shared responsibility to address environmental challenges, their contributions and capacities may differ
• The potential role of geoengineering, or deliberate large-scale interventions in the Earth's climate system, is a controversial topic
  • Proposed approaches include solar radiation management and carbon dioxide removal
• The debate surrounding the use of nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels involves concerns about safety, waste management, and proliferation risks
• The effectiveness of market-based mechanisms, such as carbon offsetting and emissions trading, in achieving meaningful emissions reductions is debated
• The balance between economic development and environmental protection is a contentious issue, particularly for developing countries
• The role of individual actions and lifestyle changes in addressing environmental challenges is debated, with some arguing for the need for systemic and policy-level changes

Future Outlook and Potential Solutions

• Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry can help to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions
• Sustainable land management practices, including reforestation, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture, can help to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance carbon sequestration
• Circular economy approaches, which prioritize waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, can minimize resource consumption and environmental impact
• Nature-based solutions, such as protecting and restoring wetlands and mangroves, can provide both climate mitigation and adaptation benefits
• Sustainable transportation options, including public transit, electric vehicles, and active transportation (cycling, walking), can reduce emissions from the transportation sector
• Sustainable consumption and production practices, such as reducing meat consumption and minimizing food waste, can lower the environmental footprint of human activities
• Education and awareness-raising initiatives can help to foster environmentally conscious behaviors and build public support for sustainability policies
• International cooperation and multilateral agreements are crucial for addressing global environmental challenges and ensuring a coordinated response