Date post: | 14-Jun-2015 |
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Environmental Challenges
Population and Resources
Nearly 80 million person population increase each year, mostly in developing world
= strained resources and systems
Developed World
Nearly 85% of earth’s resources are consumed by 20% of the world’s population
Global Warming
Global Warming
Global warming= increase in global temperatures
abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide concentrated in the atmosphere
The recent temperature trend is accompanied by a similar, highly-correlated upward trend in atmospheric concentrations of carbon
dioxide. Is it due to human activity?
The "Keeling Curve" of CO2 concentrations as measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.Source: http://www.research.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/images/jimomedal_graph.gif
Normal CO2 LevelsShort Wave and Long Wave Radiation
1) Sun emits rays called short-wave radiation (light rays)
2) Short wave radiation is either absorbed into the earth’s surface or reflected back into space
High CO2 Levels
Consequences
• Canada’s Arctic regions’ sea ice is shrinking• Warmer weather= forest fires & Prairie
droughts• British Columbia- salmon survival decreased
by 1/3 since early 1990s • Polar bear depletion
Kyoto Protocol
December 1997- 180 countries- agreement among industrialized nations to reduce emission of six greenhouse gases
Canada- agreed to cut emissions 5.2% (1990 levels) by 2012
US- withdrew in 2001 (US was responsible for 25% worldwide emissions)= big setback for Kyoto Protocol
Ozone Depletion
Ozone layer=naturally occurring protective shield in the stratosphere, 25 km+ into space
Job= absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun
protects humans, plants, and animals
Ozone Gaps and Holes
Gaps and holes= harmful rays
How? Scientists think it’s due to human activity
CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons= danger gas that chemically bonds to the ozone layer and eat away at the o.l.
Where do you find CFCs?
Consequences?
• Skin cancer• Altered ocean ecosystems fishing tourism,
logging• Harmful to flora and fauna of Canada’s north
Montreal Protocol
1987- Montreal Protocol- industrial nations agreed to cut use of CFCs
Acid Rain
SO2 and NOx carried long distances by strong winds deposited in acidic rain, snow, fog, dust
Deposition Effects
Effects
Cda vs USA?• 2/3 of CDA’s caused by INDUSTRY • 2/3 of USA’s from ELECTRICAL UTILITIES
Consequences
• Eastern Canada, the Alps, the Appalachians, the US, and Japan
• Animals and plants• Ecosystems• Corrodes steel• Lung capacity
Acid Rain Regime
• Lower emissions fossil fuels• 1990- Clean Air Act- tradeable permits• 1991- Air Quality Accord-US and Canada• 1993-emissions reduced by 30%
Environmental Awareness
1962- Rachel Carson- Silent Spring1987- UN Commission on the State of the
Environment asked people of the developed world to reduce resource consumption & develop a sustainability lifestyle
1992- Earth Summit- Agenda 21 (encourage development of a sustainable world economy)
1992- World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity- earth stewardship
However…
There has been little progress by governments and corporation
Implementation=Losses