7-1 Final Submission: Environmental Issues Paper
Ashley Allen
Southern New Hampshire University
SCI 219
Changing Weather Patterns Due to Climate Change
If improvements are not taken, worldwide warming would continue to have an influence on
everyone in the world. It is a serious environmental concern. The temperature of Earth is
controlled by the equilibrium of energy entering and leaving the earth's natural structure. Once
the Earth system absorbs incoming solar energy, the Earth warms. When solar energy is deflected
into space, Earth does not warm. When absorbed energy is released back into space, Earth cools.
Several natural and human-made processes, such as: "variations in the sun's energy reaching
earth, changes in the reflectivity of Earth's atmosphere and surface, changes in the greenhouse
effect, which affects the amount of heat retained by Earth's surface," can lead to modifications to
the electrical rebalancing of the biosphere (Causes of climate change, n.d.).
The climate has an impact on everyone. Since the end of the last ice age, our temperature has
been relatively stable, allowing human cultures to adapt. But, a warmer climate may have an
influence on our environment, safety, and health as well as our agriculture, water resources,
transportation, and electricity infrastructure (Climate change: Basic information, n.d.). The
effects of climate change on society and ecosystems take many different forms. For instance,
climate change may have an impact on our energy supply, food production, forest health, human
health, and other ecosystems like forests. The effects of the weather are really becoming
experienced worldwide and in several economic sectors (Climate change impacts, n.d.).
The air temp of the world has risen by 1.5 degrees over the past century, and it is predicted to rise
by another.5 to 8.6 degrees during the next 100 years. Even little changes in the planet's
temperature increase can have a substantial and even dangerous impact on the climate and
weather. As we can observe that the rise in the planet's average temperature has been followed by
weather and climatic changes, the consequences of climate change are now readily apparent
(Climate change: Basic information, n.d.). Already observed changes in rainfall patterns in many
parts of the world, which have led to an increase in heavy rain, flooding, and/or droughts as well
as more frequent and strong heat waves. Earth's glaciers and seas have also seen significant
change, with ice caps melting as a result of rising ocean temperatures, which has led to rising sea
levels. These and other changes will probably accelerate in the next decades, causing issues for
society and the environment (Climate change: Basic information, n.d.).
Environmental issues are anticipated to exacerbate the severity, regularity, and effects of severe
storms occurrences (Extreme weather and climate change, 2022). Methane, carbon dioxide, and
other greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically over the past century, which has
resulted in a rise in global temperature (Climate change impacts, n.d.). Examples of how climate
change and global warming have an influence on the environment on a global scale include the
melting of the ice cap, which causes sea levels to rise, the strength of coastal storms and
hurricanes to increase, drought, flooding, shoreline erosion, and stress on water supplies (Climate
change impacts, n.d.).
Impact on Local Community
Rising sea levels, a rise in temperature, and severe weather events including heavier and more
intense downpours and bigger storms, notably hurricanes, are some effects that climate change
has had locally in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Coastal erosion and the effects of storms are also
impacted by rising sea levels because of closer storm surges in my region. There have been
multiple instances of heavier and more powerful downpours. One such instance is the August
2016 flood, which claimed the lives of thirteen people and destroyed approximately 60,000
dwellings. In the three months prior to the storm, Louisiana had accumulated 40.95 inches of
rain, which was more than Los Angeles had in the previous five years( Goodman, Amy, 2016).
Tornadoes and precipitation events have both strengthened. For instance, Hurricane Ida in
August 2021 severely damaged or completely destroyed 700 structures (1 of every 4 buildings)
at Grand Isle, Louisiana, which is close (Orr, M., 2022). Because of how powerful and
destructive this storm was, Grand Isle's population of year-round inhabitants fell by about 36%.
Human Impact
Ecological Processes
Despite the fact that warming is happening on a world basis, its biological effects are often local
and vary depending on where they occur (The National Academies: Advisors to the Nation of
Science Engineering, and Medicine., 2008). Global climate change has an effect on a wide range
of ecological processes, including the threat of disease, biodiversity, and marine ecology
(Science highlights: Ecological effects of climate change, n.d.). "These effects can include the
spread of species into new areas, the mixing of previously unrelated species, and even the
extinction of species" (The National Academies: Advisors to the Nation of Science Engineering,
and Medicine., 2008). Higher average temperatures and milder winters brought on by climate
change are encouraging the development of pathogens, which in turn promotes the spread of
illnesses and disease. The shift of marine species toward colder seas has accelerated. Little
fluctuations in temperature and precipitation have a big impact on plant communities and
diversification (Science highlights: Ecological effects of climate change, n.d.).
Impact of Human Activities
A few instances of human activities that directly contribute to greenhouse gas fluxes, which in
turn contribute to global climate change, include burning fossil fuels for food, energy,
manufacturing, and transportation. Humans create too much carbon, which raises the level of
greenhouse gasses (National Research Council, 2004). Using fossil fuels like coal and oil has led
to a rise in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. As coal and oil are burned,
the carbon and oxygen in the air combine to generate CO2, which is what causes this (NASA,
2022b). The clearing of land for agricultural use is another significant direct factor in global
climate change since it reduces the soil's capacity to retain carbon. Also, when forests are cut
down or burned, the carbon they have stored is released (United Nations, n.d.). A few human
actions that have an indirect effect on climate change include invasive species, CO2 fertilization,
nitrogen and acidic deposition, weather fluctuations, and tropospheric ozone. Natural elements
such as pests, changes in the frequency and intensity of fires, and climate change all have the
potential to affect greenhouse gas fluxes. This excludes human attempts to put out fires (National
Research Council, 2004).
Human Activities in Local Community
Although climate change is a global phenomenon, its ecological consequences are also local and
vary depending on where they occur (The National Academies: Advisors to theNation of Science
Engineering, and Medicine, 2008). Many ecological systems, such as the danger of disease,
biodiversity, and marine ecology, are impacted by global temperature change (Science highlights:
Ecological effects of climate change, n.d.). "These effects can include the spread of species into
new areas, the mixing of previously unrelated species, and even the extinction of species" (The
National Academies: Advisors to the Nation of Science Engineering, and Medicine., 2008).
Warmer summer temperatures and milder winters brought on by climate change are encouraging
the development of pathogens, which in turn promotes the spread of illnesses and disease. The
shift of marine species toward colder seas has accelerated. Little fluctuations in temperature and
precipitation have a big impact on species composition and biodiversity (Science highlights:
Ecological effects of climate change, n.d.). In Louisiana, human activities have a number of
direct and indirect effects on ecological processes that are related to altering weather patterns
brought on by global climate change. For instance, it appears that the majority of people
commute to and from work each day in their own cars or by taking public transit, with the
exception of those who live and work in downtown Baton Rouge and New Orleans. These
frequently used cars emit a significant amount of greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate
change. Despite the fact that some people may bicycle to and from work, there are less
possibilities here than in other places like New York for cycling and even strolling.
Potential Solutions
By employing ecologically sound agricultural practices, it may be possible to achieve more than
one-third of the near-term emission reductions needed to keep warming well below the target of
2°Cover pre pre preindustrial levels (established by the Paris climate agreement). Conservation
organizations have long sought to improve the bond between humans and the natural world. But,
we have only lately come to understand how important land-use management is for halting
climate change. We can now more reliably forecast consequences and develop prevention and
control strategies for adverse consequences because of advances in environmental forecasting,
machine learning, and satellite imagery. The rehabilitation, protection, and enhanced land
ownership in order to promote carbon storage or limit greenhouse-gas emissions in landscapes
around the world are some of the most promising strategies to mitigate climate change. The
entire potential of these solutions is described in a recent analysis carried out by the Nature
Conservancy group and 15 other leading organizations (Adams, J. 2017). By reducing and
stabilizing the quantities of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere ('mitigation') and
adjusting to the climate change already in the pipeline ('adaptation'),'" NASA claims that humans
can also combat climate change (NASA, 2022a).
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the most promising ways to reduce climate change is to leverage the benefits of
replanting, protection, and better management to increase carbon storage or stop greenhouse gas
emissions in landscapes all over the world. The entire potential of these solutions is described in
a recent analysis carried out by the Nature Conservancy group and 15 other leading organizations
(Adams, J. 2017). Mitigate greenhouse gas levels in order to "stabilize greenhouse gas levels in a
timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, ensure that food
production is not threatened, and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable
manner," with the intention of preventing significant human influence on the Earth's climate
(NASA, 2022a). Benefits include ensuring that there is no threat to food supply, allowing for
economic growth so that we can maintain a sustainable way of life, and giving our ecosystems
time to organically adjust to climate change (NASA, 2022a). When humans adjust "to live in a
changing environment," there is a decreased probability of negative climate change effects
(NASA, 2022a). This suggests that we shall adapt to the "current or anticipated global
temperature" (NASA, 2022a).
Changes in Human Behavior
In order for this strategy to work, people are going to have to work hard to improve farming
systems, conservation, and restoration. This is due to the fact that without human involvement in
these administration, conserving, and repair efforts, chemical sequestration is unlikely to be
improved and greenhouse gas emissions will not be stopped from polluting landscapes all over
the world. Humans still would need to attempt to self-reflect on their individual contributions to
greenhouse-gas emissions and cut it on a personal level for mitigation to be successful. There
might be a lot of achievement with this choice if everyone attempted it. In order for adaptability
to be successful, people need to modify their lifestyles to fit the current and predicted
environment in order to effectively lessen the adverse effects that climate change is having on the
worldwide people.
Reducing Personal Impact
My environmental impact is 7.8 gha, yet my environmental impact is 4.7 gha. My biosphere as a
whole is 57% carbon-based. May 7 is my particular World Environment Day, which means that
if everyone lived like I do, by that time, we might have consumed all the natural resources that
Earth can replenish in a year. In contrast, 2.9 Earths will be required if everybody behaved like
me. The two things I consume the most are food and housing, each of which accounts for 1.0 gha
of my demand (How many planets does it take to support your living?, n.d.). The statistics are a
little surprising, but upon reflection, the older, bigger place I reside in does consume a great deal
of electricity.
Personal Habits and Daily Activities
Several everyday routines and personality characteristics of mine have an influence on natural
systems connected to altering meteorological conditions brought on by worldwide warming. One
of them is not commuting and driving to and from work every day, alongside the extended trips I
take to unwind. Every day, my car's Carbon intensity causes more carbon dioxide to be released
into the environment due to the excess carbon that is generated. In addition, I frequently eat out,
and even when I cook, I rarely consider the origin of the ingredients. The meat I do buy to
prepare has an effect on natural systems connected to global warming since it causes vegetation.
Daily Life Impacts
Due to climate change and the amount of CO2 my car emits, my everyday life is impacted by
shifting weather patterns. Because excess carbon created by humans leads to an increase in
greenhouse gasses, the emissions of CO2 as a result directly contribute to greenhouse gas fluxes,
which in turn contribute to global climate change (National Research Council, 2004). Using
fossil fuels like coal and oil has led to a rise in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the
atmosphere. As coal and oil are burned, the carbon and oxygen in the air combine to generate
CO2, which is what causes this (NASA, 2022a). The area was cleared for farming, such as
rearing cattle that I then buy from nearby farmers. Retailers reduce soil's capacity to hold carbon,
which affects global climate change (United Nations, n.d.).
Previously Identified Habits
I could only argue also that the fact that I drive across town to employment on a daily basis
instead of taking public transportation and that I frequently dine out have a higher influence on
altering weather patterns as a result of climate change than do my sparse grocery shopping and
occasional lengthy journeys. Thus, my car's CO2 emissions have the most effect. Because excess
carbon created by humans causes a rise in carbon dioxide, the emissions of CO2 as a result
directly contribute to greenhouse gas fluxes, which in turn contribute to global climate change
(National Research Council, 2004). The second largest contribution to global climate change
would come from purchasing meat at neighborhood markets, where the land has to be removed
for agricultural use. Finally, in terms of the impact on climate change, my waste contribution
comes in third.
Corresponding Habits or Activities
Car sharing on the way to work each day, being more aware of where my food comes from, and
recycling are three tactics that will assist in reducing the harmful environmental effects of my top
three personal habits and daily activities. I will reduce the excess CO2 emissions from my
automobile by riding in a carpool. And because garbage has a negative effect on the natural
world, recycling is essential. It can stop the atmospheric discharge of harmful chemicals and
greenhouse gasses. It would reduce haze brought on by garbage. Lastly, recycling conserves
power and helps the environment.
Contributions to Potential Scientific Solutions
I will contribute to lowering the near-term emission reductions necessary to keep warming well
below the target of 2°C over pre-industrial levels (established by the Paris climate agreement) by
carpooling to and from work each day and foregoing those lengthy vehicle drives to clear my
head (Adams, J. 2017). I will also help promote sustainable land management practices by
recycling and being mindful of where my food comes from (Adams, J. 2017).
References
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