Global Environmental Challenges: Climate Change & Natural Disasters

Causes of Climate Change

Fossil Fuel Combustion

The anthropogenic burning of fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and petroleum, is a primary process for electric power production and is directly linked to transportation. These activities are essential for human and industrial development but contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation

The reduction of forest areas significantly impacts the equilibrium concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to two principal reasons:

1. Burning vegetation releases methane and other greenhouse gases.
2. Trees, which make up forests, absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Their removal reduces this natural carbon sink.

Impacts of Climate Change

Rising Sea Levels

If the average temperature of the oceans continues to rise rapidly, it will lead to a significant increase in sea levels. Coastal areas, including beaches, deltas, and wetlands, will be severely affected.

Water Scarcity and Economic Effects

In some regions, such as Catalonia, climate change will result in a decrease in rainfall and reduced water availability. This will profoundly affect lifestyles and food production. It will also impact the production of hydroelectric power, as rivers may not have sufficient flow.

Disease Spread

Historically, environmental conditions have restricted the spread of certain diseases, preventing contamination due to factors like lack of water or low temperatures. However, climate change can cause many tropical diseases to spread into regions that were previously protected.

Summary of Key Impacts

• Death of coral polyps and disruption of marine ecosystems.
• Increased prevalence of tropical diseases.
• Diminished rainfall and lower water availability.
• Significant rise in sea level.

The Kyoto Protocol and Global Action

Key Recognitions of the Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol acknowledges several critical points regarding global warming:

• The final report of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) group is recognized as the most comprehensive scientific study on global warming.
• There is a recognized need to change the development model, which is currently based on excessive economic consumption of energy from fossil fuels.
• It is acknowledged that poor and developing countries require financing from wealthier nations to tackle natural disasters and the negative effects of global warming.
• Aid to developing nations is considered essential for preserving and protecting their forests and jungles.
• The necessity to act urgently to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from deforestation is recognized.

Major Environmental Issues

Air Pollution Defined

Air pollution is the presence of substances in the air that, above certain limits, can cause directly or indirectly harmful effects on living beings and materials.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The depletion of the ozone layer results in increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface. This has negative effects on agriculture, plants, microorganisms, and plankton communities.

Sulfur Oxides and Acid Rain

The burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur, which gives rise to sulfur dioxide. High temperatures often facilitate its formation, leading to the creation of acid rain.

Sources of Pollutants

Significant sources of pollutants include the incineration of waste and various manufacturing processes, such as paper production.

Impacts of Acid Rain

Acid rain has severe consequences, including:

• Acidification of lakes and water bodies.
• Changes in the chemical composition of soil, affecting plants.
• Harm to human health.
• Corrosion and damage to calcium carbonate rocks and structures.

Geological Phenomena

Earthquakes: Energy Release

Earthquakes occur due to the sudden release of accumulated energy within the Earth's internal layers.

Case Study: Chile Earthquake Impacts

A powerful earthquake in Chile caused widespread devastation: buildings, houses, and factories collapsed; huge hillsides experienced landslides; rivers overflowed; and the ground fractured, swallowing cars and tractors. The sea surged, razing entire villages, and parts of the city, including the promenade, sank underwater.

Volcanoes: Earth's Openings

A volcano is an opening or crack in the Earth's crust through which molten rock material, known as magma, is released from inside the planet.

Types of Volcanic Material

• Lava: Molten rock material that flows out of a volcano.
• Volcanic Gases: Gases released during volcanic eruptions.
• Pyroclasts: Fragments of rock, ash, and other debris ejected during an eruption.

Key Volcanic Terminology

Pyroclast

Very small fragments that can remain suspended in the atmosphere, potentially preventing the passage of solar radiation.

Lava

Magma that has been released from a volcano and flows on the Earth's surface.

Lahars

Flows of mud and rocks produced by the melting of ice or snow on a volcanic edifice, often triggered by eruptions.