Environmental Science and Sustainability - Class Notes
Date: January 16, 2025
Topic: Climate Change and Sustainable Practices
1. Introduction to Climate Change
Definition: Long-term alteration of temperature and typical
weather patterns in a place, largely driven by human activities such
as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Key GHGs (Greenhouse Gases):
o Carbon dioxide (CO2)
o Methane (CH4)
o Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Impact of Climate Change:
o Rising global temperatures.
o Melting ice caps and rising sea levels.
o Extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, droughts).
2. Causes of Climate Change
a. Natural Factors:
Volcanic eruptions.
Solar radiation variations.
Ocean currents.
b. Human-Induced Factors (Anthropogenic):
Fossil fuel combustion: Coal, oil, and natural gas burning for
energy.
Deforestation: Reduced carbon sequestration capacity.
Industrial processes: Emissions from manufacturing, agriculture,
and waste management.
3. Impacts of Climate Change
a. Environmental Impacts:
Global Warming: Average surface temperature increase.
Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans leading
to more acidic waters.
Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat destruction and extinction threats to
species.
b. Social Impacts:
Food Security: Disruptions to crop yields, water availability.
Health Risks: Increased incidence of heatwaves, spread of
diseases (e.g., malaria).
Displacement: Rising sea levels threatening coastal populations.
4. Sustainable Practices for Mitigating Climate Change
a. Renewable Energy
Solar Power: Harnessing sunlight through photovoltaic cells or
thermal systems.
Wind Power: Wind turbines converting kinetic energy into
electricity.
Hydropower: Electricity generation from flowing water.
b. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient appliances: LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC
systems.
Building design: Insulated homes, energy-efficient windows,
passive solar heating.
c. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Process: Capture CO2 from industrial sources and store it
underground to prevent atmospheric release.
Goal: Reduce the carbon footprint of large-scale emitters.
d. Sustainable Agriculture
Agroforestry: Integrating trees into agricultural systems to
enhance biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Organic Farming: Reducing pesticide use and enhancing soil
health.
e. Circular Economy
Waste Reduction: Designing products for reuse and recycling.
Closed-Loop Systems: Using waste materials in the production
process.
5. International Agreements on Climate Change
The Paris Agreement (2015): A global treaty aiming to limit
global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Kyoto Protocol (1997): An international treaty that sets binding
obligations on industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
6. Case Study: Solar-Powered Communities
1. Objective: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting energy
independence.
2. Method: Installation of rooftop solar panels and community solar
farms.
3. Results: Reduced electricity costs, lower carbon emissions, and
increased awareness of renewable energy benefits.
4. Example: The town of Greensburg, Kansas, became a model for
sustainable development by powering its infrastructure with 100%
renewable energy.
7. Trends in Sustainability
Sustainable Fashion: Reducing waste through recycled materials,
sustainable production processes, and eco-friendly fabrics.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Increased adoption of electric cars to
reduce transportation-related emissions.
Green Building: Sustainable construction practices using energy-
efficient materials and designs (e.g., LEED-certified buildings).
Urban Agriculture: Growing food in urban environments through
vertical farming or community gardens to reduce food miles.
Key Takeaway:
Addressing climate change requires both mitigation strategies (reducing
emissions) and adaptation strategies (adjusting to the changes that are
already happening). Sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use
and carbon reduction, are essential in ensuring a resilient future.
