Environmental Protection, Study notes of Service Management

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Environmental

Protection

NSTP Chapter IV

Environmental protection

is the practice of protecting the natural

environment by individuals, organizations

and governments. Its objectives are to

conserve natural resources and the

existing natural environment and, where

possible, to repair damage and reverse

trends.

Climate change

Climate change is the global phenomenon of climate transformation characterized by the changes in the usual climate of the planet (regarding temperature, precipitation, and wind) that are especially caused by human activities. As a result of unbalancing the weather of Earth, the sustainability of the planet’s ecosystems is under threat, as well as the future of humankind and the stability of the global economy.

Climate change

climate change says it is “a broad range of global phenomena created predominantly by burning fossil fuels, which add heat-trapping gases to Earth’s atmosphere. These phenomena include the increased temperature trends described by global warming, but also encompass changes such as sea-level rise; ice mass loss in Greenland, Antarctica, the Arctic and mountain glaciers worldwide; shifts in flower/plant blooming; and extreme weather events.”

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases play a vital role in the earth’s climate cycles. As the planet gets hit with the sun’s rays, some of the energy is absorbed, and the rest of that energy and heat gets reflected into space. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the reflected energy, redirecting it back down to the earth and eventually contributing to global warming. Various gases play this role, including: Water vapor Carbon dioxide (CO2) Methane Nitrous oxide Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Greenhouse Gases

While some of these greenhouse gases, such as water vapor, are naturally occurring, others, such as CFCs, are synthetic. CO2 is released into the atmosphere from both natural and human-made causes and is one of the leading contributors to climate change. CO2 has been increasing at an alarming rate and has the potential to stay in the earth’s atmosphere for thousands of years unless it gets absorbed by the ocean, land, trees, and other sources. However, as CO2 production has steadily risen, the earth’s natural resources to absorb it has also been diminished. This is already occurring in many ways as earth's resources are disappearing from things like deforestation. Some studies even predict that plants and soil will be able to absorb less CO2 as the earth continues to warm—possibly accelerating climate change even further.

Agriculture

There are many significant ways in which agriculture impacts climate change. From deforestation in places like the Amazon to the transportation and livestock that it takes to support agricultural efforts around the world, agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, agriculture is also an area that is making tremendous strides to become more sustainable. As productivity increases, less carbon is being emitted to produce more food. Agriculture also has the potential to act as a carbon sink, and could eventually absorb nearly the same amount of CO2 it emits.

Deforestation

Deforestation and climate change often go hand in hand. Not only does climate change increase deforestation by way of wildfires and other extreme weather, but deforestation is also a major contributor to global warming. According to the Earth Day Network, deforestation is the second leading contributor to global greenhouse gasses. Many people and organizations fighting against climate change point to reducing deforestation as one of, if not the most, important issues that must be addressed to slow or prevent climate change.

Livestock

While interconnected to many of the

agricultural and deforestation issues we

have already touched on, livestock in the

form of cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry

play a significant role in climate change.

According to one study, “Livestock and

Climate Change,” livestock around the

world is responsible for 51% of annual

global greenhouse gas emissions.

Effects of Climate Change

Safety & Economic Challenges

Climate change is likely to cause economic challenges in many parts of the world. Some estimates have the U.S. already spending around $240 billion annually due to human-caused climate change, and future costs are projected to be even higher. However, putting an exact number on the real costs of climate change is difficult once you consider the staggering costs of losing natural resources like clean air and water.

Health

There are many ways in which climate change could impact people’s health. Depending on age, location, and economic status, climate change is already affecting the health of many and has the potential to impact millions more. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, climate change-related health risks may include: Heat-related illness Injuries and fatalities from severe weather Asthma & cardiovascular disease from air pollution Respiratory problems from increased allergens Diseases from poor water quality Water & food supply insecurities

Water & Food Resources

Climate change could have a significant

impact on food and water supplies.

Severe weather and increased

temperatures will continue to limit crop

productivity and increase the demand for

water. With food demand expected to

increase by nearly 70% by 2050, the

problem will likely only get worse.

Sea Levels Rising

Rising sea levels could have far-reaching effects on coastal cities and habitats. Increasing ocean temperatures and melting ice sheets have steadily contributed to the rise of sea levels on a global scale. At current rates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimate sea levels to rise by at least 8 inches by 2100, potentially causing increased flooding and decrease in ocean and wetland habitats.