Discuss about the Master of Sciences in Public Health.
Climate change is a crucial subject in the contemporary time affecting virtually almost all dimensions of policymaking in the world. It is a critical concern in international relations, and it greatly affects urban development planning. Climate change has seriously impacted the environment by altering the ecosystem as well as affecting the health of the people. The society tends to structure their daily activities based on current climatic conditions.
The term “climate change” refers to the geometric distribution of weather patterns in which such variances in weather conditions are prolonged. Climate change is believed to be caused by human activities as suggested by the FCCC[1] of the United Nations. Human actions that raise the absorption rate of greenhouse gasses in air are likely to alter the energy balance of the earth causing global warming.
Global warming refers to a rise in the atmospheric temperatures typically attributed to increased levels of greenhouse gasses. According to Greg and Bourne, (n.d.), the atmospheric temperatures have increased by up to 0.76°c within the past hundred years, and much of this effect has been experienced over the previous 20 years. For instance, in 2003, hundreds of people were killed as a result of water warming up extremely such that they were too hot for the people to obtain sufficient oxygen from the water. A WWF report also indicates that temperatures in Europe over the summer period have risen to 2°c within the past 30 years.
Climate change is induced by a range of activities ranging from natural activities such as galactic forcing processes to human reasons like the use of carbon emitting energy. The following are the common causes and mechanisms of climatic variations:
The greenhouse effect is defined as a process where heat is trapped near the earth surface due to an increase in the intensity of greenhouse gasses. Gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor among others comprise what is referred to as greenhouse gasses. These gasses form a layer above the atmosphere that acts as a blanket, absorbing and reducing the rate at which heat is lost into space thus increasing the atmospheric temperatures. Since the beginning of the industrial age at around 1750, climate change has substantially resulted from human operations that add the levels of CO2 and greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, hence, preventing radiation from the earth to space (Houghton, et al, (1995)). The major activity causing the greenhouse effect is the emissions from burning fossil fuels and biomass.
External climate forcing processes such as the revolving of the solar system at the focal point of the Galaxy possibly lead to climate change (Huggett, 1991). Disparities in the space between galaxies as the galactic year progresses may impact the intensity of solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth. As a result, a radiative forcing system is created which brings about climate change. Also, scientific studies reveal that changes in gravitational force influenced by the large and small Magellanic Clouds neighboring our galaxy, also have a significant effect on the climate. Most researchers assume that a galactic year is around 300 million years. Such a huge duration associated with this climate forcing mechanism, makes the experimental confirmation of this evidence extremely inaccurate. Fischer, (1984), suggests that there is a possibility that the galactic variation mechanism could have triggered the ice age super cycles in the ancient years.
Particles and aerosols existing above the earth’s surface also influence the climate. Some of these aerosols come from naturally-occurring activities such as volcanic eruptions and marine plankton. For instance, Black Carbon absorbs sunlight as well as the infrared radiation coming from the earth. Deposits of black carbon in the form of snow or ice increase the rate at which snow absorbs sunlight and fastens its melting (Houghton, et al, (1995)). The melting of sea ice is also attributed to be a natural cause of changes in reflectivity that triggers other processes. Particles from volcanic eruptions that reach the earth’s upper atmosphere can reflect sufficient sunlight back to space that has a cooling effect on the surface of the earth. A single volcanic eruption does not cause a long-lasting climate change since the volcanic particles last for a shorter period in the atmosphere than greenhouse gases (Houghton, et al, (1995)).
The earth’s reflectivity is also affected by human changes in land cover or usage. For instance, activities such as deforestation and desertification bring about climate change. Urbanization has also contributed to deforestation as well as the increase in carbon emission from cities leading to changes in the earth’s reflectivity (Causes of Climate Change, (n.d.)).
Higher temperatures and fluctuating rainfall patterns lead to different environmental effects. For instance, increased evaporation bring about hurricanes, and the rising of the sea level results in flooding along the coast line. Shifts in climatic patterns are destroying the ecosystem by causing damage to habitats in the sea and also on land. The warming of the earth surface makes such habitats unsuitable for animal and aquatic life hence risking the entire ecosystem. For example, coral bleaching is an effect of climate change and it adversely affects the survival of sea creatures by disrupting their feeding patterns.
Climate change can make land too hot to cultivate certain crops leading to famine in the regions affected. It could also result in drought which can significantly reduce the amount of water bodies, and those available will not be enough for irrigation. Forests are also likely to be pest-ridden due to the strong winds that help in spreading weeds and pests to new areas (Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems, (n.d.)). Also, wildfires are often experienced in forest areas due to drought that starts and aggravates the fires and makes them to burn for a lengthier period.
High deaths are recorded during extremely hot summers due to heat waves. For instance, in 2003, thousands of lives were lost during the hot summer waves. Pollen grains and allergen particles suspended in the air cause lung irritations and trigger respiratory diseases such as asthma (Health Impacts of Climate Change, (n.d.)). During hot summers, it is easier for pathogens to breed in freshwater since it is warmer, making it unsuitable for human consumption as well as for the survival of animals. Elderly people are also prone to deaths resulting from cardiovascular illnesses and respiratory complications due to the exceeding high atmospheric temperatures.
Medical facilities and residences are likely to be swept away by floods and hurricanes caused by climatic changes such as rising sea levels and increased evaporation of water. Such floods also contaminate the sources of fresh water, thus increasing incidences of water-borne illnesses. It also creates a breeding home for pathogenic insects such as mosquitos. Malaria is highly induced by climate and it has claimed a number of young children particularly in Africa. Destruction of crops due to the rising temperatures and changing patterns of rainfall can lead to reduced levels of food in many disadvantaged areas leading to severe health conditions such as malnutrition which claims millions of lives annually.
Social problems such as poverty and famine are likely effects of climate change. Floods and extreme weather conditions destroy property, homes, and crops leading to a decrease in the living standards of the communities affected (Society Impacts. (n.d.). High cases of sickness during adverse climate conditions such as exceedingly hot summers or extremely cold winters hinders individuals from going about their daily activities. Therefore, their sources of income become limited and depleted as they spend more on buying medicine and food. Death also affects the society by reducing the population and causing grieve to families that may not be able to support themselves if the breadwinner dies.
Drought reduces the amounts of crop yield hence affecting the agriculture sector. It also reduces the amount of water available to support the generation of hydro-electric power. As a result, energy shortages are expected to occur which affect the levels of production in various industries. Damage to infrastructure during floods hinders the rendering of a number of services. For instance, the transport sector is affected significantly during extremely cold seasons as a result of snow that forms on the roads rendering the impassable. The tourism sector is also affected when floods occur at the coastal regions reducing the foreign exchange revenue to the countries involved (Tol, 2009). The fishing industry is also disrupted due to changes in water temperatures that damages the habitat for fish by depleting the amounts of oxygen available as well as causing coral bleaching.
Over the past few decades, two main issues have been at the heart of UAE’s government plan. The rise in energy demand and the increase in carbon dioxide emission are two burning issues that the UAE authorities are concerned about. World statistics reveal that UAE is at the top of those countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions per head. It implies that UAE is the leading world environmental polluter and it is followed by Qatar. The increasing energy consumption requirements can be attributed to the rise of more industries as well as urbanization. More building are being established and more technology is being used in various sectors requiring the use of electric power. A significant section of the UAE is categorized as desert, more so the western sides of the nation. The features of arid and semi-arid regions characterize the overall climatic features of UAE. Research conducted on UAE regions indicates that over decade as from 1997 to 2007, energy consumption has risen by 55.8%. On the other hand, it is evidenced that carbon dioxide emissions have increased within an average rate of 34% over the same period. It is anticipated that as the 21st century winds up, the climate of UAE could get warmer with temperatures levels expected to increase while the rate of precipitation is anticipated to decrease significantly.
Climate change has substantially impacted on the water zones of UAE as a consequence of the high energy consumption levels. The country spends more electric energy and there high burning of fossil fuel (Radhi, (n.d.)). Due to the greenhouse effect, desertification has occurred, depriving the country of enough water to sustain the production of power as well as to support the agriculture sectors. Drought reduces water levels in most vessels especially the ocean which provides the majority of the water used by the coastal nation. The effects of climate change on the coastal region such as flooding and melting of sea ice have been experienced also in the UAE region. Being an oceanic state bordered by an enormous body of water, it is accurate to presume that the country undergoes more impacts of rising sea levels as compared to other landlocked states. The coastal line is affected by flooding during the hot summers hence impacting on the tourism sector as much (United Arab Emirates. (n.d.)).
Sustainable development refers to when development strategies meet the contemporary needs without exhausting natural resources to enable future generations to satisfy their needs. Therefore, if a country depends more on the use of non-renewable sources of energy such as oil, the economy will worsen over time with decreased supply of such resources. Therefore, it is essential that the economy uses more of renewable sources of energy such as solar power or natural gas to stabilize the economy so that it remains strong during periods of high energy prices or energy shortages. The UAE has established strategies as to improving sustainability which include replacing of fossil fuels with their non-fossil counterparts as well as putting appropriate measures in place to safeguard the depleted resources. For instance, UAE is planning to establish a solar power plant costing an estimated $350 million. In addition, the state also intends to develop a hydrogen-operated power plant. Masdar City is an example of UAE’s efforts to construct low carbon emitting structures and the utilization of renewable sources of energy (Radhi, (n.d.)). It is evident that such programs can play a major role in sustainable development in the environmental and technological areas, as well as boosting the economic sector.
Conclusion
Climate change is caused majorly by human-induced factors in the current days such as the increased use of non-renewable sources of energy that contribute to CO2 emission to the atmosphere. Consequently, the greenhouse effect contributes to global warming which has many detrimental impact on the earth we are living in. Before the beginning of industrialization, climate change was caused by natural factors such as the positioning of the earth along its axis which caused variations in the amount of sunlight reaching the earth service. The planet’s position within the galaxy also contributed to galactic variations causing climate change. Earth’s natural reflectivity has been reduced significantly by human activities such as poor land use and urbanization processes resulting in desertification of some regions and deforestation. The variations in climatic patterns has impacted the environment through floods, strong heat waves, and hurricanes. Poverty and hunger have also resulted as a consequence of climate change. A sharp increase in respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems has also resulted from climate change. The energy sector has been affected with more individuals using air conditioning systems during hot seasons leading to increased shortages. The transport and infrastructure sector has also been impacted severely by climatic variation. UAE is among the top carbon emitters and as a result, most parts of the country have turned into deserts. However, the economy has established sustainable projects to help protect the environment, as well as upgrade their economic and technological sectors.
The use of renewable energy such as solar power can greatly help conserve our environment against the effects of variation in climatic conditions. Carbon emissions can also be lowered by using alternative sources of power such as hydrogen to run machines as well as planting trees around offices and homes to help create a shade instead of using air conditioning systems. The building industry should use resources that help in the circulation of heat to help reduce the energy consumption in buildings. Planting of crops during the normal climatic conditions and planting drought-resistant crops can also assist in tackling the problem of hunger. Proper use of land and urban planning can also reduce human-induced climate change. Establishing energy regulations such as the carbon emission taxation policy can help reduce global warming by forcing countries to deviate from using fossil fuels.
References
Causes of Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/science/causes.html
Climate change consequences. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://ec.europa.eu/clima/change/consequences/index_en.htm
Fischer, A.G., (1984). The two Phanerozoic supercycles. In: Catastrophes and Earth History: the new uniformitarianism, Berggren, W.A. & Van Couvering, J.A. (eds.). Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, pp. 129-150.
Greg, & Bourne, K. (n.d.). Impacts of global warming and climate change. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.wwf.org.au/our_work/people_and_the_environment/global_warming_and_climate_change/impacts/
Health Impacts of Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/climatechange/health_impacts/index.cfm
Houghton, J.T., Filho, M.L.G, Callander B.A., Harris, N., Kattenberg, A., & Maskell, K., (1995). Climate Change; The Science of Climate Change: Contribution of Working Group I to the second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Huggett, R.J., (1991). Climate, Earth Processes and Earth History. Springer-verlag. 281pp
Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange//students/impacts/effects/ecosystems.html
Radhi, H., (n.d.). The Effect of Global Warming and The UAE Built Environment: Faculty of Engineering. UAE.
Society Impacts. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts/society.html
Tol, R. (2015, September 17). Economic impacts of climate change: New evidence | VOX, CEPR’s Policy Portal. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://voxeu.org/article/economic-impacts-climate-change-new-evidence
Tol, S.J.R, (2009). The Economic Effects of Climate Change: Journal of Economic Perspectives. (23) 2. Pg. 29-51.
United Arab Emirates. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/legislation/countries/united-arab-emirates/
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