Stanley J. Kabala, Ph.D. Center for Environmental Research & Education Duquesne University...
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Transcript of Stanley J. Kabala, Ph.D. Center for Environmental Research & Education Duquesne University...
Stanley J. Kabala, Ph.D.Center for Environmental Research &
EducationDuquesne UniversityPittsburgh, Pa. U.S.A.
Observed changes in climate and their effects
Causes of changes Projected climate
change and impacts Adaptation and
mitigation options The long-term
perspective
“Warming of the climate is unequivocal”:
Eleven of last 12 years rank in the 12 warmest years on record
Global sea level has risen an avg. of 3.1 mm/yr since 1993
Arctic sea ice shrinking at 2.7%/decade (7.4% summer rate)
Fewer cold days/nights, more hot days/nights since 1950
Last 50-years hotter than any other period in the last 500 years
Increased number and size of glacial lakes, decreased stability of permafrost
Increased runoff in many snow-fed hydrological systems
Poleward and upward shifts in plant and animal ranges
Research has found timber lines have moved upward in response to global climate change
Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, especially CO2
Change in land cover, particularly deforestation
Varying degrees of solar radiation
Broad agreement that global GHG emissions will continue to grow over the next few decades
Growth in GHG emissions projected from 25-90% by 2030
Changes in 21st century will very likely be larger than those observed in the 20th
0.2˚ C projected increase per decade over the next two decades
The report avoids specific long-term projections because of the uncertainty surrounding feedback loops
Warming will be greatest on land and at highest Northern latitudes
Contraction of snow cover, increased permafrost thaw
Increase in heat extremes and heat waves Increase in tropical cyclone intensity Decreases in subtropical precipitation
Decrease in crop yields Higher risk for coastal communities:
rising sea level, more frequent storms and floods
Increased strain on drinking water resources
Potential health crises arising from effects listed above, and from altered distribution of some disease vectors
Further drift of species range poleward and to higher altitudes
Decrease in biodiversity as some species fail adapt to warmer climate or decline in precipitation
Marine ecosystems adversely effected from ocean acidification, coral bleaching and disruptions in oceanic circulation
Wide array of adaptive measures, but many associated barriers, limits and costs
Adaptive capacity highly correlated to economic and social development, but with vast differences within societies
Key constraints typically include technological and financial, political, and logistical
High potential for leveling off and reducing GHG emissions across several sectors
Most important mitigation sectors include energy supply, transportation, buildings/utilities, industry, agriculture and forestry
Integrate climate policy into wider development policies
Develop regulations and standards Impose proper taxes and fees Use tradable permits- appropriate carbon
pricing Employ financial incentives Promote voluntary agreements Increase research and development
Broad agreement that mitigation policies can result in co-benefits in the short-run- like improved health and energy efficiency
These co-benefits may offset a significant portion of the mitigation costs
Some countries, notably those exporting fossil fuels, will see reduced GDP resulting from mitigation actions
Changes in lifestyle, behavior and management practices can have significant mitigation effects without policy measures
Science must play an important role in informing what constitutes ‘dangerous’ levels of warming
Neither adaptation nor mitigation alone can avoid all impacts of climate change
Stabilization levels achievable using technology either currently available or expected within the coming decades
“Many impacts can be reduced, delayed or avoided by mitigation. Delayed emission reductions significantly constrain the opportunities to achieve lower stabilization levels and increase the risk of more severe climate change impacts.”