Environmental Issues test 3

In the US, what sectors use the most energy, and what are their primary energy sources?

(From most to least): -electrical power (natural gas, cold, nuclear) -transportation (oil/ petroleum) -industrial (natural gas, oil) -residential (natural gas) -commercial (natural gas)

Municipal solid waste (MSW) issues

-"there is no away" - Paul Connery, US Academic. It's just being moved to a different place! -amount of waste generated -how and where to dispose- "NIMBY": Not In My Back Yard! -according to a garbology study, The highest percent of waste in the US is paper, making up 25.9%. Food makes up 15.1%, yard trimmings make up 13.3%, and plastics make up 13.1%, basically tying those three for second place -MSW generation rates, 1960-2015: The total MSW generation increased rapidly till 2000, and is still currently increasing slowly. Per capita generation increased slow until 2000, and is now decreasing/steady -The three disposal methods are incineration, landfills, and recycling/recovery. In 1986, landfills 80%, recycle 10%, incineration 10%. In 1996, landfill 63%, recycle 27%, incineration 10%. In 2015, landfills 53%, recycle 34%, incineration 13%. -today, the number of landfills are decreasing. Though, the size of them are increasing. -The number of curbside recycling programs increased. There are about 9800 programs today. In 2019, around 65 million US household recycle, though some programs have been discontinued.

How much fossil fuel is consumed for energy in the US, and what are the types?

-80% of energy consumption in the US is from fossil fuels -The four types are oil/petroleum (37%), coal (11%), and natural gas (32%). -renewable energy is 11%, and is 43% biomass (wood, biofuels).

What are the AAAS and the IPCC?

-AAAS: American Association for the advancement of science. What we know. Around 97% of climate scientist agree that human cause climate change is happening. -IPCC: inter-governmental panel on climate change. Gather data, inform us on climate change. Won the Nobel peace prize in 2007. Increase in global average temperature most likely due to the increase of anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations according to their fourth assessment report in 2007. In 2013, their fifth report changed it to extremely likely that human influence is the dominant cause. They have uncertainty in where, when, and how much change? Also, what personal and structural solution should be done.

Development (paradigm shift, 3 pillars of sustainable development, UNs 17 SDG Goals)

-Advancements in technology are meeting human needs and wants. -Historically the primary focus of development was economics. Wealth and industrialization were used to label a country as an MDC or an LDC. GNI, or Gross national income, was another economic indicator. -more recently, there has been a paradigm shift to expand development beyond economics. This concept is called sustainable development/sustainability. Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their needs. -The three pillars of sustainable development/sustainability our economy, society, and environment. (The roof is sustainability, and economy, society, and environment are the three pillars that hold it up together). -UNs 17 SDG goals: examples include no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, climate action, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, affordable clean energy, and life below water and on land. It is known as the to do list for the people and for the planet. -" we don't have Plan B... Because there is no Plan B" - Ban Ki Moon

What are extinction and mass extinction? What are three reasons that the biodiversity issue is urgent?

-Extinction is a natural process that includes one species. It is also the ultimate affect of biodiversity loss, pertaining to both plants and animals. -Mass extinction is generally caused by something and affects multiple species. There have been five over the course of earths history. Many species go extinct in a relatively short period of time. The sixth mass extinction are first now, and it is highly human induced. -three reasons why the bio diversity issue was urgent, according to EO Wilson of Harvard university, are that human population growth leads to habitat loss, we rely on other organisms for our needs and wants, and biodiversity is being lost forever through extinction. -do non-human species have moral standing? If you think yes, then it's your duty to protect them.

What are the six principles and their applications of the declaration of ethical principles in relation to climate change (UNESCO)?

-UNESCO= United Nations educational, scientific, and cultural organization -6 principles (related to ethical concepts): 1. Prevention of harm 2. Precautionary approach 3. Equity and justice (fair treatment to all people) 4. sustainable development 5. Solidarity (assist the vulnerable) 6. Scientific knowledge and integrity in decision making -application of principles: it is recommended that states and pertinent actors develop and use scientifical technologies and innovations, risk assessment and management, gift priority to vulnerable groups, promote education on the topic, promote public awareness, take responsibility, cooperate with international researchers, and promote/use the UNESCO. -environmental ethics: personal and structural solutions required from government responsibility, business/ corporate responsibility, and individual responsibility (environmental citizenship).

Protecting biodiversity and possible solutions

-The US endangered species act of 1973 has two legal categories, which are endangered species that may become extinct if a change doesn't happen, and threatened species that may become endangered if a change doesn't happen. -Currently, there are 1666 threatened and endangered species. 723 animals and 943 plants make this number up. They are all legally protected. Hawaii and California have the highest numbers, as they are both warm climates with diversity. Florida, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee also have over 100. Pennsylvania has 17. Possible solutions for loss of biodiversity: -habitat restoration: habitat loss is the number one impact of biodiversity loss, so restoring them would help. They usually get started with plants for food and shelter of animals. Groups such as Boy Scouts commonly help this process. -Forest certification: objectively assesses the way a forest is being managed. If it isn't meeting the responsible criteria, the owner is notified. This is not preservation. The chain of custody is where the forest management says yes or no, and then the chain (Mill, factory, processor, retailer) is notified if their wood is from a certified forest. An eco-label is put on the products from certified forests. -ecotourism: goal is to encourage responsible travel to natural areas. If done well, habitats are protected and the local economy is supported. It is the intersection between conservation, profit, and locals. -citizen action: individuals take steps to deal with biodiversity

Review

-The five themes of geography are location (where is it, absolute, relative), place (what is it like there, human/physical characteristics), movement (of ppl, goods, ideas), regions (cultural, political, formal, functional), and human-environment interaction (how we depend on, modify, and adapt to the environment). -The three ways all humans use the environment are for a source of resources (food, water, medicine), habitat (space we take up like houses and businesses, building materials), and a sink for waste (sewage, landfills, bodies of water, air). -IPAT equation in relation to env. problems and sustainable solutions: I= PAT (environmental impact = population size x affluence/consumption x technology) The growing population means that more is being consumed, the rich pollute and consume more (MDCs) , and technology can be used to harm or benefit the earth. -complex problems/ solutions and their underlying values/ ethics: ethical reasoning commands, underlying value duty. ethical reasoning consequences, underlying value utility. ethical reasoning care for others, underlying value justice. ethical reasoning character, underlying value virtues. Help determine the most "right" solution/ most ethical decision. Responsibility on eco ethical mountain -The role of individuals includes awareness, responsibility, and action. -materials economy: extraction (forest depletion), production (releases toxins into air/pollution), distribution (pollute other countries by obtaining and extracting their materials), consumption (contributes to waste and controls the first 3 stages), and disposal (landfills, pollution, warms climate). -the eco ethical mountain levels from top to bottom are responsibility (ethical principles), ecological understanding (research/data), and appreciation (based on values/ viewpoints).

Micro plastics in lakes

-The main source of micro plastic in lakes is breakdown of macro plastics. -Studies estimate that around 14 billion pieces of micro plastic are in Lake Ontario. Around 2.5 billion pieces are in Lake superior, and around 1 billion in Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. -There are no stationary garbage patches like in the ocean, which means most of the micro plastic is at the shore and deep in the water, threatening humans and wildlife. -Microfibers are ingested by aquatic life, making them sick. Humans are also ingesting micro plastics through Great Lakes water and beer. It is also inhaled, and the impacts are currently unknown. -The simple solution is use less plastic.

Class notes: Global Climate Change- What Can We Do?

-The three fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. To decrease carbon emissions for coal, we can use solar panels for energy and turn out lights not being used. To decrease carbon emissions for oil, we can use public transportation. To decrease carbon emissions for natural gas, we can turn down the heat. -growing more trees and limiting deforestation are ways to enhance sinks that absorb carbon. -to have a better foundation for policies of structural solutions, research on global climate change gives people a scientific understanding of what is happening from human activities, greenhouse gas emissions, and the temperature and precipitation responses from the global climate. -The AAAS is the American Association for the advancement of science. They are a professional society that includes climate scientists. Their "what we know" publication summarizes current knowledge. It says that based on the evidence, about 97% of climate scientists agree that humans caused climate change is happening. -The IPCC Is the inter-governmental panel on climate change. They are a professional international organization that includes climate scientists and policy experts. It was established in 1988 by world meteorological organization (WMO) and The United Nations environmental program (UNEP). IPCC's role is to prepare, based on available scientific information, assessments on all aspects of climate change and its impact, with a view of formulating realistic response strategies. They publish assessment reports at various intervals to summarize current knowledge. The fourth assessment report was in 2007. It stated that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid 20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations. The fifth assessment report in 2013 stated that the evidence for human influence has grown since the fourth assessment. It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid 20th century. The special IPCC report in October 2018 said that urgent action was needed, and warned of major impacts of global temperatures increase more than 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. The sixth assessment report is in preparation but not yet published. -international policies. In 1992, the UN framework convention on climate change was the first attempt to develop an international treaty to prevent dangerous human interference with the global climate system. -In 1997 the Kyoto protocol was made, and was in effect from 2005 to 2012. The policy goal was to set legally binding limits for developed countries greenhouse gas emissions. It was controversial and took eight years to get enough support to officially go into affect. It officially took affect in February 2005. It was eventually ratified by over 190 countries, but only MDC's had official obligations. The United States got criticism for never becoming a party member. They were the only MDC to not join. The Doha Amendment extended the protocol until a new international agreement was reached. -in 2016, the Paris accord was considered the worlds first comprehensive climate agreement. It was a historic climate agreement. Negotiations were ongoing for about four years ever since 2012 when the Kyoto protocol expired. Final details were agreed-upon at the international meeting in Paris in December 2015. 196 countries participated in that meeting. The agreement became official in November 2016 when two criteria were met. First, the agreement had to be ratified by at least 55 parties that collectively account for at least 55% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions. Both criteria were met by fall of 2016, and only only took a few months compared with around eight years for the Kyoto protocol to become official. -these are the key points of this historic climate agreement, which compares the improvements of the Paris accord to the Kyoto protocol. Limit global temperature increase to well below rising 2°C, compared with average global temperature in the preindustrial area. A 2°C rise in temperature increase is considered a significant threshold, as higher temperature increase could lead to catastrophic climate change. It was the first universal climate agreement, as all countries are expected to participate instead of just MDCs. It helped pour nations and gave funding assistance from richer countries to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. It published greenhouse gas reduction targets: each country sets its own targets that are reviewed and revised every five years. A bottom up approach was used. Finally, there's a goal to become carbon neutral. This means good progress by 2050 and fully accomplished by 2100. The goal is to limit greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to levels that trees, soil, and oceans can absorb naturally. -China is the country with the highest carbon emissions, and the United States has the second highest carbon emissions. -in 2016, the United States was signed on the Paris accord, but they withdrew in 2017. -States and cities have taken their own initial lives related to global climate change solutions. We are still in is a group of mayors and businesses upholding their obligations. The US climate alliance includes governors of 24 states and Puerto Rico. The national climate action agenda includes 407 mayors in the US. -The two other structural solutions are mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation stabilizes greenhouse gas levels so they are not as harmful to global climate. It reduces sources of heat trap in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It enhances the sinks on earth that store greenhouse gases such as forests, oceans, and soil 's. Adaptation is adjusting to life in a changing climate, and managing the unavoidable effects. It adjusts to actual climate changes, and anticipates/plans for expected future climate changes. -too broad tools for structural solutions to climate change our regulations and innovations. Regulations include rules, laws, and policies on the government local and national level, for example, the Paris accord. Innovations are new technologies used by businesses and corporations, for example, solar panels.

Solid waste management hierarchy

-This was developed by waste management professionals/garbologists. -The hierarchy is a list of priorities regarding the amount of waste generated and how to dispose of it the top is the most preferred methods, and the bottom is the least preferred methods. -From most preferred to least preferred, it goes reduce, reuse, recycle/compost, combust with energy recovery/incineration, and landfill/incinerate without energy recovery. -reducing and reusing include reusable water bottles, metal silverware, and reusable shopping bags. Things that can be recycled include plastic, food waste (composted), paper, and glass. -The pros of combustion/incineration are that they reduce space that garbage takes up, and they capture heat energy. The con is that it pollutes the air. -fresh kills landfill, the previous landfill for New York City, used to be one of the largest landfills. Now, it is closed and being turned into a park.

What are the three major challenges to ethical action, ethical issues related to trajectory of future emissions, and ethical issues related to who should bear the burden of unavoided impacts?

-Three major challenges to ethical issues: 1. The first challenge stems from the fact that climate change is a truly global phenomenon (very big scale... tragedy of the commons- air! Skewed vulnerabilities- MDCs vs. LDCs : LDCs have little technology that produce harm but feel the effects soonest, making them vulnerable) 2. The second challenge is that current emissions have profoundly intergenerational effects. (Current vs. future- we impact future generations) 3. The third challenge is that our theoretical tools are underdeveloped in many of the relevant areas, such as international justice, intergenerational ethics, scientific uncertainty, and the appropriate relationship between humans and the rest of nature. ("Justice"- what is fair? Who is responsible? Does nature have moral standing?) -ethical issues related to the tragedy of future emissions: 1. It would probably be better for future generations and vulnerable species if emissions are substantially reduced quickly to minimize future damage, but may be unfair for our generation to pay so much with little benefit to us 2. It may be unfair to demand poor nations to limit their emissions for future generations when they already emit so little as it is 3. Climate change affects non-human living things as well, and lowering the climate will bring new species into ecosystems, affecting them. -questions and ethical issues related to who should bear the burden of "unavoided impacts" 1. Can harmfulness be lessened through adaptation? 2. Who will compensate the harmed? 3. Will global, intergenerational, and ecological justice be served? (

Goldman Environmental Prize winners eco ethical mountain

-appreciation: Michael Werike (Africa): "Rhino Man" dedicated to survival of rhinos and took rhino walks to educate others about the animal he found symbolic to the environment. The species was the western black rhino which is extinct today. He raised funds for rhino conservation programs. Conservation cannot be imposed was his signature quote. It means that you can't force other people to care, but you can inspire them to be aware. He used a charismatic megaphauna, or an attractive large animal, because there is no hope for small animals if the big and strong can't survive. -ecology: Eugene Rutagarama (Africa): protected gorillas as they were affected by tribal war occurring, saving them. Generated a plan ensuring the protected areas of the mountain gorilla habitat were kept safe. -responsibility: Samuel Labuddle (North America): secretly taped videos of dolphins being slaughtered by tuna fishers, since dolphins eat tuna. The videos were shown on TV, provoking outrage across the country. The top three tuneup brands agreed to process stuff safe tuna, decreasing their death rate by 95%.

Eco ethical mountain: wildlife

-appreciation: some appreciate wildlife for the material commodities it provides, while others may appreciate the natural beauty of wild animals and wild places. So, there are use values and existence values. -ecology: The scientific study of relationships and interactions between organisms living in a common environment. Biodiversity is important because keystone species change the way ecosystems function and can make areas more habitable for humans. Ecosystem services include pollination and decomposition. Gene codes let organisms adapt to human induced changes. This is all important to be aware of. -responsibility: we have a responsibility toward the wild plants and animals and their ecosystems that we are directly and indirectly benefiting from. The ethical principle of utility requires decisions that benefit the most people, so it's our moral responsibility to value wildlife for its appreciation and usefulness.

Water issues, including the Eco Ethical Mountain (hydrosphere)

-appreciation: values to humans include drinking, showering, swimming, beauty, and transportation. Values to nature include habitat, and water for plants and animals. -ecological understanding: 71% of earths surface is covered with water. 97% of earths water is found in the oceans. 3% is freshwater, and 70% of it is frozen in glaciers. The water cycles different forms and processes also must be understood. Human sources for freshwater or surface water (lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs) and ground water. Water is a natural resource because it is found in nature and we benefit and use it. Issues include water pollution, and quantity/quality issues. The western United States has medium to high levels of water stress, while the eastern United States has low water stress.

Biodiversity w/ eco ethical mountain

-biodiversity is the variety of life forms on earth. -The variety varies geographically. It is highest at the equator/tropical region due to it being temperate. It is the lowest at the north and south poles due to the extreme weather there. -hotspots are areas with high biodiversity/ large number of species -appreciation (values): The anthropocentric values of biodiversity include food variety, cleaner air, zoos, and decomposers. The egocentric values of biodiversity include beauty, studying, pollination, food chain, and trees making the soil stable. -diversity equals stability and more food sources for everything. -ecological understanding (3 levels of biodiversity): genetic diversity within our own species and compared to other species, species diversity and the variety and abundance of biological organisms, and ecosystem diversity which varies depending on the part of the world. -species diversity: there are currently around 1.8 million species catalogued/given a specific name. It is estimated that there are 10 to 13,000,000 species out there. It is estimated that there are around 24,000 species in Pennsylvania.

What four anthropogenic gases mostly caused the enhanced greenhouse effect?

-carbon dioxide (65% fossil fuels and industrial processes, 11% forestry and other land uses) -methane (16%) (livestock, landfills, petroleum systems) -nitrous oxide (6%) (agricultural soil management, stationary combustion) -f-gases (2%) (industrial, refrigeration) Without trees, more carbon stays in the atmosphere.

What is the "Drawdown"?

-drawdown: The point in the future when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily declined, thereby stopping catastrophic climate change as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible -goal: The goal is to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere. -who: drawdown research fellows come from diverse fields and universities around the world. They helped make solutions and used math to find the costs, savings, and CO2 levels. Paul Hawkin created Project drawdown. -solutions: Solutions include reducing sources and bringing omissions to zero, supporting sinks and uplifting natures carbon cycle, and improving society by fostering equality for all. Examples are electric cars, green and cool roofs, abandoned farmland restoration, restoring forests, high speed rails powered by electricity, clean cookstoves, wind turbines, household recycling, building with wood, cows eating seaweed/plankton, plant rich diet to reduce meat production, educating girls about family planning, and the number one solution is refrigerant management.

What are the evidence, causes, effects, scientific consensus, and vital signs of global climate change?

-evidence: warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreat, decreased snow covers, sea level rising, declining Arctic sea ice, extreme events, ocean acidification, and global temperature rise. -causes: The greenhouse effect: warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from earth toward space, including water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Humans are changing the natural greenhouse, warming the earth. -effects: glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier, plants and animal ranges have shifted, and trees are flowering sooner. There has also been a loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise. And more intense heat waves. In the future, temps will continue to rise, frost free season/growing season will lengthen, changes and precipitation patterns, more droughts and heat waves, stronger hurricanes, arctic will likely become ice free, and sea level rise 1 to 8 feet by 2100. -scientific consensus: 97% of scientists agree that climate warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activity -vital signs: The most vital signs are carbon dioxide, global temperature, Arctic sea ice minimum, ice sheets, and sea level.

3 arrows of the recycling symbol

-focuses on just the recycling process. -1. Collection and processing (separating), 2. remanufacturing, and 3. purchased recycled products. -consumers are involved in steps one and three. -recycling can affect the materials economy by decreasing disposal, feeding that material back to production. Less extraction would be required since the materials are being reused. -reduce and reuse are more preferred because they lessen all five stages of the materials economy.

What are some of the possible effects of climate change?

-freshwater resources: amount of drinkable water depleting, polar ice caps melting into the ocean, wells drying up due to less precipitation, aquatic animals depleting habitat, intensified flooding, biomagnification -ecosystems: less sustainable, unable to support biodiversity, disruption of food chain, shrinking growing season -food&forests: deforestation, less trees = less clean oxygen, more storms to damage biomes, food availability reduced and contaminated -costal areas: rising sea levels make less land available, residents experience intense storms, coral reefs dying -industry&society: mass hunger when animals lose habitat, resources become limited, lost jobs due to places closing -human health: forced migration, loss of water and food supplies, illness/death from extreme heat

How is the global climate changing?

-warmer than "normal" -wetter than "normal" -drier than "normal"

What are the top threats to biodiversity?

1. Habitat loss: coral reefs, and forests which are being used for paper and lumber, and being deforested for housing developments and roads. 2. Invasive species: cause problems/impact native species by thriving without predators. And example of this is zebra mussels. They are very small, attached to small services such as pipes, native to Caspian Sea area, made it to West Europe and travel to North America in a ship carrying water. The ship dumped the water in the Great Lakes region. They were introduced in the mid-1980s. They spread very far and wide. They are commonly accidentally transported by humans. Their economic impacts include attaching to services such as buoys that caused ships to sink, motors of boats that are expensive to repair, and pipes which become clogged. Ecological impacts include our competing native organisms for food, animals being covered by them, and huge numbers of them. More examples of invasive species include the Hemlock woolly adelgid, purple loosestrife, kudzu, and the Burmese python. 3. Over hunting: for example, buffalo, bounties on wolves, rhinos, bluefin tuna, and landscape treated plants 4. Pollution: biomagnification, acid rain, water pollution which is indicated by deformed frogs. 5. Climate change: alters environments which fail to adapt. For example, the Baltimore oriole bird has to travel further north in the summer now

What are NASAs two approaches to solutions to climate change?

1. Reducing and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (mitigation). 2. Adapting to the climate change already in the pipeline (adaptation).

Case studies: Shishmaref Village and Kiribati

1. Shishmaref Village -location:, Alaska, US, N. America -place: Arctic, small island, cold/snowy, isolated, ice melting, erosion, not much human development -problem: Ice melting, erosion -solution: relocation (too expensive), renewable energy 2. Kiribati -location: Pacific Ocean -place: tropics, tropical -problem: algae outbreaks, sea level rising, water contamination, relocation out, empty buildings, crops unable to grow, ocean and fish -solution: migration (only for ppl w skill)

What happened to carbon emissions and temperature around the 1950s?

Around 1950, fossil fuel global carbon emissions began to increase at a very fast rate. The temperature increase also began to be more rapid at that time. It was during the great acceleration. Since 1880, the global average temperature increased 1.78°F. There has been a more drastic increase near the northern hemisphere. Over the last 150 years, carbon and temperature have increased with a positive correlation.

What are the predictions of the IPCC and the US Environment Program Press Release?

IPCC- even tiny temperature increases severely alter our planet. We are expected to rise 1.5°C by 2052, and have already rose 1.0°C. At 2.0°C, the arctic ocean ice would completely melt, and all coral reefs would die. US Environment Program Press Release- even with COVID-19, greenhouse gas concentrations are at Record high levels and continue to increase. 410 ppm during the first half of 2020. CO2 omissions in 2020 will fall by 4 to 7% due to COVID-19 confinement policies. They dropped 17% in April due to lock down. The average global temperature between 2016 and 2020 what is the warmest on record, 1.1°C above 1850 to 1900. Between 2016 to 2019, the greatest glacial ice loss occurred as a five-year period since 1950. By 2050, 1.6 billion people will be at flood risk. What are stressed regions will increase. Now, 12% of the world drinks from unsafe sources.

Why is the ocean rising?

Ice caps are melting into the ocean and heat is making the water expand.

Eco ethical dilemma: how can we balance competing interests? (Borneo, Amazon)

Our need to use other organisms as natural resources vs our ethical responsibility to protect them. -location: Island of Borneo -region: SE Asia -physical characteristics: tropical forest (vulnerable to habitat loss), rich biodiversity -values include anthropocentric (natural rubber trees and ecocentric -experiencing deforestation: in 1950, most of the island was covered in trees, but more and more we're lost every decade due to deforestation. It has been re-planted with palm oil trees in many locations. Palm oil plantations with trees are planted in straight rows. This is common not just on the island a Borneo Borneo itself, but all of Indonesia. Palm oil is used in both food and products, so they can sell it. Forest fires there are happening more frequently due to climate change. Orangutans are being relocated to safer areas. -location: the Amazon -region: South America -physical characteristics: The largest tropical forest left, rich biodiversity -ecocentric- nature's oxygen factory -deforestation: land being converted to cattle ranching. -Coral reefs are the rainforest of the ocean with huge diversity. They are experiencing habitat loss

What has happened to the ocean due to global warming?

Sea level in 2018 was 2 to 3 mm higher than 2017. 90% of energy trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the ocean. The ocean heat content in 2018 was the highest on record at that point in time. Absorbing carbon dioxide affects it's PH, causing ocean acidification. PH has decreased in the last 30 years. See ice levels are at an all time low.

How do you calculate the rate of temperature increase?

Temperature change/ time ex. +0.6°C/ 30 years= 0.02°C/year *recently, temperature increase has moved at a much faster rate!

What is global climate change?

The global climate changing very rapidly, including temperature increase and precipitation increasing and decreasing.

Case study: Great Lakes

The number of Great Lakes is five. -8 US states border The great lakes. -Two Canadian provinces border the Great Lakes. -There are six quadrillion gallons of water in the Great Lakes. -The amount of water could cover the lower 48 states 9 feet deep. -The great lakes contain about 20% of the worlds fresh surface water. -There is lots of biodiversity, with 3500 species in a variety of different habitats. -The great lakes were formed by glaciers melting over 10,000 years ago. -The deepest great lake is Lake superior which contains about half of the Great Lakes water. -The great lake with the longest shoreline is Lake Huron. -The shallowest great lake is Lake Erie. -The smallest great lake in terms of area is Lake Ontario. -40 million people live in the region that depends on Great Lakes for drinking water. -There is a slow turnover of water in the Great Lakes, and about less than 1% of the water leaves the system annually. This is significant because pollution builds up as it doesn't filter out. -environmental issues related to the Great Lakes include invasive species, climate change, pollution, habitat loss, harmful algal blooms, and micro plastics. -The drainage basin/watershed entire area affects the water quality. A watershed is also called a drainage basin or catchment. This is the land area that channel surface water runoff from rainfall and snowmelt to a specific plant on a stream or to a water body such as a lake. This is significant for water bodies such as the Great Lakes because there is an inter-connection between all of the activities like farming and pollution within the boundaries of the Great Lakes. Each lake has its own watershed. Things that happen on the land affect the water quality. Edinboro's watershed is the Mississippi River. -The two major sources of pollution are point source pollution and non-point source pollution. Point source solution is direct discharge into water, such as from an effluent pipe into a river or lake. It is easier to control. A non-point source is an indirect discharge into water, such as runoff from agricultural fields, common in urban areas. This is harder to control. Not only do these affect lakes, but they can also affect smaller lakes, rivers, streams, etc. -Lakes are commons. They are used by many, and owned by none. Too much pollution is being put into the commons. -issues in the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie were wake up calls regarding harmful effects of water pollution. The Cuyahoga River is in Ohio and flows into Lake Erie. Toxic soup of industrial chemical and put an agricultural/urban runoff in the 1950s/1960s made it catch on fire several times. The 1952 fire cost $1.3 million in damage. Lake Erie was declared nearly biologically dead in the 1960s/1970s. The fishing industry was affected and bathing beaches closed regularly. -The wake up calls listed above were among the reasons that these two US law and international agreement were passed- The clean water act of 1972 and the Great Lakes water quality agreement of 1972. -The clean water act was a US federal law, with the jurisdiction for the surface waters of the whole US, including Great Lakes. The goal was to protect surface water bodies. Rivers and lakes should be safe to swim and fish, and wetlands should be protected. Early efforts were to reduce point source effects which made lakes and rivers cleaner now. Continued efforts were to reduce nine point sources which are harder to control. -The Great Lakes water quality agreement was an international agreement between US and Canada. The goal was to restore and protect waters of the Great Lakes, the worlds largest freshwater system. It includes a pollution control program, for example, of targets for control such as phosphorus, coliform bacteria, and toxins. It focuses on areas of concern, which are sites that weren't top priority for cleanup efforts. There are a total of 43 areas of concern, 26 in the US, 12 in Canada, and five shared. Presque Isle Bay was delisted after successful restoration efforts. Both of these solutions had amendments made. -The summary of this case study is that water quality has improved, but non-point sources such as air, swimming areas being closed by bacteria, toxins, invasive species, and micro plastics or problems that have not been solved.

Why are they called fossil fuels?

The use of fossil fuels began in the 1850s, and before that it was wood. Fossil fuels are non renewable, and found deep in the ground where fossils are. They are extracted through pumping and mining.