Universidade Católica de Moçambique

Instituto de Educação a Distancia

Climate change and its effects on development: global and local perspectives.

Bonifacio Joao Dias Cod: 708233620

Docente: Efigenia Raul

Curso: Licenciatura em Ensino de Geografia
Disciplina: Ingles
Ano de frequência: 1º Ano, Turma K

Milange, Setembro de 2023

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Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4

1.1. Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 4

1.1.1. General Objective ........................................................................................................ 4

1.1.2. Specific Objectives ...................................................................................................... 4

1.2. Methodology.................................................................................................................... 4

2. Analysis and Discussing...................................................................................................... 5

2.1. Concept of climate change .................................................................................................. 5

2.2. Causes of climate change .................................................................................................... 5

2.2.1. Human activities ............................................................................................................... 5

2.2.1.1. Greenhouse Gases.......................................................................................................... 6

2.2.1.2. Reflectivity or Absorption of the Sun’s Energy ............................................................ 7

2.2.2. Natural Processes .............................................................................................................. 7

2.2.2.1. Changes in the Earth’s Orbit and Rotation .................................................................... 7

2.2.2.2. Variations in Solar Activity ........................................................................................... 7

2.2.2.3. Changes in the Earth’s Reflectivity ............................................................................... 8

2.2.2.4. Volcanic Activity........................................................................................................... 8

2.2.2.5. Changes in Naturally Occurring Carbon Dioxide Concentrations ................................ 8

2.3. Impacts of climate change ................................................................................................... 9

2.3.1. The Consequences Of Climate Change On The Planet’s Ecosystems ............................. 9

2.3.2. The Consequences Of Climate Change On Society And On The Economy .................... 9

2.3.4. The Consequences of Climate Change On Businesses .................................................. 10

3. Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................................................... 11

3.1. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 11

3.2. Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 12

4. References ......................................................................................................................... 14

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1. Introduction

The present work is part of the discipline of Ingles and has as its theme: Climate change and
its effects on development: global and local perspectives. Climate change refers to long-term
shifts in global or regional climate patterns, primarily attributed to human activities such as
greenhouse gas emissions. It results in various impacts, including rising global temperatures,
extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruptions.

It is widely accepted by the international scientific community that human activities,

particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the primary drivers of climate
change. These activities release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to global warming.

The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world. Some of the key
effects include more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, storms, and flooding. These
events can disrupt ecosystems, threaten food security, damage infrastructure, and pose risks to
human health and well-being.

1.1.Objectives

1.1.1. General Objective

 Know the impacts of climate change and ways to mitigate it.

1.1.2. Specific Objectives

 Define climate change and its main causes.

 Describe different examples of climate change in the global and local contexts

 Show its impact on development (economic and social) and the livelihoods
(contextualize whenever possible).

1.2.Methodology

For the elaboration of the present work, it was based on the bibliographical research method,
which according to Gil (2019), the bibliographical research is elaborated based on already
published materials. With this method, it was possible to collect information from the
bibliography, that is, to acquire theoretical information. The bibliographic consultation, for
the present work, consisted in the identification of texts that served as assumptions for the
foundation of the subject under study.
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2. Analysis and Discussing

2.1. Concept of 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.

NASA’s definition of 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.‖

2.2. Causes of climate change

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have released large amounts of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has changed the earth’s
climate. Natural processes, such as changes in the sun's energy and volcanic eruptions, also
affect the earth's climate. However, they do not explain the warming that we have observed
over the last century ( NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 2020).

2.2.1. Human activities

Recognition of global climate change as an environmental issue has drawn attention to the
climatic impact of human activities. Most of this attention has focused on carbon dioxide
emission via fossil-fuel combustion and deforestation. Human activities also yield releases of
other greenhouse gases, such as methane (from rice cultivation, livestock, landfills, and other
sources) and chlorofluorocarbons (from industrial sources). There is little doubt among
climatologists that these greenhouse gases affect the radiation budget of Earth; the nature and
magnitude of the climatic response are a subject of intense research activity. Paleoclimate
records from tree rings, coral, and ice cores indicate a clear warming trend spanning the entire
20th century and the first decade of the 21st century. In fact, the 20th century was the warmest
of the past 10 centuries, and the decade 2011–20 was the warmest decade since the beginning
of modern instrumental record keeping. Many climatologists have pointed to this warming
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pattern as clear evidence of human-induced climate change resulting from the production of
greenhouse gases.

A second type of human impact, the conversion of vegetation by deforestation, afforestation,

and agriculture, is receiving mounting attention as a further source of climate change. It is
becoming increasingly clear that human impacts on vegetation cover can have local, regional,
and even global effects on climate, due to changes in the sensible and latent heat flux to the
atmosphere and the distribution of energy within the climate system. The extent to which
these factors contribute to recent and ongoing climate change is na important, emerging area
of study.

Human activities have contributed substantially to climate change through:

 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 Reflectivity or Absorption of the Sun’s Energy

2.2.1.1. Greenhouse Gases

Concentrations of the key greenhouse gases have all increased since the Industrial Revolution
due to human activities. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide concentrations are now
more abundant in the earth’s atmosphere than any time in the last 800,000 years (
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 2020). These greenhouse gas emissions have
increased the greenhouse effect and caused the earth’s surface temperature to rise. Burning
fossil fuels changes the climate more than any other human activity.

Carbon dioxide: is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to recent climate change.
Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels, solid waste, trees, and
other biological materials, and as a result of certain chemical reactions, such as cement
manufacturing. Carbon dioxide is absorbed and emitted naturally as part of the carbon cycle,
through plant and animal respiration, volcanic eruptions, and ocean-atmosphere exchange.

Methane: Both natural and human activities produce methane. For example, natural wetlands,
agricultural activities, and fossil fuel extraction and transport all emit methane.

Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide is produced mainly through agricultural activities and natural
biological processes. Fossil fuel burning and industrial processes also create nitrous oxide.

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F-Gases: Chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons,
perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, together called F-gases, are often used in coolants,
foaming agents, fire extinguishers, solvents, pesticides, and aerosol propellants.

2.2.1.2. Reflectivity or Absorption of the Sun’s Energy

Activities such as agriculture, road construction, and deforestation can change the reflectivity
of the earth’s surface, leading to local warming or cooling. This effect is observed in heat
islands, which are urban centers that are warmer than the surrounding, less populated areas.
One reason that these areas are warmer is that buildings, pavement, and roofs tend to reflect
less sunlight than natural surfaces. While deforestation can increase the earth’s reflectivity
globally by replacing dark trees with lighter surfaces such as crops, the net effect of all land-
use changes appears to be a small cooling. (FAHEY et al, 2017).

Emissions of small particles, known as aerosols, into the air can also lead to reflection or
absorption of the sun’s energy. Many types of air pollutants undergo chemical reactions in the
atmosphere to create aerosols. Overall, human-generated aerosols have a net cooling effect on
the earth. Learn more about human-generated and natural aerosols.

2.2.2. Natural Processes

Natural processes are always influencing the earth’s climate and can explain climate changes
prior to the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s. However, recent climate changes cannot be
explained by natural causes alone.

2.2.2.1. Changes in the Earth’s Orbit and Rotation

Changes in the earth’s orbit and its axis of rotation have had a big impact on climate in the
past. For example, the amount of summer sunshine on the Northern Hemisphere, which is
affected by changes in the planet’s orbit, appears to be the primary cause of past cycles of ice
ages, in which the earth has experienced long periods of cold temperatures (ice ages), as well
as shorter interglacial periods (periods between ice ages) of relatively warmer temperatures
(National Academic Science, 2020). At the coldest part of the last glacial period (or ice age),
the average global temperature was about 11°F colder than it is today. At the peak of the last
interglacial period, however, the average global temperature was at most 2°F warmer than it is
today.(FAHEY et al, 2017).

2.2.2.2. Variations in Solar Activity

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Changes in the sun’s energy output can affect the intensity of the sunlight that reaches the
earth’s surface. While these changes can influence the earth’s climate, solar variations have
played little role in the climate changes observed in recent decades Satellites have been
measuring the amount of energy the earth receives from the sun since 1978. These
measurements show no net increase in the sun’s output, even as global surface temperatures
have risen ( National Academic Science, 2020).

2.2.2.3. Changes in the Earth’s Reflectivity

The amount of sunlight that is absorbed or reflected by the planet depends on the earth’s
surface and atmosphere. Dark objects and surfaces, like the ocean, forests, and soil, tend to
absorb more sunlight. Light-colored objects and surfaces, like snow and clouds, tend to reflect
sunlight. About 70 percent of the sunlight that reaches the earth is absorbed (FAHEY, 2017).
Natural changes in the earth’s surface, like the melting of sea ice, have contributed to climate
change in the past, often acting as feedbacks to other processes.

2.2.2.4. Volcanic Activity

Volcanoes have played a noticeable role in climate, and volcanic eruptions released large
quantities of carbon dioxide in the distant past. Some explosive volcano eruptions can throw
particles (e.g., SO2) into the upper atmosphere, where they can reflect enough sunlight back
to space to cool the surface of the planet for several years. (FAHEY, 2017). These particles
are na example of cooling aerosols.

Volcanic particles from a single eruption do not produce long-term climate change because
they remain in the atmosphere for a much shorter time than greenhouse gases. In addition,
human activities emit more than 100 times as much carbon dioxide as volcanoes each year.
(FAHEY, 2017).

2.2.2.5. Changes in Naturally Occurring Carbon Dioxide Concentrations

Over the last several hundred thousand years, carbon dioxide levels varied in tandem with the
glacial cycles. During warm interglacial periods, carbon dioxide levels were higher. During
cool glacial periods, carbon dioxide levels were lower ( National Academic Science, 2020).
The heating or cooling of the earth’s surface and oceans can cause changes in the natural
sources and sinks of these gases, and thus change greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere (IPCC, 2013). These changing concentrations have acted as a positive climate
feedback, amplifying the temperature changes caused by long-term shifts in the earth’s orbit.
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2.3. Impacts of climate change

2.3.1. The Consequences Of Climate Change On The Planet’s Ecosystems

Na increase in temperature due to global warming it’s not only about a heat increase that can
be felt by humans or glacial ice melting – it has the potential to affect the planet’s entire
ecosystem. As we have been watching in many different countries, from the US (California)
to India or South Africa, the weather is getting disruptive. Extreme weather events are more
regular and their patterns are changing – they’re more intensive, aggressive, and with more
energy. This means more storms, floods, cyclones, and droughts will take place over the next
years.

According to the Bambel et al (2019) Global sea level is rising as a consequence of glacial
melt, melt of the Greenland ice sheets and Antarctica, and thermal expansion. Between 1993
and 2020, the rise increased over time, averaging 3.3 ± 0.3 mm per year. Over the 21st
century, the IPCC projects that in a very high emissions scenario the sea level could rise by
61–110 cm. Increased ocean warmth is undermining and threatening to unplug Antarctic
glacier outlets, risking a large melt of the ice the possibility of a 2-meter sea level rise by
2100 under high emissions.

2.3.2. The Consequences Of Climate Change On Society And On The Economy

Furthermore, climate change is already challenging and can further challenge our societies.
With the increase in temperatures in some countries, especially in Equatorial regions, the flow
of climate refugees is changing and increasing, putting pressure in other countries to host
them, help them strive and overcome political barriers.

The effects of climate change are impacting humans everywhere in the world. Impacts can be
observed on all continents and ocean regions, with low-latitude, less developed areas facing
the greatest risk. Continued warming has potentially ―severe, pervasive and irreversible
impacts‖ for people and ecosystems (IPCC, 2019). The risks are unevenly distributed, but are
generally greater for disadvantaged people in developing and developed countries

The reasons for this move have to do with natural resources, such as drinking water, that are
getting more limited and many crops and livestock that are unlikely to survive (affecting
locals but also the global economy of the several industries that rely on raw materials) in
specific locations because of the temperature being too hot or too dry, too cold or too wet.
And as it turns out, studies say that the wealthiest countries of the world will be the ones
9
experiencing fewer changes in their local climate compared to the poorest regions if the
global average surface temperatures reach the between 1.5º and 2º Celsius.

The WHO calls climate change the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century (WHO,
2014) Extreme weather leads to injury and loss of life, and crop failures to malnutrition.
Various infectious diseases are more easily transmitted in a warmer climate, such as dengue
fever and malaria. Young children are the most vulnerable to food shortages. Both children
and older people are vulnerable to extreme heat. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
estimated that between 2030 and 2050, climate change would cause around 250,000
additional deaths per year. They assessed deaths from heat exposure in elderly people,
increases in diarrhea, malaria, dengue, coastal flooding, and childhood mmalnutritionp Over
500,000 more adult deaths are projected yearly by 2050 due to reductions in food availability
and quality. By 2100, 50% to 75% of the global population may face climate conditions that
are life-threatening due to combined effects of extreme heat and humidity.

2.3.4. The Consequences of Climate Change On Businesses

Finally, businesses are also likely to be affected by climate change. Indeed, in a context where
the climate is changing, companies need to be aware of the risks that they may face and be
prepared to deal with them by developing CSR strategies that evaluate the impacts they may
suffer. Events such as damaged crops, the loss of infrastructures, unexpected changes in
market stocks, investors that ask for sustainability reports and the growing expectations of
society for business to be transparent are variables to keep na eye on.

Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and concerted efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable, low-carbon economies. This includes
adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable land
and forest management, and investing in climate adaptation measures.

Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in mitigating climate change
and transitioning to a more sustainable future. This can be achieved through policy changes,
technological advancements, adopting environmentally friendly behavior, and supporting
organizations working towards climate action.

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3. Conclusion and Recommendations

3.1.Conclusion

 Climate change can have significant impacts on the economy, both in the short and
long term. Here are some key ways in which climate change affects the economy:

 Increased costs: Climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires,

can cause extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. The costs of
recovery, rebuilding, and insurance claims can be substantial. Additionally, the need
for emergency response and relief efforts can strain government budgets.

 Decreased agricultural productivity: Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and

extreme weather events can impact crop yields and livestock productivity. This can
lead to food shortages, higher food prices, and income losses for farmers and
agricultural-dependent communities.

 Disruption of supply chains: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can disrupt
transportation networks, including ports, roads, and bridges. These disruptions can
hamper the movement of goods and services, leading to delays, increased costs, and
reduced business efficiency.

 Increased energy costs: As renewable energy sources become more necessary to

combat climate change, the transition from fossil fuels may lead to higher energy costs
in the short term. However, in the long run, renewable energy can bring economic
benefits by reducing reliance on costly and polluting fossil fuels.

 Impact on tourism and recreation: Climate change can affect tourist destinations
through rising sea levels, increased heatwaves, or changing landscapes. This can result
in reduced visitor numbers, decreased tourism revenue, and job losses in the tourism
industry.

 Financial market risks: Climate change can pose financial risks due to physical
impacts (e.g., property damage) and transition risks (e.g., policy changes, technology
shifts). These risks can affect insurance companies, investors, banks, and other
financial institutions.

However, it's important to note that taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change can
also create economic opportunities. The transition to a low-carbon economy can drive
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innovation, create new industries and jobs, and improve resource efficiency. Investing in
renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainable infrastructure can stimulate economic
growth while combating climate change.

Governments, businesses, and individuals have a role in adopting climate-friendly practices

and investing in sustainable solutions to ensure a resilient and prosperous economy in the face
of climate change.

3.2.Recommendations

Preventing further climate change and its impacts requires collective action at various
levels—individual, community, national, and international. Here are some key strategies for
prevention:

 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: The primary cause of climate change is the release
of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. To prevent further warming, we must
significantly reduce these emissions. This includes transitioning to renewable energy
sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation, and
adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

 Enhance energy efficiency: Improving the efficiency of our energy use reduces the
demand for energy and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved
through measures such as using energy-efficient appliances, implementing building
codes for energy efficiency, and promoting energy-saving practices in industries.

 Transition to renewable energy: Shifting away from fossil fuels, which contribute
significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, is crucial. Expanding the use of renewable
energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power can help reduce
emissions and create a more sustainable energy system.

 Promote sustainable land use and forest conservation: Forests act as carbon sinks,
absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Protecting forests, combating
deforestation, and promoting sustainable land management can help reduce emissions
and preserve biodiversity.

 Adopt sustainable practices in industry and agriculture: Encouraging industries to

adopt cleaner and more sustainable production methods, such as reducing waste and
emissions, can have a significant impact. Similarly, promoting sustainable agriculture

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 practices, such as organic farming and precision agriculture, can help reduce emissions
and increase resilience to climate change.

 Enhance resilience and adaptation: While prevention is crucial, it’s also essential to
adapt to the changes that are already occurring. This includes developing
infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, implementing early warning
systems, and supporting vulnerable communities to cope with the impacts.

 International cooperation and policy measures: Addressing climate change requires

global cooperation and coordinated action. International agreements, such as the Paris
Agreement, aim to limit global warming and provide a framework for countries to
work together to reduce emissions and support adaptation efforts.

 Individual actions: Individuals can contribute to prevention efforts by adopting

sustainable lifestyle choices. This includes conserving energy, reducing waste, using
public transportation or carpooling, supporting sustainable businesses, and advocating
for climate-friendly policies.

Preventing climate change requires a multi-faceted approach, involving a combination of

policy changes, technological advancements, and individual actions. By working together, we
can make a significant impact in preventing further climate change and protecting the planet
for current and future generations.

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4. References

Bamber, Jonathan L.; Oppenheimer, Michael; Kopp, Robert E.; Aspinall, Willy P.; Cooke,
Roger M. (2019). Ice sheet contributions to future sea-level rise from structured expert
judgment". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 116 (23): 11195–
11200. Bibcode:2019PNAS..11611195B. doi:10.1073/pnas.1817205116. ISSN 0027-
8424. PMC 6561295. PMID 31110015.

Fahey, D.W., S.J. Doherty, K.A. Hibbard, A. Romanou & P.C. Taylor. (2017). Physical
drivers of climate change. In: Climate science special report: Fourth national climate
assessment, volume I [Wuebbles, D.J., D.W. Fahey, K.A. Hibbard, D.J. Dokken, B.C. Stewart
& T.K. Maycock (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, p. 79.
Doi: 10.7930/J0513WCR

Nasa, & Shaftel (2016). Climate change' and 'global warming' are often used
interchangeably but have distinct meanings. ... Global warming refers to the upward
temperature trend across the entire Earth since the early 20th century ... Climate change
refers to a broad range of global phenomena ...[which] include the increased temperature
trends described by global warming."; Associated Press, 22 September 2015: "The terms
global warming and climate change can be used interchangeably. Climate change is more
accurate scientifically to describe the various effects of greenhouse gases on the world
because it includes extreme weather, storms and changes in rainfall patterns, ocean
acidification and sea level..

National Academy of Sciences. (2020). Climate change: Evidence and causes: Update 2020.
The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, pp. 9–10. Doi: 10.17226/25733

IPCC. (2013). Climate change 2013: The physical science basis. Working Group I
contribution to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
[Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia,
V. Bex & P.M. Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom
and New York, NY, p. 399.

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