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Liana Mos, MD, PhD Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry West University Vasile Goldis Arad, Romania Department of Internal Medicine
Arad, 28.11.2009
Premises
Climate change of the order and time frames
predicted by climate scientists poses fundamental questions of human security, survival and the stability of nation states which necessitate judgments about political and strategic risks as well as economic cost;
Certain atmospheric gases called greenhouses gases, consisting mostly of carbon dioxide
(CO2), are critical for maintaining this system
Leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions are combustion of fossil fuels: coal, oil, and natural gas. Since pre-industrial times, the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases has increased significantly - CO2 by about 31%, methane by about 150%, and nitrous oxide by about 16% (Watson et al 2001).
probably less. Were now at 386 ppm. Deforestation releases carbon stored in trees, with current annual emissions of CO2 amounting to 23 billion metric tons or about 1% of total CO2 in the atmosphere. To stabilize below 450 ppm CO2 would require that emissions peak by 2010, with a 6 10% annual decline thereafter to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.
Adapted after L. Rudolph, 2008
32,7%
Historically, the earths climate has experienced significant changes over the last 400,000 years, going from very warm to an ice age in as rapidly as a few decades, suggesting that our climate is quite sensitive to internal and external energies and feedback.
This episode of global warming is due to human activity. It began with the Industrial Revolution two centuries ago, and accelerated
over the last 40 years.
Source: IPCC 2007 (4th Assessment)Panel on Climate Change The 2007 report of the Intergovernmental
Water
Ecosystems
Declining food yields Extinction of animal & plant species
Rising intensity of storms, forest fires, droughts, flooding and heat waves
Increasing risk of dangerous feedbacks and abrupt, large-scale shifts in the climate system
Senior citizens, children, and people with respiratory and chronic diseases
are most vulnerable to high levels of ozone and increased allergens
1 (Cal EPA, 2005); 2 (Pacific Institute, 2006) 3 (CA/EPA Air Resources Board); 4 (CA/EPA Air Resources Board, 2004)
The most vulnerable ecological and socioeconomic systems are those with the greatest sensitivity to climate change and the least ability to adapt.
Ecosystems that are already under stress are particularly vulnerable. Socio-economic systems tend to be more vulnerable in developing countries with weaker economies and institutions.
What to Address?
Threatened food security warming could affect
food production and could reduce global food supply; Inundation of coastal areas rise in sea level and increased precipitation put to risk low-lying areas special in small islands; Water shortage in inland areas higher temperatures and intense hydrological cycles heighten effects of drought or dry spells; Health risks climate warming could bring about new breed of disease-bearing organisms, heat waves;
Adaptation
We need to prepare now for the inevitable
effects of climate change Good news: preparing for one type of emergency prepares us for all types of emergencies Preparation minimizes impact of disasters and fear/anxiety
Vulnerability
3. Advocate for healthy policies - Support legislation that reduces GHG emissions
- Support sustainable lifestyles & communities
Transport
Fuel efficiency Hybrids Road to rail Public transport Non-motorized transport
Agriculture
Crop & land management Livestock & manure management Improved N fertilizer use Industry Buildings Energy efficiency Day lighting Heat & power recovery Energy efficiency Energy supply Improved cook stoves Coal to gas Solar heating & cooling Nuclear power * Items in green have health co-benefits! Renewable energy
*The green ones on this list, for example, have health co-benefits. .
Reductions Greenhouse gas emissions Antibiotic use Water pollution (nitrates) Air pollution Soil erosion Unsustainable H2O consumption Pesticide Use
Increases Biodiversity Global food security Protein intake equity Rural community strength
Reductions Ischemic heart disease Obesity Colorectal cancer Breast & prostate cancers Type II Diabetes Antibiotic resistance Respiratory disease Pesticide health effects
Encourage carpooling to
Plenty to be worried about but big chance to play a key role in achieving a global solution, revitalised health promotion and true sustainability!
...It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Nelson Mandela