...IPCC Status Report on Climate Change Summary Abstract The following is a summary of the IPCC Status Report on Climate Change. The following questions will be answered: is climate change occurring? About which aspects of climate change are we certain? Uncertain? What are the main factors determining climate change today? What is the likelihood that humans have caused these changes and what data supports this conclusion? And finally, what information is not yet available or are we unable to access at this time that may have bearing on the report and our understanding of climate change? The IPCC Status Report on Climate Change Summary for Policymakers is an assessment of the current scientific understanding of the impacts of climate change on natural, managed and human systems; the vulnerability of these systems and their capacity to adapt. The purpose of this report is to set out the findings of the Fourth Assessment of Working Group II of the Intergovernmental panel on climate change that they find to be relevant to those making decisions relating to government policy. The data used to compile the report are largely based on data sets that cover a period from 1970. According to the report, climate change is occurring. Observational evidence, including satellite imaging, from all continents and most oceans shows that many natural systems are being affected by regional climate changes, particularly temperature increases. Examples of natural systems affected include, but...
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...Climate change as defined by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) refers to “change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer” (IPCC 2013). The IPCC refers to any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity and further notes three independent/interlinked causes of climate change: a) natural internal processes, b) external forces and/or c) continuous anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates the five year period,...
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...Southern Africa Regional Office Lusaka, Zambia Report Climate Change in Zambia: Opportunities for Adaptation and Mitigation through Africa Bio-Carbon Initiative By Samuel Mulenga Bwalya Peaks Environmental Management Consultants P.O Box 32632 Lusaka, Zambia January, 2010 Table of Contents Contents Page Table of Contents................................................................................................................. i List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... ii List of acronyms ................................................................................................................ iii Acknowledgements............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ v 1. Introduction................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Objectives of the study........................................................................................ 1 1.2 Approaches and methodology............................................................................. 2 2. Climate variability and impacts .................................................................................. 2 2.1 Climate variability trends.................................
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...warming is a gradual increase in temperature of Earth’s surface, oceans and atmosphere. Scientists have documented and accepted the global warming as fact since 1800s. According to the lasted (January 2014) analysis from NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), Earth’s average temperature has risen by 0.8 degrees Celsius (1.4 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1980. Temperatures are predicted to rise another 1.133 to 6.42 degrees Celsius (2 to 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit) over the next 100 years. These statistics of temperature change are based on many independent scientific analyses from observations of the climate system. The scientists have used the direct measurements and remote sensing from satellites and other platform for observations of the climate systems. They provide a word-wide view of the variability and long-term in the land surface, the ocean, the cryoshpere, and the atmosphere. They have shown many persuasive evidences for rapid climate change, such as sea level rise, global temperature rise,...
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...Green climate fund frauds and corruption 1.0 Introduction Climate change especially global warming has been a heated issue these years. There are more and more countries, organizations and people caring about the global climate. And there are more and more organizations and fuds whose purpose is related to climate emerging, in order to counter climate change. In 2010, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set up the Green Climate Fund at the Conference of the Parties 16. The purpose of the Green Climate Fund is to provide help and support for developing countries to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas. However there are many disputes about the Green Climate Fund also, one of which is that the Green Climate Fund exists risks of fraud and corruption. The purpose of this report is to have a better understanding of Green Climate Fund fraud and corruption by analyzing the factors causing fraud and corruption and the measures to eliminate fraud and corruption. This report consists of four sections. The first section is the brief introduction of Green Climate Fund. The second section is the analysis of Green Climate Fund fraud and corruption. The third section is how to prevent this kind of fraud and corruption. And the last section is the conclusion. 2.0 The factors causing Green Climate Fraud and corruption At the Conference of Parties 16 in 2010, decision 1/CP. 16 established the Green Climate Fund. The Green Climate Fund as an operating...
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...AGRICULTURE TO CLIMATE CHANGE- A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE UTILISATION OF THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL REGIONS A Review For Policy Makers J S Phiri, E Moonga, O Mwangase, G Chipeta 05-04-13 Climate Change, Agriculture and Agro-Eco Regions of Zambia, A Review. ZaAS Page 1 Foreword The Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS) was established for a purpose of “Promoting Excellence in Scientific and Technical Endeavours” in Zambia. I am glad to see that as a young academy, we are on the right path towards fulfilling our objectives and especially our role of advancing the cause of science and technology. I would like to reiterate that ZaAS is ready and willing to contribute, as scientists in the sustainable development of our country as we strongly believe that Zambia can truly develop only through advancement in science and technology. This Policy Brief is in line with the aspirations of the Constitution of the Academy and specifically Articles 4 and 5 that empowers the Academy to initiate studies or can be requested by stakeholders including Government or persons to undertake such research for purposes of scientific advice, guidance or for purposes of advancing science and technology in Zambia. It is in recognising this important role that the first Policy Brief addresses climate change and food security. Climate change is a challenge universally considered the single most threatening situation facing mankind today since time immemorial. This Policy Brief tackles impacts of climate change on agriculture...
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...This article was downloaded by: [Texas A&M University-Commerce] On: 05 January 2015, At: 16:08 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Geopolitics Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/fgeo20 Rethinking Climate Change, Conflict and Security Jan Selby & Clemens Hoffmann a a b Department of International Relations, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK b Department of International Relations, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey Published online: 30 Oct 2014. Click for updates To cite this article: Jan Selby & Clemens Hoffmann (2014) Rethinking Climate Change, Conflict and Security, Geopolitics, 19:4, 747-756, DOI: 10.1080/14650045.2014.964866 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14650045.2014.964866 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon...
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...Current Event Review – Climate Change in the North Summary of Event and Background Canadian North is the forefront of the climate change and its effect can be seen very evidently on the daily basis. Warmer temperatures have led to changes in shifting tree line, major impact on several species especially caribou population; other wildlife species foreign to this area moving further north from the south like cougar and whitetail deer. North is also facing problems with territory’s winter road network for example due to the reduced thickness of ice roads, Diavik Diamond Mine in Northern Canada were forced to fly in fuel rather than try to transporting it – costed extra $11.25 million. Melting of permafrost is another concern as it’s affecting the buildings and housing, leading to changes in building techniques. It also causes methane to release which is another greenhouse gas that adds to the mix of warming agents heating our planet. Climate change is also effecting water world as certain fish species are disappearing. Even though, it is very small contributor to CO2 emission, the territory is dependent on international and national actions to and is at mercy from outside to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to briefing document prepared for Prime Minister Trudeau, it states that average temperature has increased 1.6 degree Celsius which is almost twice as much since 1948. If we look at Canadian North, the temperature has risen by about 3 times the global average –...
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...1 Introduction According to the Third Assessment Report of IPCC, South Asia is the most vulnerable region of the world to climate change impacts (McCarthy et al., 2001). The international community also recognizes that Bangladesh ranks high in the list of most vulnerable countries on earth. Bangladesh’s high vulnerability to climate change is due to a number of hydro-geological and socio-economic factors that include: its geographical location in South Asia; its flat deltaic topography with very low elevation; its extreme climate variability that is governed by monsoon and which results in acute water distribution over space and time; its high population density and poverty incidence; and its majority of population being dependent on crop agriculture which is highly influenced by climate variability and change. Despite the recent strides towards achieving sustainable development, Bangladesh’s potential to sustain its development is faced with significant challenges posed by climate change (Ahmed and Haque, 2002). It is therefore of utmost importance to understand its vulnerability in terms of population and sectors at risk and its potential for adaptation to climate change. Increased climate variability means additional threats to drought-prone environments and is considered a major crop production risk factor. The impact of climate variability and change on agricultural production is a global concern. However, the impact is particularly important in Bangladesh...
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...SCORECARD Nestle (2011-12 Score) 12/13/11 YOUR HIGHEST SCORE POSSIBLE YOUR HIGHEST SCORE POSSIBLE REVIEW 1 0 No 1-5 Yes, partial inventory only reviewing some of the company's emission sources (examples include: offices, retail, manufacturing/production, distribution.) Assess the completeness of the inventory based on business type: 1 one major source 2 two major sources 3 three or more major sources 4 Yes, almost comprehensive inventory, one major missing source that should have been included 5 Yes, comprehensive inventory 2 Rough calculations or standard protocol/calculator? 3 3 Greenhouse gas emissions inventory completed? 4 5 4 0 Only accounting for direct and facility energy use emissions 1 Including emissions from one indirect source 2-4 Including emissions from multiple indirect sources, one point per indirect source 5 Are indirect emissions accounted for? (e.g., supply chain, travel, commuting, use/disposal of products/services, investment portfolio) 2 4 Is there external, qualified third party verification of emissions data, reductions, and reporting? (where applicable) 0 1 2 3 2 4 1 Rough, partial calculations 2 Generalized, but complete calculations (estimates, perhaps using a general calculator) 3 Full calculations using a standard protocol/methodology (e.g., WRI) No Yes, verification by a trade association Yes, verification by a qualified, external consultant working on company's inventory Yes, verification by...
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...Climate Change and How the Media Portrays It The average educated person would define climate change as the average weather changing or global warming. It is patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and seasons. Climate is what makes up all natural ecosystems and is what helps sustain these ecosystems. The climate change today is changing the world. It’s affecting the natural ecosystems negatively. This is because climate is tied to almost everything. The change in climate will change the way people, animals, and plants have to survive. For example, a change in the usual timing of rains or temperatures can affect when plants bloom, when certain bugs hatch, or when streams are at their highest level. This can affect pollination of crops, food for migrating birds, spawning of fish, water supplies for drinking, forest health, and much more. Many people mistake global warming and climate change to be the same thing. Although they are very similar, global warming is what causes climate change. Global warming is the rising of global temperature and ocean temperature. This is what causes the climate change events listed above. Global warming is a global event while climate change is a more regional change in the atmosphere. There are many people who think climate change is not happening. The National Academy of Science has studied climate change and confirmed that it is real and humans are causing it. According to the Climate Impacts Group at the University...
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...found. Though natural amounts of CO2 have varied from 180 to 300 parts per million (ppm), today's CO2 levels are around 400 ppm. That's 40% more than the highest natural levels over the past 800,000 years, said by researchers. In another research by the (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) IPCC in 2013, they announced the earth will get hotter over the next century. The IPCC's full and final findings on the state of the planet’s climate have been stated that limiting climate change will require ‘substantial and sustained’ reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Kind of like what the last report I found was talking about. It says that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, already at levels not seen in at least 800,000 years, will persist for many centuries and ‘continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system’. The IPPC report revealed that it is 'extremely likely' that human activity is the dominant cause for global warming. It claims a rise in temperature in the Northern Hemisphere will cause snow cover to decrease by 25 per cent by the end of the 21st century. Which is the age in time were in now. But the report failed to convincingly explain why the rise in global average surface temperatures had largely 'paused' over the past two decades. But it concedes that world temperatures have barely risen in the past 15 years, despite growing amounts of greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere...
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...1. Introduction Over the last century, climate change has become one of the greatest threats facing the world. There is overwhelming scientific consensus that the increasing global temperature and the variable weather condition are closely related to the increase of greenhouse gases. In order to tackle the issue of climate change effectively, the Kyoto Protocol has been established. However, the rate of climate change is beyond prediction and the adverse impacts of climate change are increasingly serious. Besides, the debate about the main cause of climate change is significant. As the main driver of climate change is difficult to identify, countries face the challenge to formulate practical strategies to reduce greenhouse gases. This report will define climate change and explore what is the main driver of climate change as well as focus on climate change response strategies in Kenya. 2. Definition of Climate Change Climate change is characterized as observed increase in global average temperature of the earth. Climate is totally different from weather. Weather is the state of atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, wind and rain (CCIR-NYC 2005, p. 1). However, climate is a region’s weather patterns in a relatively long period (CCIR-NYC 2005, p. 1). The CCIR-NYC (2005, p. 1) claims that the variations of the state of climate on space and time are the dominant features of climate change. It is reported that global average temperature has...
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...Redeat Abegaz Week 4 Response ENVS0110 This week’s readings had the common theme of global climate change. All of these sources encompassed different aspects of climate change. John Houghton’s “The Greenhouse Effect” was more factual and scientific. S. Goerge Philander’s “The Ozone Hole, A Cautionary Tale” was informational too, however, the piece also discussed global reactions to the rapid climate change. Thomas R. Karl and Kevin E. TrenBerth’s “Modern Global Climate Change”, focused on the intensity of anthropogenic influences of climate change and the dismal projection of the future. In “Stabilization Wedges: Solving the Climate Problem for the Next Fifty Years With Current Technologies”, Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow went in a different direction and presented a positive outlook on the improvement of the Earth’s current environmental state and introduced the idea of stabilization wedges. Lastly, the IPCC 2014 Summary report is a report that focused on looking at how nations can act to limit climate change. In the rest of this response, I will provide a synopsis of the goals and themes that were displayed in each of the readings. Finally, I will reflect on any questions or concerns the readings have evoked in me. In “The Greenhouse Effect”, John Houghton presents a detailed description of the Greenhouse Effect how the earth keeps warm. Houghton begins by discussing how thermal radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface is completely reliant on temperature. There...
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...Methane and are created in one of two ways. The first way is, through natural cycles, for instance, CO2 is released through animal respiration or plant photosynthesis. The alternative greenhouse gas production comes from man’s use of different fuels and products; this can lead to anthropogenic climate changes. Anthropogenic Climate Changes are changes in the atmosphere brought on by human activity, and there is evidence of these kinds of changes all over. By studying the size of the polar ice caps we can see that they are shrinking and this may be due to a warmer atmosphere temperature brought on by none other than an anthropogenic climate change. An IPCC report from 2007 showing levels of some of the greenhouse gases also shows that the levels of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere has skyrocketed since the post-industrial era, this can only be attributed to man-made machines that have come to rise. So how does human activity attribute to the climate rise? Greenhouse gases are natural occurring gases that hold in some of the heat energy that comes from the sun and bounce off of the earths’ surface; it’s not that these gases are bad in nature, we actually depend on them to keep the climate of our earth at a sustainable temperature, with that being said though, they are only positive for our atmosphere in moderation. In nature the gases such as CO2, Nitrous Oxide and...
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