Scribd
Upload
8 views18 pages

Chapter 1

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, and poses significant challenges to the environment, economy, and society. Key terminologies include impact, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation, which are essential for understanding the effects of climate change on various systems. Future projections indicate temperature rise, irregular rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise, necessitating a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies for effective response.

Uploaded by

surya
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views18 pages

Chapter 1

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, and poses significant challenges to the environment, economy, and society. Key terminologies include impact, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation, which are essential for understanding the effects of climate change on various systems. Future projections indicate temperature rise, irregular rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise, necessitating a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies for effective response.

Uploaded by

surya
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE AND IMPACTS

Climate change = long-term change in


temperature & weather patterns
Driven mainly by greenhouse gas emissions
Recognized globally by IPCC
Major challenge for environment, economy, and
society
KEY TERMINOLOGIES

Impact: Effects of climate change on systems


Vulnerability: Degree of susceptibility to harm
Adaptation: Adjusting systems to reduce damage
Mal-adaptation: Actions that increase
vulnerability
👉 Example: Poor irrigation planning increasing
drought risk
KEY TERMINOLOGY

•Coping: Short-term survival strategies


•Resilience: Ability to recover after shock
•Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas
emissions
•Risk: Probability of harmful consequences
KEY TERMINOLOGY

•Hazard: Potential damaging event (flood,


drought)
•Shock: Sudden extreme event
•Variability: Short-term climate fluctuations
•Trend: Long-term climate change pattern
KEY TERMINOLOGY

Exposure: Degree to which a system is


exposed
Sensitivity: How strongly a system reacts
Adaptive Capacity: Ability to adjust to climate
change
👉 Formula concept:
Vulnerability = Exposure + Sensitivity –
Adaptive Capacity
CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIO

•Based on scientific models (IPCC scenarios)


•Future projections include:
•Temperature rise
•Rainfall changes
•Sea-level rise
TEMPERATURE CHANGES

Increase in Land Surface Temperature


Increase in Sea Surface Temperature
Leads to:
Heatwaves
Glacier melting
Ecosystem changes
RAIN FALL VARIATION

•Irregular rainfall patterns


•Increased:
•Floods
•Droughts
•Impact on agriculture & water
supply
RAIN FALL VARIATION

•Irregular rainfall patterns


•Increased:
•Floods
•Droughts
•Impact on agriculture & water supply
ICE MELTING & SEA-LEVEL RISE

Melting of glaciers (Himalayas critical for Nepal)


Rising sea levels affect coastal regions
Linked to global warming
IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE

Reduced crop yield


Pest and disease increase
Changing growing seasons
👉 Important for Nepal’s economy
IMPACT ON FOREST

Biodiversity loss
Forest fires increase
Species migration
IMPACT ON INFRASTRUCTURE

Damage from floods & landslides


Increased maintenance cost
Risk to roads, bridges, buildings
IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES

Glacier-fed rivers affected


Water scarcity in dry seasons
Flood risk in monsoon
KEY RESPONSE MEASURES

 1. Mitigation
 Reduce emissions
 Renewable energy
 Energy efficiency
 2. Adaptation
 Climate-resilient agriculture
 Disaster preparedness
 Water management
INTERNATIONAL DEBATE & NEGOTIATIONS

Climate change is a global political issue


Major agreements:
Paris Agreement
UNFCCC
CLIMATE CHANGE AS ECONOMIC ISSUE

Carbon markets
Climate finance
Developed vs developing country debate
👉 Nepal’s opportunity in carbon trading
WAY FORWARD

Climate change affects all sectors


Understanding key terms is essential
Combination of mitigation & adaptation needed
Global cooperation is critical

You might also like