Environmental Conservation
Environmental Conservation
2023-2024
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
1 Certificate 3
2 Acknowledgement 4
3 Introduction 5
4 Proof 6
6 Interview 11
8 Report 16
9 Bibliography 18
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CERTIFICATE:
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Signature of student:
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INTRODUCTION:
Objectives:
Day 5: The finalized information was altered and a rough copy was made.
Day 6: The rough copy was submitted to our teacher. Our teacher checked
Day 7: After making the necessary changes, the final version of the project
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PROOF:
SUMMARY ON “THE CLIMATE BOOK”
BY GRETA THUNBERG:
“Waiting for some other person, or some other time, is no longer
an option.”
‘The Climate Book’ really is the one-stop shop for all climate
issues. There are contributions from over 100 global experts in
their fields, some of which are summaries of their own books,
but which address the latest position on the climate crisis and
what needs to be done to avert the worst of the climate
disasters. Thunberg sets out her aim for the book- that the
knowledge from the range of experts will help each reader on
their own journey of climate education, ‘The idea behind this
book, is that, taken together, their knowledge in their respective
areas of expertise will lead you to a point where you can start to
connect the dots yourself.’
How it is structured
The book is helpfully color-coded throughout, with Thunberg’s own words contained as
introductions to the main chapter headings, before she gives way to the scientists and
experts.
Thunberg breaks down the climate issues into a holistic chronological approach,
outlining for a general audience the basics of how climate works, before moving on to
how our planet is changing. Thunberg then focuses on how the changing planet affects
us, outlines what we as a species have done about this impact, and then concludes with
a strong message on what needs to be done now. The climate stripes, pioneered by Ed
Hawkins, are used at the start of each chapter, as a visual representation of our
progress and an alignment of what stage we are at now.
‘The climate and ecological crisis are the greatest threat that humanity has ever faced.’
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The opening chapters to ‘The Climate Book’ are deliberately stark and blunt, as
Thunberg is famous for ‘telling it as it is’- indeed, this is the charge that gives to her
readers. She states, ‘When it comes to the climate and ecological crisis, we have solid
unequivocal scientific evidence of the need for change…That ship has sailed. The
science is as solid as it gets.’ She then suggests that what is needed is for scientists to
speak a different language, ‘What largely remain is tactics. How to package, frame and
convey the information. How disruptive do scientists dare to be?’
She lays out the facts and then offers simple choices. She dismisses despair and
‘doomerism’ and instead focuses on the positives of action. ‘And there is no time for
despair; it is never too late to start saving as much as we can possibly save.’ She
reminds us that the debt we owe to the past is also owed to the future, but that we
should be grateful that we are alive now, so that we can be part of the greatest
movement for change in humanity’s history. Thunberg argues that ‘We need a whole
new way of thinking’ as a main priority to wake people up from a deeply flawed system.
Yet, the climate clock is only getting louder and louder, as the sands of time disappear
and the window narrows for options, leaving only the truly desperate measures left
available. ‘All geoengineering schemes are attempts to manipulate the Earth with the
same domineering mindset that got us into the climate crisis in the first place.’ Niclas
Hällström, Jennie C Stephens and Isak Stoddard.
Thunberg argues that this collision course of time and action must be met bravely and
advocates for systemic change, ‘Our safety as a species is on a collision course with
our current system.’
An unprecedented time
Perhaps this book comes at the perfect time then, to remind us that not everyone needs
to be convinced of the need for climate action, nor perhaps that everyone could be
convinced of the need. Instead of wasting time trying to win over the remaining
‘dismissives’ and ‘delayers’, perhaps an awakening and activation of social behaviour is
what we need. Thunberg herself comments that ‘We as individuals should use our
voices, and whatever platforms we have, to become activists and communicate the
urgency of the situation to those around us. We should all become active citizens and
hold the people in power accountable for their actions and inactions.’ Thunberg also
reminds us of the stark warning from the IPCC that ‘limiting global warming to 1.5°C will
require rapid, far reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society.’
The idea of better climate communication, especially in the face of an unwilling media
and fossil fuel interests, is a solution that is returned to many times in the ‘The Climate
Book’. There is perhaps quite a shocking statement from George Monbiot that, ‘If you
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were to ask me which industry is most responsible for the destruction of life on Earth, I
would say the media.’ Thunberg is typically blunter, ‘We have been lied to.’ Although this
is more in reference to the fossil fuel industry which knew about the impact of their
actions, but which choose short-term capitalistic growth, over planetary interests.
‘This is not the ‘new normal’- this is only the very beginning of a changing climate’
‘The Climate Book’ focuses heavily on the science. There are over 80 articles from
leading scientists, experts and community leaders, with most articles being a
manageable 3 or 4 pages only. Almost every page and article has a quotable message
that sums up a narrative that has been allowed to continue for too long.
Thunberg herself comments, ‘We are all in the same storm, but we are definitely not in
the same boat.’ She continues, ‘But the climate is not just changing. It is destabilizing. It
is breaking down.’ This is supported by the argument from Dr Friederike Otto, who has a
similar blunt style to that of Thunberg. ‘Today, those of us who are not completely
delusional have realized that climate change is not something happening somewhere
else, at some point in the future, but a phenomenon that is killing people here and now.’
As you would expect, there are repeated messages in the book: humanity’s reliance and
dependence on fossil fuels has to stop, holistic solutions are best, and the evidence that
humanity can change quickly in the face of global emergencies.
‘We need to take immediate action. First and foremost, we must immediately and
drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’ Jennifer L. Soong
‘We must immediately stop extracting fossil fuel from reserves in the Arctic’ Örjan
Gustafsson
‘The climate crisis is upon us, powered by our addiction to fossil fuels.’ Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus
‘And still, instead of taking steps to overcome our fossil fuel dependency, we are
deepening it,’ Thunberg
The other repeated message in the book, is that holistic solutions are needed to face a
multi-faceted problem of the climate crisis- that there is no one silver bullet that can be
used quickly to solve and perhaps absolve governments and companies from years of
inaction. The equality of climate justice and the acceptance that ‘loss and damages’ is a
requirement and not just a political phrase is argued strongly. As Saleemul Huq says
‘Loss and damages’ is also a diplomatically negotiated euphemism for something we’re
not allowed to talk about: ’liability and compensation.’ Finally, the principle that the
polluter must pay echoes throughout the text and is given space and time by Thunberg.
What we can learn from recent global emergencies such as COVID, is that humanity has
demonstrably acted in self-preservation before, be that during world wars, managing the
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hole in the ozone, or in the face of global pandemics. As Seth Klein argues convincingly
in the book, better communication can lead to better outcomes.
Thunberg concludes ‘The Climate Book’ by heading straight into the imagery and
language of ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still’, both the original and the remake. The iconic
1951 film concludes with the words, ‘this Earth of yours will be reduced to a burned-out
cinder. Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course
and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The decision rests with you.’
The remake in 2008, uses similar language about the human species reaching their
adaption point. ‘You say we’re on the brink of destruction and you’re right. But it’s only
on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This
is our moment.’
Thunberg finishes using a similar metaphor to that of film fiction, ‘There is still time to
undo our mistakes, to step back from the edge of the cliff and choose a new path, a
sustainable path, a just path. A path which leads to a future for everyone. And no matter
how dark things may become, giving up will never be an option. Because every fraction
of a degree and every tonne of carbon dioxide will always matter. It will never be too late
for us to save as much as we can possibly save.’
Correctly, the final word should not go to Thunberg, indeed she advocates against that
herself.
George Monbiot calls up the cultural imagery and reference to the public awareness,
boosted by Rachel Carson when he states,‘We can replace our silent spring with a
raucous summer.’
Perhaps what is required, expected and demanded of each individual now, is that they
renew their view of the relationship with nature and realise that there is no planet B and
that our environment is worth fighting for.
‘Do not gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.’ -Dylan
Thomas
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ABOUT THE INTERVIEWEE:
GRETA THUNBERG
Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg, born in January 3, 2003
is a Swedish environmental activist known for challenging world
leaders to take immediate action for climate change mitigation.
Shortly after Thunberg's first school strike for the climate protest, other students
engaged in similar protests in their communities. They then united and organized the
school strike for climate movement under the banner of Fridays for Future. After
Thunberg addressed the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference, weekly
student climate strike protests took place on Fridays around the world. In 2019, multiple
coordinated multi-city protests involved over a million students each. To avoid carbon-
intensive flying, Thunberg sailed on a carbon-free yacht from Plymouth, England, to New
York City where she attended and addressed the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit. In
her speech, Thunberg scolded the world's leaders by exclaiming "How dare you" in
reference to their perceived indifference and inaction to the climate crisis. Her
admonishment made worldwide headlines. Thunberg graduated from high school in
June 2023; her protest tactics have since escalated, leading to her being arrested and
convicted multiple times.
Thunberg's rise to world fame made her a leader in the climate activist community. She
was also heavily criticized, much of it mocking her as a naïve teenager. Thunberg's
influence on the world stage has been described by The Guardian and other media
outlets as the "Greta effect". She has received numerous honors and awards, including
an honorary Fellowship of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, inclusion in Time's
100 most influential people, being the youngest Time Person of the Year, inclusion in
the Forbes list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women (2019), and multiple
nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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THE INTERVIEW:
(this is a part of the interview took place at The Channel 4 News on October 30th
2022)
INTERVIEWER: what is the thinking behind this book? what are you hoping it will
achieve?
GRETA THUNBERG: um I hope that this book can be both a kind of go-to source for
getting information about the climate crisis and what to do next
but I also hope that it's uh going to be some kind of call to action
because I believe that once we have the information we need
once we fully understand the climate crisis that we will know
what to do and then people will want to take action.
INTERVIEWER: and yet it paints a very Bleak picture of how things are, I mean if you
were to sum up where you think the world is in terms of climate now
what would you say?
INTERVIEWER: and yet you've been telling it like it is with real power for the last
couple of years and all the evidence suggests we're still going in
the wrong direction their port from the UN just this week
suggesting that the target of 1.5 may be dead already
GRETA THUNBERG: uh - I mean - I don't think it's uh that is the fault of the climate
movement uh I think that right now we are very in general people
are very unaware of the crisis that is happening
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GRETA THUNBERG: I mean it's like people know that something is wrong but they
don't know really how wrong it is and they don't know exactly
what it means and we all know that the plant is warming
because of increased anthropogenic greenhouse gases and
that may lead to more extreme weather events in the future but
we don't really know what that means in terms of human
suffering we don't really know what that means in the long run.
But the worst part is that we don't even understand.
INTERVIEWER: it's not the fault of the climate movement the environmental
movement but I just wonder do you tear your hair out in frustration
at how you have been talking very vocally across a global stage for
a number of years now yeah and yet the statistics show this move
in the wrong direction
GRETA THUNBERG: I mean I'm already I'm only 19 and I don't already feel like a
broken record repeating the same message over and over
again, um but that's unfortunately is the role of activists to
continue saying the same things over and over again until
people listen until what we are actually saying is being taken
into account um into full consideration even its if it's very
uncomfortable and of course, it might feel like it's hopeless
sometimes but we have to keep going either way because
giving up is simply not an option
INTERVIEWER: I mean one of the depressing things is that timeline you know not
that none of this is new it talks about pledges made long before you
were born back in 1992 pledges unmet endless conferences cops more
new pledges more unmet pledges how do you keep hope?
GRETA THUNBERG: I think that hope is a verb, I think that hope is something you do
and that you need to earn. I don't think that hope is something that
we should expect being given to us passively by not doing
anything it seems like people are so obsessed with asking is their
hope is hope because otherwise we won't be able to do anything
when it's exactly the opposite when we actually do something we
will create the hope that we need
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INTERVIEWER: I mean you look at ‘Say cop’ you know we're a week away from the
next ‘cop climate’ crisis conference in Egypt last year the one that was
hosted here you called it the global North Green washing Festival you
know the fact that it's finally being held on the African continent where
they are arguably facing the direct consequences of climate change
right now sometimes in the most terrible way do you think the fact
they're hosting in Egypt means that it will be a better conference means
it will achieve more?
GRETA THUNBERG: There are many layers to that of course it could be a way for
example the issues of loss of damage funding to get more attention but
also, we have to remember that Egypt is a nation which violates many
of the basic human rights and they are political prisoners um extra. So…
there are many layers to that
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND CONSERVATION:
Climate change and conservation are intricately connected, as climate change poses a
significant threat to the world's ecosystems and biodiversity, making conservation efforts
more crucial than ever. Climate change, driven by human activities such as the burning of
fossil fuels and deforestation, has resulted in a range of environmental impacts, including
rising global temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and sea-level rise.
One of the foremost concerns in this context is the effect of climate change on wildlife
and natural habitats. Many species are experiencing altered migration patterns, changes
in breeding and feeding behaviors, and habitat loss due to temperature fluctuations and
the disruption of ecosystems. Conservationists must adapt their strategies to address
these challenges. Some of the key aspects of this relationship between climate change
and conservation include:
Habitat Preservation:
As climate change forces habitats to shift, conservation efforts need to focus on
preserving and protecting these critical areas. This may involve establishing new
protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, or implementing managed relocation
strategies to assist species in adapting to new environments.
Vulnerable Species:
Climate change disproportionately affects species already at risk of extinction.
Conservationists must prioritize efforts to protect and restore the habitats of these
vulnerable species and develop strategies to help them adapt to changing conditions,
which may include captive breeding programs and habitat restoration.
Invasive Species:
Climate change can alter ecosystems, creating opportunities for invasive species to
thrive. Conservation strategies must include efforts to monitor and control the spread of
invasive species that threaten native biodiversity.
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Ecosystem Services:
Conservation efforts play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem services that are
essential for human well-being. Healthy ecosystems provide clean water, pollination, and
carbon sequestration, all of which help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Conservation measures can enhance these ecosystem services.
Sustainable Practices:
Climate change mitigation and conservation go hand in hand. Sustainable land use,
responsible resource management, and the promotion of renewable energy sources all
contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources.
Adaptive Conservation:
Climate change is a dynamic and evolving challenge. Conservation strategies need to be
adaptive, able to respond to changing conditions and incorporate the latest scientific
knowledge and technological advancements.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, climate change and conservation are inextricably linked. Addressing the
impacts of climate change is essential to safeguarding our planet's biodiversity and
natural ecosystems. Conservation efforts play a critical role in mitigating the harm
caused by climate change and helping ecosystems adapt to new conditions.
Collaboration between conservationists, governments, and the public is key to preserving
the planet's natural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for all living organisms.
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REPORT:
The intricate relationship between climate change and conservation is at the forefront of
today's global environmental challenges, and the profound implications of this dynamic
interplay warrant a comprehensive understanding. Greta Thunberg's book, "Climate
Book," serves as an enlightening guide to navigate this complex web of issues,
underscoring the urgency of addressing the pressing climate crisis alongside a robust
commitment to conservation.
Climate change is unequivocally a result of human activities, most notably the relentless
combustion of fossil fuels, rampant deforestation, and industrial processes that release
significant quantities of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the
atmosphere. These gases work as a thermal blanket, trapping heat from the sun and
giving rise to global warming, which subsequently triggers a cascade of detrimental
environmental impacts. Rising global temperatures are among the most visible
consequences of climate change, with heatwaves, extreme weather events, and altered
weather patterns becoming increasingly common. Additionally, the melting of polar ice
caps and glaciers, driven by rising temperatures, has contributed to the steadily
encroaching sea-level rise, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
One of the central concerns in this relationship between climate change and
conservation is the impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Climate change necessitates
that conservation efforts adapt to the swiftly changing environmental landscape. The
shifting of habitats due to climate-driven disruptions poses a significant challenge,
particularly for species that have evolved to thrive in stable and predictable
environments. Conservationists are faced with the critical task of preserving and
protecting these areas, as habitat loss remains one of the primary outcomes of
unsustainable human activities. Greta Thunberg's work poignantly underscores the
significance of recognizing and addressing the devastating consequences of habitat
destruction.
Furthermore, climate change exacerbates the vulnerability of species that were already
on the precipice of extinction. Conservationists must now prioritize efforts aimed at
protecting and restoring the habitats of these endangered species. The urgency of this
task is further emphasized by Greta Thunberg, who powerfully highlights the necessity of
protecting these vulnerable species, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life
forms on Earth. In her call to action, she emphasizes that protecting these species is not
just a matter of preserving biodiversity; it's a matter of safeguarding the intricate web of
life upon which humanity ultimately depends.
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In addition to the conservation of endangered species, the proliferation of invasive
species becomes an alarming concern. As climate change modifies ecosystems, it
creates opportunities for invasive species to thrive, posing a dire threat to native
biodiversity. Conservation strategies now include the vigilant monitoring and robust
control of these invasive species, a task that aligns with the broader aim of maintaining
the integrity of ecosystems in the face of climate change.
Conservationists also play a pivotal role in sustaining critical ecosystem services that are
fundamental to human well-being. These services, encompassing clean water,
pollination, and carbon sequestration, are essential for mitigating the impacts of climate
change. Conservation measures can enhance these services, reinforcing their role as
vital components of our overall response to climate change.
Sustainable practices form yet another crucial link between climate change mitigation
and conservation. It's imperative that we transition toward sustainable land use,
responsible resource management, and the widespread adoption of renewable energy
sources. These practices not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but
also conserve natural resources, demonstrating that climate change mitigation and
conservation are fundamentally interconnected efforts.
The role of education and advocacy in driving conservation efforts cannot be overstated.
Public awareness and support are essential components of the battle against climate
change and the preservation of ecosystems. Climate activists like Greta Thunberg have
played a pivotal role in elevating public consciousness about the climate crisis,
generating a global movement for change and invigorating advocacy for conservation.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
(website: https://youtu.be/YXezjC_s2Vw)
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