NORTH SOUTH UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT

COURSE CODE: ENV107

SECTION: 4

SUBMITTED TO:
Qumruzzaman Mridha
Lecturer
North South University

SUBMITTED BY:

NAME ID

Kaif Shiam 1931824630

La Luo 2322584030

Kazi Mohammad Omar Galib 1731133030

Md. Efat Hossain 2013879030

Md. Musfique Shahriar Hamim 2031111630

Nafisa Tasnim Proma 2013258630

Gourab Saha 2031474630

Climate Change and methods to combat it

What is Climate change? In 1938, a steam engineer Callendar decided to take a break from his
day job and began painstakingly collecting records from 147 weather stations across the world.
Doing all his calculations by hand, he discovered that global temperatures had risen 0.3°C over
the previous 50 years. That is how climate change was first discovered. The instrumental
temperature record shows the signal of rising temperatures emerging in the tropical ocean in
about the 1950s. In 1988, global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer became
increasingly prominent in the international public debate and political agenda.

Climate change is the long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. These changes
may be natural, such as changes in the sun, emissions from volcanoes, variations in Earth’s
orbit and levels of carbon dioxide. Global climate change has typically occurred very slowly,
over thousands or millions of years. However, research shows that the current climate is
changing more rapidly than shown in geological records because since the 1800s, human
activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to Generating power,
Manufacturing goods, Cutting down forests, Using transportation, Producing food, Powering
buildings and Consuming too much, these activities contain burning of fossil fuels which
produces greenhouse gasses.

We have covered 6 factors that either affect or is affected by global warming and climate
change in multiple ways which not only limited to our findings. The topics covered are:-

1. Human Population Growth

2. Sustainability
3. Global Perspective
4. Urbanising World
5. People & Nature
6. Science & Values

1. Human Population Growth:

Over a hundred years ago, scientists discovered a connection between the features of adult
human bodies and the temperature of their environment. This link has since been widely
acknowledged and well-established in the field of human biology and environmental science. As
a result of human population evolution over the years the world has seen some major changes
in the climate.

Throughout the 20th century, several noticeable growths in population and transformations in
global air, temperature, rise in global sea levels, a widespread reduction of snow and glaciers,
alterations of atmosphere, regional weather patterns, ocean circulation, etc have been
experienced. To meet the booming demand for natural resources, destructive human practices
have escalated. This resulted in long-term average weather conditions altering on a regional
and global scale over the decades. Volcanic activity, solar radiation, natural variations, change
in the ozone layer, and the concentration of "heat-trapping" greenhouse gasses (GHG) within
the atmosphere aligns with the pattern of climate system changes. Climate evolves over a
lengthier timeframe.
Overpopulation and its effects have a significant role in changing average weather conditions,
temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, rainfall patterns, and global warming. The
population expansion of the earth refers to the escalation in the number of individuals within a
population, resulting from increasing birth rates and reduced mortality rates. A swift population
growth encompasses the constraint of natural resources, causing food scarcity in nature. This
pressure has led to the overexploitation and degradation of fertile lands. The overconsumption
of limited natural resources stands out to be particularly an alarming issue all across the globe.

Overpopulation leads to soil degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, droughts, loss of green
lands, soil sealing, etc. To generate more food supply the tropical, mangrove, and swamp
forested areas are now being transformed into agricultural lands for farming and cultivation.
India accounts for nearly 18% of the global population, and possesses only 4% of the world's
water resources. The densely populated country heavily relies on the excessive exploitation of
rivers and wells for its food and water requirements. Therefore, more than half of the districts in
India suffer from groundwater depletion and contamination. Burning coal, oil, waste disposal,
insulation, electrical and mechanical usage, and release of fluorinated gasses have profound
impacts on the composition of the atmosphere, through pollution and atmospheric chemical
reactions. Over the decades the rapid growth of population has now led to acid rain, coral reef
discoloration, destruction of aquifers, and fisheries, and substantial harm to both terrestrial and
marine ecosystems. To cater to the growing demands of a continually expanding population, we
are practicing the utilization of harmful chemicals, deforestation, mountain leveling, rerouting of
streams, excessive exploitation of wildlife, introduction of non-native species, and covering of
natural habitats relied upon by wild creatures. Excessive use of disposable items that harm the
environment, impede the earth's capacity to replenish its resources and contribute to climate
change. In addition to the release of harmful emissions, population growth also plays a
significant role in depleting Earth's capacity to endure climate change and hazardous emissions.
A prime example of this is the increasing rate of air, water, soil, and noise pollution being the
consequences of this growing issue. Pakistan is now suffering from clearing of land, heavy
floods, and overcrowding of flood-prone areas, only due to the increasing population problem.
Individuals residing in floodplains, coastal regions, or areas susceptible to intense storms are at
a higher risk when it comes to extreme weather conditions. In Malawi, severe droughts, floods,
and lack of rainfall have diminished agricultural yields significantly. One of the ten most climate-
vulnerable countries, Sub-Saharan Africa, is projected to experience a doubled population by
2050.

It has been scientifically proven that individuals residing in industrialized nations and major oil-
producing countries exhibit the highest rates of per capita CO2 emissions. The years 2015 to
2019 have been recorded as the warmest years experienced on the planet Earth. According to
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2),
nitrous oxide, methane, and other greenhouse gasses including CFC, HCFC, carbon monoxide,
and so on has resulted in a significant rise in 1°C of the average global temperature above pre-
industrial levels. These anthropogenic emissions change the concentration of well-mixed
greenhouse gasses (WMGHGs) during the Industrial Era.

This is because of the affluent lifestyles, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and numerous
commercial production methods in high-income nations. Besides the middle and low-income
countries holding 75% of the world’s population also contribute significantly to elevated GHG
emission levels. The United States alone constitutes around 4% of the world's population and is
responsible for 17% of global energy consumption. Consequently, China, Russia, Japan,
Germany, Australia, and Canada are some of the world's highest carbon emissions regions.
Numerous research studies have indicated that the global implementation of family planning
and gender equity strategies can contribute to a significant reduction in annual greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. Educational awareness, sustainable lifestyle, waste disposal management,
recycling, etc. can be effective measures to combat the climate change issue and save our
“Mother Nature”.

2. Sustainability:

Climate change and sustainability have emerged as two interconnected and crucial challenges
of our time. The Earth's climate is rapidly changing, primarily due to human activities such as
burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities release greenhouse
gasses, which trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures, erratic
weather patterns, and severe environmental repercussions. Addressing climate change requires
a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and a collective effort towards achieving a
balanced, eco-friendly, and resilient future.

Sustainability, in essence, refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses economic, environmental,
and social dimensions, emphasizing responsible resource management, preservation of
biodiversity, and the promotion of equitable development. Sustainability involves adopting
practices that minimize environmental impact, such as transitioning to renewable energy
sources, promoting sustainable agriculture, and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing
processes. It also underscores the significance of promoting social equity and ensuring the well-
being of communities across the globe.

The ramifications of climate change and unsustainable practices are already visible across
various ecosystems. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the melting of polar ice
caps are threatening coastal communities and low-lying regions. Moreover, shifts in precipitation
patterns and temperature variations are adversely impacting agricultural productivity, food
security, and water resources, exacerbating the vulnerability of already marginalized
populations. These environmental changes are intrinsically linked to social and economic
challenges, exacerbating poverty, inequality, and conflicts, further highlighting the urgency of
adopting sustainable practices.

In response to these challenges, global initiatives and policies have been developed to mitigate
climate change and promote sustainability. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, brought
together nations to combat climate change by setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and supporting adaptation efforts. Additionally, the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global
challenges, including poverty, hunger, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
These initiatives emphasize the importance of collective action, international cooperation, and
the integration of sustainable practices into various sectors of society.

Transitioning towards a sustainable future requires a multifaceted approach that integrates

technological innovation, policy reforms, and changes in individual behavior. Investing in
renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can significantly
reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing
sustainable land management practices, such as afforestation and sustainable agriculture, can
enhance carbon sequestration, restore ecosystems, and promote biodiversity conservation.
Furthermore, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, reducing waste generation, and
advocating for circular economy models can minimize resource depletion and environmental
degradation.
Individual actions also play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and combating climate
change. Adopting energy-efficient practices at home, reducing water consumption, using public
transportation, and embracing eco-friendly lifestyle choices can collectively contribute to
reducing carbon footprints and fostering a culture of sustainability. Educating communities about
the importance of environmental conservation, promoting environmental awareness, and
fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature are integral components of building a
sustainable and resilient society.

3. Global Perspective:

The human and economic effects of climate change are becoming more severe. Low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) are frequently bearing the financial weight as many of the
world's most vulnerable people are being impacted by the worst droughts, floods, and heat
waves ever recorded, and the newly released IPCC report reveals the impact of a 1.5°C global
warming. Campaigners in Bangkok questioned when the promised funds from higher-income
nations would actually arrive. The amount of funding currently available is far below this figure
(Oxfam estimates $16-21 billion), and these governments have committed to mobilizing $100
billion per year in climate finance by 2020 to support LMICs in becoming climate resilient and
converting to clean energy while also addressing the aftereffects of climate-related disasters.
The 'common but differentiated duties' principle in international environmental law has
established that all nations have a responsibility to address the impacts of climate change, but
that responsibility is not shared evenly. Even while many of the nations that experience the
worst effects have done little to help the adverse human causes of this impact, several of these
nations have made enormous strides in the field of climate financing. In particular, Bangladesh
would require about $3 billion per year to achieve climate adaptation by 2030 and about $2
billion per year to mitigate against the effects of climate change over the same time period,
according to a recent BCAS review of various adaptation and mitigation projects and the
nation's NDC. The average annual domestic and foreign investment in this sector is $1.3 billion,
leaving a $1.7 billion "adaptation gap" in climate financing.

When we conducted an interactive training course on climate financing processes and tools in
Bangladesh, we saw firsthand the creativity and knowledge of the government there. The
course's objective was to identify the systems and capacities at the international, national, and
local levels required for using climate finance efficiently as well as the tools, methods, and
modalities available to aid in climate finance preparedness, which would eventually lead to
increased climate resilience. In addition to the Bangladesh Ministry of Environment, Forest, and
Climate Change, various academic and business institutions throughout the nation were
represented.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Bangladesh has seen the seventh-highest global
impact from extreme weather over the past 20 years. An estimated 15 to 30 million
Bangladeshis, if not more, might be uprooted from coastal areas in the future decades,
depending on how much sea level rise occurs. 90 million Bangladeshis, or 56% of the
population, live in "high climate exposure areas," with 53 million of them experiencing "very
high" exposure, according to a 2018 assessment from the U.S. government. Bangladesh's
children are at "extremely high" danger from climate change, according to the UN Children's
Fund's 2021 Children's Climate Danger Index. Bangladeshis living in coastal towns have
already started moving inland, largely to metropolitan areas, as a result of the complex
interactions between poverty and climate change. Climate-driven migration and poverty will fuel
or exacerbate conflict and human rights issues due to weak local administration, poor urban
management, and preexisting ethno-religious friction. Bangladesh is one well-known illustration
of why U.S. officials should create a strong climate strategy that takes into consideration the
immediate impacts of climate change on governance, human rights, and war.

4. Urbanising World:

The term climate change indicates long-term changes in the condition of the weather. Changes
might happen naturally as a result of volcanic eruptions or changes in the sun's energy;
however the change has mostly been caused by human activity. According to the world bank,
currently almost 4.4 billion live in urban areas and the number is expected to double by 2050.
This increasing urbanization can cause serious impacts on climate change. Greenhouse
Gasses are one of the key factors that contribute to climate change. Carbon dioxide, methane,
nitroxide, and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) etc are some of the major greenhouse gasses. Since
the industrial revolution emission of greenhouse gasses increased due to activities such as
burning fossil fuels and disposing of industrial waste. According to research from a world bank
blog, more than 70% of the world's CO2 emissions originate from cities, mostly from industrial
and motorized transportation systems (2023). High levels of energy consumption,
transportation, and industrial activity are all linked to urban areas. Again, in comparison to
natural landscapes like woods and water bodies, structures like buildings, roads, and other
infrastructure absorb and re-emit more heat from the sun more which is known as heat island
effect. The greenhouse gasses trap the heat from the sun which makes climate change. At
present the earth is becoming warmer quicker than before due to the greenhouse effect.
According to a report from weather dot com, Over the last two decades, there has been a six-
tenths of a degree increase in global temperature.
 By considering all of these facts we can conclude that, urbanizing world has substantial
influence on climate change, however the influence might be vulnerable towards climate
change.

Climate change adaptation through sustainable urban planning

Due to the effects of global warming the temperature of the earth's surface is increasing. Due to
higher temperature on the surface the glaciers are melting rapidly and these glaciers are
breaking off into sea which cause rise in ocean. Therefore, due to climate change natural
disasters like storms and floods are becoming more frequent in many regions. Developing
countries suffered most due to climate change. According to an article from The Journal of
Climate Change and Health, Bangladesh is now more vulnerable to the effects of climate
change due to its geographic position and socioeconomic circumstances (Vol 6, May 2022).
Bangladesh has seen several natural catastrophes once every ten years, as a consequence of
climate change. In order to adapt to the situation, sustainable urban planning needs to be
introduced where environmental, social, and economic concerns will be ensured. To do that
Urban perspectives on climate change need to be developed and disseminated, especially to
state leaders. Energy-efficient structures, technology, and transportation systems should be
introduced. Government needs to take action to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Some
developed countries like Singapore have already established efficient use of land. The
Governments of developing countries like Bangladesh should implement a plan that promotes
land use efficiency. Urban parks, forests, rooftop gardens, and communal gardens can be
introduced to cities to improve the situation.
5. People & Nature:

Discussions about how people and nature interact have been going on for ages. The
significance of this connection in the context of climate change has recently gained more
attention. It is a complicated issue with wide-ranging social, economic, and legislative
consequences in addition to its negative effects on the environment. The necessity of
understanding and developing this mutual link is highlighted by the fact that changes in one
invariably result in changes in the other. In relation to climate change, this article examines the
importance of humans and nature and how their connected fates might be used to confront this
global emergency.

The Effects of Human Activities on Nature

Climate change has been primarily caused by human activity. Several researches have looked
into how human actions affect the environment. For instance, a study by the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicated that it is highly likely that human activities were the
primary reason behind the warming that has been observed since the middle of the 20th
century. Increased temperatures disturb natural ecosystems, which causes the melting of the
polar ice caps, harsh weather, and the extinction of numerous species. It is clear that human
actions and their effects on nature are connected.
The finely balanced ecosystems that have developed over millions of years are also disrupted
as a result of our changes to the composition of the atmosphere. According to the findings of a
report by the World Economic Forum, groundwater extraction for Indian irrigation causes an
increase in rainfall in East Africa. Wide-ranging effects of this form of human interference
include the deterioration of air and water quality, the loss of biodiversity, and the endangerment
of many species.

Nature's Effects on Human Well-Being

On the other hand, nature is essential to sustain human life and well-being. Clean air, clean
water, fertile soil, and a predictable climate are all crucial services provided by ecosystems. Our
ability to survive and thrive depends on these ecosystem services. For instance, breathing clean
air is important for good health, and nature naturally filters the air we breathe. Studies have
examined how degradation in the environment affects people's quality of life. According to a
World Health Organization (WHO) study, air pollution is a significant risk factor for diseases like
stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which are not
contagious.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that spending time in natural settings can lower stress,
improve mental health, and improve general well-being. [4] There is an indisputable connection
between nature and human health, and when we harm the environment, our health and way of
life suffer.

The Biological Interaction

In the fight against climate change, the interaction between humans and the natural world is
crucial. One's actions will unavoidably have an effect on another. The environment is disturbed
by human behaviors that are motivated by economic and social concerns. Extreme weather
conditions, a lack of resources, and health issues are just a few ways that these environmental
disruptions come back to haunt us. Researchers have claimed that establishing a more
sustainable connection with the environment is essential to combating climate change.

We may improve our relationship with nature in a number of ways, including:

• Using renewable energy sources as a replacement
• Weaning ourselves off of fossil fuels
• Using more environmentally friendly farming techniques
• Maintaining and protecting natural habitats
• Limiting the amount of products and services we consume

By making these changes, we can start to lessen our negative effects on the environment and
create a more sustainable future for both present and future generations.

6. Science & Values:

The main greenhouse gasses whose concentrations are rising are carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, methane and ozone in the lower atmosphere and the most direct emissions come
from the consumption of fossil fuels for energy. Carbon dioxide takes the highest portion of
greenhouse gasses, it keeps the Earth’s surface warm and green plants grow faster with more
CO2. Many also become more drought- resistant because higher CO2 levels allow plants to use
water more efficiently. However, due to human activities, the emission of CO2 has increased to
a level that plants can’t generate it fast enough which absorbs the sun’s heat that radiates from
the Earth’s surface, traps it in the atmosphere and prevents it from escaping into space. This
keeps more re-emitted heat within the atmosphere and causes global warming.

Global warming causes hotter temperatures which cause changes in rainfall. This results in
more severe and frequent storms. They cause flooding and landslides, destroying homes and
communities, and costing billions of pounds. In the dry areas, water is becoming scarcer in
more regions. Droughts can stir destructive sand and dust storms that can move billions of tons
of sand across continents. Deserts are expanding, reducing land for growing food. The extreme
temperature can also cause ice cap melting which results in increase in sea level and damages
the habitat of animals, increase in water temperature also causes the sustainability of fish,
therefore, changes would occur in the biosphere and affect the water supply.

If there is not enough control on global warming, there would be more frequent wildfires, longer
periods of drought in some regions, and an increase in the wind intensity and rainfall from
tropical cyclones in the future.
Decisions about climate change are based on morals because they require making moral
judgments about important values and the desired state of the present and future world. Hence
there are potential benefits in explaining climate action by integrating well-established and
emerging knowledge on the role of morality in decision-making. Therefore, compassion and
fairness make perfect sense, because climate change is an environmental justice issue, and
being willing to do something about climate change also requires that we care about future
generations. Both of those things require compassion and a sense of fairness. However,
peoples’ opinions may differ between different regions and situations which affects the
willingness of taking actions. Our mission is to deliver these impacts to people and make them
be aware of the climate change issue and take action such as decrease waste in food, use
different transportation and let the future generation have a sense of protecting the environment
for a better future.

Methods to combat climate change

In conclusion, addressing climate change and promoting sustainability are essential for
safeguarding the planet's future and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.
By implementing sustainable practices, fostering international cooperation, and embracing eco-
friendly lifestyles, we can create a world that is environmentally resilient, socially equitable, and
economically prosperous. Only through concerted efforts and a shared commitment to
sustainable development can we mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and pave the
way for a more sustainable and thriving future for all by following the steps below:

Transition to Renewable Energy:

Implementation: Establish large-scale solar and wind farms to provide clean energy.
Example: Countries like Germany and Denmark have made significant investments in wind
energy, with wind power contributing a substantial portion of their electricity needs.

Energy Efficiency:

Implementation: Upgrade public infrastructure with energy-efficient technologies and

appliances.
Example: The city of New York has replaced traditional streetlights with energy-efficient LED
lights, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Reforestation and Afforestation:

Implementation: Launch large-scale tree planting campaigns and protect existing forests from
deforestation.
Example: The African country of Ethiopia set a world record by planting over 350 million trees in
a single day as part of their efforts to restore degraded landscapes and combat climate change.
Carbon Pricing:

Implementation: Implement a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system to incentivize companies

to reduce their carbon footprint.
Example: Several European countries, such as Sweden and Switzerland, have successfully
implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable Agriculture:

Implementation: Encourage the adoption of regenerative farming practices and the use of
organic fertilizers.
Example: The "Farm-to-Fork" strategy introduced by the European Union promotes sustainable
agriculture, aiming to reduce the use of pesticides and increase organic farming practices.

Public Transportation and Active Mobility:

Implementation: Develop and expand public transportation networks and build infrastructure
for walking and cycling.
Example: Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have well-established cycling networks and
efficient public transportation systems, encouraging citizens to use bikes and public transport
instead of private vehicles.

Climate Education and Advocacy:

Implementation: Launch educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness about

climate change and its solutions.
Example: The Climate Reality Project, led by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, conducts
global climate leadership training and educational campaigns to empower individuals to take
action against climate change.

Technological Innovation:

Implementation: Invest in research and development of clean energy technologies such as

solar panels and electric vehicles.
Example: Tesla's development of electric vehicles and renewable energy products has
revolutionized the automotive industry and accelerated the adoption of sustainable energy
solutions.
Green Building and Sustainable Urban Planning:

Implementation: Incorporate green building materials and energy-efficient design in

construction projects.
Example: The EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green building certification
system has been widely adopted in countries like India and Vietnam, encouraging the
construction of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.

By implementing these strategies and taking real-life examples into account, societies can
make significant progress in combating climate change and working towards a more sustainable
and resilient future.
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combat climate change, Bangladesh is an example to follow. Retrieved from
https://www.opml.co.uk/blog/combat-climate-change-bangladesh-example-to-follow

Macdonald, G. (2021, September 13). How Climate Change Deepens Bangladesh’s

Fragility. Policymakers must recognize that climate change is a long-term problem with
short-term effects on human rights, governance, and conflict. Retrieved from
https://www.usip.org/publications/2021/09/how-climate-change-deepens-bangladeshs-
fragility

• Channel, W. (2014, December 4). This Is How Climate Change Has Altered Life on
Earth the Past Two Decades | The Weather Channel. The Weather Channel.
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• Heat Island Effect | US EPA. (2023, August 16). US EPA.

https://www.epa.gov/heatislands

• Wheeler, S. D. S. L. D., Wheeler, S. D. S. L. D., & Wheeler, S. D. S. L. D. (2023b,

October 2). Cutting global carbon emissions: where do cities stand? World Bank Blogs.
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