Sustainable Development Goals – BCV654D Dr. HEMALATHA H N, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, JSSATE Bengaluru-60.
MODULE 3 - SYLLABUS Curbing Climate Change The Basic Science of Climate Change Consequences, Mitigation Adaptation Mitigation Policies
Curbing Climate Change: Understanding Climate Change Definition: Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, weather patterns, and other atmospheric conditions, primarily caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels. Key Indicators: Rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changing ecosystems. Causes of Climate Change Natural Causes: Volcanic eruptions, solar variations, and natural greenhouse gas emissions. Human Causes: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) for energy. Deforestation and land-use changes. Industrial processes and agriculture. Excessive waste generation and improper disposal.
Impacts of Climate Change Environmental: Melting ice caps, biodiversity loss, desertification, and ocean acidification. Economic: Crop failures, infrastructure damage from extreme weather, and increased healthcare costs. Social: Food and water scarcity, climate-induced migration, and health challenges due to heatwaves and pollution. Strategies for Curbing Climate Change A. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Transition to renewable energy sources: Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Improve energy efficiency in industries, homes, and transportation. Phase out coal and fossil fuel subsidies. Promote electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transportation systems. B. Enhancing Carbon Sequestration Afforestation, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration. Adopt sustainable agricultural practices (e.g., no-till farming, crop rotation). Protect and expand carbon sinks like forests, wetlands, and oceans. Implement carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
C. Sustainable Urban Development Build energy-efficient buildings with smart designs. Promote public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Develop urban green spaces to mitigate the heat island effect. D. Climate-Friendly Agriculture Reduce methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies. Promote organic farming and precision agriculture. Encourage plant-based diets and reduce food waste.
E. Climate Governance and Policy Enforce international agreements like the Paris Agreement and COP resolutions. Implement carbon pricing (carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems). Promote corporate responsibility and sustainability standards. F. Technological Innovations Invest in clean energy research and development. Develop climate-resilient crops and advanced water management systems. Use artificial intelligence for climate monitoring and modeling.
Role of Individuals in Curbing Climate Change Reduce energy consumption by using efficient appliances. Shift to renewable energy sources for home and work. Practice sustainable transportation: carpooling, cycling, and EVs. Minimize waste through recycling and composting. Support eco-conscious brands and products. Challenges in Climate Action Economic dependence on fossil fuels. Political resistance and lack of international cooperation. Climate misinformation and public awareness gaps. Disparity in resources between developed and developing nations.
Global Initiatives and Agreements Paris Agreement (2015): Limit global warming to well below 2 ° C, aiming for 1.5 ° C. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goals like affordable clean energy, sustainable cities, and climate action (Goal 13). COP (Conference of Parties): Annual climate summits to review progress and set new targets. The Basic Science of Climate Change Climate Change Definition: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, primarily driven by human activities and natural processes. Difference from Weather: Weather represents short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns over decades or centuries.
The Greenhouse Effect: Core Mechanism The greenhouse effect is the primary driver of climate change. Process: Sunlight In: Solar radiation reaches Earth’s surface. Absorption: Earth absorbs the energy, warming the planet. Re-radiation: Earth emits infrared radiation back toward space. Trapping: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap some of this outgoing heat, warming the atmosphere. Key Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): From fossil fuel combustion, deforestation. Methane (CH₄): From livestock, agriculture, and landfills. Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): From fertilizers and industrial activities. Water Vapor (H₂O): Natural but amplifies other GHG effects. Fluorinated Gases: Synthetic, used in industrial applications.
Natural vs. Human-Induced Climate Change Natural Factors: Solar Variations: Changes in solar output. Volcanic Eruptions: Aerosols reflect sunlight, causing temporary cooling. Orbital Changes: Earth’s tilt and orbit affect climate cycles (Milankovitch cycles). Anthropogenic (Human) Factors: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). Deforestation and land-use changes. Industrial activities and agricultural practices. Carbon Cycle and Climate Change Carbon Reservoirs: Atmosphere, oceans, soil, and biosphere. Natural Carbon Flow: Carbon moves between reservoirs through photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition. Human Impact: Fossil fuel burning and deforestation increase atmospheric CO₂, disrupting the balance.
Evidence of Climate Change Temperature Rise: Global temperatures have increased by about 1.1 ° C since the late 19th century. Melting Ice: Arctic sea ice, glaciers, and Antarctic ice sheets are shrinking. Sea-Level Rise: About 20 cm increase since 1900 due to melting ice and thermal expansion. Extreme Weather: Increased frequency of heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall. Ocean Changes: Warming, acidification, and coral bleaching. Feedback Loops in Climate Change Positive Feedbacks (Amplifying): Melting ice reduces albedo (reflectivity), increasing heat absorption. Thawing permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Negative Feedbacks (Stabilizing): Increased cloud cover can reflect sunlight, cooling the planet. Enhanced plant growth can absorb more CO₂.
Climate Models and Predictions Climate models use mathematical equations to simulate atmospheric, oceanic, and land processes. Types of Models: Global Climate Models (GCMs): Large-scale simulations of Earth's climate system. Regional Climate Models (RCMs): Focused on specific areas. Impacts of Climate Change Environmental: Melting glaciers, changing ecosystems, and biodiversity loss. Economic: Crop failures, infrastructure damage, and health costs. Social: Climate migration, food and water scarcity, and health risks.
Addressing Climate Change: Scientific Solutions Mitigation: Reducing GHG emissions through renewable energy, carbon capture, and energy efficiency. Adaptation: Building resilient infrastructure, improving water management, and developing climate-resistant crops. Geoengineering (Controversial): Solar radiation management and carbon dioxide removal. Scientific Consensus IPCC Reports: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) synthesizes global climate research. Key Findings: Warming is unequivocal and primarily human-caused. Immediate action is needed to limit warming to 1.5 ° C or 2 ° C.
Consequences of Climate Change Environmental Consequences Climate change disrupts ecosystems, alters weather patterns, and threatens biodiversity. Rising Temperatures: Global average temperatures have increased by ~1.1 ° C since the pre industrial era. Increased heatwaves and record-breaking hot days. Melting Ice and Sea-Level Rise: Arctic sea ice, glaciers, and Antarctic ice sheets are shrinking. Sea levels have risen by ~20 cm since 1900, threatening coastal areas.
Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and intense hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires. Changing precipitation patterns lead to wetter regions becoming wetter and dry regions becoming drier. Ocean Changes: Warming oceans cause stronger storms and coral bleaching. Ocean acidification harms marine life, especially shell-forming organisms. Biodiversity Loss: Changing habitats and temperatures threaten plant and animal species. Coral reefs, polar bears, and amphibians are among the most vulnerable.
Economic Consequences Climate change affects global and local economies, causing economic instability. Agricultural Impact: Crop failures due to heat stress, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. Reduced yields of staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize. Infrastructure Damage: Flooding, storms, and wildfires damage homes, roads, and energy systems. Coastal cities face increased costs for flood defenses and relocation.
Economic Inequality: Developing nations, heavily dependent on agriculture, suffer the most. Increased poverty as resources become scarcer and prices rise. Loss of Productivity: Extreme heat reduces work hours and labor productivity, especially in outdoor jobs. Insurance and Property Loss: Rising risks lead to higher insurance premiums and property devaluation in vulnerable areas.
Social Consequences Climate change intensifies social inequalities and threatens communities. Climate Migration: Rising sea levels and extreme weather force people to relocate. The World Bank estimates over 200 million climate migrants by 2050. Food and Water Insecurity: Droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns reduce water availability. Crop failures increase food prices, leading to hunger and malnutrition.
Conflict and Instability: Scarcity of resources like water and arable land can spark conflicts. Regions like the Sahel in Africa are particularly vulnerable. Cultural Loss: Indigenous communities and coastal populations risk losing their ancestral lands.
Health Consequences Climate change affects both physical and mental health. Heat-Related Illnesses: Increased heatwaves cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and cardiovascular stress. Vulnerable groups: elderly, children, outdoor workers, and low-income communities. Vector-Borne Diseases: Warmer temperatures expand the range of disease-carrying insects (e.g., mosquitoes). Increase in diseases like malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease.
Air Quality and Respiratory Problems: Wildfires, pollution, and increased pollen levels worsen asthma and allergies. Waterborne Diseases: Flooding increases the spread of cholera, dysentery, and other infections. Mental Health Impacts: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increase after climate disasters.
Consequences for Ecosystems and Wildlife Climate change disrupts natural habitats and threatens species survival. Habitat Loss: Coral reefs bleach and die due to ocean warming and acidification. Polar bears lose hunting grounds as Arctic sea ice melts. Species Extinction: Rapid climate shifts make adaptation difficult for many species. The IPBES estimates 1 million species are at risk of extinction. Phenological Changes: Altered seasonal patterns affect migration, breeding, and flowering times.
Long-Term Consequences (If No Action Is Taken) If emissions continue unchecked, the future consequences will intensify: Runaway Warming: Positive feedback loops (e.g., melting permafrost releasing methane) could accelerate warming. Irreversible Changes: Loss of ice sheets and biodiversity may be permanent. Economic Collapse: Severe climate impacts could cost the global economy 10-20% of GDP annually by 2100. Social Disruption: Increased migration, resource conflicts, and political instability.
Mitigation of Climate Change: Climate Change Mitigation Definition: Climate change mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Goal: Limit global warming to well below 2 ° C, preferably 1.5 ° C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Key Approaches: Reduce emissions, enhance carbon sinks, and develop sustainable technologies.
Key Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation A. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Energy Sector: Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal). Improve energy efficiency in power generation, industrial processes, and buildings. Promote decentralized energy systems like rooftop solar panels and microgrids. Transportation: Encourage electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen-powered transport, and biofuels. Promote public transportation, cycling, and walking infrastructure. Improve vehicle fuel efficiency and adopt stricter emission standards.
Industrial Sector: Upgrade manufacturing processes to reduce energy use and emissions. Adopt cleaner production techniques and circular economy practices. Reduce methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal production. Waste Management: Promote recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies. Reduce methane emissions from landfills and wastewater treatment.
B. Enhancing Carbon Sequestration Natural Carbon Sinks: Afforestation and reforestation projects. Protecting existing forests, wetlands, and peatlands. Restoring degraded ecosystems. Agricultural Practices: Sustainable agriculture (e.g., no-till farming, cover cropping). Enhancing soil carbon storage through regenerative practices. Reducing methane emissions from rice paddies and livestock. Technological Solutions: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in industrial facilities. Direct air capture (DAC) technologies to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.
C. Promoting Energy Efficiency and Conservation Buildings: Construct energy-efficient buildings with smart designs and materials. Retrofit existing structures with better insulation, lighting, and heating systems. Implement smart grids and energy management systems. Appliances and Equipment: Promote energy-efficient appliances (e.g., Energy Star ratings). Encourage adoption of LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems. D. Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Reduce deforestation and promote sustainable forestry. Encourage climate-smart agriculture, such as precision farming. Promote plant-based diets and reduce food waste.
E . Policy and Governance Measures International Agreements: Paris Agreement: Limit warming to 1.5–2 ° C. Kyoto Protocol: Earlier framework for emission reductions. Carbon Pricing: Carbon Taxes: Direct tax on carbon emissions. Cap-and-Trade Systems: Emission trading schemes with set limits. National and Local Policies: Renewable energy targets and subsidies. Efficiency standards for buildings, vehicles, and appliances. Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction plans.
F. Technological Innovations Renewable Energy: Advanced solar panels, floating wind farms, and tidal energy. Energy Storage: Improved battery technology for grid and EV storage. Hydrogen Economy: Green hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative. Geoengineering (Controversial): Solar radiation management (e.g., stratospheric aerosols). Carbon dioxide removal (e.g., bioenergy with carbon capture).
Role of Different Sectors in Mitigation Governments: Implement climate policies, carbon pricing, and international cooperation. Support climate finance for developing countries. Businesses: Adopt sustainable practices and green supply chains. Invest in renewable energy and carbon-neutral technologies. Individuals: Reduce energy consumption, adopt sustainable transportation, and minimize waste. Support eco-friendly products and services.
Challenges and Barriers to Mitigation Economic Barriers: High upfront costs of renewable energy and infrastructure. Political Barriers: Lack of international cooperation and climate denial. Technological Barriers: Need for advancements in energy storage and carbon capture. Social Barriers: Resistance to lifestyle changes and behavioral shifts. Co-Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation Health Benefits: Reduced air pollution leads to fewer respiratory diseases. Economic Benefits: Green jobs, innovation, and energy savings. Environmental Benefits: Preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Social Benefits: Enhanced resilience and improved quality of life.
Future Outlook and Urgency IPCC Findings: Immediate action is required to limit warming to 1.5° C. Decarbonization Timeline: Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Innovation and Collaboration: Accelerate clean technology adoption and international cooperation.
Adaptation to Climate Change: Climate Change Adaptation Definition: Adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to actual or expected climate impacts to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience. Goal: Minimize damage from climate change while taking advantage of potential benefits. Difference from Mitigation: Mitigation: Focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation: Focuses on adjusting to climate impacts already occurring or expected.
Types of Adaptation Strategies Adaptation strategies can be classified into different approaches based on the response type: A. Anticipatory (Proactive) Adaptation: Actions taken before climate impacts occur. Example: Building seawalls in anticipation of sea-level rise. B. Reactive Adaptation: Responses after climate impacts occur. Example: Rebuilding homes after flooding. C. Incremental Adaptation: Gradual adjustments to existing systems. Example: Improving irrigation efficiency during droughts.
D. Transformational Adaptation: Fundamental changes in systems and practices. Example: Relocating communities from flood-prone areas. Key Sectors for Adaptation A. Agriculture and Food Security Challenges: Droughts, changing rainfall patterns, heat stress. Adaptation Measures: Drought-resistant crop varieties. Precision agriculture and climate-smart farming. Improved irrigation systems (e.g., drip irrigation). Diversifying crops to reduce risk. Enhancing food storage and distribution systems.
B. Water Resources Challenges: Water scarcity, flooding, and changing precipitation patterns. Adaptation Measures: Improved water management and storage (e.g., reservoirs, rainwater harvesting). Efficient water-use technologies in agriculture and households. Watershed protection and restoration. Desalination plants in coastal areas.
C. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Challenges: Heatwaves, flooding, and sea-level rise. Adaptation Measures: Climate-resilient buildings and infrastructure. Green roofs and urban forests to reduce heat. Improved drainage systems to manage floods. Coastal protection (e.g., seawalls, mangroves).
D. Ecosystem and Biodiversity Protection Challenges: Habitat loss, species migration, and ecosystem degradation. Adaptation Measures: Protecting and restoring ecosystems (e.g., wetlands, forests). Creating wildlife corridors for species migration. Sustainable land-use practices. Monitoring ecosystem health.
E. Public Health Challenges: Heatwaves, vector-borne diseases, and food insecurity. Adaptation Measures: Early warning systems for heatwaves and disease outbreaks. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Improving access to clean water and sanitation. Public awareness campaigns on health risks.
Coastal and Marine Systems Challenges: Sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and ocean acidification. Adaptation Measures: Building seawalls and natural barriers like mangroves. Coastal zoning and managed retreat. Coral reef restoration and marine protected areas. Tools and Approaches for Adaptation Climate Risk Assessment: Identifying vulnerabilities and potential climate impacts.
Early Warning Systems: Monitoring and alerting communities about extreme weather events. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Designing roads, buildings, and water systems to withstand climate impacts. Nature-Based Solutions: Using ecosystems for protection, such as mangroves for coastal defense. Insurance and Financial Instruments: Climate risk insurance and social safety nets for vulnerable communities. Community-Based Adaptation: Engaging local communities in planning and decision-making.
Challenges and Barriers to Adaptation Economic Barriers: High costs of adaptation infrastructure and technologies. Technical Barriers: Limited access to advanced climate data and technologies. Social and Cultural Barriers: Resistance to relocation or changes in traditional practices. Institutional Barriers: Lack of effective policies, governance, and coordination. Knowledge Gaps: Insufficient understanding of future climate risks.
Adaptation at Different Scales Local Level: Community-based adaptation, such as rainwater harvesting and urban greening. National Level: Developing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and integrating climate resilience into policies. International Level: Support from organizations like the UNFCCC, Green Climate Fund, and Adaptation Fund.
Benefits of Adaptation Reduced Vulnerability: Communities become more resilient to climate impacts. Economic Savings: Avoiding costly disaster recovery through proactive adaptation. Improved Health and Safety: Protection from heatwaves, disease outbreaks, and disasters. Environmental Benefits: Protecting ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. Social Equity: Supporting vulnerable populations and reducing inequality.
Case Studies of Successful Adaptation Netherlands: Advanced flood management with dikes, seawalls, and water retention systems. Bangladesh: Floating gardens for agriculture in flood-prone areas. Malawi: Climate-smart agriculture to improve food security. New York City: Coastal resilience projects after Hurricane Sandy. Adaptation and Sustainable Development Climate adaptation aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 2: Zero hunger (climate-resilient agriculture). SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation (improved water management). SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities (urban resilience). SDG 13: Climate action (national adaptation plans).
Mitigation Policies for Climate Change: Mitigation Policies Definition: Mitigation policies are government, institutional, or international frameworks aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing carbon sinks. Goal: Limit global warming to well below 2 ° C, preferably 1.5 ° C, as per the Paris Agreement. Approaches: Carbon pricing, renewable energy targets, efficiency standards, and regulatory frameworks.
Key International Mitigation Frameworks A. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Established in 1992 to facilitate international cooperation on climate action. Provides the foundation for major climate agreements. B. Kyoto Protocol (1997) First legally binding climate agreement, targeting developed countries. Introduced carbon markets through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). First commitment period: 2008–2012; second: 2013–2020.
C. Paris Agreement (2015) Signed by 196 countries under the UNFCCC. Key Goals: Limit global warming to well below 2 ° C, preferably 1.5 ° C. Achieve net-zero emissions by the second half of the century. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries submit voluntary emission reduction targets. Updated every five years with increasing ambition.
D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Provides scientific assessments to guide policy decisions. Emphasizes the need for deep emission cuts across all sectors. E. Green Climate Fund (GCF) Supports climate projects in developing countries. Aims to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2025.
National and Regional Mitigation Policies A. Carbon Pricing Carbon Tax: Direct tax on fossil fuel emissions based on carbon content. Example: Sweden's carbon tax (~$137/ton CO₂, highest globally). Cap-and-Trade (Emissions Trading System - ETS): Government sets an emission cap; companies trade permits. Example: EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), California Cap-and-Trade.
B. Renewable Energy Policies Renewable Energy Targets: Mandating specific renewable energy shares in power generation. Example: EU targets 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs): Guaranteed prices for renewable energy producers. Example: Germany’s FiT for solar and wind. Renewable Energy Subsidies: Tax incentives and grants for clean energy projects. Example: U.S. Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar energy.
C. Energy Efficiency Policies Building Standards: Mandating energy-efficient construction and retrofits. Example: EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Appliance Standards: Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS). Example: Energy Star ratings in the U.S.
Industrial Efficiency: Promoting low-carbon technologies in manufacturing. Example: Japan’s Top Runner Program. D. Transportation Policies Fuel Efficiency Standards: Mandating lower emissions per kilometer traveled. Example: EU targets 95 g CO₂/km for cars.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Promotion: Subsidies, tax breaks, and charging infrastructure. Example: Norway offers EV tax exemptions. Public Transport Investment: Expanding bus, metro, and rail networks. Example: Bogotá’s TransMilenio BRT system. E. Agriculture and Land Use Policies Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promoting no-till farming, crop rotation, and organic practices.
Afforestation and Reforestation: Expanding forest cover to act as carbon sinks. Example: India’s Green India Mission. Forest Protection: Reducing deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Example: Brazil’s Amazon protection policies. F. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Climate-Resilient Cities: Integrating green spaces, renewable energy, and efficient buildings. Example: Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
Sustainable Transport: Expanding cycling paths and pedestrian zones. Example: Copenhagen’s bike-friendly policies. Sector-Specific Mitigation Policies Power Sector: Phasing out coal-fired power plants. Expanding grid integration of renewables. Industrial Sector: Promoting energy efficiency and circular economy practices. Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production.
Waste Management: Recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy systems. Reducing methane from landfills. Agriculture: Promoting low-carbon fertilizers and manure management. Reducing methane from rice paddies and livestock. Climate Finance and Incentives Public Financing: Government grants, loans, and subsidies for green projects.
Private Sector Investment: Green bonds, climate funds, and sustainable investments. International Support: Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and bilateral aid. Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Ensures transparency and accountability in emissions reporting. Example: UNFCCC's Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).
Challenges and Barriers to Mitigation Policies Economic Barriers: High upfront costs for renewable energy and infrastructure. Political Barriers: Lack of consensus and lobbying by fossil fuel industries. Technological Barriers: Need for innovation in energy storage and carbon capture. Social Barriers: Resistance to lifestyle changes and green transitions. Equity Issues: Developing countries need financial and technological support.
Co-Benefits of Mitigation Policies Environmental Benefits: Cleaner air, water, and ecosystems. Economic Benefits: Green jobs, energy savings, and innovation. Health Benefits: Reduced respiratory diseases from cleaner air. Social Benefits: Improved quality of life and energy access.
Global Examples of Sustainable Development Planning Curitiba, Brazil: Integrated transport and green space planning. Stockholm, Sweden: Sustainable urban design and energy efficiency. Portland, USA: Smart growth and land use planning. Strategies for Effective Sustainable Development Planning Comprehensive policies and regulatory frameworks. Public participation and community engagement. Investment in sustainable infrastructure and technology. Monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management.