Issues as important as Climate Change - part 4 of 4
The 4th and final of 4 articles looking at issues as important as Climate Change, that affect businesses and populations alike. Throughout this series of articles, I have avoided the doom and gloom picture often connected to Environmental issues. Yes, many countries, shorelines and islands have already been affected, and others have seen temperatures increase/decrease and weather change. Through this exploration, we have hopefully enlightened many as to what is happening and the actions required, especially planning to limit its effect on you. The biggest question I have asked is: Which issue has the biggest impact and requires primary focus? Which issue has the least impact, and can it be left?
The articles posted so far are:
First article (available here )
Second article (available here )
Third article (available here )
Forth/Final article (this post)
Two areas of concern are explored, and a round-up of the four articles is next.
Deforestation, diminishing lands and loss of Biodiversity
The industrial revolution started in the mid-1700s which resulted in mass industrialisation and land change. Rather than working with nature, societies removed it. Agriculture replaced forests, buildings replaced agriculture, and buildings, factories, and industrial processes grew everywhere. This change adversely affected forests and those relying on them while simultaneously releasing emissions which are now recognised as trillions of tonnes every year.
Today, the United Nations' fifth CBD report on biodiversity states 'we will miss all targets' designed to protect biodiversity and the loss of species. Governments and individuals continue to trade in endangered species for profit, sport, and tourism, towards extinction. Think planetary effect, the forests (trees and plants) that provide shelter (and some medical cures) being traded by leaders and presidents during short tenures but with lasting impacts. Coupled with illegal logging and mining, expanded agriculture, and industrial use in protected environments, habitat is being lost. The effect on Biodiversity also affects insects and animals that pollinate plants and food we rely on. Soil erosion affects water absorption that would otherwise prevent floods, while worldwide CO2 sequestration/absorption and Oxygen release is reduced, with fewer tree replacements that require 10-100 years to be as effective.?
Temperatures are also affecting trees, dry seasons and hot temperatures harden the ground creating perfect wildfire conditions which destroy further forests, and air pollution, which can be monitored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and its sentinel-3 satellite, see World Fire Atlas . However, some countries are attempting to address this, with paint.
The merits of highly reflective surfaces in combating global warming
Icebergs and permafrost regions are melting. Less snow in colder regions and snowstorms (and other extreme weather) out of season in warmer climates. Icebergs and snow coverings were previously able to deflect/reflect the sun's rays back into space due to their High albedo surfaces, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. However, with reduced surfaces, the rays have instead, been absorbed on land and in the oceans and slowly released back into the air. This results in warmer air and oceans, melting more icebergs that release fresh water into warmer waters - it is a vicious circle. These are affecting the food chains, aquatic, airborne, and land organisms.
However, some cities are taking local actions. Tourist destinations are painting cities with white paint to reflect the sun's rays, which cools surfaces and reduces reliance on air-cooling equipment and electricity. Some areas spray clouds with chemicals to create precipitation in dry areas, while areas prone to wildfires are limiting tourists (with barbecue equipment), and removing bracken. Although the continued use of chemicals in agriculture is still killing off insects, efforts to prevent these continue and therefore all small efforts should be applauded.
Status Reporting - feedback to consumers
To change behaviours people need to understand their effects personally. Consumers need trustworthy facts and figures, not pledges and inspirational/aspirational statements with target dates (e.g., 2050). These MUST be relational to people's actions at local, country, and global levels, measurable, and communicable in a way the masses understand. Would these work?
As we said, what they do, and how it affects them is more important.
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Summary
These environmental issues are connected, not just because many are human caused. Energy emissions and adverse weather. Waste production and pollution, Water security and waste pollution. Offshoring, politics and increased air emissions. Industrialisation and damaged biodiversity. All caused by humans, all have an effect on humans, all affect the food chain and living organisims.
Yet it is those in poverty, and areas subject to flooding, shorelines, high winds, loss of land, and pollution are worst affected; they are unlikely to have support structures, finance, or even education to whether the coming storm, survive these events and recover.
Governments have a duty to balance their electorate's choices while running the country and economy. The balance between protecting the future, sustaining jobs, and protecting the environment changes dynamically but long-term plans that can survive successive obstructive governments are vital. Policies must match long-term.
Offshoring will continue to increase emissions where transported globally. And as we build energy-conserving equipment, just remember it needs transporting too. Also, mineral rights and natural resource conservation must be balanced against local poverty issues. And anyone caught up in corruption is punished, severely.
Energy security is very important. Without energy, life is too difficult. However, we can increase the amount of alternative sources with less carbon and noxious gas emissions. Start modernisation but note the total carbon footprint to achieve these.
Air pollution is decreasing in major cities with changed legislation if governments are willing. The saving is not just cost but the health of the population.
Decreasing the effect of adverse and extreme weather is more difficult. We must look to emergency planning and supporting people away from areas of high risk. Although based on extreme events recently, anywhere can be affected.
Waste produced needs reduced to protect the environment, health, and the economy. Recyclable products, especially electronics must be improved to reduce wastage. Even mined waste materials must be a future consideration if we can reduce raw mineral mining and especially illegal mining.
Water must also be safe and protected. While sanitation is important, Unpolluted drinking water is important to humans, animals, and plant sources as so vital to life. Flooded areas and damaged sewer systems are proof of the impact of this.
If only governments can protect the biodiversity and forests in their country then we are in trouble as it has been failing for decades in favour of economic output. You only need to consider biomass increase as a fuel to see this. However, reforestation has become a favoured subject with entrepreneurs who are buying land for the carbon credit options, to sell to their companies or others; clever! balancing economic goals? Perhaps. Consumers and society need more meaningful goals so that they know what they are doing is creating what impacts. Ideas?
Can we trust the Sustainable Development Goals, which were based on bartering and balancing economic development and the country's goals? Consumers and society need more meaningful information that they can relate to, and understand their behaviours and their contributions.
Where do we go from here?
I am not an environmental evangelist or climate activist. I feel it is important to share what knowledge I gain and work towards common goals, such as structured energy transitions, and efficiencies that limit waste and emissions.
Financing improvements will become more challenging as more workers retire, technology advances, and climate changes. These will affect taxes collected, as will future challenges e.g., natural disasters needing assistance, adverse weather, changing governments, geopolitical changes, and financial meltdowns. How do we fund the future, live in the present, and manage the past?
It is no longer about the conservation of the planet, but adapting to a changed reality. Who will pay for this change: insurance companies, consumers, or the government? The crunch dates to watch for are 2028 and 2048 to see how many targets have failed and who failed them, and why?
This then leads to the next question: Who forces the required change - stakeholders or consumers and who pays for it, if shareholders, owners, and officials have left with the finances; what will your children say?
What issue should be our primary focus?
Your ideas, opinions, and solutions are always welcome.
Citations and References:
These observations are not attributed to any organisation or person. They focus on learning and developing for profound knowledge to drive awareness and best practices in society and business.
Global QHSE Manager | FIIRSM, CMIOSH | BSc (Hon) Open | Driving organisational improvement
1 年Something to consider: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/world-economic-forum_this-vital-climate-buffer-covers-70-of-the-activity-7100794009345765377-cOg0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Global QHSE Manager | FIIRSM, CMIOSH | BSc (Hon) Open | Driving organisational improvement
1 年Trees, can be used as a preventative measure near deserts. They are also treated with respect in many countries. India has done some great work: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/world-economic-forum_what-can-we-learn-from-indias-200-years-activity-7100016400064241664-mfBW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
emergency response | crisis management | 20+ years experience | procedures | training | exercises | oncall | ICS
1 年Good article Ian, some interesting points. The white paint reminded me of Ibiza, known as the White Island due to all the houses and buildings being painted white so reflect the heat of the sun. Perhaps they were ahead of the times?