Climate Change CENV 110

Impacts of climate change Warming Change in rainfall, and hydrology Sea Level Rise Ocean Acidification Extreme events (cyclones, high winds)

Historical data on climate change

Increased temperature and precipitation impacts on NW rivers More rainfall events, higher average flows, more flooding Less snow pack due to higher temperatures, so most precipitation comes down as rain, lower summer flow in rivers, higher winter flow

Climate change impacts on human societies

Changes in Western Alaska

Changes in Central Canada

Human impacts on climate

Impacts on food production Temperature and rainfall for farming Temperature and acidification for marine capture fisheries

Adaptation

Cooling the earth?

Food adaptation Change of crops New genetic strains of crops Changing agricultural practice –Drip irrigation –Change in cultivation

Summary No question the earth is getting warmer, sea level is rising, and ocean is getting more acidic This will have major impacts on life as we know it Overwhelming evidence that this is due to human release of CO 2 General acceptance that we can’t do much about it except reduce carbon emissions, but the levels of reductions that have been contemplated have very little effect

Study Questions What has been the historical pattern (last 150 years) in temperature and precipitation around the world? Why does warming cause sea level to rise Why does Venice flood so often? What would be the impact of sea level rise on agriculture in the central valley of California? Distinguish between the central valley N. of Sacramento and that south? Why does increasing CO 2 in the air lead to ocean acidification? Why would Seattle possibly face water shortages if it rains more in the future in the region? Why has the number of sled dog races in Central Canada declined? Is more or less rain than present good or bad for agricultural production overall? Why are shellfish at particular risk from ocean acidification? Is it possible to cool the earth with existing technologies? How would this work? What would be the consequences of cooling the earth on ocean acidification? List 3 ways that agriculture could adapt to a warming earth.