Climate Change and the Land/Water Relationship By Sonia Shah and Alex Panayiotou Sonia

Topics Background Contributing Factors Effects of Climate Change Impacts on Various Sectors Adaptive Solutions Sonia

Background Balance between heat entering and exiting atmosphere Natural climate fluctuation variations in energy from sun reflectivity of earth’s atmosphere volcanic eruptions orbital patterns Alex

Modern Contributing Factors Changes in the Greenhouse Effect Heat retention Human activity Industrial Revolution Increased greenhouse gas release Water Vapor (H₂O) Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Methane (CH₄) Alex

Modern Contribution Factors Cont. Size of GHG “faucet” is much larger than “drain” Alex

Observed temperature over 100 years GHG Concentrations over 2000 years Alex

Effects of Climate Change Change in production patterns due to higher temperatures Changing precipitation pattern Shift in climate and agricultural zones towards poles Sonia

Effects of Climate Change Cont. Temporary boost in agricultural yields due to increased CO₂ Raise photosynthesis rate Increased biomass Higher carbon fixation Sonia

The Calvin Cycle in C3 Plants Alex The Calvin Cycle in C3 Plants

Impact on Agriculture US exports over 30% of wheat, corn Rise on the global market Warmer weather leads to faster growth Sometimes results in less seed production If temperature exceeds crop’s optimum temperature, yields will most likely decline Sonia

Sonia “Despite technological improvements that increase corn yields, extreme weather events have caused significant yield reductions in some years”

Impacts on Agriculture Shift of agricultural zone towards poles Alex

Impact on Livestock US livestock industry produces over $100 billion annually Increased heat wave frequency Reported loss of 5000 animals per heat wave in some states Sonia

Impact on Livestock Cont. Heat stress effects: Increased susceptibility to disease Increased prevalence of parasites and disease carrying agents (mosquitos) Reduced fertility Reduced milk production Drought may threaten feed quality Sonia

Impact on Fisheries Fisheries contribute more than $1.4 billion to the economy annually Already face overfishing and pollution Many aquatic species find colder areas of water Causes competition between species Diseases may become more significant Alex

Impact on Fisheries Cont. Changes in temperature/season length can affect timing of reproduction and migration Parts of life cycle controlled by temperature and changing of seasons Oceans becoming more acidic from increased CO2 High acidity can compromise ecosystem Alex

NOAA Global Ocean Heat Content Alex NOAA Global Ocean Heat Content

International Impact Similar impacts to US Population growth may magnify effect In developing countries, irrigation adaptation options are more limited Impact on global food supply may affect prices Global food crisis Sonia

Adaptive Adjustments Diversifying crops to adjust to precipitation and temperature patterns Water/soil moisture conservation measures to avoid seasonal water shortages Changing livestock breeding practices and grazing patterns Sonia

Adaptive Adjustments Cont. Developing disease resistant crops Technology Satellite imagery can help farmers recognize broad-scale patterns and adjust Sonia

Recap Climate change is a global issue It affects almost every aspect of our society Crops/livestock will not remain sustainable if this trend continues People can adapt to a certain extent How can we come up with solutions? Alex

How You Can Help Assume personal responsibility Reduce your carbon footprint Everyday Energy Efficiency Make your next car a hybrid Look for Energy Star when buying new electronics and appliances Take public transportation Drink tap water rather than buying bottled water Sonia

How You Can Help - Tesla Powerwall Industrial Residential Each unit $3500, multiple units per house Alex Scalable to use for industrial applications Ideal for solar power storage