Critical Threats To Global Environmentdante Jonessoc 450gwendolyn Roya ✓ Solved

CRITICAL THREATS TO GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT Dante Jones SOC 450 Gwendolyn Royal-Smith March 6,2021 Introduction The environment threats are harmful effects to living organisms and environment. The four most critical threats to the global environment are; Climate Change. Globalization Energy Sources. Civil War. 2 Climate Change.

Brief History and Assessment of the Threat. The global risk report in 2019 noted the increase in environmental concerns The increase in frequency and intensity of natural events such as rainstorms and drought are a result of climate change. The increase in number of greenhouses have also caused the adverse effects of climate change. In a recent UN report, it was pointed out that the unprecedented changes in our actions and behavior, the world will suffer from global warming drastically in less than 12 years. The increase in ocean temperature affects the sea life and the ecosystem found in water bodies.

The rise in the sea levels globally causes the risk off flooding hence reducing the vast land available. The use of petrol and diseal driven vehicles also increase the carbon footprint. 3 Climate Change. Affected Countries. The most affected country affected by climate change is Japan with a climate index of 5.5 In 2018, the climate change effects on the weather caused 1,282 deaths on the island.

Germany suffered from heat wave in 2018 which was marked as the hottest year in history. Kenya is also vulnerable to climate change due to droughts which left millions of people suffer from famine. Climate Risk Index is the measurement of vulnerability of countries to the direct consequences of extreme weather events. It is factual that some areas of the world are more exposed than others to impacts caused by climate change. Japan was immensely affected by climate change which caused economic losses and the collapse of per capita GDP.

The weather events caused by climate change in German caused a total of 1246 deaths and a decrease of per capita GDP of 0.12%. The heatwave caused millions in losses in the agricultural sector in German. Finally, in Kenya the hostile climate caused the death of 113 people. The country produced losses of more than 8 million. 4 Climate Change.

Effects on the World The extreme causes of climate change could cause famine due to the disruption of food production Climate change has a negative effect in aggravate erosion, soil biodiversity loss, desertification and flooding around the world. Climate changes has indirectly caused change in the use of land and other resources. Research has predicted that climate change will have an adverse effect on natural environment , animals and plants. The effect of climate change on soil carbon storage worldwide is related to the change of CO2 concentrations, change of precipitation patterns and increase of temperature. The change in use of the land may include habitat fragmentation and loss, over-exploitation, water, air and soil pollution among others.

This reduces the resilience of ecosystems further to climate change. The land becomes unable to produce essential services such as water, clean air,control of erosions andfloods. 5 Globalization Brief History and Assessment of the Threat. Globalization has made so many changes in the modern world that cannot be reversed. Globalization as caused disposal of various chemicals to the soil and air.

In various countries, mountains have been destroyed to develop highways and tunnels. Vast barren lands have also been encroached for personal benefits. Globalization is referred to as a process that aims to expand business operations on a worldwide level based on international strategies. The global aspect of environmental way of thinking is the main focus of attention since environmental problems occur on a global scale which is caused by the progress of science and technology. The environmental issues rise in importance mainly due to increased economic integration.

What is added is that globalization has brought significant conceptual change in perception about the environment. Many of us now see environmental problems as problems of international significance, not only as a national interest in terms of protection of the environment from warming. 6 Globalization. Affected Countries. China is ranked as on of the most affected countries by globalization due to the emergence of new industries.

The industries cause a big threat to the climate change and the environment. The United States is also a developing country that is adversely affected by globalization as a threat to the environment. In the context of the increasing in globalization in China, measurable amounts of pollutants from the country are spreading overseas via both human and natural means, resulting in substantial global health concerns. Despite the many environmental challenges in China, ambient air pollution might pose the biggest risk to population health. Recent reports that more than half of The US groundwater is polluted due to industrialization.

7 Globalization. Effects on the World Globalization affects the environment through trade liberalization by several channels. This negatively affects the composition of industries where countries specialize in more pollution-intensive goods producing a dirty environment. Globalization has a lot of benefits but also it has big environmental consequences as they contribute to the depletion of natural resources, deforestation and the destruction of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. climate change has also been caused by globalization and the consequences of pollution. This factor addresses the global poverty caused by the emergence of industries everywhere at the same time.

8 Energy Sources. Brief History and Assessment of the Threat Most energy sources have a negative impact to the environment. Though it is debatable that renewable energy does not effect the environment, research shows that they are involved in some kind of change to the environment. Excessive production of energy increases the amount of fuel needed to generate electricity and amount of greenhouse gases andother air pollution emitted as a result. All electricity generation forms have an environmental effect on our land, air, and water but it varies.

Producing and using electricity more efficiently reduces both the amount of fuel needed to generate electricity and the amount of greenhouse gases and other air pollution emitted as a result. Renewable resources electricity such as solar and wind energy generally does not contribute to climate change or air pollution since no fuels are combusted. This does not mean the renewable energy does not affect the environment. 9 Energy Sources. Affected Countries.

China is the highest affected country by energy source. Its primary energy fuels is derived from fossil fuels which affects the environment through its emission The United States recently relies on the renewable energy in wind and solar energy which uses a vast land for its production which damages the land that surrounds them. The emission caused by electricity varies in countries due to many factors such as the electricity generated air pollution control device used and electricity generation technology used. China is the most affected due to its increase in industrial sector hence more emissions. The use the fossil fuels which have harsh effects to the environment.

In USA the renewable energy mainly used is the solar and wind energy which cover a vast land that was meant for a different purpose. This disallows accommodation of residents close to those areas as well as animal habitats. 10 Energy Sources. Effects on the World Large solar farms creates heat island where some surfaces of the environment are warmer than the rest. Burning of fossil fuels produce greenhouse gases that harm the ecosystem.

Burning of oil releases toxic chemicals to the air, the refined oil also creates toxic waste. Solar users have been on the rise due to its renewable nature since it is widely available and unlimited. The solar energy collection via panels does not give off any air, noise or water pollution and does not need to be transported. With all this advantages, solar energy has its disadvantages. The creation oh heat islands is its main disadvantage.

The solar farms installations can take up a big land, causing habitat loss and ecological damage. On the other hand wind energy has similar disadvantages and advantages as solar despite the wind energy concerns on noise pollution. It is very disruptive to extract coal from the environment, and can remove mountaintops and hillsides. The process also produces waste that can damage the environment, and contaminate groundwater. 11 Civil War.

Brief History and Assessment of the Threat The American civil war caused the highest number of casualties till date. The civil war environmental impact begin with the construction and sustaining military forces which consume vast quantities of resources. High intensity civil wars consume large quantities of fuels which results to massive emission of CO2 gas. Since the first rock was thrown by the first cave dweller, the natural environment has been a strategic element of war. The armies of Assyria and ancient Rome reportedly sowed salt into the cropland of their foes making the soil useless for farming to ensure the total capitulation of their enemies and one of the most devastating environmental effects of war.

The destruction of human lives throughout the American civil war is startling, and the carnage has been a subject of great interest for many Civil War historians. The war didn’t only attack people but also attacked the natural environment. 12 Civil War. Affected Countries. In Afghanistan, all the wildlife and its habitats disappeared.

The war stripped the country of its precious native pistachio woodlands causing the vanish of more than a third of its forest. In South Sudan, the elephants disappeared due to the civil war. A large population of people lived in camps after he Rwandan civil war. This war also caused a vast destruction of the forest. The Costs of War Project says illegal logging by warlords and wood harvesting by refugees has caused more than one-third of Afghanistan’s forests to vanish while the number of migratory birds passing through Afghanistan has fallen by 85% due to the civil war.

There are 5,000 elephants in South Sudan, which is recuperating from a civil war. The region had more than 100,000 elephants a decade ago, before the civil war engulfed South Sudan. The Spokesperson of Ministry of Wildlife and Conservation, Maj. Gen. Khamis Adieng noted that due to armed conflicts, six national parks were affected and all the wild animals ran away.

The Rwandan conflict caused millions of people to habitat in camps of Virunga National Park which caused the destruction of the forest leaving 35 square kilometer stripped bare. 13 Civil War. Effects on the World The civil war causes destruction of habitat and refugees around the world. For example, the Vietnam war. The civil war also causes the infrastructure collapse on the developed countries.

After the civil war, the countries are involved with a lot of manufacturing and production enhancing air pollution. Perhaps the foremost famous example of habitat devastation occurred during the war when U.S. forces sprayed herbicides like herbicide on the forests and mangrove swamps that provided cover to guerrilla soldiers. An estimated 20 million gallons of herbicide were used, decimating about 4.5 million acres within the countryside. Some regions don't seem to be expected to recover for several decades. The enemies roads ,utilities and other infrastructure are the first target area of attack in a military campaign.

The destruction of wastewater treatment plants severely degrades regional water quality. 14 Conclusion. In conclusion, there are several factors that threat the global environment such as the ones discussed above: climate change, globalization, energy sources, and civil war. Education of methods of reducing the effect of the discussed factors should be publicized. The threats of the global environment increase annually according to the global risk report.

References. Sinha, A., & Mitra, S. (2007). Economic Development, Climate Change, and the Environment. Milton: Taylor & Francis Group. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2010).

Globalisation, transport and the environment. Paris: OECD. Mauldin, E. S. (2018). Unredeemed land: An environmental history of Civil War and emancipation in the cotton South.

D'Agosto, M. A. (2019). Transportation, energy use and environmental impacts.

Paper for above instructions

Dante Jones
SOC 450
Gwendolyn Royal-Smith
March 6, 2021

Introduction

The environment faces numerous threats, with four critical ones standing out: climate change, globalization, energy sources, and civil war. These threats pose a significant risk to ecosystems, human health, and overall livelihood. Understanding these threats and their implications is crucial for addressing the environmental crises of our time.

Climate Change

Brief History and Assessment of the Threat

Climate change represents a monumental challenge, exacerbated by human activities. The Global Risk Report (2019) observed an alarming rise in environmental concerns tied to increased greenhouse gas emissions (World Economic Forum, 2019). Recent United Nations reports indicate that without significant changes to our behavior, we risk severe consequences within a mere decade (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2018). Natural disasters such as intense rainstorms, droughts, and rising ocean levels are direct manifestations of climate change, jeopardizing biodiversity and human settlements alike (Hsiang et al., 2017).

Affected Countries

Japan epitomizes vulnerability to climate change, with a staggering climate risk index of 5.5 (Eckstein et al., 2019). In 2018 alone, weather-related events contributed to 1,282 fatalities. Germany, facing an unprecedented heatwave in 2018, also bore significant economic losses and deaths, with agriculture suffering immensely (German Federal Ministry for the Environment, 2019). Kenya presents a different scenario, where prolonged droughts intensified famine, costing the nation approximately 8 million (Oxfam, 2018).

Effects on the World

The ramifications of climate change are dire. Its impact disrupts food production chains, leading to potential famine, while clouding soil quality and biodiversity (Dale et al., 2019). Climate change drives habitat loss and resource exploitation, which threaten ecosystem resilience and essential environmental services like clean air and safe water (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005).

Globalization

Brief History and Assessment of the Threat

Globalization, while pivotal for economic development, brings along several environmental challenges. The interconnectedness of economies often results in an uptick in pollution through industrialization and resource exploitation (Dauvergne, 2008). Notably, as nations prioritize economic success, environmental degradation may be marginalized within policy agendas (Hoffman & Dussauge, 2019). Environmental issues that start locally can escalate into international crises, necessitating a reevaluation of our global approach to environmental stewardship (Nason, 2020).

Affected Countries

China serves as a case in point regarding globalization’s environmental impacts. Its rapid industrial growth has led to severe air and water pollution, while pollutants travel internationally, affecting global health (Zhao et al., 2019). In the United States, industrial practices contribute to groundwater contamination, underscoring the interconnected nature of global pollution (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2019).

Effects on the World

Globalization affects environmental standards and resource utilization across nations. Trade liberalization and industrial specialization often push countries toward pollution-intensive goods, intensifying environmental deterioration (Khor, 2015). Although globalization can open pathways for sustainable practices, negative consequences such as resource depletion and biodiversity loss remain prevalent.

Energy Sources

Brief History and Assessment of the Threat

The demand for energy sources significantly impacts the environment. Traditional energy forms, particularly fossil fuels, emit considerable greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change (World Energy Council, 2020). While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are less harmful, they still have ecological footprints through land use and resource extraction (Sovacool, 2017).

Affected Countries

China stands at the forefront of energy challenges, dependent largely on coal, contributing to high emissions levels. The United States, in its transition to renewable energies, also confronts issues such as habitat destruction from land utilization for solar and wind farms (International Energy Agency, 2019).

Effects on the World

Energy generation invariably alters ecosystems. Renewable energy production can lead to land displacement and habitat loss (Barbose et al., 2016). Fossil fuel extraction practices result in ecosystem degradation while contributing significantly to air and water pollution (Zhang et al., 2018). The duality of energy requirements highlights the urgent need for sustainable approaches that minimize environmental harm.

Civil War

Brief History and Assessment of the Threat

Civil wars profoundly affect environmental integrity. Historical examples, such as the American Civil War, illustrated warfare's environmental toll. The destruction of resources occurs alongside human suffering, with militarized consumption leading to intense ecological disruption (Mauldin, 2018). The extraction of materials for wartime efforts often leads to large-scale environmental degradation.

Affected Countries

Countries like Afghanistan and South Sudan showcase the environmental cost of civil conflicts. Its ecosystems suffered severe degradation due to illegal logging and loss of wildlife (The Costs of War Project, 2021). The aftermath often includes a devastated landscape and loss of biodiversity, which complicates recovery efforts (Dala, 2021).

Effects on the World

The consequences of civil wars extend beyond the immediate regions of conflict. Infrastructure destruction leads to air and water quality deterioration and sparks humanitarian crises, necessitating international intervention (Homer-Dixon, 1999). The ripple effects can disrupt global food systems as well, showcasing how violence can have far-reaching environmental implications.

Conclusion

The interplay of climate change, globalization, energy sources, and civil war creates multifaceted threats to our global environment. Recognizing these challenges and pursuing collaborative, sustainable solutions are essential to mitigate their impacts. Education and awareness are crucial to fostering a united front for environmental protection, urging policymakers, businesses, and communities to act decisively.

References

1. Barbose, G., Wiser, R., & Bollinger, M. (2016). Explaining Residential Customer Enrollment in California's Community Choice Aggregation Programs. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
2. Dale, V. H., et al. (2019). Climate Change and Ecosystems: A Global Perspective. Climate Change.
3. Dala, R. (2021). The Environmental Cost of Civil War. The Costs of War Project.
4. Dauvergne, P. (2008). The Shadows of Consumption: Consequences for the Environment. Social Research.
5. Eckstein, D., Künzel, V. J., & Schäfer, L. (2019). Global Climate Risk Index 2020: Who Suffers Most from Extreme Weather Events? Germanwatch.
6. Hoffman, A. J., & Dussauge, P. (2019). The United Nations and Globalization: Impacts on the Environment. The United Nations Press.
7. Homer-Dixon, T. (1999). Environment, Scarcity, and Violence. Princeton University Press.
8. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C: An IPCC Special Report.
9. International Energy Agency (2019). Renewables 2019: Analysis and Forecasts to 2024.
10. Khor, M. (2015). Globalization and the Environment: The Need for Global Regulation. Development and Change.
By assessing these critical threats, stakeholders across the globe can begin to formulate solutions that align with the principles of sustainability, international cooperation, and ecological restoration.