Climate Change: Current Drivers, Observations and Impacts on the Globe’s Natural and Human Systems

2018 ◽  
pp. 27-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Human Systems

Anthropogenic climate change detected in natural and human systems of the world’s mountains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Huggel ◽  
Simon K. Allen ◽  
Indra D. Bhatt ◽  
Rithodi Chakraborty ◽  
Fabian Drenkhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Anthropogenic Climate Change ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Mountain Regions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mountain Systems ◽  
Human Systems

<p>Mountains cover about a quarter of the Earth’s land surface and are home to or serve a substantial fraction of the global population with essential ecosystem services, in particular water, food, energy, and recreation. While mountain systems are expected to be highly exposed to climate change, we currently lack a comprehensive global picture of the extent to which environmental and human systems in mountain regions have been affected by recent anthropogenic climate change.</p><p>Here we undertake an unprecedented effort to detect observed impacts of climate change in mountains regions across all continents. We follow the approach implemented in the IPCC 5<sup>th</sup> Assessment Report (AR5) and follow-up research where we consider whether a natural or human system has changed beyond its baseline behavior in the absence of climate change, and then attribute the observed change to different drivers, including anthropogenic climate change. We apply an extensive review of peer-reviewed and grey literature and identify more than 300 samples of impacts (aggregate and case studies). We show that a wide range of natural and human systems in mountains have been affected by climate change, including the cryosphere, the water cycle and water resources, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, energy production, infrastructure, agriculture, health, migration, tourism, community and cultural values and disasters. Our assessment documents that climate change impacts are observed in mountain regions on all continents. However, the explicit distinction of different drivers contributing to or determining an observed change is often highly challenging; particularly due to widespread data scarcity in mountain regions. In that context, we were also able to document a high amount of impacts in previously under-reported continents such as Africa and South America. In particular, we have been able to include a substantial number of place-based insights from local/indigenous communities representing important alternative worldviews.</p><p>The role of human influence in observed climate changes is evaluated using data from multiple gridded observational climate products and global climate models. We find that anthropogenic climate change has a clear and discernable fingerprint in changing natural and human mountain systems across the globe. In the cryosphere, ecosystems, water resources and tourism the contribution of anthropogenic climate change to observed changes is significant, showing the sensitivity of these systems to current and future climate change. Furthermore, our analysis reveals the need to consider the plurality of knowledge systems through which climate change impacts are being understood in mountain regions. Such attempts at inclusivity, which addresses issues of representation and justice, should be deemed necessary in exploring climate change impacts.</p>

scholarly journals Origins, Benefits and the Political Basis of Agroecology

2020 ◽  
pp. 11-28
Author(s):  
Colin Ray Anderson ◽  
Janneke Bruil ◽  
M. Jahi Chappell ◽  
Csilla Kiss ◽  
Michel Patrick Pimbert
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Political Ecology ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
The Political ◽  
Traditional Practice ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
Human Systems

AbstractIn this chapter, we introduce the origins and history of agroecology, outlining its emergence as a science and its longstanding history as a traditional practice throughout the world. We provide a brief review of the evidence of the benefits of agroecology in relation to productivity, livelihoods, biodiversity, nutrition, climate change and enhancing social relations. We then outline our approach to agroecology which is rooted in the tradition of political ecology that posits power and governance have always been the decisive factors in shaping agricultural and other ‘human’ systems.

scholarly journals Border and Migration Controls and Migrant Precarity in the Context of Climate Change

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
Nicole Bates-Eamer
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Global Migration ◽  
Environmental Migration ◽  
Migration Flows ◽  
And Migration ◽  
In Transit ◽  
Human Systems

Climate change impacts natural and human systems, including migration patterns. But isolating climate change as the driver of migration oversimplifies a complex and multicausal phenomenon. This article brings together the literature on global migration and displacement, environmental migration, vulnerability and precarity, and borders and migration governance to examine the ways in which climate-induced migrants experience precarity in transit. Specifically, it assesses the literature on the ways in which states create or amplify precarity in multiple ways: through the use of categories, by externalizing borders, and through investments in border infrastructures. Overall, the paper suggests that given the shift from governance regimes purportedly based on protection and facilitation to regimes based on security, deterrence, and enforcement, borders are complicit in producing and amplifying the vulnerability of migrants. The phenomenon of climate migration is particularly explicative in demonstrating how these regimes, which categorize individuals based on why they move, are and will continue to be unable to manage future migration flows.

scholarly journals Anthropogenic climate change and glacier lake outburst flood risk: local and global drivers and responsibilities for the case of Lake Palcacocha, Peru

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Huggel ◽  
Mark Carey ◽  
Adam Emmer ◽  
Holger Frey ◽  
Noah Walker-Crawford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Flood Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Climate Change ◽  
Climate Signal ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Local Risk ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Risk Reduction Measures ◽  
Global And Local ◽  
Human Systems

Abstract. Evidence of observed negative impacts on natural and human systems from anthropogenic climate change is increasing. However, human systems in particular are dynamic and influenced by multiple drivers, and hence identifying an anthropogenic climate signal is challenging. Here we analyze the case of lake Palcacocha in the Andes of Peru which offers a representative model for other glacier lakes and related risks around the world because it features a dynamic evolution of flood risk driven by physical and socio-economic factors and processes. Furthermore, it is the object of a prominent climate litigation case where a local Peruvian citizen sued a large German energy producer over risk of flooding from lake Palcacocha. Adopting a conceptual model of cascading impacts and multiple drivers of risk we first study climatic and other geophysical drivers of flood risk. We find that an anthropogenic signal related to greenhouse gas emissions is traceable. In parallel, flood risk has been strongly shaped (and increased) by interacting socio-economic, institutional and cultural processes over the past decades. The case raises important questions of responsibility for flood risk of global and local agents which, however, are difficult to address in cases like Palcacocha where we reveal a complex network of interlinked global, national and local drivers. Following from this we outline a normative framework with a differentiated perspective on responsibility, implying that global emitters commit to support strengthening capacities in affected regions and localities, and local institutions and societies engage in local risk reduction measures and policies.

scholarly journals Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Gruber ◽  
Renate Fleiner ◽  
Emilie Guegan ◽  
Prajjwal Panday ◽  
Marc-Olivier Schmid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
Permafrost Thaw ◽  
Hindu Kush ◽  
Vegetation Water ◽  
Human Systems

Abstract. The cryosphere reacts sensitively to climate change, as evidenced by the widespread retreat of mountain glaciers. Subsurface ice contained in permafrost is similarly affected by climate change, causing persistent impacts on natural and human systems. In contrast to glaciers, permafrost is not observable spatially and therefore its presence and possible changes are frequently overlooked. Correspondingly, little is known about permafrost in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, despite permafrost area exceeding that of glaciers in nearly all countries. Based on evidence and insight gained mostly in other permafrost areas globally, this review provides a synopsis on what is known or can be inferred about permafrost in the mountains of the HKH region. Given the extreme nature of the environment concerned, it is to be expected that the diversity of conditions and phenomena encountered in permafrost exceed what has previously been described and investigated. We further argue that climate change in concert with increasing development will bring about diverse permafrost-related impacts on vegetation, water quality, geohazards, and livelihoods. To better anticipate and mitigate these effects, a deepened understanding of high-elevation permafrost in subtropical latitudes as well as the pathways inter-connecting environmental changes and human livelihoods are needed.

scholarly journals Breve historia de la ciencia del cambio climático y la respuesta política global: un análisis contextual/Brief history of climate change science and global political response: a context analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. Salas ◽  
E. S. Maldonado
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Context Analysis ◽  
Political Response ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Mitigate Climate Change ◽  
Human Systems

Los sistemas naturales y humanos de la Tierra soportan presiones dramáticas debido al cambio climático. Una gran cantidad de evidencia científica muestra que el cambio climático es, en parte, causado por actividades antropogénicas. El inicio de la revolución industrial, alrededor de 1750, intensificó la tasa de acumulación de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) en la atmósfera terrestre. Este aumento de la concentración de GEI en la atmósfera, sin duda, ha acelerado los cambios en el clima del planeta, causando a su vez un aumento de las temperaturas globales del suelo, los océanos y el aire. Este aumento de la temperatura global afecta notablemente a los sistemas naturales y humanos por igual. Científicos, sectores interesados, personalidades sociales y políticas han exigido a los gobiernos y otras organizaciones locales, nacionales y supranacionales que acepten su responsabilidad y emprendan acciones decisivas para mitigar el cambio climático y sus impactos. Actualmente, uno de los principales objetivos de la humanidad, para minimizar o evitar desastres catastróficos relacionados con el clima, es mantener el calentamiento global por debajo de los 2∘ C en comparación con los niveles preindustriales. En consecuencia, la comunidad internacional ha respondido de diferentes maneras para mitigar y adaptarse a los impactos del cambio climático. Este artículo presenta un análisis de la literatura sobre la ciencia del cambio climático y la respuesta política global, proporcionando, además, una descripción del establecimiento de diferentes organizaciones científicas y políticas clave destinadas a mitigar el cambio climático. Abstract: Earth’s natural and human systems are enduring dramatic pressures due to climate change. A great body of scientific evidence shows that climate change is, in part, caused by anthropogenic activities. The start of the industrial revolution, around 1750, intensified the rate of growth of GHGs’ concentration in Earth’s atmosphere. The increased atmospheric GHGs’ concentration has, undoubtedly, accelerated changes in Earth’s climate, which in turn, caused an increase of global land, ocean, and air temperatures. This global temperature rise is noticeably impacting natural and human systems alike. Scientists, stakeholders, social and political personalities have demanded governments and other organizations at local, national and supranational levels to accept their responsibility and undertake decisive actions to mitigate climate change and its impacts. At present, one of the main goals of humankind, to minimize or avoid catastrophic climate-related disasters, is to keep earth’s warming below 2∘ C compared to pre-industrial levels. In this context, the international community has responded in different ways to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This paper presents a brief review of the literature of the science of climate change and the global political response. Science and political response must go hand in hand to fight climate change and its impacts. This paper also provides an account of the establishment of different key scientific and political organizations aimed to mitigate climate change. Palabras clave: Cambio Climático, Ciencia Medioambiental, Política Medioambiental. Keywords: Climate Change, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy.

scholarly journals Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Gruber ◽  
Renate Fleiner ◽  
Emilie Guegan ◽  
Prajjwal Panday ◽  
Marc-Olivier Schmid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
Permafrost Thaw ◽  
Hindu Kush ◽  
Vegetation Water ◽  
Human Systems

Abstract. The cryosphere reacts sensitively to climate change, as evidenced by the widespread retreat of mountain glaciers. Subsurface ice contained in permafrost is similarly affected by climate change, causing persistent impacts on natural and human systems. In contrast to glaciers, permafrost is not observable spatially and therefore its presence and possible changes are frequently overlooked. Correspondingly, little is known about permafrost in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, despite permafrost area exceeding that of glaciers in nearly all countries. Based on evidence and insight gained mostly in other permafrost areas globally, this review provides a synopsis on what is known or can be inferred about permafrost in the mountains of the HKH region. Given the extreme nature of the environment concerned, it is to be expected that the diversity of conditions and phenomena encountered in permafrost exceed what has previously been described and investigated. We further argue that climate change in concert with increasing development will bring about diverse permafrost-related impacts on vegetation, water quality, geohazards, and livelihoods. To better anticipate and mitigate these effects, a deepened understanding of high-elevation permafrost in subtropical latitudes as well as the pathways interconnecting environmental changes and human livelihoods are needed.

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