ENVIRONMENTAL

AWARENESS AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
CLIMATE
CHANGE
 Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather
over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years. It
can be a change in the average weather or a change in the
distribution of weather events around an average (for example,
greater or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change may be
limited to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth.
WHAT MAKES CLIMATE
CHANGE?
 The Earth‘s climate is influenced by many factors, mainly by the amount
of energy coming from the sun, but also by factors such as the amount of
greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, and the properties of the
Earth‘s surface, which determine how much of this solar energy is retained
or reflected back to space.
 CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
A. NATURAL CAUSES
 1. Continental drift – The continents that we are familiar with today were formed
when the landmass began gradually drifting apart, millions of years back. This drift
also had an impact on the climate because it changed the physical features of the
landmass, their position and the position of water bodies. The separation of the
landmasses changed the flow of ocean currents and winds, which affected the climate.

2. Volcanoes – When a volcano erupts, it throws out large volumes of sulfur dioxide,
water vapor, dust, and ash into the atmosphere. Although the volcanic activity may last
only a few days, yet the large volumes of gases and ash can influence climatic patterns
for years. Millions of tons of sulfur dioxide gas can reach the upper levels of the
atmosphere (called the stratosphere) from a major eruption. The gases and dust
particles partially block the incoming rays of the sun, leading to cooling.
3. The earth's tilt – Changes in the tilt of the earth can affect the severity of the seasons
more tilt means warmer summers and colder winters; less tilt means cooler summers and
milder winters.

 4. Ocean currents – The oceans are a major component of the climate system. They cover
about 71% of the Earth and absorb about twice as much of the sun's radiation as the
atmosphere or the land surface. Ocean currents move vast amounts of heat across the planet
- roughly the same amount as the atmosphere does. But the oceans are surrounded by land
masses, so heat transport through the water is through channels. Winds push horizontally
against the sea surface and drive ocean current patterns. Certain parts of the world are
influenced by ocean currents more than others. Ocean currents have been known to change
direction or slow down.
B. HUMAN CAUSES
1. Greenhouse Gases and their Sources
a. Carbon dioxide
b. Methane
c. Nitrous oxide –
d. Nitrogen
HUMAN CONTRIBUTION TO
CLIMATE CHANGE
 All of us in our daily lives contribute our bit to this change in the
climate. Give these points a good, serious thought:
 • Electricity is the main source of power in urban areas. All our gadgets
run on electricity generated mainly from thermal power plants. These
thermal power plants are run on fossil fuels (mostly coal) and are
responsible for the emission of huge amounts of greenhouse gases and
other pollutants.
 • Cars, buses, and trucks are the principal ways by which goods and
people are transported in most of our cities. These are run mainly on
petrol or diesel, both fossil fuels.
 • We generate large quantities of waste in the form of plastics that
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
 Man’s environment consists of natural resources like air, land, water, plants,
and animals. With the progress of industrialization and civilization, man has
interacted with his surroundings and disturbed the nature. It leads to
environmental pollution, which cannot be eradicated by nature’s self-acting
process, i.e., various biogeochemical cycles. Environmental problems stem
from two main categories of human activities: (a) resources utilization at
unsustainable levels and contamination of the environment through pollution
and (b) discharge of wastes at levels beyond the earth’s and environment’s
capacity to absorb them or render them harmless which results in ecological
damage and degradation of the environment.
 7 PRINCIPLES OF
ENVIRONMENT
1. Everything is connected to everything else.
2. All forms of life is important.
3. Everything must go somewhere
4. Ours is a finite earth.
5. Nature know best.
6. Nature is beautiful and we are the stewards of God’s creation.
7. Everything changes.
 ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION: INDIVIDUAL
INITIATIVE
A. House & Garden
1. Grow your own food.
2. Redecorate with eco-products.
3. Buy energy –efficient appliance
4. Reduce electricity use
5. Reduce the usage of refrigerants and air-conditioners
6. Reduce the usage of refrigerants and air-conditioners
B. WATER CONSERVATION
1. Take short showers and share bathwater. Showers use much less water.
The other
choice is to fill a bucket with water and take a can or a jug, and keep filling
it with water from the bucket and pouring it over your head - if you have
some extra water save it for some other person to use. You can lather
yourself up with the water turned off in the middle of the shower.

2. Pollute less. When washing dishes, wash greasy pans last to keep the
water clean.
3. Turn off taps properly. Especially when brushing your teeth - every little bit
helps.

4. Fix dripping taps. The constant drip wastes water, energy and money, so
repair them as soon as possible. You can also save by installing an inexpensive
"flow control" device in shower heads and faucets.

5. Use appliances efficiently. Running the clothes washer with a full load and
using cold water (30 degrees Celsius) whenever possible can lead to big energy
savings. Use detergents that clean clothes effectively
C. TRANSPORTATION
1.Use a bike. With gas prices so high, it will pay for itself. Ride it to work or school, for
short distances, to run errands, or to have fun. Everyone benefits when you ride a bike.
You help conserve our limited oil resources, you are not polluting, and you are
exercising.

2. Walk short distances rather than drive. It may be convenient to drive, but let's face it,
it probably takes longer than walking would, and emits pollutants to boot.

3. Use public transportation or carpool for long trips. These options may take a little
longer, but you can read, listen to headphones, or talk to people instead of having to
stare straight ahead for the length of your commute.
4. Consolidate your trips. If you must drive to do grocery, shopping, etc., plan to
do all weekly errands on one day. You can get everything you need in one trip,
saving you money and time. It's also more fuel efficient to start a car if it's
already warmed up.

5. Research biodiesel. This is a diesel made from a percentage of plant and animal
fat (in some cases reused fat). This is not suitable for all diesel engines.

6. Research energy efficient, electric, hybrid and diesel engines when buying a
new car, motorbike or scooter.
D. SHOPPING
1.Buy only post-consumer recycled paper products, including toilet paper and
tissues. The paper industry is the third greatest contributor to global warming
emissions. Buying recycled is as important as recycling - it’s called “closed
loop" recycling.

2. Avoid using plastic bags from grocery stores. Bring canvas bags to carry your
grocery items. Use re- useable bags and boxes. If you need a plastic one, make
sure you use it again and again!
D. COMMUNITY
1. Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about global warming. What
is it? How does global warming work? Why is it happening? What are the
causes? What are the critics saying?

2. Write to your local council to ask for environmentally minded services such
as recycling collection.

3. Educate yourself, you family, your friends, and everyone you meet. Our
culture is just waking up to issues that have existed for years. The more
people are aware of the issues the more likely they are to make decisions
that will be constructive.