LEARNING ABOUT BIODIVERISTY

CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is not a new phenomenon. The earths climate has changed warmed and cooled for millions of years. The difference between past fluctuations and the warming currently under way is that human activities are speeding up the process, so the effects of climate change are happening rapidly. Such rapid climate change poses problems to both people and wildlife, as both try to cope with the changes. Analyses of ice cores, corals, tree rings and historical weather records indicate that the period between 1990-2000 was the warmest decade of the last millennium. Eleven of the last 12 years rank among the hottest years since 1850, when records of global surface temperatures began.

What effects will climate change have?

In the case of climate change, or global warming both the causes and effects are international. If the most moderate predictions made by scientists about the effects of climate change are correct, there is no country that will not be affected. Some changes are already easy to see and experience in already drought-prone countries, droughts are becoming longer and hotter, and rainy seasons have become erratic and unpredictable. Rain and wind storms are becoming more frequent and many unusual weather events have been recorded.

The major consequences of climate change will be: Sea level rise: This is partly caused by the melting of the polar ice caps, but mostly by the simple expansion of water as it heats up. Coastal environments cover a mere 20% of the earths surface, yet they produce a quarter of our global biological diversity. Inability of species to adapt: The rate of change may be so rapid that species adapted over millions of years to living in extreme heat, cold, altitude or specialist environments (such as cloud forest or high snowy mountains) may not be able to adjust their behaviour (such as breeding, feeding or timing of migration journeys) quickly enough, and may die out altogether. Unpredictable seasons: The worlds weather patterns are extremely complex and interdependent. One change may lead to another, and another, and the delicate balance may become irrevocably upset. Severe storms and huge wildfires are also becoming more common around the world, while the worlds water supply is threatened and agricultural yield is decreasing.

What can we do?

Humans are pumping carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases change the way in which energy from the sun enters and escapes from the atmosphere. This is changing the balance of incoming and outgoing heat by trapping more of the outgoing heat. Higher average temperatures on the earths surface are causing a change in worldwide weather patterns. We have already seen the average annual global temperature reach a record high in 2005. These effects are set to get worse, unless we take action now. Adaptation and Mitigation There are generally two approaches to fighting climate change: adaptation and mitigation. The adaptation approach looks at measures to prepare for and respond to climate change by adapting systems, services, infrastructure and practices. The mitigation approach takes matters further, and reduces the human contribution to climate change, for example by releasing less CO into the atmosphere. Prevention is always better than cure it is much cheaper and more effective in the long run to prevent climate change than to try to adapt to it. We need to strike a balance between the two and address both adaptation and mitigation. For example, by insulating roofs in new housing, we will be adapting these houses to deal with higher or lower temperature extremes, while also mitigating climate change by reducing the energy needed for indoor heating or cooling. CURRICULUM-BASED ACTIVITIES Interview some adults in your community to find out how things have changed in their lifetime. If you feel that things have changed for the worst, for example, there are no more trees where your grandmother remembered trees once growing, write a letter to your local newspaper or to an important politician who you feel might be interested. Explain the information that you have gathered, and why you think that something should be done to try This fact sheet is adapted by kind courtesy of and adapt or prevent the situation from worsening. Remember to ask for a reply! BirdLife South Africa (BLSA) and the City of Cape Outcomes Languages listening: The learner is able to listen for information and enjoyment, and respond appropriately and critically in a wide range of situations. Languages speaking: The learner is able to communicate confidently and effectively in a spoken language in a wide range of situations. Arts and Culture - expressing and communicating: The learner is able to analyze and use multiple forms of communication and expression.
24 VELD&FLORA | MARCH 2011

Towns Environmental Resource Management Department. Visit them at www.birdlife.org.za and www.capetown.gov.za/environment.