B-Glocal_M1

MODULE 1

Understanding the climate change, locally and globally

Let´s start!

Co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them - 2023-2-ES01-KA210-ADU-000179142

Introduction

This microlesson shall help you understand the science behind climate change including causes and effects, and how individual and community actions may contribute to or be affected by global efforts toward climate change.

Learning objectives

When you complete this lesson, you will be able to:

Understand clearly the science comprising climate change: causes, effects, and contribution by greenhouse gases.

Recognize how individual and community actions fit within global efforts to address climate change; understand the interdependent effects between local initiatives and global climate realities.

Introduction

We're happy to have you here and we'd love to introduce you to Maria. Since retirement she's been able to follow her passion for gardening. Over the last years she is noticing changes in her garden and wonders if it’s related to climate change.

• She has noticed that the weather has become more unpredictable recently, with unexpected frosts in late spring and sudden heatwaves in early autumn. This is affecting her plants.
• She is seeing more pests and diseases. This is probably because it's warmer and milder in winter.
• Flowering is coming earlier than usual, which is disrupting the traditional gardening calendar.
• It's hard to keep a regular watering schedule because of droughts and heavy rain. Sometimes the soil is too wet, and the plants are dry.
• Some plants are struggling, while others are thriving. This shows a change in plant hardiness zones.

Maria is a 60-year-old retired teacher who spent over 30 years teaching kids in her community.

Let´s discover more about climate change!

The Science Behind Climate Change: What is Climate Change?

Climate change is when there are big, long-lasting changes in the way weather patterns happen, over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It can show up as changes in the average weather conditions or in how weather events are distributed around that average (for instance, more or fewer extreme weather events). The greenhouse effect highly influences the climate change that has huge impact in our planet!

Greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. So, how does it work?

Greenhouse Gases Trap Heat

Sunlight Reaches Earth

Heat Radiations

Warming the Planet

This heat is lost to space; much of it, however, is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere by the socalled 'greenhouse gases': carbon dioxide - CO2, methane - CH4, and water vapour - H2O.

These gases serve as a glass wall that allows sunlight in but prevents some of the heat from escaping, thus warming up the planet.

It emits energy in the form of light that goes through the atmosphere, reaching the surface of the Earth.

Then, the Earth absorbs and radiates heat back into space.

It is well known that the greenhouse effect is vital to life on Earth, and the sharp rise of gases-emitting substances due to human activity contributes to its enhancement, thus causing climate change. This is a big challenge for both natural ecosystems and human society.

Check this video!

What Is the Greenhouse Effect? – NASA Space Place

Causes of Climate Change: Natural vs. Human-Induced

NATURAL CAUSES

HUMAN-INDUCED CAUSES

Volcanic Eruptions can emit huge volumes of ash and gases like CO2 and SO2 into the atmosphere, causing temporary cooling and heating effects on Earth. Changes in thee energy output from the Sun from the Sun will translate into climatic terms: heating during periods of high solar activity, cooling during periods of low activity. Natural Climate Phenomena, such as El Niño and La Niña, such as El Niño and La Niña, bring changes in weather patterns and ocean temperatures that affect the global climate. The changing orbit and tilt of the Earth affect climate patterns that, in turn, may produce ice ages.

Burning of fossil fuels releases CO2-a greenhouse gas. Combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas release CO2, a greenhouse gas. Deforestation, cutting down forests, means there are fewer trees to absorb CO2, which increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Agricultural activities emit methane and nitrous oxide from livestock, rice paddies, and fertilizers. Factories and industry processes emit greenhouse gases through chemical reactions and energy source usage. Waste Management. Landfills produce methane, which contributes to climate change.

Images created by IA for the project – Microsoft Designer

Global Warming from 1880 to 2022

Credits: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio. Data Provided By Robert B. Schmunk (NASA/GSFC GISS).

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change produce ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMICAL impacts. Let´s take a look at some of them!

Effects of Climate Change

ECONOMICAL IMPACTS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

SOCIAL IMPACTS

Rising Temperatures - Further heating long runs to moreheatwave occurrence can make some living locations uncomfortable (or threatening too). It could also affect plant and animal growth, as many species may not be able to survive in hotter temperatures. Extreme Weather - The regularity and potency of large extreme climate disasters is an symptom that mankind in specific are creating a dilemma for the surroundings. These include stronger downpours, more intense hurricanes and worse droughts. Heavy rains lead to floods, whereas dry spells result in water shortages and damage crops! Sea Level Rise - Due to the melting of ice caps and glaciers as well as the expansion of seawater as it warms, sea levels are rising. Rising seas mean coastal flooding which threatens homes, infrastructure and eco systems. Where once-secure settlements could become uninhabitable and residents would be forced to move on — with significant losses in property and land.

Infrastructure Damage - Extreme weather conditions such as floods and hurricanes have the potential to devastate roads, bridges, and buildings, resulting in costly repairs and service interruptions. Increased Costs - With agriculture and fisheries being impacted by climate change, the prices of food and other products may rise, posing a challenge for both households and businesses. Job Losses – In some sectors, such as agriculture and tourism could occur as a result of shifting climate conditions. This can lead to economic instability in the impacted region.

Displacement - As sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more common, some communities may have no choice but to move, migrate. This can result in people losing their homes and having their lives disrupted. Health Risks - As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, we could see more heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems caused by poor air quality. On top of that, diseases might spread more easily in warmer climates. Food Security - Extreme weather can damage crops and mess up food supply chains, which can lead to higher food prices and less food available. This can make it harder for people to get affordable, healthy food.

Check this video!

Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation & Vulnerability

The Role of Individuals and Communities - How Your Actions Matter

We know now that climate change is the result of natural and human activity. We may not have any control over nature, but there is no denying that we surely can control it to a certain extent by changing some of the daily routines. Each one of us that does contribute. The way we use energy in our homes, how we travel, and how we manage our waste all impact climate change. We can contribute to environmental protection by making minor adjustments in our daily routines. Collectively, we have the ability to shape a brighter future for all. The concept is known as climate justice. It means making sure that everyone has a fair chance to be safe and healthy, especially those who are already facing challenges due to inequality. Climate justice looks at how climate change impacts people, communities, and nature, and encourages us to support one another for a healthier planet.

How can our individual actions contribute to climate change?

Energy use: The electricity used in our homes is often generated by burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the air. Using less energy or renewable sources helps to reduce emissions.

Transportation: Gas-powered vehicles contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. You can help reduce these emissions by using public transport, carpooling, cycling or walking.

Waste: Throwing away food and other items fills landfills, where waste decomposes and produces methane, a greenhouse gas. Reducing waste, recycling and composting can make a difference.

Food choices: Eating less meat and more plant-based foods can reduce your carbon footprint.

Check other B-Glocal micro-lessons to explore more about this!

Local Actions, Global Impact

You might be curious about how our actions affect the climate. Every effort matters! When neighbourhoods work together to make changes, like recycling or planting trees, it helps to reduce pollution and protect the environment. There are many examples of successful initiatives, such as…

• Community Projects: Local initiatives, such as community gardens, recycling programmes, tree-planting events, or cleaning of beaches and riverbanks, help reduce carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity.
• Energy Efficiency: Neighbourhood efforts to promote energy-efficient appliances or solar panels lower overall energy consumption, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Education and Awareness: Local workshops and events help people understand climate change better and show them how they can make eco-friendly choices that will make a big difference.

Community projects - The Incredible Edible Project

https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/

Location: Todmorden, England

Impact achieved:

Key features:

In 2008, the Incredible Edible project began with the aim of transforming public spaces into community gardens that produce food. The idea is to grow food in shared spaces and encourage everyone to get involved.

Encourage community members, schools and businesses to join together to grow in common outdoor areas. Turn wasted spaces into gardens accessible to all where fresh fruit and vegetables can be harvested. Promotes awareness of environmental issues, food security and the effects of climate change, encouraging people to make sustainable choices. Encourages buying from local farmers and supporting community food projects to boost the local economy. Improves public health by providing access to fresh produce, promoting gardening as a physical activity and encouraging social engagement.

Community Engagement: Residents, including schools and local businesses, get involved in planting and maintaining the gardens, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. Food Access: The project supplies the local community with fresh, locally sourced produce, thereby enhancing accessibility to healthy food options. Environmental Benefits: By cultivating food in the area, the carbon emissions associated to food transport are reduced. Also, it promotes biodiversity by establishing green spaces that benefit local wildlife.

Energy efficiency - Ekiola Project

https://ekiola.eus/es/

Location: Basque Country, Spain

Impact achieved:

Key features:

The Ekiola Project focuses on promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in local communities through the installation of solar panels. It aims to empower residents to take charge of their energy consumption and contribute to sustainable development.

Increased Solar Adoption: It assists communities in decreasing dependence on traditional energy sources by making solar technology more accessible, leading to an increase in solar adoption. Lower Energy Costs: Participants enjoy lower electricity bills due to the use of solar energy, enhancing economic sustainability. Environmental Benefits: The project contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the broader goals of climate action in Spain.

Community Participation: Residents play a role in creating and carrying out solar energy solutions, promoting a feeling of ownership and teamwork. Educational Component: The project involves workshops and educational sessions to educate participants on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices. Cost-Effective Solutions: Ekiola encourages group buying, enabling communities to enjoy lower expenses for solar panel installations.

SUMMARY

Let's pull together the main points from this micro-lesson!

The rise in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation is responsible for climate change.

The greenhouse effect absorbs warmth in the air, causing global warming and alterations in climate.

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Community initiatives, such as sustainable gardening and local clean-up projects, build on individual efforts and create a bigger impact.

We can each contribute to addressing climate change by cutting back on our energy consumption and reducing waste.

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Local efforts help us reach global climate goals, like those set out in international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

It's a two-way street: global policies and initiatives can also support and enhance local actions.

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SELF-REFLECTION

1. Have you noticed any changes in your local area that could be related to climate change?
2. Are there any community projects or initiatives in your area that you could get involved with to help combat climate change?
3. What can you do to get others in your community involved in tackling climate change?
4. What do you think your local actions can contribute to global climate change efforts?

Now that you have gained a better understanding of climate change, here are some questions for self-reflection!

WELL DONE!

Congratulations on successfully finishing this training module! You've shown that learning knows no age limits. Keep up the excellent work!

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