Government College University, Lahore

Solutions for Reducing the Effects of

Future Climate Change Assignment
Submitted by:
Rabia Asad 4144-BS-ENG-23
Manyaim Shah 4136 -BS-ENG-23

Date: 10th November, 2023

Class: BS English Literature
Course Code: GE NS-1101
Submitted to: Dr. Usman Ahmad
Climate Change:
Climate change refers to the natural changes or the shifts in the weather of a region or
climate of earth over a period of time. Climate change can be caused by activity of sun
but recent studies have shown that from late 1800s human activities have been a major
contributor to the climate change.

Causes and Effects of Climate Change:

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), and
water vapors are released from the burning of fossil fuels. These gases are a cause for
global warming which is causing climate change. Cutting down of forests, toxins released
from the industries, use of aerosols cans and exhaust from motor vehicles are also a
cause of climate change.
Problems or effects which are the result of climate change are decline in biodiversity,
rising of sea levels which can cause floods, intense droughts, infertility of land leading to
desertification, melting of glaciers etc.
Scientist have found that the temperature of earth today is 1.8°F(1.0°C) warmer than in
late 1800s. We need to find and act on solutions to climate change to save our planet and
make it a better place for our future generations.

 The graph above shows the gradual increase in the temperature of earth over
the years
Solutions for the Effects of Climate Change for Future

• Renewable Resources:
Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas have
been in use for many years. Coal was also used as a fuel for
ships and trains and heating of houses. Burning of fossil
fuels cause greenhouse gas emission which can lead to
enhanced greenhouse effect which is main cause of global
warming today.
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be
replenished naturally overtime. They are considered
sustainable because they are not depleted when used.
These include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy etc. We can
use these to generate electricity. Energy from the sun can be used for powering homes
and heating of water. Wind turbines can be set up in locations with consistent wind
patterns to produce energy. These can be used many times without the fear of
diminishing them. Moreover, they do not have negative impacts on our climate.
Renewable resources are considered environmental friendly because they produce
minimal or no greenhouse gases which is an important component in efforts to reduce
climate change and transition to more sable energy in future.

• Filtration/Conversion of toxic substances:

Toxic substances which are released into the environment as environmental pollutants
can have an indirect effect on climate. Some toxic substances including volatile organic
compounds can react with other pollutants in air. Toxins can also accumulate in
ecosystems and harm vegetation, wildlife and aquatic life. These ecosystems disruption
can indirectly affect the Earth’s carbon cycle which is critical component of climate
system.
We can convert and filter these toxins into less harmful compounds. The conversion of
toxic substances into less toxic substances can be done by chemical reactions to modify
toxic compounds into less harmful or inert forms. This may involve processes such as
oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, or neutralization. For example, some toxic organic
pollutants can be degraded through advanced oxidation processes using chemicals like
ozone or UV light. Some can be broken down by microorganisms, fungi, or plants in a
process known as bioremediation. Acidic or alkaline solutions can be used to neutralize
the pH of a toxic substance, making it less harmful. This is commonly done in the
treatment of corrosive or acidic waste.
• Role of Insurance Industry:
Insurance industry plays a significant role in addressing and mitigating the impacts of
climate change. The several key aspects of the insurance industry involvement include
that they should invest in environment friendly solutions as this would help to make this
planet a better place to live. They should initiate steps to encourage better environmental
practices and should offer small investments in production and usage of clean energy,
reducing carbon footprints and building sustainable buildings. Home insurance should
consider giving customer discounts for the installation of cyclone-proof windows, fire
proofing houses, energy efficient windows, appliances and solar panels. Insurance
companies should offer greater coastal flood insurances to cover more flood-related
damages as oceans are warming at the same rate as if five atomic bombs were being
dropped every second. Automobile insurance should include the development and
purchase of electric cars. They should fund those companies that are trying to avoid
outdated and damaging practices and are trying to be more ecofriendly. They also play a
role in educating businesses, individuals, and government about the risks associated with
climate change and the importance of taking preventive measures. Most importantly,
insurers should fund the implementation of green insurance initiatives.

• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle:

Plastic production and disposal have significant connections
to climate change, primarily through the greenhouse gas
emissions associated with the plastic lifecycle.
Manufacturing of plastic materials requires significant
amounts of energy, most of which comes from the burning of
fossil fuels. Improper disposal of plastic waste, can release
greenhouse gases like methane and CO2 as the plastics
break down or are burned.
Recycling plays a role in mitigating climate change by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving energy and resources. Some ways
in which recycling help us to mitigate the impacts of climate change are that recycling
saves energy compared to the production of goods from raw materials. It reduces the
demand for extracting and processing virgin resources, such as ores, trees, and oil. This,
in turn, lowers the energy consumption and emissions associated with resource
extraction. Recycling materials rather than sending them to landfills reduces the
decomposition of organic waste in landfills. This, in turn, reduces the production of
methane, a potent greenhouse gas generated during anaerobic decomposition. Recycling
programs raise awareness about the environmental impact of waste and encourage
sustainable consumption habits.
  Better choice of Food and Clothing:
The food and clothing industries have significant impacts on climate change, primarily
through their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. The
energy used in food processing and transportation adds to these emissions. To make
way for agriculture, particularly for crops like soy and palm oil, large areas of forests are
often cleared.
Making sustainable choices for food and clothing can significantly reduce your
environmental footprint and contribute to efforts to combat climate change. Here are some
better choices for both food and clothing
 Choose locally grown and seasonal fruits and vegetables to support local farmers
and reduce the energy and emissions associated with long-distance
transportation.
 Minimize food waste by planning meals, properly storing food, and composting
leftovers. Food waste is a significant source of emissions.
 Support organic and sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, reduce
chemical use, and promote biodiversity.
 Invest in high-quality, durable clothing that lasts longer, rather than buying cheap,
disposable fashion items. This reduces the need for frequent replacements.
 Support clothing brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
 Look for clothing dyed with eco-friendly and non-toxic dyes. Conventional dyeing
processes can be environmentally harmful.

• Cleaning Digital footprints:

Every time we use internet, we emit carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. For this
reason, we should try to bring mindfulness to our usage by cleaning our email box,
downloading videos that are frequently streamed or watched by us. Digital services and
electronic devices contribute to energy consumption. By being mindful of our online
activities and opting for more energy efficient technologies, we can reduce the demand
of energy consumption
By reducing our digital carbon footprint, we can shape a greener future for us. Some
statistics show that:
o Digital technologies are responsible for 4% of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and its
energy consumption is increasing 9% every year.
o The usage of internet emits 1.6 billion annual tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
o More than 50 million tons of e-waste were produced in 2019 alone, a number that
is expected to rise by 8% every year.
• Generating Clean Power:
About 80% of the world’s total energy is produced by using fossil fuels like coal, petroleum
and natural gas. The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations from
burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming, leading to
rising average temperatures, more frequent and severe heat
waves, and disruptions in weather patterns.
Transitioning towards clean energy is important to save
ourselves from future climate change. We can generate clean
energy using solar power, wind power, hydropower,
geothermal energy etc.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, making it one of
the cleanest and most abundant sources of energy. Similarly,
wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of the wind to
generate electricity. Wind energy is renewable and produces
no direct emissions. Hydropower plants use the energy of
flowing water to generate electricity. Geothermal power plants tap into the Earth's natural
heat to produce electricity and provide heating and cooling. Biomass, such as wood,
agricultural residues, and organic waste, can be converted into biofuels or biogas to
generate power.

• Role of Agriculture:
Agriculture has both direct and indirect impacts on climate. The practices which are
associated with climate change are deforestation for agriculture and the use of heavy
machinery contribute to carbon dioxide emission. Use of nitrogen based fertilizers
releases nitrous oxide which is a greenhouse gas.
Agriculture can play a pivotal role in reducing the effects of climate change that can help
to save our planet and make it more green and live-able for us and for our upcoming
generations. Some initiatives that can be taken are:
 By reducing run-off, taking more actions to reduce nutrient-laden run offs.
 By boasting crop-resistance.
 By preventing food waste.
 Being prepared to sudden weather changes.
 Ensuring eco-compatible drainage.
 By improving irrigation efficiency.
 By using rainwater harvesting technique.
 By doing precision farming.
 Minimum tillage.
 Use of adaptive crops that are more vibrant and resilient to unfavorable climate
changes.
  By crop diversification and rotation.
 By pursuing sustainable forestry.
 By rehabilitation of degraded pastures.

• Role of Transportation:
Transportation is a significant contributor to climate change, primarily through the
emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
By amending and by the modification of the modes of transportation, we can greatly
reduce pollution and the effects of climate change. For example, compared with driving
alone, taking public transportation reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 45%, decreasing
pollutants in the atmosphere and improving air quality.
 New Vehicle Technologies (Hybrid car, Electrical car).
 New Fuel (Green Fuel).
 Transitioning to electric vehicles can significantly reduce greenhouse gas
emission, especially if the electricity used to charge them comes from renewable
resources.
 Traffic Flow Improvement can reduce congestion, improving fuel efficiency and
reducing emission associated with stop-and-go traffic.
 ITS Improvement (Smart Highway, Routing and Scheduling Enhancement.
 Modal Substitution (Transit, Walking, Biking, Rail Substitute for Truck).
 Promoting carpooling and ride share services can reduce the number of vehicles
on road, leading to lower emission per passenger.
 Responses to Government Regulation and Incentives: CAFE Standards, R&D
Partnerships, Taxes, Rebates.

 Reforestation:
Deforestation has significant impacts on climate change, primarily because it involves the
removal of trees and forests, which play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through
photosynthesis and storing it in their woody tissue and soil.
Reforestation, the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been previously
removed or degraded and it has numerous positive impacts on the environment and
ecosystems. Reforestation can help stabilize local and regional climates by influencing
temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns. By planting trees, reforestation helps offset
greenhouse gas emission produced by human activities, particularly burning of fossil
fuels. Forests act like natural buffers against extreme weather events and can promote
cooling and increase rainfall through processes like evapotranspiration. Trees and forest
vegetation help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their root systems. This
can reduce the impact of landslides, improve soil fertility, and protect water bodies from
sedimentation. It also creates habitats for diverse range of plants and animal species.
This increased biodiversity can enhance ecosystem stability and adaptability to changing
environmental conditions.

• Role of Government Policies:

Government policies can play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of climate change.
More environment friendly policies should be made such as that of:
 Advancement of market-based solutions to reduce green-house gases (GHGs)
emissions.
 Investing in climate-smart infrastructure and clean energy.
 Enhancing carbon removal and sequestration.
 Meet climate goals with administrational and congressional actions.
 Crafting adaptation and resilience plans to reduce risks from climate change.
 Promoting the use of natural based solutions to protect people, property and
wildlife.
 Adaptation of climate smart approach for managing land, water etc.
 Government can implement polices to protect and restore forests, as well as
promote sustainable land use practices.
 They can fund for research and development of new technologies that promote
sustainability and reduce emission.
 Discouraging the development and employment in hazardous areas.

 Educating yourself and others:

Education is a critical agent in addressing the issue of climate
change. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) allocates responsibility to Parties of the
Convention to undertake educational and public awareness
campaigns on climate change, and to ensure public
participation and information access on the issue. Education
can encourage people to change their attitudes and behavior,
it also helps them to make informed decisions. Similarly, on
the issue of climate change, we should educate ourselves
and others by being aware of the climate policy of one’s
respective country. We can play our role by making our
community green. We should be active in our lives and vote the political leader that has
agenda of reducing the impacts of climate change. We should keep up the political
pressure on world leaders and UN to take pivotal steps to reduce pollution and global
warming. We should spread the word to reduce carbon dioxide emission actions by
encouraging our friends, family and coworkers to be more accountable for their actions.
We should use public transportation. We should support youth led movements that are
trying their best to save their best to save this planet and are taking action to go green.