Here is a response for you, Alex...
Climate change is definitely an urgent problem facing people in all countries. The ramifications of the potential impacts reach far and wide of one single country's borders. However, as an issue, the people in different countries all face climate change in a different light. To the western countries, the issue of climate change is one that taps into our conscience, because not only does it have the potential to disrupt our societies and way of life, but we also don’t have the more immediate problems and challenges that face developing countries. However, developing countries, while still facing potential ramifications of climate change, have other issues of greater priority for its citizens (for example reaching a higher quality of life for its citizens, growing wealth).
I have complete trust in the global scientific community's ability to have accurate data and reasonable predictions. I’m a firm believer that the only doubt surrounding global climate change in the scientific community is the extent of certain scenarios, climate patterns etc. I don’t believe there is any doubt among most scientists about whether this phenomenon is actually occurring. I think a lot of doubt is created in the community about climate change through the utilization of the fact that there are a variety of potential scenarios. So some parties, through mass media, try and use this as a reason for doing nothing about climate change, rather than even initiating preliminary measures to combat it.
I don’t think it is easy to label all ecosystems/countries in a rank of vulnerability as such. However, I do think that ecosystems that perform certain functions or services that humanity cannot possibly imitate require some preliminary attention. For example, deforestation interrupts multiple ecosystems services such as the carbon cycle (movement of carbon through the global environment in and out of sinks and sources), as well as damaging catchment water purifying mechanisms (where forests act as purifiers of water). I think we would be wise to pay attention to some of these ecosystem services relatively early on, before it becomes too late.
I would (will) very willingly change the way I live and work to try and make a difference to climate change. I think it would be a reasonable request, especially if we can initiate such changes at a society level. That way there would be no alienation, and less cause to fall back into old habits. I feel that the hardest thing for making a change at the moment is feeling like you are an isolated effort.
I think at this stage, the most effective way of us getting other people to change is awareness and knowledge building in general. I think this conference will be a great foundation building process for us, so that we can gain the skills and knowledge to be ambassadors for climate change.
I hope to gain a lot of knowledge and meet heaps of cool people from around the world at this years’ summer school. Looking forward to it guys.
Cheers
Anthony
Hello everyone.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to give you my perspective on the questions. I think climate change is an urgent problem facing us all however, at different levels and with different responsibilities. For us in the developed world, mitigation measures are fundamental and we must have a sense of responsibility. In the developing world, however, it is vital that adaptation measures are taking place as they are going to be worst hit. The North-South division line is clearly drawn when looking at climate change and its equity issues.
I think science surrounding climate change is convincing and accurate, however, I think research groups such as the IPCC have highly underestimated the challenges of reducing and stabilizing GHG emissions. I also think that climate models cannot be relied on when deciding on adaptation measures as they have a wide range of uncertainties.
I definitely agree that some countries are much more vulnerable than others, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, countries lying on floodplains such as Bangladesh and small island states. This is because these ecosystems are already under stress from drought or flooding etc. and with climate change; these conditions will worsen and create disastrous effects on human livelihood.
I’m prepared to change the way I live and work to a certain extent. I have given up meat consumption, I bike everywhere, recycle and so on. However, I think it is hard to give up the freedom of travelling such as airfare. At the end of the day we’re all flying out to Australia…..
I definitely think that we as individuals can change our surroundings. I have changed the way my family and friends live through discussions. I think that the more we are that are concerned with climate change the more we will be able to change the current paradigm.
I’m hoping to gain a bunch of new information about adaptation measures, as this is an emerging field following the COP14 in Bali. I’m also looking forward to meeting people from all around the world and have some interesting discussions.
Looking forward to seeing you all!
Karin Lundgren
Hello all,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Melissa Low. I'm from Singapore and will be attending the U21 Summer School 2009. I'm not too sure how to enter a blog post at the moment so I'll just leave a comment and answer the questions here. :)
I agree that the effects of Climate Change is an urgent problem facing people in all countries but I think that some are more vulnerable than others. Poorer nations in the developing world are especially susceptable to changes due to Climate Change. Without the financial capability to adapt well, many low lying areas could be inundated and rural livelihoods lost.
I do think that the Science surrounding Climate Change is convincing and accurate but there are also many controvesies surrounding the issue of Climate Change. The skeptical environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg has previously pointed out the role of the media in perpetuating Climate Change "myths". This is not to say that he and other skeptics do not believe that global warming and Climate Change are real but they wish to provide an alternative viewpoint and point us toward real solutions for the long run. I am convinced by the Science behind Climate Change, but it doesn't hurt to know what skeptics are saying and why they say it too.
Yes, I do think that some countries/ecosystems are more vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change. As mentioned previously, the developing world is less financially capable to adapt to Climate Change and its adverse effects and this can result in much loss. The developed world needs to set an example for the developing world in tackling Climate Change by cutting carbon emissions and implementing real solutions rather than just talking about it. It is saddening to know that the poorer nations are the ones who will be on the receiving end of the adverse effects of Climate Change when they didn't cause it in the first place.
I'm prepared to change the way I live, work and play and also spread the word to others so that we can all play out part to reduce the effects of Climate Change. Recycling and taking public transport more often is part of my bid towards tackling Climate Change. Being involved in school by trying to reduce paper usage, bringing my own water bottle around instead of buying bottled water, buying environmentally friendly products and reducing my ecological footprint is my effort but it is difficult to see the change on a societal level. I am however glad to see that Singapore is moving towards a more sustainable future through city-wide campaigns and recycling efforts.
I am looking forward to meeting new people and engaging in active discussion about Climate Change and to know more about what other countries and individuals are doing. This is also my first overseas conference so I'm really excited about going to Australia to experience what it is like to be an ambassador for my university and country at this U21 Summer School.
See you guys in July!
Melissa Low
hi everybody,
ReplyDeleteI'm Dan from Birmingham. I'm looking forward to meeting you all. it's nice to see everybody saying they are willing to do their bit of behavioural change. Hey me too, I'd like to claim that I can tick most of the obvious items on the carbon citizenship list with the exception of flying. The problem is that the sum of all these little things amount to...not a lot.
The challenges we face to reduce carbon emissions by 80% are absolutely huge. will information, schooling, and public goodwill be enough to create the required step change in our carbon addiction? I'm afraid the answer is a resolute 'no'. we should of course continue to try to do our own little bit, but with the energy systems and built environments which people in the developed world have inherited from their parents, in most places it is impossible to keep warm/cool at home and in a job on a footprint as small as a single earth. we need quick and dramatic change of a level and nature that is unprecedented in peace time. we don't even agree on a vision of what a low carbon society should look like (nuclear/hydrogen/geo-engineering brave new world or semi-rural grown-your-own rustic hippie communities?) and even if we had a shared vision, the big question is how do we (to use dramatic but not inappropriate terminology) wage a successful world war against greenhouse gas emissions? what does it take for governments and businesses do the absolute opposite of 'business as usual' and collaborate effectively to face this challenge head on?
I don't have a clear-cut answer, but then summerschool hasn't started yet...
Dan
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what everyone's been saying so far - climate change is affecting everyone, all over the world. For some regions, the effect is so obvious and is affecting people day-by-day, whether it be on farmlands and fisheries, or all the way at the top of mountains and in the forests. For some of us, it's difficult to see the immediate effects of climate change, which is why I believe so many people dismiss the idea or do not change their lifestyles. But it's definitely an issue everywhere - I'm hoping to learn lots about these challenges and go back home where I can teach others about food and agricultural problems arising from climate change, and solutions to these problems.
Anyone else stoked to go to Oz?? Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Cheers,
Katina from Vancouver
Hi guys,
ReplyDeleteI'm Stephi from Edinburgh. Yeah, of course, I agree with what everyone is saying. Climate change is happening and, without a doubt, it is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed and prioritised within every governement of every country looking to sustain the human race.
However, the causes and effects of climate change are smeared out over time and space thus making it a difficult problem to respond to. For example, me sitting here typing on my laptop is essentially immoral. I'm using up carbon which may not kill the person next to me through droughts/flash floods/other catastrophes but it may well contribute to the end of someone else's life in 20 or 30 years time, half way around the globe.
I agree with Dan, the asks are huge. It's even difficult to imagine a world in which the 80% cuts have been made, no matter exactly how they would be made. But I'm a great believer in that in addition to 'doing our bit' we need to initiate change in society and that we need to force the government to force us to change.
Looking forward to meeting you all! So, so excited about Oz... not long now!
Stephi
Hi guys! My name is Laura and though I am originally from Colombia, I´m currently studying at UQ, and looking forward welcoming you all to Brisbane!!
ReplyDeleteThough I strongly believe Climate Change is an urgent problem that must be addressed by all countries, I don´t think all nations currently face the same level of risk from climate change induced phenomena. Furthermore, I think there are a number of ways in which nations can respond to Climate Change but which vary from country to country hence making each nations´ response unique.
I believe that there is still great uncertainty regarding the magnitude and rate of change surrounding many climatic predictions. Though the majority of scientists agree that in fact climate change is happening, the level of complexity of natural systems and our limited understanding of many of their linkages make impossible the postulation of accurate and convincing global predictions. One reason might be the regional variability of the magnitude and intensity of certain climate change phenomena, for example relative sea level rise. It is highly accepted among scientists that in many cases sea level might rise way above the global predictions, due to regional characteristics (e.g. tectonic uplift). Therefore the postulation of a global trend might be way too conservative when applied to specific areas, in which case studies at regional scales would prove more useful than global averages. The fact that the science is not strictly accurate does not mean it does not provides us with the best available information and that it should not be considered during decision making.
I certainly think some countries are more vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change than others and also that some ecosystems can prove less resistant to climatic stress.
I think less developed countries which lack the economic capacity to adapt to change are among the most vulnerable ones. Ironically in most cases these are the countries that bear the less responsibility for current green house gas emissions. More developed countries based their development in outrageous management practices that are now affecting those who are still trying to meet their basic needs. In a way I think more developed nations should bear some responsibility and actively assist their poorer neighboring nations.
As for ecosystem´s vulnerability I think most systems which have been impacted by human practices are among the most vulnerable. In fact, systems that are near pristine conditions tend to have higher biodiversity and higher resilience to climatic variability, but as soon as these system´s integrity starts to decline, so do its ability to respond and recover from strong disturbances.
I like to think that in a way I have started to change my lifestyle in order to add as little as possible to the problem and become part of the solution. I use public transport or cycle to Uni. I recycle and save energy and water. I chose an environmental related degree with the hope one day I´ll go back home in Colombia and share with others what I´ve learnt. I am an active volunteer and I strongly believe you can change peoples´ behavior by raising awareness and sharing information.
In these two weeks of summer school, I am looking forward to learn a lot of new things. Not only I am looking forward to hear what experts have to say, but I am also eager to know what other students around the world have to say about climate Change and learn how in their own countries climate change issues are being addresses. Overall I think this is going to be a great experience!
ps. If you guys have any questions regarding Brisbane and UQ, I ll be glad to help you : )
hey guys,
ReplyDeletemy name is jun from tokyo.
i agree most of you guys opinion, though i do think that we might need not to change our lifestyle drastically in short span like in a year or so.
what i mean is that we should each take step-by-step towards lower energy consumption lifestyle, adapting actions from what is easy for each of us can do, like what karin is doing(riding bike or bringing own water bottle and so on). switching off lights frequently, unplugging electronic devices when you are not using such as microwave oven or using shower in shorter time lower temperature and such.
again, i strongly believe adapting these little steps to our lifestyle is what we should do now.
see you guys soon!
G'day!
ReplyDeleteI think the climate science is convincing but incorporates a huge degree of uncertainty. Exactly how much will sea levels rise? Temperatures? Or will climate change lead to cooling in some areas of the planet? This is why we can't afford to just wait and see and carry on with business as usual.
I see many of the major problems associated with climate change as political. Like Dan and Stephi I think we need to produce more drastic cuts than can be brought about by just switching the light off when leaving the room. There needs to be a switch to renewable energy, promotion of public transport and more efficient city design to reduce reliance on cars. These things are in control of our governments, yet in Victoria we are seeing constant expansion of the urban area and the support of new coal power stations. Australia has the economic capability and scientific knowledge to take leading action on climate change yet little is being done.
I'm lucky enough to live close enough to uni to ride, but I notice that when I go home to Bendigo (pop 100000, big country town) that I am much more reliant on a car - bus routes have been changed and decreased in my part of town. The further you go from any city centre the more reliant people are on cars. Even within countries people face different challenges adapting to climate change.
That said, it is still important to do the little things that reduce our own carbon emissions.
See you in Brissie!
Clare (Victoria, Australia)
I agree that cycling to uni and saving water are important and must become part of our lifestyle. But how much of a difference does it make, when the majority of water used/wasted and the majority of GHG emissions produced come from sectors such as food and good/services production. I think that to our daily environmentally friendly activities we need to incorporate sensitive consumption. People need to know that what they choose at the market can make a difference to the environment and also that they can use consumption patters as a way of providing a statement of their environmental beliefs.
ReplyDelete