Scientific Literacy: Climate Change

Why is it difficult to clearly connect specific societal activity and observed climate change?
Why is climate change such a challenging problem? Discuss at least five specific factors to support your answer.

Climate change has remained a challenging problem such that the society has been unable to offer lasting solutions. The first problem involves the strategy of coping with it since most of the societies are ill adapted hence they are devastated by inconsistencies in climatic changes. As a result, this is reflected in their social-political and economic systems which continue to be challenged (Jamieson 1). Second, there is the issue of climate justice that hinders the mitigation negotiations. These includes the industrialized countries greenhouse gas emission, the responsibility of these developed nations in addressing climate change and most importantly, the role of these nations in helping the developing ones in adapting to the climatic changes through funds, capacity building, technology and handling the issue of food insecurity. Therefore, the wealthy nations have a carbon debt since they have far exceeded their quota of greenhouse gas emission in comparison the underdeveloped nations that are the victims of the changes (Jamieson 3).

Third, the Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms in addressing climate mitigation efforts have been controversial since some have failed to attain a reduction in emissions. Fourth, the concept of carbon sinks meant to soak the atmospheric carbon dioxide through reforestation has also triggered several challenges. It has been cited to favor the interests of logging industries that destroys the pristine forests that enable the natural diverse ecosystems, replacing it with new ones hence causing an imbalance in the natural environment. Fifth, climate change has an impact on biodiversity since the ecosystems are modified and the organisms are unable to adapt to it. Coral reefs and other marine biodiversity have been destroyed. Catastrophic events have risen including frequent droughts, extreme weather, destruction of homes through floods from rising oceans, destruction of agriculture and diseases which threatens the rights and existence of organisms including man. Addiction to fossil energy sources of fuel has come with a great cost to the planet, while investing in alternative energy has triggered the debate on energy security.

New energy sources and related technologies are seen as possible solutions to climate change.
Select one such alternative-energy option and discuss its feasibility to address climate change.
Describe at least three advantages and at least three drawbacks of this option.

Alternative energy rather than fossil fuels that are eco-friendly aims at reducing green house gas emission as stipulated in the Kyoto protocol. Although investing in alternative energy is much more expensive and has amplified economic consequences, solar energy as a radiant heat and light is renewable, and can be harnessed for thermal and electrical energy production. For as long as the sun is there, at least there is a surety that solar energy will be cost effective, reliable and available in all parts of the world. Another advantage is that solar energy does not emit pollutants since there lacks chemical reactions as in fuel combustions hence there are no effluents (Sivanagaraju 75). Practically, photovoltaic cell have a long life, highly efficient for heat and light production since there are no movable parts and requires minimal maintenance cost. However, solar energy cannot be relied on when there is no sunshine such as at night, cloudy days and winter season, which could impede the energy production and dependability. Solar power stations require enormous amount of funds to construct and install for energy production e.g. the silicon in the cells hence the initial cost is high. Solar cells also need an open and spacious land that is not available in overpopulated regions of the world (Sivanagaraju 75).

Works Cited

Jamieson, Dale. The Moral and Political Challenges of Climate Change. New York: New York University, 2007. Print.

Sivanagaraju, S. Generation and Utilization Of Electrical Energy. Boulevard: Pearson Education India, 2010. Print.