Earth 2

Tuesday, April 6, 1999
Announcements: We had an in-class homework assignment...we had to choose whether we felt it would be best to do nothing, adapt, or mitigate in regards to global warming.

Lecture notes:

What actions can we take regarding Global Warming?

1. Do Nothing--Global warming isn't anything to worry about

2. Adapt--The climate's going to change, and we will accept this change

3. Mitigate--Can't stand change. We will find a way to change the energy balance or remove/quit adding CO2 to the atmosphere

Decision Makers

1. Technology--If we put money into it, technology will save us.

2. Risk Aversion--How apt one is to take risks and ready to face the consequences.

• The amount of money invested in various insurances (ex. home, fire, etc.) is an example.

3. Valuation of Environment--This is not a systematic approach and it only occurs with certain problems.

• Ex. Knock down all the trees in a local forest--you think it looks ugly. However, one generation from now will think it's beautiful.
• There is no monetary value assigned to the quality of the environment.

4. Discounting the Future--We discount the importance of things that will save us in the future because of what it will cost us at the present time.

5. Vulnerability--If certain problems will impact a person, they will be more likely to act accordingly.

• Modifying the use of "resources"
• Dependancy--are there alternative sources?
• Subject to large changes
• Already having problems
• NATURAL VARIABLILTY

6. Obligation to Future Generations

Various Vulnerability Problems

Severe Weather

1. Hurricanes

• Supercanes
• Change in the hurricane's path
• Uncertain Effects-->Different Consequences

2. Ice Storms

Health Issues

1. Heat Waves

• Big cities are very vulnerable to no heat

2. Malaria

• Caused by anopheles mosquitos transferring plasmodium to humans

3. Dengue Hemoraghic Fever

• Caused by mosquitos
• Can kill children and elderly people
• Usually affects people living in urban areas

4. Hanta Virus

Examples of Adaptations

• Get rid of black tar
• Monitor mouse population
• Beef up health care
• Watch mosquito population

Examples of Mitigation

• Tax anyone driving vehicles that use too much fuel (economically force less CO2 use)
• Reforestation--cutting down trees would take CO2 out of the air
• Fertilization--fertilize the oean