Portfolio in
Mathematics, Science and Technology
Climate Change & Environmental
Awareness
Menard S. Igano BSED-II
GE092
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can
be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s,
human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of
fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
Cause of Climate Change
Human-Made Causes (Primary Drivers Today)
1. Burning Fossil Fuels
Fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for electricity, transportation, and industry.
This releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) — the most significant greenhouse gas.
2. Deforestation
Cutting down trees reduces Earth’s ability to absorb CO₂. Forests store carbon; when they’re
cleared, that carbon is released into the atmosphere.
3. Agriculture
Livestock (especially cows) produce methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas.
Use of fertilizers emits nitrous oxide (N₂O), another heat-trapping gas.
4. Industrial Emissions
Industries release various greenhouse gases during manufacturing processes.
This includes CO₂, methane, and fluorinated gases (like HFCs).
5. Waste and Landfills
Organic waste decomposing
in landfills produces methane.
Poor waste management
contributes to emissions and
pollution.
Effects of Climate Change
1. Rising Global Temperatures
Average global temperatures have increased significantly.
Leads to heatwaves, especially in cities.
Impacts human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
2. Melting Ice and Glaciers
Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting rapidly.
Reduces habitats for animals like polar bears and penguins.
3. Sea Level Rise
Melting ice and thermal expansion of seawater cause sea levels to rise. Increases coastal
flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Threatens cities, islands, and freshwater supplies.
4. Biodiversity Loss
Changing climates disrupt ecosystems.
Species go extinct if they can’t adapt or migrate.
Coral reefs are dying from ocean warming and acidification.
5. Agricultural Impacts
Crop yields may decline due to heat, drought, or floods.
Shifts in growing seasons affect food security.
6. Human Health Risks
Increases in heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases (like malaria).
Poor air quality from fires and pollution.
Food and water scarcity in some regions.
7. Economic and Social Disruption
Disasters cause economic
losses.
Climate migration and conflict
over resources may increase.
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness is a social, political, and ethical movement aimed at protecting the
natural environment from harm caused by human activity. It emphasizes the importance of
sustainability, conservation, and reducing pollution to ensure a healthy planet for current and
future generations.
Key Goals of Environmentalism:
1. Protect and Conserve Nature
Safeguard forests, oceans, rivers, animals, and ecosystems.
Prevent habitat destruction and species extinction.
2. Reduce Pollution
Limit air, water, and soil pollution from factories, vehicles, and waste.
Promote clean energy and sustainable production.
3. Fight Climate Change
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (like CO2 and methane).
Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.).
4. Promote Sustainable Living
Use natural resources wisely so they last.
Encourage recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption.
5. Ensure Environmental Justice
Protect vulnerable communities from environmental harm.
Make sure everyone has access to clean air. Water and land.
6. Preserve Biodiversity
Maintain a wide variety of plant and animal life. Support ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
7. Raise Awareness and Educate
Teach people about environmental issues and how they can help.
Encourage responsible behavior and eco friendly choices.
Recommendations
Recommendations to Solve Climate Change (Environmentalist-Based)
1. Shift to Renewable Energy
Replace fossil fuels with solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
Encourage governments to invest in clean energy infrastructure.
Support community and home-based renewable energy systems.
2. Protect Forests and Reforest
Stop deforestation and protect
rainforests, wetlands, and natural
habitats. Invest in reforestation and
afforestation (planting new trees).
Support indigenous land rights – they
often manage land sustainably.
3. Promote Sustainable
Transportation
Expand public transit, cycling paths, and
pedestrian-friendly cities.
Support electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce
car dependency.
Reduce air travel when alternatives exist.
4. Adopt Sustainable Diets
Reduce meat and dairy consumption (especially
beef, a major methane source).
Support local, organic farming that avoids overuse
of fertilizers.
Cut down on food waste.
5. Support a Circular Economy
Shift from “take-make-waste” to “reduce-reuse-
recycle” systems.
Design products to be long-lasting, repairable, and
recyclable.
Ban single-use plastics and harmful packaging.
6. Green Cities and Buildings
Retrofit buildings to be energy-efficient (better insulation, LED lighting).
Add green roofs, urban
forests, and sustainable
drainage.
Use eco- friendly
construction materials.
7. Promote Environmental Justice
Ensure that climate solutions protect the rights
of all communities, especially those most
affected.
Include marginalized voices in environmental
decision-making.
Make clean energy and resources accessible to
everyone.
8. Educate and Empower
Raise public awareness about climate
issues and solutions.
Encourage climate action through
school programs, media, and
grassroots movements.
Support youth climate activism.
9. Push for Strong
Environmental Policies
Support climate legislation like carbon pricing, emissions targets, and clean energy mandates.
Hold corporations accountable for pollution and emissions.
Advocate for global cooperation (e.g. Paris Agreement).
Conclusion:
Solving the crisis of climate change requires more than just technical fixes - it demands a deep,
fundamental shift in our values, habits, and societal systems. The principles of environmentalism
emphasize living in harmony with nature, protecting fragile ecosystems, and ensuring justice for
all communities, including those of future generations.
By transitioning to clean energy sources, reducing waste, conserving our precious forests, and
promoting sustainable lifestyles, we can tackle the root causes of climate change. But this critical
transformation will only succeed if each and every one of us - as individuals, governments, and
businesses - work together with a shared sense of responsibility.
Environmentalism has taught us that the health and well-being of our planet is inextricably
linked to the health and well-being of humanity as a whole. Climate action is not just an option,
but a moral and practical necessity that we must embrace to ensure a thriving, sustainable future
for ourselves and generations to come.
The challenges we face may seem daunting, but by drawing on the wisdom of environmentalism
and committing ourselves fully to this cause, we can forge a better path forward. The health of
our shared home, the Earth, depends on it. Let us summon the courage and conviction to make
the changes that are so dearly needed.
Solving climate change requires more than just technical solutions – it demands a deep shift in
values, habits, and systems. Environmentalist principles emphasize living in harmony with
nature, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring justice for all communities, including future
generations. By transitioning to clean energy, reducing waste, conserving forests, and promoting
sustainable lifestyles, we can tackle the root causes of climate change. But this will only succeed
if everyone – individuals, governments, and businesses – works together with a shared sense of
responsibility. Environmentalism teaches us that the health of the planet is tied to the health of
humanity. Climate action is not just an option – it’s a moral and practical necessity.
