CLIMATE CHANGE
Experts in climatology and other scientists are becoming extremely concerned about
the changes to our climate which are taking place. Admittedly, climate changes have
occurred on our planet before. For example, there have been several ice ages or
glacial periods.
These climatic changes, however, were different from the modem ones in that they
occurred gradually and, as far as we know, naturally. The changes currently being
monitored are said to be the result not of natural causes, but of human activity.
Furthermore, the rate of change is becoming alarmingly rapid.
The major problem is that the planet appears to be warming up. According to some
experts, this warming process, known as global warming, is occurring at a rate
unprecedented in the last 10,000 years. The implications for the planet are very
serious. Rising global temperatures could give rise to such ecological disasters as
extremely high increases in the incidence of flooding and of droughts. These in turn
could have a harmful effect on agriculture.
It is thought that this unusual warming of the Earth has been caused by so-called
greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, being emitted into the atmosphere by car
engines and modem industrial processes, for example. Such gases not only add to the
pollution of the atmosphere, but also create a greenhouse effect, by which the heat
of the sun is trapped. This leads to the warming up of the planet.
Politicians are also concerned about climate change and there are now regular
summits on the subject, attended by representatives from around 180 of the world's
industrialized countries. Of these summits, the most important took place in Kyoto
in Japan in 1997. There it was agreed that the most industrialized countries would
try to reduce the volume of greenhouse gas emissions and were given targets for this
reduction of emissions.
It was also suggested that more forests should be planted to create so-called sinks
to absorb greenhouse gases. At least part of the problem of rapid climate change has
been caused by too drastic deforestation.
Sadly, the targets are not being met. Even more sadly, global warnings about climate
changes are often still being regarded as scaremongering.
CLIMATE CHANGE
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Wednesday, 26 May 2010
GLOBAL WARMING: A WAY OUT
GLOBAL WARMING: A WAY OUT
We have the technology and ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming today.
Solutions are already available that will stimulate the American economy by creating
jobs, saving consumers money, and protecting our national security. By investing in
renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increasing the efficiency of the cars we
drive, we can take essential steps toward reducing our dependence on oil and other
fossil fuels that cause global warming.
Using energy more efficiently and moving to renewable energy (wind, solar,
geothermal, and bioenergy) would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping
gases. The United States currently produces 70 percent of its electricity from
fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, but only two percent from renewable
sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide—
the leading cause of global warming—but renewable energy does not, increasing the
share of our electricity generated from renewable resources is one of the most
effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.
Cars and trucks are another significant source (25 percent) of U.S. carbon dioxide
emissions. A serious effort to address global warming must therefore reduce
emissions from cars and trucks. American consumers would save billions of dollars on
gasoline, and we would reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
By putting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and vehicle technology solutions in
place at the international level, we can reduce our contribution to global warming
while creating a stronger, healthier, and more secure world.
We have the technology and ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming today.
Solutions are already available that will stimulate the American economy by creating
jobs, saving consumers money, and protecting our national security. By investing in
renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increasing the efficiency of the cars we
drive, we can take essential steps toward reducing our dependence on oil and other
fossil fuels that cause global warming.
Using energy more efficiently and moving to renewable energy (wind, solar,
geothermal, and bioenergy) would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping
gases. The United States currently produces 70 percent of its electricity from
fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, but only two percent from renewable
sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide—
the leading cause of global warming—but renewable energy does not, increasing the
share of our electricity generated from renewable resources is one of the most
effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.
Cars and trucks are another significant source (25 percent) of U.S. carbon dioxide
emissions. A serious effort to address global warming must therefore reduce
emissions from cars and trucks. American consumers would save billions of dollars on
gasoline, and we would reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
By putting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and vehicle technology solutions in
place at the international level, we can reduce our contribution to global warming
while creating a stronger, healthier, and more secure world.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
The predicted effects of global warming on the environment and for human life are
numerous and varied. It is generally difficult to attribute specific natural
phenomena to long-term causes, but some effects of recent climate change may already
be occurring. Rising sea levels, glacier retreat, Arctic shrinkage, and altered
patterns of agriculture are cited as direct consequences, but predictions for
secondary and regional effects include extreme weather events, an expansion of
tropical diseases, changes in the timing of seasonal patterns in ecosystems, and
drastic economic impact. Concerns have led to political activism advocating
proposals to diminish, eliminate, or adapt to it.
The probability of one or more of these changes occurring is likely to increase with
the rate, magnitude, and duration of climate change. Additionally, the United States
National Academy of Sciences has warned, "greenhouse warming and other human
alterations of the earth system may increase the possibility of large, abrupt, and
unwelcome regional or global climatic events. Future abrupt changes cannot be
predicted with confidence, and climate surprises are to be expected."
The USNAS finds that the effects of global warming will be mixed across regions. For
smaller values of warming (1 to 3 °C), changes are expected to produce net benefits
in some regions and for some activities, and net costs for others. Greater warming
is very likely to produce net costs (or to reduce the benefits from smaller warming)
in all regions. Developing countries are expected to be especially vulnerable to
reduced economic growth as a result of warming.
Most of the consequences of global warming would result from one of three physical
changes: sea level rise, higher local temperatures, and changes in rainfall
patterns. Sea level is generally expected to rise 18 to 59 cm (7.1 to 23.2 inches)
by the end of the century.
The predicted effects of global warming on the environment and for human life are
numerous and varied. It is generally difficult to attribute specific natural
phenomena to long-term causes, but some effects of recent climate change may already
be occurring. Rising sea levels, glacier retreat, Arctic shrinkage, and altered
patterns of agriculture are cited as direct consequences, but predictions for
secondary and regional effects include extreme weather events, an expansion of
tropical diseases, changes in the timing of seasonal patterns in ecosystems, and
drastic economic impact. Concerns have led to political activism advocating
proposals to diminish, eliminate, or adapt to it.
The probability of one or more of these changes occurring is likely to increase with
the rate, magnitude, and duration of climate change. Additionally, the United States
National Academy of Sciences has warned, "greenhouse warming and other human
alterations of the earth system may increase the possibility of large, abrupt, and
unwelcome regional or global climatic events. Future abrupt changes cannot be
predicted with confidence, and climate surprises are to be expected."
The USNAS finds that the effects of global warming will be mixed across regions. For
smaller values of warming (1 to 3 °C), changes are expected to produce net benefits
in some regions and for some activities, and net costs for others. Greater warming
is very likely to produce net costs (or to reduce the benefits from smaller warming)
in all regions. Developing countries are expected to be especially vulnerable to
reduced economic growth as a result of warming.
Most of the consequences of global warming would result from one of three physical
changes: sea level rise, higher local temperatures, and changes in rainfall
patterns. Sea level is generally expected to rise 18 to 59 cm (7.1 to 23.2 inches)
by the end of the century.
CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING
CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING
The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824. It is the process by
which absorption and emission of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warm the
planet's surface.
Existence of the greenhouse effect as such is not disputed. Naturally occurring
greenhouse gases have a mean warming effect of about 33 °C (59 °F), without which
Earth would be uninhabitable. Rather, the issue is how the strength of the
greenhouse effect changes when human activity increases the atmospheric
concentrations of some greenhouse gases.
On Earth, the major greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36–70% of
the greenhouse effect (not including clouds); carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes 9–
26%; methane (CH4), which causes 4–9%; and ozone, which causes 3–7%. Molecule for
molecule, methane is a more effective greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, in
addition to nitrous oxide (N2O), which is increasing in concentration owing to human
activity such as agriculture.
From less direct geological evidence it is believed that CO2 values this high were
last attained 20 million years ago. Fossil fuel burning has produced about three-
quarters of the increase in CO2 from human activity over the past 20 years. Most of
the rest is due to land-use change, in particular deforestation.
The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824. It is the process by
which absorption and emission of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warm the
planet's surface.
Existence of the greenhouse effect as such is not disputed. Naturally occurring
greenhouse gases have a mean warming effect of about 33 °C (59 °F), without which
Earth would be uninhabitable. Rather, the issue is how the strength of the
greenhouse effect changes when human activity increases the atmospheric
concentrations of some greenhouse gases.
On Earth, the major greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36–70% of
the greenhouse effect (not including clouds); carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes 9–
26%; methane (CH4), which causes 4–9%; and ozone, which causes 3–7%. Molecule for
molecule, methane is a more effective greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, in
addition to nitrous oxide (N2O), which is increasing in concentration owing to human
activity such as agriculture.
From less direct geological evidence it is believed that CO2 values this high were
last attained 20 million years ago. Fossil fuel burning has produced about three-
quarters of the increase in CO2 from human activity over the past 20 years. Most of
the rest is due to land-use change, in particular deforestation.
FOR A GREEN MOROCCO
FOR A GREEN MOROCCO
Sustainable development aims to satisfy the present’s needs without compromising
those of the future. It conciliates environment preservation, economical
development, and social well-being. Beyond the definitions, it designates a new
humanism; the only possible path for humanity to keep its unique collective good :
the planet and its resources. Striving to link between all these big sectors.
Sustainable development deals with each line of business, each territory and each
local community. Maintainable over time, sustainable in its practices interdependent
in its generality. This new human development is now the path on which we can walk
together.
Nowadays we live the beginning of an ecological and worldwide environmental
crisis, basically affecting developing countries like Morocco. Respect of nature,
sustainable development and environmental protection are the essential
measurements to abide by in order to preserve our earth for the coming generations.
Actually, Morocco is facing a major ecological emergency; air and water pollution ,
deforestation , desertification , an alarming water scarcity , horrific control of
trash , threatened biodiversity , and soils impoverishment.
The speed and extent of these deteriorations incite global awareness and
implementation of concrete actions. Accordingly; we have to help our country by
urging on a strong eco-citizen feeling so as to encourage and push forwards all
the efforts and projects are coming in this field.
Besides its geographic location , Morocco is a symbol of transition , a bridge
between modernism and traditionalism as well as between north and south. This
tremendous international characteristic provides Morocco with all the essential
resources to be among the leading nations to blend ecology and sustainable
development policies.
Sustainable development aims to satisfy the present’s needs without compromising
those of the future. It conciliates environment preservation, economical
development, and social well-being. Beyond the definitions, it designates a new
humanism; the only possible path for humanity to keep its unique collective good :
the planet and its resources. Striving to link between all these big sectors.
Sustainable development deals with each line of business, each territory and each
local community. Maintainable over time, sustainable in its practices interdependent
in its generality. This new human development is now the path on which we can walk
together.
Nowadays we live the beginning of an ecological and worldwide environmental
crisis, basically affecting developing countries like Morocco. Respect of nature,
sustainable development and environmental protection are the essential
measurements to abide by in order to preserve our earth for the coming generations.
Actually, Morocco is facing a major ecological emergency; air and water pollution ,
deforestation , desertification , an alarming water scarcity , horrific control of
trash , threatened biodiversity , and soils impoverishment.
The speed and extent of these deteriorations incite global awareness and
implementation of concrete actions. Accordingly; we have to help our country by
urging on a strong eco-citizen feeling so as to encourage and push forwards all
the efforts and projects are coming in this field.
Besides its geographic location , Morocco is a symbol of transition , a bridge
between modernism and traditionalism as well as between north and south. This
tremendous international characteristic provides Morocco with all the essential
resources to be among the leading nations to blend ecology and sustainable
development policies.
NATIONAL CHARTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL CHARTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
On April 22, 2010, during the celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, Morocco
announced an unprecedented National Charter for Environment and Sustainable
Development. This is the first environmental charter of its kind. It will form the
framework for national environmental laws as well as for future environmental policy.
The aim of this environmental charter is to govern water and solid waste management
in all public and private sectors, while preserving natural resources and spaces.
In addition, the charter will aim to ensure that all projects adhere to
environmentally-friendly specifications, providing proof of Morocco’s will to sign
up for a progressive policy to reconcile the imperatives of socio-economic
development with the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.
Another aim of this charter is to make up lost ground in water management by
recycling waste water from homes and factories The treated water will be used to
irrigate green spaces and farms.
With the National Charter which was launched on July 30, 2009 by King Mohammed VI,
all Moroccans share the responsibility for the protection and preservation of the
environment as well as for sustainable development. Furthermore, the local
government shall take measures and concerted decisions that ensure the protection
and preservation of the environment in their respective territories. They are also
required to develop and implement integrated programs that are able to ensure the
sustainability of natural and cultural resources. The civil society, mainly non-
governmental organizations are called upon to socially take into account sustainable
development and the protection and preservation of the environment.
Morocco is also dedicated to integrating renewable energy policies as part of an
overall Moroccan energy security plan to reduce Morocco’s reliance on foreign energy
sources. Morocco will build five solar energy stations. The project aims at creating
a capacity of 2,000 MW by 2020, which will equal 38% of its installed power
generation by 2020. By that time, if everything goes according to plan, solar energy
could meet 10% of Morocco’s demand for electricity and will reduce the emissions of
carbon dioxide by 3.7 million tons per year.
On April 22, 2010, during the celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, Morocco
announced an unprecedented National Charter for Environment and Sustainable
Development. This is the first environmental charter of its kind. It will form the
framework for national environmental laws as well as for future environmental policy.
The aim of this environmental charter is to govern water and solid waste management
in all public and private sectors, while preserving natural resources and spaces.
In addition, the charter will aim to ensure that all projects adhere to
environmentally-friendly specifications, providing proof of Morocco’s will to sign
up for a progressive policy to reconcile the imperatives of socio-economic
development with the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.
Another aim of this charter is to make up lost ground in water management by
recycling waste water from homes and factories The treated water will be used to
irrigate green spaces and farms.
With the National Charter which was launched on July 30, 2009 by King Mohammed VI,
all Moroccans share the responsibility for the protection and preservation of the
environment as well as for sustainable development. Furthermore, the local
government shall take measures and concerted decisions that ensure the protection
and preservation of the environment in their respective territories. They are also
required to develop and implement integrated programs that are able to ensure the
sustainability of natural and cultural resources. The civil society, mainly non-
governmental organizations are called upon to socially take into account sustainable
development and the protection and preservation of the environment.
Morocco is also dedicated to integrating renewable energy policies as part of an
overall Moroccan energy security plan to reduce Morocco’s reliance on foreign energy
sources. Morocco will build five solar energy stations. The project aims at creating
a capacity of 2,000 MW by 2020, which will equal 38% of its installed power
generation by 2020. By that time, if everything goes according to plan, solar energy
could meet 10% of Morocco’s demand for electricity and will reduce the emissions of
carbon dioxide by 3.7 million tons per year.