Climate Change And Urban Environment - 939 Words

Change in climate is becoming a major concern on a global scale, as it has had a tremendous impact on urban environment. Oxford dictionary defines climate change as: ‘A change in global or regional climate patterns, [†¦] attributed to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.’ (Oxford Dictionary 2015) The increasing amount of green house gases (GHG) released in the atmosphere is causing significant changes in the environment leading to unpredictable weather patterns and warming of the climate system is putting a great pressure on city development and infrastructures. This essay outlines three problems caused by climate change in urban areas, and evaluates the effectiveness of some of the mitigation and adaptation strategies. This essay reasons that mitigation and adaptation strategies need to work in synergy in order to address the situation effectively. The three problems caused by climate change are, rise in sea level, varied energy demand, and water scarcity. Firstly, the impact on costal areas contributing to sea level rise has made low-lying cities vulnerable to them. Hunt and Watkiss (2011, p. 32) estimates that a 50 m raise in sea level would render Mumbai’s informal communities in severe despair. Moreover, climate change will lead to variation in energy demand. Hunt and Watkiss (2011, p. 33) explain even though winter heating will decrease due to warmer weather, cooling anticipated increasing in summer, increasing GHGShow MoreRelatedGlobal Environmental Issues Facing Climate Change Essay1245 Words   |  5 PagesBy 2030, the urban population will reach 5 billion – 60 % of the world’s population.It is clear that the development of urban areas holds the key to many of the challenges we face in our interactions with the environment. Climate change has become one of the most challenging global environmental issues facing humanity.. Urban households, industries and infrastructures are key sources of greenhouse gases. Urban areas concentrate populations, economic activities and built environments, thus increasingRead MoreEffects Of Climate Change On Urban Areas871 Words   |  4 Pagespercent of the total population lives in urban areas (UN-Habitat 2009 p. xxii). Growing urbanization has led to many consequences on the environment. As a result, many cities face detrimental effects as the climate is becoming unfavourable daily. This essay outlines the significant impacts caused by climate changes in urban areas and evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation approaches to solve these problems. However, the effects due to climate change should be considered and significantRead MoreWhy Wildfires Are An Threat Of Safety, Economy And Environment1567 Words   |  7 PagesWildfires are an increasing threat to safety, economy and environment. 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