Global warming impacts on rain, soil fertility, water quality, and sea level.
Our carbon footprint is the sum of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other greenhouse gases that we produce, directly and indirectly, at work and at play, usually expressed in equivalent CO2 tons. Methane and CFCs are among those 'other gases' that result from our human pursuits. Wealth in the form of many surplus cattle, for example, loads the methane count. Most people consider the greatest wealth to be many children, but an excess of copies of own sweet selves is the greatest cause of pollution and life quality degradation. Those 'other gases' are converted into the amount of CO2 that would have the same global warming effect.
SA'S SMOKING TRAIL
South Africans feel part of the brunt of global climate, but we also contribute to the global problem. Burning of coal is the primary source of SA's smoking CO2 trail. In 1990, South Africa added 1.2% to global warming, placing us among the top ten polluters.
Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per South African, at 10 tons of CO2 per person per year (pp py), is above the global average of 7 tons p/p p/y. USA citizens cause 20 tons pp py in 1991, certainly more after the Texas Gulf disaster.
LESS RAIN
Impacts of climate change on SA, according to a Country Studies Project, predict mean temperature increases of 1 degree C to 3 degrees C within 50 years, with the highest increase in dry areas.
Rainfall would reduce by 5% to 10% in the summer rain region, causing frequent droughts and occasional storm floods.
A marginal increase in early winter rainfall is predicted for winter rain regions. Sea level could rise by 0.5m within 50 years, due to land-based ice cap and glacial edges melting.
ADAPTING TO DROUGHT
Climate change will affect our people and business, and we would have to adapt, perhaps even migrate, as our forefathers had done in Africa in preceding centuries. Climate change would also bring enviro and health impacts, like cholera and waterborne diseases. Vector borne diseases like malaria, are also directly affected by environmental factors.
PLAN FOR CHANGE
Every time you switch on a light, drive your car, run water, or put out waste, you are making decisions that affect the environment.
Natural resources like water, land, air, and finite energy source, would run out if we use them faster than they could replenish.
Consider these and similar elements to reduce your work and home footprint;
" lighting and aircon versus electricity usage
" building plans and materials
" alternative energy sources
" technology and appliances
" lifestyle, shower v bath
" public transport v car
" air travel v local travel
" conference by web, skype or telephone, v travel.
This new publication, Enviro Choice, will cover issues of environmental impacts, awareness, education, and greening. We need your help to sustain this publication, and to fill these pages with green information and the pure joy of living in the thin biosphere of our unique planet.
Plan at work and at home to stop the carbon buck
Global warming impacts on rain, soil fertility, water quality, and sea level.
Our carbon footprint is the sum of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other greenhouse gases that we produce, directly and indirectly, at work and at play, usually expressed in equivalent CO2 tons. Methane and CFCs are
among those 'other gases' that result from our human pursuits. Wealth in the form of many surplus cattle, for example, loads the methane count. Most people consider the greatest wealth to be many children, but an excess of copies of own sweet selves is the greatest cause of pollution and life quality degradation. Those 'other gases' are converted into the amount of CO2 that would have the same global warming effect.
SA'S SMOKING TRAIL
South Africans feel part of the brunt of global climate, but we also contribute to the global problem. Burning of coal is the primary source of SA's smoking CO2 trail. In 1990, South Africa added 1.2% to global warming, placing us among the top ten polluters.
Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per South African, at 10 tons of CO2 per person per year (pp py), is above the global average of 7 tons p/p p/y. USA citizens cause 20 tons pp py in 1991, certainly more after the Texas Gulf disaster.
LESS RAIN
Impacts of climate change on SA, according to a Country Studies Project, predict mean temperature increases of 1 degree C to 3 degrees C within 50 years, with the highest increase in dry areas.
Rainfall would reduce by 5% to 10% in the summer rain region, causing frequent droughts and occasional storm floods.
A marginal increase in early winter rainfall is predicted for winter rain regions. Sea level could rise by 0.5m within 50 years, due to land-based ice cap and glacial edges melting.
ADAPTING TO DROUGHT
Climate change will affect our people and business, and we would have to adapt, perhaps even migrate, as our forefathers had done in Africa in preceding centuries. Climate change would also bring enviro and health impacts, like cholera and waterborne diseases. Vector borne diseases like malaria, are also directly affected by environmental factors.
PLAN FOR CHANGE
Every time you switch on a light, drive your car, run water, or put out waste, you are making decisions that affect the environment.
Natural resources like water, land, air, and finite energy source, would run out if we use them faster than they could replenish.
Consider these and similar elements to reduce your work and home footprint;
" lighting and aircon versus electricity usage
" building plans and materials
" alternative energy sources
" technology and appliances
" lifestyle, shower v bath
" public transport v car
" air travel v local travel
" conference by web, skype or telephone, v travel.
This new publication, Enviro Choice, will cover issues of environmental impacts, awareness, education, and greening. We need your help to sustain this publication, and to fill these pages with green information and the pure joy of living in the thin biosphere of our unique planet.
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