Purchase Solution

Biodiversity, Climate Change and the Economy

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

You learned about the negative impact of economic growth and human utilization of resources that can lead to global climate change and extinction. In this Case Assignment, you reviewed many pieces of evidence and developed your own conclusions about the relationship between human activities and global climate change. Now review the conclusions that have been drawn by NASA regarding this information at http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/.

Part I: A Closer Look at the Evidence

For the first part of this assignment answer these questions using the NASA website:
1.Describe the graph on this page. What does it show us about the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere?
2.The facts about climate change are grouped into different categories on this page. How are these groups labeled? What is considered "not in dispute"?
3.Select the "Effects" tab on the left-hand column of this webpage. Summarize the effects of climate change listed here in one paragraph. Be sure to address the effect of climate change on our weather and water resources.

Part II: How Can Economic Growth Become Part of the Solution?

Read this article from the Economist:

The outlook: Averting the sixth extinction. The Economist Sep 14, 2013; Vol 408 (8853): 15.

Now answer the following questions regarding economic growth and climate change discussed in this article in paragraph format. One paragraph should be sufficient.
1.How does economic growth negatively impact other species?
2.What is described as the principal threat to biodiversity as the global economy and human population grows?
3.Is economic growth necessarily bad for our planet? What points suggest that economic growth can benefit biodiversity?
4.Conclude your paragraph with 1-3 sentences that draw connections between economic growth, climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

The expert examines what the graph about the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. The effects of climate change listed are summarized. All questions have been answered in 445 words.

Solution Preview

Part I

1.
For the 400,000 years prior to 1950, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air has been cyclical, with each cycle lasting about 100,000 years, and the maximum concentration not exceeding 300 parts per million. Within the past 64 years, however, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air has been above 300 parts per million, and has continued to increase steadily. In 2014, the concentration was approximately 400 parts per million.

2.
The groups have the following labels:
• Sea level rise
• Global temperature rise
• Warming oceans
• Shrinking ice sheets
• Declining Arctic sea ice
• Glacial retreat
• Extreme events
• Ocean acidification
• Decreased snow cover

There ...

Solution provided by:
J Pye, MSc
Education
  • MSc, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • MBA, University of California, Riverside
  • BSc, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • BSc, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Recent Feedback
  • "Excellent work. Well explained."
  • "Can you kindly take a look at 647530 and 647531. Thanks"
  • "Thank you so very much. This is very well done and presented. I certainly appreciate your hard work. I am a novice at statistics and it is nice to know there are those out there who really do understand. Thanks again for an excellent posting. SPJ"
  • "GREAT JOB!!!"
  • "Hello, thank you for your answer for my probability question. However, I think you interpreted the second and third question differently than was meant, as the assumption still stands that a person still independently ranks the n options first. The probability I am after is the probability that this independently determined ranking then is equal to one of the p fixed rankings. Similarly for the third question, where the x people choose their ranking independently, and then I want the probability that for x people this is equal to one particular ranking. I was wondering if you could help me with this. "
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Accounting: Statement of Cash flows

This quiz tests your knowledge of the components of the statements of cash flows and the methods used to determine cash flows.

IPOs

This Quiz is compiled of questions that pertain to IPOs (Initial Public Offerings)

Lean your Process

This quiz will help you understand the basic concepts of Lean.

Understanding Management

This quiz will help you understand the dimensions of employee diversity as well as how to manage a culturally diverse workforce.

Change and Resistance within Organizations

This quiz intended to help students understand change and resistance in organizations

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Meaning of biodiversity and how it has been affected

    Similar to natural climate change, man-made climate change processes via, for example, air pollution, will also have the same effects as described above for gradual climate change.

  • Benefits of Biodiversity

    The results are bit tricky, though, where those who actually understand the issue and its complexities appear to benefit more. Research supports how biodiversity is affected by climate change.

  • Environmental Issue: Global Warming

    Both warming and cooling in certain areas, as well as changes to atmospheric make-up, pollutants etc. are all part of climate change concerns which disrupt the balance of biodiversity.

  • Global Warming - Evidences and Recommendations

    Climate change is any substantial change in Earth's climate that lasts for an extended period of time. Global warming refers to climate change that causes an increase in the average temperature of the lower atmosphere.

  • Climate Effects on Human Evolution

    511586 Climate Effects on Human Evolution Describe how the topic relates to Biodiversity and Evolution. Detail how a changing environment may have had an effect on the organisms studied in your selected topic.

  • Biodiversity and GM foods/seeds

    Countries that are wealthy tend to have governments that are more willing to work with conservation groups towards this end. 2) The two factors that are the biggest threats to biodiversity are climate change and loss of habitat. 3) GM

  • The Effects of Paper and Natural Gas on the Environment

    A major effect is that this traps heat and speeds up the rate of global warming and climate change overall (EPA, 2012). Climate change is a major threat to the world's biodiversity.

  • Biodiversity

    The most important cause was found to be climate change. ...NOTE: The above presentation encompasses only the most important and burning global environmental problems.

  • Biodiversity Maintanence

    Absolutely, species are all connected and interactive; just as climate is interactive- agricultural and fauna. Conservation must occur for future generations, and to ensure that the planet stays in balance.

View More Related Solutions