Pollution Essay: Natural Causes Of Climate Change

⒈ Causes of climate change

1.1. Natural cause of climate change

1.1.1. Volcano eruption

When a volcano erupts it throws out large volumes of sulphur dioxide, water vapour, dust, and ash into the atmosphere.[1] Sulfur dioxide gas reacts with water vapor commonly found in the stratosphere to form a dense optically bright haze layer that reduces the atmospheric transmission of some of the Sun 's incoming radiation.[2]Aerosols can reflect solar energy back into space and have a cooling effect on the world.[1]

1.1.2. Variations in Solar Output

The early 1980s showed a decrease of 0.1 percent in the total amount of solar energy reaching the Earth over just an 18 month time period, which could influence global climate. Only 1 percent per century would

Human activities such as surface mining and industrial processes have increased dust in the atmosphere.[3]

2. Impacts of climate change

2.1. Impacts on environment

2.1.1.Extreme weather

There will be more rain, but less rain in dry regions. It is expected that rain volume will increase 2-7%, due to rapid vaporization-condensation cycles, leading to heavy rainfall(extreme weather).[5]Nearly ten percent of U.S. watersheds are living beyond their means when it comes to their water supply.[Fig.2] For nearly half the country, water stress is projected to worsen by mid-century because of climate change.[6]

Fig.2 water stress index map in U.S.[6]

2.1.2. Marine and terrestrial ecosystem

As a chain reaction, sea level will also increase. It is not only because of melting ice, but also because of expansion of water body. Among Australia’s terrestrial ecosystems, alpine systems’ habitats shift to higher elevations and shrink in area.[7]Also,coastal wetlands affected by sea-level rise and saline intrusion. Also, green effect gas will acidify water of ocean and kill coral reef. As a result, shore will be