ENVS climate chnage assign
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School
University of Guelph *
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Course
2270
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
4
Uploaded by MatePower2495
Figure 1: Atlantic (Newfoundland and Labrardor, PEI, Nova Soctia, New Brunswick) monthly mean
temperature anomalies (°C) for the projected time period 2071-2100 under two different Representative
Concentration Pathways, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 (Baseline period 1971-2000)
Figure 2: Atlantic (Newfoundland and Labrardor, PEI, Nova Soctia, New Brunswick) seasonal and annual
total precipitation annomilies (°C) for the projected time period 2071-2100 under two different
Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 (Baseline period 1971-2000)
Discussion
Figure 1 shows the monthly mean temperature anomaly for Atlantic Canada including
Newfoundland and Labourbor, PEI, Nova Soctia and New Brunswick, under two distinct
Representative Concentration Pathways (4.5 and 8.5) is shown in the first figure above for the
predicted time period of 2071-2100. Both RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 are greater in January and
February, decrease in April, and begin to rise in December, as Figure 1 illustrates. In fact,
RCP 4.5 and 8.5 exhibit a similar pattern of rise and fall at the same time, as anticipated, RCP
8.5 shows a larger projected mean monthly temperature increase in Figure 1. The predicted
temperature ranges from RCP 4.5 to 8.5 degrees Celsius in terms of increase and decrease.
According to RCP 4.5, the mean temperature in May is predicted to be 2 degrees Celsius,
after declining through August, the temperature rises back to 2 degrees Celsius, where it stays
until December. According to RCP 8.5, the average May temperature is 3.9 celsius and then
drops, and then gradually rises to 3.5 celsius by August before continuing to keep increasing
form that point onwards.
Figure 2 shows that under two distinct Representative Concentration Pathways (4.5
and 8.5) for Atlantic Canada, it displays the seasonal and annual precipitation anomaly
(mm/day) over the estimated time period of 2071-2100. There is a rise in the amount of
precipitation throughout the year and all seasons, as Figure 2 illustrates, with no negative
seasons or yearly precipitation amounts. For both RCP 4.5 and 8.5, the total quantity of
precipitation (mm/day) is higher during the winter months, while for both RCPs, it is lower
during the summer months. This suggests that summers in the Atlantic are usually pretty dry.
The difference in total precipitation between RCP 4.5, which is 0.04 (mm/day), and RCP 8.5,
which is 0.05 (mm/day), is least noticeable during the summer months. Additionally, Figure 2
displays the sharp rise in the total precipitation within the winter months, the precipitation is
expected to increase by 0.56 (mm/day) according to RCP 4.5 and 0.33 (mm/day) according to
RCP 8.5
Impacts
Growing challenges for the Atlantic region are brought on by rising temperatures and more
precipitation. Increased temperatures can cause heatwaves to occur more frequently and with
greater intensity, endangering human health and straining ecosystems. Increased precipitation
can also lead to more frequent and severe flooding, which can harm agriculture and
infrastructure. Coastal erosion and flooding threats are made worse by rising sea levels,
which are partly caused by increased temperatures, especially in low-lying coastal areas.
Furthermore, both urban and rural residents may be at danger from altered precipitation
patterns that disrupt water delivery systems and affect the availability of freshwater
resources. The region's vulnerability to climate change must be addressed through mitigation
and adaptation techniques, since the combined effects of rising temperatures and changing
precipitation patterns have the potential to have significant negative effects on the economy,
the environment, and society.
Rising sea levels are one effect that the anticipated increase in total precipitation
(Figure 2) will have on Atlantic Canada. Rising sea levels are one of the biggest threats to the
region because Atlantic Canada has one of the longest coastlines, making this very dangerous
to the Atlantic (Duinker, 2002). Major flooding is expected to occur in coastal communities
and possibly higher, less vulnerable cities due to rising sea levels. Storm surges higher than
4.0 meters pose a threat and harm to Atlantic Canada, according to Natural Resources
Canada. (Government of Canada, 2015). These dangerous weather effects are going to
forever change our environment if not slowed down or stopped, we need to continue to fight
against climate change before it becomes to late.
Another effect that climate change has on the Atlantic is the decrease in sea ice cover
or quantity is a risk associated with climate change within the Atlantic. Figure 1 illustrates
how rising winter temperatures in Atlantic Canada will impact ice covering. Seal breeding
grounds will be relocated when sea ice coverage is insufficient, as sea ice is essential for
successful seal reproduction. (Government of Canada, 2015). This effect will especially have
an effect for Newfoundland this is because these ice bregs and wildlife that lives within is a
hige tourist attraction for this area and of this continues to get worse this area will not only
have melting ice bergs but also lose out on their economic attractions.
Overall ending climate change is crucial to protect the planet, ecosystems, and future
generations. It mitigates extreme weather, preserves biodiversity, and ensures a sustainable,
habitable Earth.
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References
-
Duinker, P. N. (2002, 12 12).Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Atlantic
Canada. Retrieved from Senate Canada:
https://sencanada.ca/content/sen/committee/372/agri/power/atlantic-e.htm
-
Government of Canada. (2015, 11 12).Climate and Climate-related Trends and
Projections. Retrieved from Natural Resources Canada:
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/environment/resources/publications/impacts-
adaptation/reports/assessments/2008/1026