Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

MIDTERM EXAMINATION

1. Enumerate and explain comprehensively the different causes of climate change.

Our atmosphere is getting hotter, more turbulent, and more unpredictable as a
result of the "boiling and churning" effect generated by heat-trapping greenhouse
gases in its top layers. With each increase in carbon, methane, or other greenhouse gas
levels in the atmosphere, our local weather and global climate get more agitated,
heated, and "boiled”. This is caused by various natural and human activities such as:

 Cutting down forests (deforestation). Trees help to regulate the climate by

absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When they are cut down, that
beneficial effect is lost and the carbon stored in the trees is released into the
atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse effect.
 Transportation: The combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, airplanes, ships, and
other transportation modes releases significant amounts of CO2 and other pollutants
into the atmosphere.
 Manufacturing goods: The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to
greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Manufacturing and industry produce emissions,
mostly from burning fossil fuels to produce energy for making things like cement, iron,
steel, electronics, plastics, clothes, and other goods.

2. Explain the impact and effect of climate change on different part of the world.

Climate change is a global phenomenon having a wide range of effects on

ecosystems, economy, and human cultures. In Arctic Region, rapid rising of
temperature are causing widespread melting of ice caps and glaziers and due to this
local wildlife such as bears, seals and walruses, disrupting their habitat and food
resources. In Asia, Africa and Europe they are vulnerable to extreme weather events
such as floods, storms, and heatwaves, which are becoming more severe due to
climate change. While in America Region, increased frequency of wildfires in regions
like California and the Pacific Northwest are fueled by hotter, drier conditions.
Addressing these difficulties needs concerted actions at the local, national, and
international levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to changing conditions,
and strengthen vulnerable populations.

3. Identify, categorize, and explain disasters related to climate change.

Disasters related to climate change, including extreme weather events, floods,

wildfires, sea-level rise, ecological disruptions, and health impacts, are becoming
more severe and frequent due to shifts in global climate patterns. Hurricanes,
heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, sea-level rise, ecological disruptions, and
health impacts are among the types of disasters caused or exacerbated by climate
change. These disasters have detrimental effects on human societies, economies, and
ecosystems, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the impacts. To address
these challenges, efforts are needed at local, national, and global levels to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to changing climate conditions, and boost resilience
in communities and ecosystems.
4. Determine the different measure for mitigating climate change.
 Mitigating climate change means reducing the flow of heat-trapping
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere such as Planting trees and restoring forests
helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, Transitioning from fossil fuels to
renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power reduces
greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in research and development of innovative
technologies for clean energy, carbon capture, and climate adaptation helps drive
progress in combating climate change.

5. Identify and explain comprehensively the different adaptation strategies to cope

with unequivocal global warming and climate change.

To cope with unequivocal global warming and climate change, adaptation

strategies are implemented to decrease vulnerability and increase resilience in various
sectors and regions. These include Implementing strategies to manage water resources
more effectively ,promoting water conservation measures, provide valuable services
such as flood protection, water purification, and habitat for biodiversity, which can
help buffer communities against climate-related risks. Moreover, each individual in
every communities must have a training, technical assistance, information and
resources to support adaptation efforts. Through the comprehensive use of these
adaptation strategies, communities and ecosystems can become more resilient to the
effects of global warming and climate change.

6. Enumerate and elucidate the various categories of calamities that have transpired
on a global scale.

Disasters worldwide can involve widespread events that cause significant loss
of life, property damage, and destruction of communities and ecosystems. For
example, natural disasters such as heat storms, high winds, heavy rains, and
hurricanes can cause widespread destruction along coasts and inland areas. An
earthquake is a sudden shaking of the earth caused by the movement of tectonic plates
beneath the earth's surface, causing the collapse of buildings, landslides and tsunamis.
Droughts caused by insufficient rains cause water logging, crop failure and damage to
the ecosystem. These disasters highlight the interconnected of global problems and
the need for cooperation to address root causes and reduce impacts on communities
and ecosystems.

7. elucidate the effect of both natural and anthropogenic calamities on human and the
environment

Both natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, droughts and heat waves) and human
activities (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions) contribute to the cause of rising
temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, the sea level rise and other impacts.
Climate change can destroy ecosystems, alter habitats, and worsen the frequency and
intensity of extreme weather events, creating additional challenges for human survival
and the environment.

8. Identify and elucidate the potential effective countermeasures for both natural and
manmade disasters.
Effective disaster management requires a multilayered approach with
preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery measures tailored to each
community's risks. Preparedness involves creating evacuation plans, shelters, and
securing emergency supplies. Resilience tactics like diversifying supply chains ensure
essential services continue during disruptions. Response actions isolate affected areas
and provide support, while recovery entails offering counseling and aid to those
affected. Cooperation among government, emergency response agencies, community
organizations, and businesses is crucial for successful disaster management.

9. Describe and elucidate the various disaster management strategies.

Risk assessment and planning play a crucial role in disaster management by

identifying potential hazards and vulnerabilities, determining their likelihood, and
devising mitigation strategies. This allows authorities to implement measures to
safeguard the population. Preparedness, early warning systems, response, and
recovery are also important components of disaster management. Preparedness
involves communication channels for disseminating information, evacuation plans,
and educating the population. Early warning systems help communities prepare for
disasters by giving them time to evacuate if needed. Response involves emergency
services and volunteers working to preserve lives and protect property during a
disaster. Recovery focuses on helping communities rebuild and recover after a
disaster, providing assistance to those who have lost their homes or livelihoods.
Disaster management aims to minimize the impact of disasters and protect lives and
property.

10. Define and explain the concept of disaster, the nature of risk, the element of
hazard, and vulnerability.
A disaster is an occurrence or set of events that causes widespread devastation,
loss of life, property damage, or disruption of regular life and community operations.
Risk is an important aspect in understanding disasters. Simply put, risk is the
possibility that a specific hazard may cause harm or damage. Hazards are events or
conditions that may cause harm, such as earthquakes, wildfires, or disease outbreaks.
Hazards are a natural aspect of the ecosystem; nevertheless, they only become
disasters when they collide with susceptible individuals or infrastructure.
Vulnerability, on the other hand, is a more complicated and fluid term. It is influenced
by a variety of elements, including social, economic, and environmental
circumstances.

11. Explain the application of the different concepts in response to both natural and
man-made disasters.
For both natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, and man-
made disasters like industrial accidents and terrorist attacks, there are strategies and
concepts that can help communities prepare and respond effectively. Hazard mapping,
early warning systems, ecosystem-based adaptation, and conflict-sensitive
programming are just a few examples of tools that can be utilized to build resilience
and mitigate the impact of disasters. By working together and addressing root causes,
communities can become more sustainable and better equipped to face future
challenges.
12. Based on the recent news about El Nino that impacted the country, what are the
preventive measures we can take to reduce the risk and vulnerability in our
household?

The recent news about El Nino has highlighted the importance of taking
preventive measures to reduce the risk and vulnerability in our households. By
creating a disaster preparedness plan, reducing our impact on the environment, and
staying informed about weather patterns, households can help to mitigate the effects
of El Nino and protect themselves from its potential impacts. It is important for
individuals and families to take action now in order to ensure a safer and more
resilient future in the face of changing climate patterns.