Our Response to Climate Change: HK2100

Our Planet, Climate Change and Systems Thinking

Hongshan Guo
1: Revisiting Progress - At What Cost?
INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PROGRESS:
Equating progress with industrial growth, tech advancements, and urban
expansion.
Environmental costs often overlooked.
Key question: “What environmental losses have we accepted for progress?”

EXAMPLE 1: DEFORESTATION IN THE AMAZON:

Accelerated deforestation post-2010s for agriculture.
Impact: Loss of biodiversity, carbon storage, and indigenous habitats.
Trade-off: Global food supply vs. ecological preservation.

EXAMPLE 2: URBANIZATION OF GREEN SPACES:

Cities like Jakarta and Beijing expanding into green areas.
Impact: Loss of natural spaces vital for air quality and biodiversity.
Trade-off: Economic growth and housing vs. green space conservation.

EXAMPLE 3: INTENSIVE ENERGY EXTRACTION:

Shale gas boom, especially in the U.S., post-2010s.
Impact: Groundwater contamination, seismic activity, methane emissions.
Trade-off: Energy independence vs. environmental health.
2: Beyond CO2 - The Potent Greenhouse Gas Threat
THE METHANE CONCERN:
Methane’s Potency: Methane (CH4) is over 25 times more potent than CO2 in
trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.
Permafrost Thaw: Recent observations reveal accelerating permafrost thaw in the
Arctic, unlocking vast methane reserves.
Impact: Methane release from permafrost could significantly amplify global
warming, contributing to a feedback loop.

OTHER POTENT GASES:

Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emissions from agricultural activities, particularly fertilizer
use, have been rising, with N2O being about 300 times more potent than CO2.
Industrial Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), used in air conditioning and
refrigeration, have thousands of times the global warming potential of CO2.
2.1: Beyond CO2 - The Potent Greenhouse Gas Threat (Cont’d)
IPCC MODELS AND TIPPING POINTS:
Inclusion in Models: The IPCC has recently integrated permafrost melt and
methane release into their climate models, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Tipping Point Concerns: There’s growing scientific consensus that we might be
nearing or have crossed climate “tipping points,” leading to irreversible changes.

EXAMPLES AND ANALOGIES:

Siberian Craters: The discovery of massive craters in Siberia, believed to be caused
by methane explosions from thawing permafrost, serves as a vivid illustration of the
methane threat.
The Ice-Albedo Feedback: As Arctic ice melts, it reveals darker water that absorbs
more heat, further accelerating ice melt and methane release from permafrost - a
dangerous feedback loop.

REFLECTION:
The rising threat of potent greenhouse gases challenges us to look beyond CO2 in
our climate change mitigation strategies.
Understanding and addressing these less-discussed but highly impactful gases is
crucial in our broader fight against global warming.
3: Geoengineering - A Symptomatic Treatment?
THE SHIFT TO GEOENGINEERING:
Large-scale interventions in Earth’s systems
Focus shifts from emission causes to climate symptoms management

KEY APPROACHES:
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Removes CO2 from the atmosphere
Stores it underground
Solar Radiation Management (SRM):
Reflects sunlight away
Aims to reduce global warming

ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL CONCERNS:

Unintended Consequences:
Risk of unforeseen side effects
Potential to worsen climate issues
Moral Hazard:
Might reduce urgency for emission cuts
Reliance on technological fixes
4: Questioning “Progress” and “Modernity”
THE UNTOUCHABLE PARADIGMS:
Associated with tech advancement
Often overlook environmental cost

NEED FOR PARADIGM SHIFT:

Sustainable Progress:
Incorporates sustainability
Balances ecological concerns
Inclusive Modernity:
Embraces diverse views
Values indigenous knowledge

EXAMPLE: TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY:

Shift from fossil fuels to renewables
Symbolizes sustainable progress
5: Academia’s Pioneering Role
FOSTERING DIVERSITY AND EXPERIMENTATION:
Universities as idea incubators
Promote cross-disciplinary research

CRITICAL THINKING AND INNOVATION:

Challenges established norms
Proposes innovative solutions
5.1: Silent Spring, or Power of Narrative
Rachel Carson, Chemist | Writer | Activist
5.2 Understanding System Thinking in Environmental Context
What is Systems Thinking?
Holistic Perspective: Complex systems as interconnected wholes
Feedback Loops: Recognizing how different elements within a system influence
one another, non-linear

Interconnectivity in Nature
Interaction of ecosystem
Climate phenomena as result of interactions wtihin and between atmosphere,
hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere

Understanding System Thinking

Empowers you to see the bigger picture and recognize the ripple effects of actions
Encourages innovative and holistic solutions to environmental challenges through
interconnectedness
5.3 Wolves’ Reintroduction to Yellowstone: Saga from 1920s to 1995
5.3.1 ReIntroduction of the Wolves
5.4 Interconnectedness of species
6: Urgent Climate Issues We Cannot Ignore
RISING SEA LEVELS:
Coastal erosion and flooding
Threatens communities and infrastructure

BIODIVERSITY LOSS:
Ecosystem collapse and species extinction
Undermines Earth’s life support systems

WATER SCARCITY:
Exacerbated by climate change
Threatens food security and stability
7: Rethinking Cooperation for a Sustainable Future
BEYOND COMPETITION:
Emphasizes global solidarity
Views Earth’s resources as shared

INNOVATIVE GOVERNANCE:
Develops flexible, inclusive agreements
Empowers local action with global support
8: The Permafrost Time Bomb
UNDERSTANDING PERMAFROST:
Frozen ground in polar regions: 24% of Northern Hemisphere land surface
Contains massive carbon reserves: 1700 Gigatons of carbon, 2x atmospheric
carbon

THE THAWING THREAT:

Warming temperatures causing thaw, twice as fast as global average
Releases stored methane (25x) and CO2
Permafrost to decrease by 30-70% by end of 21st century.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLIMATE:

Accelerates global warming
Could trigger runaway climate effects
9: Modernity and Sustainability Clash
THE GROWTH PARADIGM:
Equates progress with economic growth
Often at the environment’s expense

SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES:
Rethinks progress with ecological balance
Prioritizes long-term environmental health

CULTURAL SHIFT NEEDED:

From consumption-driven to sustainability-focused
Values diversity and ecological integrity

EXAMPLE: URBAN GREEN INITIATIVES:

Incorporates green spaces in cities
Promotes urban sustainability and well-being, connection to mindfulness
10: Academia’s Role in Shaping Futures
INCUBATOR FOR IDEAS:
Nurtures diverse, innovative solutions
Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration

CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO:

Questions established progress narratives
Advocates for sustainable development models

FOSTERING GLOBAL CITIZENS:

Educates on climate ethics and action
Prepares students for global challenges

EXAMPLE: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAMS:

Blend science, policy, and ethics
Equip students to tackle climate issues
How can you influence them with what you have learnt?
11: Hall of Fame: Progressive Contributions to Climate Discourse
VISIONARIES OF SUSTAINABILITY:
Rachel Carson: Her seminal work “Silent Spring” (1962) is often credited with
launching the modern environmental movement, highlighting the adverse effects of
pesticides on the environment.
Sparked widespread public concern for environmental protection and
conservation.
Al Gore: Former U.S. Vice President and environmentalist, known for his efforts in
raising awareness about global warming, notably through his documentary “An
Inconvenient Truth” (2006).
Played a pivotal role in making climate change a mainstream issue.

PIONEERS OF CLIMATE SCIENCE:

James Hansen: A climatologist whose 1988 testimony before the U.S. Congress
was crucial in bringing national attention to global warming.
Advocated for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conducted pivotal
climate research.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Established in 1988, this
body has been instrumental in assessing and synthesizing climate research,
providing a scientific basis for policy action.
Its periodic assessment reports are crucial resources for understanding climate
change.
12: Hall of Fame: Conservative Perspectives on Environmental Policy
SKEPTICS AND CRITICS:
Bjørn Lomborg: An environmental writer known for his book “The Skeptical
Environmentalist” (2001), where he argues that many environmental concerns are
exaggerated.
Advocates for prioritizing other global issues like poverty over climate change
initiatives.
The Heritage Foundation: A conservative think tank that frequently critiques the
economic impacts of environmental regulations.
Emphasizes the potential negative effects on economic growth and personal
freedoms.

PROPONENTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND MARKET SOLUTIONS:

Julian Simon: An economist who believed human ingenuity and innovation could
overcome environmental challenges and resource scarcity.
Famous for his bet with Paul Ehrlich, arguing against the predictive power of
environmental doom.
Indur Goklany: An author and policy analyst who supports the use of technology
and economic growth to address environmental problems, advocating for
“adaptive” strategies rather than stringent regulations.
Argues that wealthier societies are better equipped to solve environmental
problems.
13 People’s Responses
Certainly, let’s break down the responses into shorter sub-bullets for clarity:
Acknowledging Interdependence:
Mindful Consumption:
Everyday choices impact economy and environment.
Opting for sustainable products.
Waste Reduction:
Reducing personal waste to protect oceans and wildlife.
Emphasizing reuse and recycling.

Advocacy and Community Action:

Grassroots Movements:
Participation in local environmental initiatives.
Organizing eco-friendly community events.
Policy Advocacy:
Supporting green policies through petitions and outreach to representatives.
Engaging in civic activities for environmental protection.

Sustainable Living & Dietary Choices

13.1 People’s Responses
Education and Awareness:
Continuous Learning:
Staying updated on environmental issues.
Spreading awareness among personal networks.
Youth Engagement:
Teaching children about environmental responsibility.
Family projects focused on sustainability.

Support for Innovation and Technology:

Embracing Green Tech:
Investing in home solar panel systems.
Supporting advancements in sustainable technology.
Sustainable Investments:
Assessing the environmental impact of personal investments.
Favoring companies with strong environmental policies.
14 Collage Examples (As promised)
14.1 Collage Examples (Cont’d)
14.2 Collage Examples (Cont’d)
14.3 Colalge Examples (Cont’d)