global warming by rozaidi ismail
Post on 07-Apr-2016
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KKKA6414
SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING
Prepared by
MOHD ROZAIDI BIN ISMAIL
[ P72431 ]
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1.0 Introduction
Climate change is changing our economy, health and communities in diverse ways. Scientists
warn that if we do not aggressively curb climate change now, the results will likely be
disastrous. Carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants are collecting in the
atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm
up. Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 50 years the average global
temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. Scientists say that unless we
curb the emissions that cause climate change, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9
degrees higher by the end of the century.
At present Earth appears to be facing a rapid warming, which most scientists believe
results, at least in part, from human activities. The chief cause of this warming is thought to
be the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which releases into the
atmosphere carbon dioxide and other substances known as greenhouse gases. As the
atmosphere becomes richer in these gases, it becomes a better insulator, retaining more of the
heat provided to the planet by the Sun.
Question: Supposed you are living in a coastal city. The city
administrator has noticed that the mean sea level has been rising for
the past 50 years. The raising is small but over a long period of time it
may cause problems in the city centre as the level of that part of the city
is quite low. If you are hired as a consultant, write a plan of action on
what can be done to reduce or mitigate the problems.
Figure 1.0: The Global Warming
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2.0 Strategy
The total consumption of fossil fuels is increasing by about 1 percent per year. No steps near
future. The challenge today is managing the probable effects while taking steps to prevent
detrimental climate changes in the future.
Damage can be curbed locally in various ways. Coastlines can be armoured with dikes
and barriers to block encroachments of the sea. Alternatively, governments can assist coastal
populations in moving to higher ground. Some countries, such as the United States, still have
the chance to help plant and animal species survive by preserving habitat corridors, strips of
relatively undeveloped land running north and south. Species can gradually shift their ranges
along these corridors, moving toward cooler habitats.
Figure 1.0: The Global Warming
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Global warming is due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions in the
atmosphere. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) act to hold the heat of the sun rather than allow it to
be reflected back into space, much as a greenhouse does. Climate change and disruptions
associated with climate change occur as a result of this global warming.
There are two major approaches to slowing the built up of greenhouse gases. The first
is to keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by storing the gas or its carbon component
somewhere else, a strategy called carbon sequestration. The second major approach is to
reduce the production of greenhouse gases.
2.1 CARBON SEQUESTRATION
The simplest way to sequester carbon is to preserve trees and to plant more. Trees, especially
young and fast-growing ones, soak up a great deal of carbon dioxide, break it down in
photosynthesis, and store the carbon in new wood. Worldwide, forests are being cut down at
an alarming rate, particularly in the tropics. In many areas, there is little regrowth as land
loses fertility or is changed to other uses, such as farming or building housing developments.
Reforestation could offset these losses and counter part of the greenhouse build up.
Many companies and governments in the United States, Norway, Brazil, Malaysia,
Russia, and Australia have initiated reforestation projects. In Guatemala, the AES
Corporation, a U.S.-based electrical company, has joined forces with the World Resources
Institute and the relief agency CARE to create community woodlots and to teach local
residents about tree-farming practices. The trees planted are expected to absorb up to 58
million tons of carbon dioxide over 40 years.
Carbon dioxide gas can also be sequestered directly. Carbon dioxide has traditionally
been injected into oil wells to force more petroleum out of the ground or seafloor. Now it is
being injected simply to isolate it underground in oil fields, coal beds, or aquifers. At one
natural gas drilling platform off the coast of Norway, carbon dioxide brought to the surface
with the natural gas is captured and reinserted into an aquifer from which it cannot escape.
The same process can be used to store carbon dioxide released by a power plant, factory, or
any large stationary source. Deep ocean waters could also absorb a great deal of carbon
dioxide. The feasibility and environmental effects of both these options are now under study
by international teams.
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In an encouraging trend, energy use around the world has slowly shifted away from
fuels that release a great deal of carbon dioxide toward fuels that release somewhat less of
this heat-trapping gas. Wood was the first major source of energy used by humans. With the
dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, coal became the dominant energy
source. By the mid-19th century oil had replaced coal in dominance, fuelling the internal
combustion engines that were eventually used in automobiles. By the 20th century, natural
gas began to be used worldwide for heating and lighting. In this progression, combustion of
natural gas releases less carbon dioxide than oil, which in turn releases less of the gas than do
either coal or wood.
Nuclear energy, though controversial for reasons of safety and the high costs of
nuclear waste disposal, releases no carbon dioxide at all. Solar power, wind power, and
hydrogen fuel cells also emit no greenhouse gases. Someday these alternative energy sources
may prove to be practical, low-pollution energy sources, although progress today is slow.
2.2 REDUCE GREENHOUSE EMISSION
Figure 3.0: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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To achieve these goals, adapt to climate change, and promote sustainability, this task
identified countywide strategies for energy, transportation, land use, water resources, and
waste and green purchasing.
2.2.1. Energy
To reduce GHGs generated through the use of energy, the community must undertake actions
to:
Use energy more efficiently to reduce the demand for fossil fuels which referring to
behaviour of reduce lighting when daylight is sufficient and electric usage.
Replace energy from fossil fuels into hybrid.
Install renewable energy on site such as solar energy, geothermal energy, biomass
energy, hydropower and ocean energy which suitable for coastal country surrounded
by tidal waves and wind power.
Change in behaviour which include reduce lamp use during the day.
Replace Incandescent Bulbs into :
CFLs (compact fluorescent bulbs) which use approximately 1/3 of the
energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan of 6 to 15 times
that of incandescent bulbs. CFL functionality compares favourably to
incandescent lights. As with other fluorescent bulbs, CFLs contain a small
amount of mercury and must be properly managed at end of life.
Attachment 9 to the Action Plan, Recycling, includes actions to address this
issue.
LEDs (light emitting diodes) are far superior to traditional light sources as
they use 4 times less energy and produce less heat than conventional bulbs.
LEDs can last for more than 10 years. LEDs are most useful when aimed
directly at what is to be lit and work well in traffic signals, parking garages,
street lights and other outdoor lighting applications. LEDs are also mercury
free and don’t require special disposal.
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Solar powered lighting can be used outside and in remote locations. This not
only reduces consumption of electricity, but it eliminates the need to supply
power.
The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, product
manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers have collaborated to implement the Energy
Star program. This voluntary program rates appliances for energy use and gives some
money back to consumers who buy efficient machines.
Retrofitting and Renovation of Existing Structures to improve energy efficiency is to
identify how and where energy is being lost and to identify methods to eliminate or
reduce the loss. This can be determined through an energy audit.
Energy audit :
Replace windows – Windows can be 10 to 20 times less energy efficient
than walls. They provide a real opportunity for improvement. Installing
double pane glass can double their efficiency and triple pane can improve
this even more.
Weatherize, seal air leaks, and install insulation – Closing holes through
foundations or walls, adding weather stripping and installing additional
insulation can improve energy efficiency and can be inexpensive first
actions with high return in reduced energy costs.
Install automated controls – Timers and sensors can help reduce energy use
by shutting off when no one is in the room or using the equipment. This can
also control the use of energy by equipment that, while not in use or even
turned off, draws power simply by being plugged in. Examples include
computers, televisions and remote control equipment. This use of power is
known as vampire power, as energy is being consumed even when the
equipment appears to be off. A “smart switch” is another type of device that
can be installed to ensure energy is not being wasted. A smart switch is a
single switch that can be used to turn off multiple circuits.
Add heating and cooling zones – Adding zones allows the adjustment of
heating and cooling to just the areas being used. Install light coloured
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roofing Light coloured roofing reflects sunlight and as a result acts to
somewhat mitigate global warming.
Upgrade boilers – Often, older boilers can be retrofitted with high efficiency
components such as high efficiency burners.
Buy ENERGY STARTM equipment – The federal government requires
labeling of energy efficient appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and
other devices.
Green IT Systems - Technological systems or computing products that
incorporate green computing principles take into account economic
viability, social responsibility, and environmental impact.
2.2.2 Transportation
To reduce the GHGs generated through transportation, community should
Reduce transportation demand.
Use carpools and van-pools and share rides.
Share transportation pools with other nearby establishments, when possible.
Participate in ride sharing programs such as Sharide.
Practice car use a Zipcar. This saves money on owning and maintaining a
car as well.
Set up a private transportation network and use it.
Consolidate transportation across school districts by establishing a county-
wide network of school district coordinators for clean transportation.
Shift from single-occupant vehicles to reliance on mass transit and ride sharing and
carpooling. Provide extensive network of bus and train services that can be used
within the region. Improve infrastructures to encourage public transport.
Use alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking.
Use hybrid vehicles or non-fossil fuels in motor vehicles including vehicles used for
mass transit. Opportunity to purchasing or lease new green vehicle at low price.
Reduce fuel consumption.
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Establish the Fleet Wise program to cut carbon dioxide emissions. A comprehensive
survey to determine fleet needs matching of vehicle size to the required tasks to the
extent possible. Retrofit buses with devices that limit idling. This prevents
unnecessary idling and unnecessary burning of fossil fuels. Retrofit older buses with
tailpipe and crankcase filters to reduces air pollution emissions.
2.2.3. Water Resources
To manage water resources, community can:
Mitigate flooding consequences associated with global warming as storm water runoff
generated in a community can lead to flood.
Adapt to rising water levels.
Protect and preserve drinking water reservoirs and watersheds.
Conserve and promote water conservation including opportunities to replace potable
water, gray water re-use.
2.2.4. Waste Reduction, Recycling and Green Procurement
To reduce the GHG emissions associated with consumption of goods and disposal of waste
and to minimize the overall negative effects on the environment, the Community of
Westchester must find ways to:
Reduce waste by applying zero waste principle.
Increase reuse by improving purchasing which is durable can be reused, repaired,
recycled or composted, made with recycled, low toxicity, and renewable resource
content and produced locally.
Increase recycling by enforcing regulations and taxing.
Increase composting by providing composting bin and educate on the right technique
to compose.
Increase use of green products.
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2.2.5. Land Use
To reduce GHG impacts and adapt to climate change, community should :
Preserve appropriate environmentally sensitive undeveloped land and open spaces so
as to reduce sprawl, capture carbon and protect natural ecosystems including wetlands
and forests.
Encourage higher density mixed use development in centers and along major
transportation corridors.
Improve existing land use planning processes.
Enhance current regional planning efforts.
Integrate climate change concerns and sustainable site development
concepts into planning processes.
2.2.6. Public advise
Promote best practices. Government, business, and education should identify and promote
examples of local best practice for energy use such as:
Energy efficiency projects,
Green buildings and development that demonstrate return on investment,
Applications of renewable energy in buildings,
Use of smart meters in demonstrated projects,
Use of Energy audits to plan and implement energy savings, and
Implementation of employee programs to encourage conservation in and out of the
office.
These examples should be jointly promoted through public reporting of results,
building tours, events, press releases, and cable television. The opportunity to use them as
venues for citizens and professional associations meetings should be explored.
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In addition to reducing GHG emissions, these lifestyle strategies will lead to multiple life
quality benefits for our community and the world. For example:
Promoting use of mass transit and development around urban centers also curbs the
use of energy.
Preserving open space increases the quality of life for Westchester residents and also
sequesters carbon from the atmosphere.
Reducing GHG emissions generated from combustion reduces conventional air
pollution and improve the quality of life for everyone in the county.
Using energy efficiently not only protects the environment; it preserves resources and
saves money.
Walking and bicycling allow the enjoyment of nature and also contribute to improved
health.
Walking to school helps fight obesity-related illnesses through everyday exercise, and
also helps connect children to the natural world.
Using mass transit reduces traffic congestion and accidents.
Reducing driving safeguards our air quality and contributes to better breathing for the
community. Consuming and wasting less frees up resources.
Conserving energy and improving efficiency saves money, enhances national
security, and reduces our reliance on foreign fossil fuel.
Promoting local agriculture boosts the regional economy, enhances biodiversity, and
preserves open space
Promoting organic agriculture reduces the use of petroleum based fertilizers and
pesticides and contributes to fossil fuel independence.
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3.0 CONCLUSION
Mitigation Combination Adaption
Reduce air travel
Energy conservation
Reduce motorized
transportation
Capture landfill gas
(methane)
Expand public transport
Green roof
Better insulation
Permeable pavement
Reduce peak demand
Expand tree canopy
Renewable energy
Sewer Upgrade
Drainage Upgrade
Heat alert system
Business Continuity plan
Control of invasive species
Disease control
Many local governments are also working against greenhouse emissions by conserving
energy in buildings, modernizing their vehicles, and advising the public. Individuals, too, can
take steps. The same choices that reduce other kinds of pollution work against global
warming. Every time a consumer buys an energy-efficient appliance; adds insulation to a
house; recycles paper, metal, and glass; chooses to live near work; or commutes by public
transportation, he or she is fighting global warming.
THANK YOU.
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