Water, Biogeography, and Food

Finish Global Climate Change Water Resources Biogeography Food Resources Introduction to King Corn

For Next Class: Read background on King Corn at http://www.kingcorn.net/

Main Drivers of Climate Change

IPCC 2013

Indicators of Climate Change

IPCC 2013

What are some Anthropogenic Influences on Climate?

What are some Anthropogenic Influences on Climate?

Greenhouse gasesAerosols – suspended particulatesLand use/land cover change

A rectangular piece of coal in a wagon is on display in the middle of Pacific Avenue In Tacoma before the arrival of President Harrison in May, 1891.

Life Magazine (1962)

Main Drivers of Climate Change

IPCC 2013

Natural Forcings?Variations in Solar RadiationVolcanoesChanges in Oceanic and Atmospheric Circulation

No denying that the anthropogenic

warming is playing a role:

Question is how much?

Ocean and Freshwater Distribution

Figure 7.3

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Water Resources

• If total global water supply was 100 liters, then:– 3 liters = freshwater– 0.003 liters (~1/2 teaspoon) readily

available to humans

• Water Stress: term that identifies greatest water resource problems

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Global Water Stress

Figure 2.18

Four Areas of Concern

Water scarcity (e.g., limited availability) Water sanitation (e.g., polluted water) Water access (e.g., distance, time, cost) Water resource management (e.g., conflict, borders,

and inefficencies)

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Bioregions (Closely resemble climate regions)

Figure 2.20

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Examples of Bioregions – Forests

Tropical Rain Forest Temperate Forest

Figure 2.21 Figure 2.24

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Deserts and Steppes

Desertification in Marginal Lands

Figure 2.23

Food and Agriculture

How do you choose what you eat? Cost? Quality? Production Methods? Where it was produced?

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Green Revolution

• Increases in food production – Since 1950s

• New agricultural techniques

• Chemical fertilizers and pesticides

Planting Rice in the Rishi Valley ofAndhra Pradesh state in India

Figure 2.26

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Green Revolution (cont’d)

• First Stage: Three processes1. Traditional mixed crops monocrops2. Increase intensity

• Water, fertilizer, and pesticides3. Reduce fallow time between seasonal

crops

• Second Stage: Since 1970s– New crops bred for tropical and

subtropical climates– Multiple crops in one parcel

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Increased Food Production

• Environmental Costs– Fossil Fuel Use– Habitat Fragmentation/Damage– Pollution: Water and Air

• Social– Financial Costs– Social Inequalities

Figure 2.27

Cattle Ranching inWestern Brazil

Global Food Problems and Projections

It is in fact local and regional problems that often keep people from obtaining food!

Political problems are usually more important than natural events (drought/flooding).

Food security in Africa and South Asia are of particular concern.• Africa was self-sufficient in food until 1970!

King Corn

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