KKKH 4284
URBAN PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
TASK 6
GLOBAL WARMING
JULIANIZA ARIFFIN
A132737
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL &
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA JUNE 2014
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.
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
INTRODUCTION
Global Warming, increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere, oceans, and
landmasses of Earth. The planet has warmed (and cooled) many times during the 4.65
billion years of its history. 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.
The average surface temperature of Earth is about 15°C (59°F). Over the last
century, this average has risen by about 0.6 Celsius degree (1 Fahrenheit degree).
Scientists predict further warming of 1.4 to 5.8 Celsius degrees (2.5 to 10.4 Fahrenheit
degrees) by the year 2100. This temperature rise is expected to melt polar ice caps and
glaciers as well as warm the oceans, all of which will expand ocean volume and raise
sea level by an estimated 9 to 100 cm (4 to 40 in), flooding some coastal regions and
even entire islands. Some regions in warmer climates will receive more rainfall than
before, but soils will dry out faster between storms. This soil desiccation may damage
food crops, disrupting food supplies in some parts of the world. Plant and animal
species will shift their ranges toward the poles or to higher elevations seeking
cooler temperatures, and species that cannot do so may become extinct. The potential
consequences of global warming are so great that many of the world's leading
scientists have called for international cooperation and immediate action to counteract
the problem.
STRATEGY
The total consumption of fossil fuels is increasing by about 1 percent per year. No
steps currently being taken or under serious discussion will likely prevent global
warming in the 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 armored 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.
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 buildup 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.
A. 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 buildup.
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 reinjected 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.
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, fueling 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.
B. REDUCE GREENHOUSE EMISSION
GHGs, which cause global warming, include:
Carbon monoxide
(CO2)
Sulphur Hexafluoride
(SF6)
Greenhouse Gases
Methane (CH4)
Halocarbons (HFCs, PFCS)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Major components in natural gas and
produced when plant and animal
breaks down in the presence of
oxygen
Released from industrial process
Emission from fossil fuel burning
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.
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 behavior 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 behavior which include reduce lamp use during the day.
Replace Incandescent Bulbs into :
o 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
favorably 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.
o 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.
o 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 :
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Add heating and cooling zones – Adding zones allows
the adjustment of heating and cooling to just the areas
being used. Install light colored roofing – Light colored
roofing reflects sunlight and as a result acts to somewhat
mitigate global warming.
o Upgrade boilers – Often, older boilers can be retrofitted
with high efficiency components such as high efficiency
burners.
o Buy ENERGY STARTM equipment – The federal
government requires labeling of energy efficient
appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and other
devices.
o Green IT Systems - Technological systems or
computing products that incorporate green computing
principles take into account economic viability, social
responsibility, and environmental impact.
2. Transportation
To reduce the GHGs generated through transportation, community should
Reduce transportation demand.
o Use carpools and van-pools and share rides.
o Share transportation pools with other nearby
establishments, when possible.
o Participate in ride sharing programs such as Sharide.
o Practice car use a Zipcar. This saves money on owning
and maintaining a car as well.
o Set up a private transportation network and use it.
o 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.
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.
3. Water Resources
To manage water resources, community can:
Mitigate flooding consequences associated with global warming as
stormwater 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CONCLUSION
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.