Environmental Systems & Societies SL
Environmental Systems & Societies SL
9
Chapters
219
Notes
Unit 1 - Foundations Of Environmental Systems & Societies
Unit 1 - Foundations Of Environmental Systems & Societies
Unit 2 - Ecosystems & Ecology
Unit 2 - Ecosystems & Ecology
Unit 3 - Biodiversity & Conservation
Unit 3 - Biodiversity & Conservation
Unit 4 -Water & Aquatic Food Production Systems & Societies
Unit 4 -Water & Aquatic Food Production Systems & Societies
Unit 5 - Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies
Unit 5 - Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies
Unit 6 - Atmospheric Systems & Societies
Unit 6 - Atmospheric Systems & Societies
Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production
Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production
Unit 8 - Human Systems & Resource Use
Unit 8 - Human Systems & Resource Use
Internal Assessment
Internal Assessment
IB Resources
Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production
Environmental Systems & Societies SL
Environmental Systems & Societies SL

Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production

Climate & Ecosystems: Vital Services at Risk

Word Count Emoji
547 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Ecosystem services

Ecosystem services are like the supermarket of nature. They provide us with a variety of essentials that we often take for granted. Some of the 'products' that nature offers are:

  • Primary Productivity: This is the initial stage of producing food through photosynthesis by plants and algae. Think of it as the very first step in a food production assembly line, where the plants convert sunlight into food!
  • Nutrient Cycling: It's like the nature's own recycling system. Dead leaves and animals decompose, returning valuable nutrients back into the soil, which plants use for growth. It's like a nutrient merry-go-round!
  • Climate Regulation: Ecosystems like forests and oceans absorb and store CO2, regulating our planet's climate. This is like Earth's thermostat, helping keep temperatures just right!
  • Flood Control: Wetlands and forests act like natural sponges, absorbing and slowing down the flow of water, reducing the risk of floods. They are our bioengineered sponges!
  • Pollination: Insects, birds, and wind help move pollen from one flower to another, leading to fruit and seed production. This is like a botanical matchmaking service!
  • Food and Water: From fish in the seas to fruits in the jungles, ecosystems provide us with a smorgasbord of food, not to mention freshwater sources. It's like nature's cafeteria!

Impact of climate change on ecosystem services

Alright, now let's dive into the not-so-fun part - the impact of climate change on these ecosystem services. Climate change is like a monkey wrench thrown into this well-oiled natural machinery.

 

When the climate changes, ecosystems get disrupted and might not be able to provide the same services as before. It's like your favorite ice cream parlor suddenly running out of your favorite flavor.

 

Here's an example: Some scientists predict that if climate change continues unabated, the tropical rainforest could turn into a savanna. Imagine your favorite dense, humid, and diverse jungle turning into a grassy plain with scattered trees!

 

And what happens if this comes true?

  • Oxygen Production & Carbon Storage: Tropical rainforests are the Earth's lungs, breathing in CO2, and breathing out oxygen. If they transform into savannas, this breathing process would slow down drastically, reducing the amount of oxygen produced and carbon stored. That's like running on a treadmill with a breathing mask - not fun!
  • Rainfall Provision: Rainforests play a crucial role in generating and regulating rainfall patterns. If they were to disappear, it could drastically alter local and global rainfall patterns. That could mean either too much rain at times (flooding) or too little (droughts). It's like nature's unpredictable sprinkler system going haywire!

So, in a nutshell, climate change could cause drastic changes to the ecosystem services we rely on. But don't lose heart just yet. With conscious efforts and sustainable actions, we can still preserve these precious services and maintain the Earth's natural equilibrium. Remember, it's in our hands to turn the tide!

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IB Resources
Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production
Environmental Systems & Societies SL
Environmental Systems & Societies SL

Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production

Climate & Ecosystems: Vital Services at Risk

Word Count Emoji
547 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Ecosystem services

Ecosystem services are like the supermarket of nature. They provide us with a variety of essentials that we often take for granted. Some of the 'products' that nature offers are:

  • Primary Productivity: This is the initial stage of producing food through photosynthesis by plants and algae. Think of it as the very first step in a food production assembly line, where the plants convert sunlight into food!
  • Nutrient Cycling: It's like the nature's own recycling system. Dead leaves and animals decompose, returning valuable nutrients back into the soil, which plants use for growth. It's like a nutrient merry-go-round!
  • Climate Regulation: Ecosystems like forests and oceans absorb and store CO2, regulating our planet's climate. This is like Earth's thermostat, helping keep temperatures just right!
  • Flood Control: Wetlands and forests act like natural sponges, absorbing and slowing down the flow of water, reducing the risk of floods. They are our bioengineered sponges!
  • Pollination: Insects, birds, and wind help move pollen from one flower to another, leading to fruit and seed production. This is like a botanical matchmaking service!
  • Food and Water: From fish in the seas to fruits in the jungles, ecosystems provide us with a smorgasbord of food, not to mention freshwater sources. It's like nature's cafeteria!

Impact of climate change on ecosystem services

Alright, now let's dive into the not-so-fun part - the impact of climate change on these ecosystem services. Climate change is like a monkey wrench thrown into this well-oiled natural machinery.

 

When the climate changes, ecosystems get disrupted and might not be able to provide the same services as before. It's like your favorite ice cream parlor suddenly running out of your favorite flavor.

 

Here's an example: Some scientists predict that if climate change continues unabated, the tropical rainforest could turn into a savanna. Imagine your favorite dense, humid, and diverse jungle turning into a grassy plain with scattered trees!

 

And what happens if this comes true?

  • Oxygen Production & Carbon Storage: Tropical rainforests are the Earth's lungs, breathing in CO2, and breathing out oxygen. If they transform into savannas, this breathing process would slow down drastically, reducing the amount of oxygen produced and carbon stored. That's like running on a treadmill with a breathing mask - not fun!
  • Rainfall Provision: Rainforests play a crucial role in generating and regulating rainfall patterns. If they were to disappear, it could drastically alter local and global rainfall patterns. That could mean either too much rain at times (flooding) or too little (droughts). It's like nature's unpredictable sprinkler system going haywire!

So, in a nutshell, climate change could cause drastic changes to the ecosystem services we rely on. But don't lose heart just yet. With conscious efforts and sustainable actions, we can still preserve these precious services and maintain the Earth's natural equilibrium. Remember, it's in our hands to turn the tide!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Environmental Systems & Societies SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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