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1 Surname 1 Name Course Instructor Date Climate Disruption Disruption is a film on climate change awareness. The title is based on several dangerous tipping points that could cause the whole climate system to spiral out of control. I agree with the film that there is need for using social media movement to disrupt the status quo or the business as usual approaches that prevent actualization of bold actions needed to protect the future of the planet. The film advocates strong actions to tip the balance towards a future that uses clean energy. The arguments in this film are valid since the use of fossil fuels as the primary energy source has contributed significantly to global warming causing unprecedented climate disruption, a crisis that threatens the viability of the society. The scientific consensus is that greenhouse gases emission should be reduced by at least 80% in the next four decades to reestablish more stable climatic conditions, and prevent the worst impacts of global warming (Strong, Novak and Paxton 4). Certainly, this is an uphill task that has to be fulfilled since the earth responds to the physical changes caused by humans. We cannot maintain the status quo and fail to move aggressively towards climate neutrality, as it will increase the risk of the potential collapse of the human civilization. Similar to Keya Chatterjee s view, people should be educated at all levels on how to eliminate this looming threat; however, this is a challenge that requires active leadership as it will involve transforming the economy, institutions and daily lives within a generation. Human

2 Surname 2 activities such as the destruction of natural systems and burning fossil fuels have increased the levels of carbon(iv) oxide in the atmosphere from 280 to over 400 parts per million (Strong, Novak and Paxton 7). Van Jones explains that the continued effects of pollution can be seen all over the globe, this is true since the resulting effect on the natural and social systems can be observed in the high incidences of droughts, heavier rain falls, melting ice, rising sea levels, floods, and other natural disasters. These events are increasingly disrupting agriculture, transport, energy, as well as health systems. For instance, droughts lead to rocketing food prices and water shortage, which according to UN World Food program results in political destabilization as evidenced by the Arab spring (Dellapenna et al. 120). Unlike 20 years ago, currently there are more people living in places with high climatic risks. Case in point, more than 700 million people live in arid and semi-arid areas that have high frequencies of droughts and floods; hence, price shocks have a significant impact in these places (Dellapenna et al. 120). As evidenced by the results of the typhoon in the Philippines, climatic change mainly affects the most vulnerable and poor people, particularly those living in tropical regions. For example, it is estimated that child malnutrition will increase by 20% by 2050 (Dellapenna et al. 120). This is the climatic change injustice; the worst impacts are felt by those who contribute the least in global warming. In addition, the projected rise in the sea level will significantly affect low-lying coastal regions in developing nations, characterized by high populations. According to Dellapenna et al., (120) the cost of adapting to a new climate can sum up to 10% of the gross domestic product. Consequently, these regions will lose much of their primary sources of income such as tourism when mangroves, coral reefs as well as the general aesthetic appeal of these natural environments are degraded.

3 Surname 3 Averting the potential disaster in relation to climate change requires collective responsibility from individuals, organizations, and governments, to the entire international community, and as Yeb Sano (Philippines climate negotiator) puts it we can fix it, this is a collective responsibility. Climate policies should be improved and implemented to ensure the reduction of greenhouse gases through technological enhancements, efficient energy use, as well as the utilization of renewable energy such as wind, biofuels and solar power (Jennings 35). One of the policies, based on the Kyoto protocols, which should be emphasized, is the cap and trade, which uses financial incentives to motivate industries to cut the levels of carbon dioxide emission (Jennings 35). A regulatory body sets a limit on the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted annually. As such, a company must buy an extra permit to surpass the limits provided (Jennings 35). Over time, the cost of polluting is increased by ratcheting down the pollution caps; thus, attaining the desired reduction in emission of greenhouse gases. The key advantages of the cap and trade policy include clear definitions of pollution levels, and companies can determine how to cut the emissions. In addition, a carbon tax can be employed to make it more costly to pollute the environment, as it can be applied to upstream and downstream, on oil producers and consumers, respectively (Jennings 35). This strategy aims at encouraging energy producers and consumers to embrace lower carbon producing sources of energy. Currently, the 27 member states of the European Union have caps limiting carbon emission; these are important steps towards realizing the 80% decrease in carbon emission (Dellapenna et al. 120). More so, making fossil-related fuels more expensive will make non-carbon fuels such as wind and solar power to be used more frequently and successfully. However, implementing these policies should be coupled with practical adaptations, appropriate land regulations as well as use, and zoning requirements (Peters et al.). Governments, businesses, as well as conservation groups

4 Surname 4 should make sure that mitigation measures are not the end-point since climate change is progressing at an alarming rate, and it will take several years before these policies take effect. The depletion of natural resources will continue as global warming intensifies and leading to wildlife extinction, coral bleaching as well as disintegration, melting of polar ice caps and rise in sea level, droughts and floods, diseases, population risks, economic disasters, and unsustainable land. The world is currently characterized by great development and progress that are aided by the natural resources from the environment. However, these resources face the risk of depletion due to untenable usage, which can only be checked by rational balance between developing human technology and protecting the environment; thus creating a world in which the capability of human beings as well as the beauty of the natural environment can co-exist.

5 Surname 5 Works Cited Dellapenna, Joseph W et al. 'Thinking About The Future Of Global Water Governance'. Confronting Ecological and Economic Collapse: Ecological Integrity for Law, Policy and Human Rights(2013): 120. Print. Jennings, Michael. 'Climate Disruption: Are We Beyond The Worst Case Scenario?'. Global Policy 4.1 (2013): Print. Peters, Glen P et al. 'The Challenge To Keep Global Warming Below 2 C'. Nature Climate Change 3.1 (2013): Print. Strong, Shadrian, Alexandra Matiella Novak, and Larry Paxton. 'The Cost Of Climate Disruption: Rising Ozone Concentration \& Public Health'. (2014): Print.