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.