Name Before The Flood National Geographic Documentary Questi

Namebefore The Flood National Geographic Documentary Questions1 Th

Identify the core questions and context related to the documentary "Before the Flood" by National Geographic. The assignment involves analyzing the documentary’s content on climate change topics, including Arctic ice melting, sea level rise, global warming graphs, the impact on island nations and coral reefs, rainforest changes, renewable energy solutions, carbon taxes, international climate agreements, and personal carbon footprints.

Paper For Above instruction

The documentary "Before the Flood," produced by National Geographic, offers a compelling exploration of the urgent issue of climate change and its multifaceted impacts worldwide. It emphasizes the critical importance of understanding environmental phenomena such as the melting Arctic ice, rising sea levels, and declining biodiversity, while also highlighting potential solutions like renewable energy and policy measures. This paper will analyze the major points raised in the documentary, focusing on scientific, environmental, social, and policy aspects.

The Arctic Ice as the "Air Conditioning" System

The documentary refers to the Arctic ice as the "air conditioning" system of the Northern Hemisphere because it plays a vital role in regulating global temperatures. The reflective ice surface deflects sunlight, maintaining cooler temperatures in the region and influencing atmospheric and oceanic currents. When Arctic ice melts, less sunlight is reflected—resulting in more absorption of heat by the darker ocean water—and this accelerates global warming. The loss of Arctic ice threatens to destabilize climate systems, leading to more extreme weather events, melting of glaciers worldwide, and rising sea levels.

Miami's Efforts Against Sea Level Rise

Miami is actively attempting to combat the impacts of rising sea levels by constructing underground water pumping systems, elevating roads, and implementing seawalls. These measures are costly, costing billions of dollars—estimated to be around $400 million annually for infrastructure projects—and buying the city additional time to adapt. Such adaptive measures are essential for protecting property and human life, but they are only temporary solutions that underscore the urgency of global mitigation efforts.

The "Hockey Stick" Graph and its Controversy

The "hockey stick" graph illustrates the rapid increase in global temperatures over the past century, with a sharp upward trend resembling a hockey stick. It has become a symbol of evidence for anthropogenic climate change. The scientist who developed it, Michael Mann, faced significant scrutiny and intimidation, with some accusing him of data manipulation. The controversy was fueled by political and economic interests, but subsequent scientific reviews affirmed the validity of the graph's findings, reinforcing the evidence for human-induced global warming.

Impacts on Island Nations

Island nations are experiencing severe threats from climate change, particularly from rising sea levels that threaten their very existence. Countries like the Maldives, Tuvalu, and Kiribati are actively seeking international aid and implementing adaptation strategies such as building sea walls, relocating communities, and advocating for stronger global climate policies. Their plight underscores the disproportionate vulnerability of small island nations to global warming, emphasizing the urgency of global response.

Coral Reefs and Their Decline

Coral reefs are suffering from coral bleaching due to increased sea temperatures and acidification caused by higher CO2 levels. This decline threatens marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal protection. The loss of reefs like the Great Barrier Reef signals significant ecological and economic impacts, including loss of tourism and livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing and tourism industries.

Rainforest Deforestation in Indonesia

In Indonesia, rainforests are rapidly vanishing primarily due to illegal logging, palm oil plantations, and agricultural expansion. This deforestation reduces biodiversity, releases stored carbon dioxide, and contributes to global warming. The loss of Indonesia’s rainforests undermines ecological stability and hampers efforts to preserve endangered species while exacerbating climate change issues.

Renewable Energy for Developing Nations

Solar power and battery storage provide significant advantages for developing nations, including access to affordable and sustainable energy. These technologies reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote economic development. Solar energy is particularly suited for remote areas, enabling access to electricity without extensive grid infrastructure, thus fostering social and economic progress.

Carbon Tax as a Climate Solution

A carbon tax imposes levies on fossil fuel emissions, incentivizing businesses and individuals to reduce carbon output. Advocates see it as an effective market-based mechanism to lower greenhouse gases while generating revenue that can fund renewable energy initiatives. Critics, however, argue that it may disproportionately affect low-income populations and require global coordination for maximum effectiveness.

The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement

The Paris Agreement aims to keep global temperature rise below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. The problem lies in its voluntary commitments, inadequate funding, and the lack of binding enforcement mechanisms. Some countries have fallen short of their targets, and withdrawal threats from major emitters like the United States have raised concerns about the agreement’s robustness and long-term effectiveness.

Personal Carbon Footprint Calculation

To assess personal impact, viewers are encouraged to visit the provided website to calculate their household's carbon footprint. After completing the questionnaire, the user reports their specific emission number. This personal measure underscores the importance of individual actions in combating climate change, such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and advocating for policy changes.

Conclusion

The documentary "Before the Flood" compellingly emphasizes that climate change is an existential threat requiring immediate and concerted global action. While technological advancements like renewable energy and policy initiatives like the Paris Agreement are vital, the documentary also underscores the importance of individual responsibility. Recognizing the interconnected nature of these issues is essential for fostering sustainable solutions that ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

References

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.
• Mann, M. E., et al. (1999). "Global-Scale Temperature Patterns and Climate Change." Climate Dynamics, 15(3), 225-242.
• Hansen, J., et al. (2008). "Target Atmospheric CO2: Where Should Humanity Aim?" Open Atmospheric Science Journal, 2, 217-231.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2015). The Paris Agreement.
• Harvey, F. (2019). "Melting Arctic Threatens Global Climate Stability." The Guardian.
• Hoegh-Guldberg, O., et al. (2007). "Coral Reefs Under Rapid Climate Change." Science, 318(5857), 1737-1742.
• World Resources Institute. (2020). "Indonesian Deforestation: Causes and Implications." WRI Report.
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). "Renewable Energy Benefits: Measuring the Impact." IRENA Report.
• Nicholas, S. (2012). "The Economics of Carbon Taxation." Environmental Economics Journal, 4(1), 1-15.
• Climate Central. (2022). "Rising Sea Levels and Their Impact on Coastal Cities." Climate Central Research Brief.