LOSS AND DAMAGE: UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ECOSYSTEMS Expected loss of ecosystems and their services
There are a number of sudden- and slow-onset events in recent years that may be attributable to climate change and have caused losses and damages to human systems and ecosystems. Since 1950 heat wave frequency has increased in large parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia.1
The European heat
wave of 2003 is seen as the shape of things to come, reflecting temperature that are extreme now, but projected as normal summers in the later 21st century.20,21
To some degree this
event can be attributed to climate change. Recent studies suggest that severe heat waves, formerly occurring twice a century, are now expected to occur twice a decade.22
Direct
and indirect consequences of the 2003 heat wave on human and ecosystems were devastating. At least 30,000 people died as a consequence of the high temperatures and their persistence over a period of three months.23
The economic
losses in the European Union’s agricultural sector amounted to US$14.7 billion.24
volumes across the continent and damaged montane permafrost through increased thawing. Alpine glacier mass reduced by 10 per cent in that year.25
It caused a significant decrease in glacier Water resources, already
stressed from high temperatures and precipitation deficit, were put under further pressure from substantially increased demand for water supply and electricity generation.23,26-29
Examples of sudden-onset events include the powerful typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 that killed 6,300 and left nearly 800,000 people displaced.30
to people, both agriculture and ecosystems were affected, especially in coastal zones.31
Haiyan’s storm surges were exceptionally The sea level rise associated with climate change A storm surge in Tacloban was found to reach a 0 0 0,75 0,475 1,5 0,95 3 1,9
Kilometers Miles
OSM; Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
The Sahel and the semi-arid drylands of East Africa are in many ways emblems of climate change vulnerability. The regions have faced challenges such as crop and livestock losses, food insecurity, displacement, cultural losses including traditional livelihood systems, and conflict. Many of these challenges are caused by climate variability and exacerbated by climate change. At the beginning of 2015 an estimated 20.4 million people were food insecure as a result of ongoing drought mostly in Niger, Nigeria, Mali, and Chad where conflict and poverty compound food insecurity.38
The Sahel seesaws
between drought and flood events, and increased drying temperatures have partially offset the recovery of rainfall since
Loss and damage to people and properties due to Typhoon Haiyan
Legend Damaged / Destroyed Buildings Damaged Buildings Collapsed Buildings
Displaced People in [Percent] 30
10 0 20 0 Source
Destroyed-Damaged Buildings: OSM Footprint, ESRI Displaced People: OCHA Philippines, PHIL GIS Displaced Families: OCHA Philippines, PHIL GIS
Aside from this direct harm An estimate of 260,000 tons of
rice production was lost due to strong winds and continuous inundation.32 high.33,34
can increase the height of storm surges.35 For the Philippines,
the sea level was already 30 centimetres higher than that in 1993.36
maximum inundation height of 7metres above sea level.34 Along Samar Island, the surge contaminated surface water and deeper aquifers that supply water to local communities. It will take many years to recover.37
46
1000 2000
40
3000 4000
50 60
5000 6000
70 80
Displaced Families [Total Number] 500
90 100
7000 8000
Loss and Damage to people and properties due to Typhoon Haiyan
8000+
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