Case Study #3: Climate Change (continued)

3. Changing Behavior: The Challenges Ahead You have seen how research has led to actions that are preserving the ozone layer and attempting to restore fisheries. In terms of global climate, great challenges lie ahead of us. Scientists have been saying for more than two decades that the world needs to recognize the importance of climate change and take steps to minimize further warming. The changes in behavior needed to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions will be major and will require input from economics and many other fields beyond biology. Some changes will rely on new technology for renewable energy and more efficient energy use. Because changing our use of fossil fuels and other behaviors will be difficult, researchers continue to gather data as they try to make more accurate models. In the meantime, we have begun to see the emergence of electric cars, recycled products, and green buildings.

   Nations of the world have begun holding international climate summits, at which they attempt to work out agreements to protect the atmosphere and climate—both of which are truly global issues. As the world, and our own government, tries to work through these challenges, remember that the purpose of ecology is not to predict disaster or to prevent people from enjoying modern life. The world is our island of life. Hopefully, humanity can work toward a day when scientific information and human ingenuity help us reach the common goal of preserving the quality of life on Earth.

FIGURE 6–33 Little Changes, Big Results

6.4 Assessment

Review Key Concepts

1. 1. Review What are ecological footprints?

   2. b. Apply Concepts What are the limitations of the ecological footprint model, and how can ecologists best use it?

2. 1. Review Why is the ozone layer important to living things?

   2. Explain What are the major types of physical and biological evidence for climate change?

   3. Propose a Solution Suggest one solution for the fisheries problem. Your solution can be at the international, national, regional, or individual level. Explain how it would help, and what challenges you see in implementing it.

Apply the Big idea