Sucseed
Climate Change
Global warming could affect the seed industry in New Zealand.
There are strong interactions between the effect of global warming and the effect of the ozone depleting. (United Nations Environment Programme, 2010, p XV)
Some scientists believe that there is a link between global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer. This has been a discussion since the 1970’s and this discussion was intensified in 1985 with the discovery of the hole in the atmosphere (stratosphere). GISS's Jim Hansen agrees with Ramaswamy on the need for data. "Climate forcing by ozone is uncertain because ozone change as a function of altitude is not well measured. Especially at the tropopause (where the troposphere meets the stratosphere), we don't know enough. The climate system is highly sensitive, especially to changes in the tropopause region. We need exact temperatures and ozone profiles at different altitudes and around the globe." (Allen, 2004)
‘There are strong interactions between ozone depletion and changes in climate induced by increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs).’ And that Ozone depletion affects climate, and climate change affects ozone. (United Nations Environment Programme, 2010, p XV)
These two graphs below are showing the rate at which the world is warming. This first graph starts from 1870, and goes to around 2000. This is showing a steady and noticeable constant increase. Even though there are significant drops, the overall trend it an increase.
This second graph is showing the actual statics on global warming so far, and the graph also shows the projections on what is expected to happen. As seen there is a strong and steady incline from where the actual statics end and when the projections begin.
There are a few different ways how this increase in the temperature could affect the seed growth in New Zealand, an increase in temperature would cause for a reduction in the moisture in the soil (LearnLand, 2009). With this being reduced it means that the crops won’t get the nutrients that are needed, this is because the crops absorb the dissolved sugars and nutrients drawn from the soil, with a lack of the water in the soil these sugars and nutrients can’t be drawn out.
The water supply for the crops would be affected, this is because with the temperature increasing it means that the amount of water that can be held in the atmosphere will be greater. This means that it will lead to greater rainfall and thus rapid water movement. This water movement from the atmosphere will be to the rivers and oceans. Thus reducing our ability to store and use it. With this fresh water becoming more scares, the priorities where it is used will be changed. For example it would rather be used human consumption rather than it to be used for agriculture/ the seed industry. (TheGuardian, n.d.)
There is an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, this could potentially lead to an increase in growth of the crop, but this could cause a lower quality final product because the carbon can affect the final protein content (LearnLand, 2009).
The ozone is a naturally occurring gas, O3, what this does is it filters the UV radiation that is coming to the Earth’s surface. Because it is depleting, this means that there is more radiation that is coming to the earth’s surface. (NOAA, 2008)
Because of more UV radiation coming to the earth’s surface this can not only effect humans, but it can affect the plant and seed growth in New Zealand too. This is due to the extra UV radiation. UV-B radiation exposure impairs photosynthesis in (some) plants. If their ability for photosynthesis is decreased it thus means that it hinders their ability to fuel their energy that they require to survive. The over exposure can reduce the size of the plant, the quality of the crop and the productivity (Micron 33, 2002, p. xx).
References
Allen, J. (2004, January). NASA GISS: Research Features: Ozone and Climate Change. Retrieved from http://www.giss.nasa.gov/research/features/200402_tango/
BBC UK. (2014). [Graph]. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/environment_earth_universe/changes_in_environment/revision/6/
Exploring the Environment. (n.d.). Global Warming Projections. Retrieved from http://ete.cet.edu/gcc/?/globaltemp_teacherpage/
LearnLand. (2009). The impacts of climate change on field crops, pastures and rangelands. Retrieved from http://www.landlearnnsw.org.au/sustainability/climate-change/agriculture/crops-pastures/impacts
Micron 33. (2002). Effects of Ultraviolet radiation on plant cells. Retrieved from http://www.pucrs.br/fabio/fisiovegetal/EfeitoUV.pdf
NOAA. (2006, December 20). Antarctic ozone depletion [Graph]. Retrieved from http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/images/ozone-depleting-gas-index.jpg
NOAA. (2008, March 10). Science - Ozone Basics. Retrieved from http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm
TheGuardian. (n.d.). How will climate change impact on water security? | Environment | The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/nov/30/climate-change-water
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME. (2010). Environmental Effects Of Ozone Depletion and its Interactions with Climate Change. Retrieved from http://ozone.unep.org/Assessment_Panels/EEAP/eeap-report2010.pdf
Taite Shepherd
(BBC UK, 2014)
(Exploring The Environment, n.d)
