Abstract:
Rapid socio-economic changes in some developing countries like India, China, etc., are
influencing dramatically the fuel consumption pattern world over. An increase of 880 TWh
of electricity consumption in transport in 2030 compared with the Reference Scenario, of
which 90% occurs in PLDVs, results in about 250 Mt of additional CO2 emissions. The rise
in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is 1.0 – 3.50C (1PCC, 2007a). If emissions of
greenhouse gases, and in particular CO2, continue unabated the enhanced greenhouse
effect may alter the world’s climate system irreversibly. This review attempted to examine
how climate change constitutes a threat to food security and environmental conservation.
Climate change (CC) refers to changes in modern climate. It reflects abnormal variations to
the expected climate within the earth’s atmosphere and subsequent effects on other parts
of the earth. It is emphasized that CC poses a threat to food security as it impacts on
natural systems and resources through erratic rainfall patterns, heightened temperature
and susceptibility to pest and disease outbreaks hence decreasing crop yields and
consequently increased hunger. CC negatively affects biodiversity conservation and
management through exacerbated drought conditions, increased risk of wildfires leading to
some extreme events like heat, waves, river and coastal flooding, landslides, storms,
hurricanes and tornadoes which culminate in environmental degradation. For its effects to
be reduced establishment of more forest plantations and maintenance of the existing
natural and artificial forests should be encouraged. Saving biodiversity in the form of
standing forests and interact lands can help prevent climate change and help communities
and natural areas cope with a changing planet. At the same time, helping nature become
more reification climate change through a combination of management restoration and
protection strategies will help prepare places, plants, animals and people for climatic
change successful adoption of living system can help ensure their ability to support the
needs of people and better withstand future changes.
