Science of global challenges
Week 01
Introduction to some key advancement we have made in the last 200
years and the associated challenges that are manifesting themselves
in the form of Climate Crisis, the overreliance on fossil fuels and
mass extinction of various species.
Introduction to global science :
Global:The word global comes from the Latin word "globus," which
means a round object or sphere. Over time, it came to describe anything that
relates to the entire world, as the Earth itself is a globe or sphere. So, when
we say something is "global," we mean it affects or involves the whole world.
Science:Science is the study of the natural world based on facts learned
through experiments, observation, and research. It’s a way to understand
how things work, from tiny atoms to the vast universe. Science helps us
answer questions about life, nature, and the physical world by using
evidence and logical reasoning.
There are two types of science:
1. social science
2. natural science
Global sciences and challenges is a branch that falls under both natural sciences and social
sciences, depending on the specific context.
1. Natural Sciences: This includes the study of the physical world, such as climate change,
environmental science, and biodiversity, which are often global challenges that deal with
the Earth's systems and ecosystems.
2. Social Sciences: This includes areas like global economics, political science, and
sociology, which examine the social, cultural, and economic factors that impact global
issues like poverty, inequality, and international relations
Global Sciencerefers to the study and understanding of worldwide
issues that affect people, ecosystems, and the planet ,including both
natural and human systems. It includes fields like climate change, global
health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, which require global
cooperation and a multidisciplinary approach to address challenges that
transcend national borders.
Who introduced global science?
The concept of "global science" doesn't have a single person who first
introduced it, as it evolved over time. However, the idea of working on global
issues through science became stronger in the 20th century, especially after
events like World War II and with the rise of international organizations like
the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These
organizations encouraged global cooperation on scientific research to
address worldwide problems.
Over the last 200 years, we've made incredible progress in technology,
industry, and science, all of which have shaped our world as we know it.
However, some of these advancements have also created big challenges,
especially concerning our environment and climate.
Key Advancements:
Revolution refers to a significant period of change or transformation in
society, technology, or industry. It involves the introduction of new ideas,
methods, or inventions that drastically alter the way things are done. For
example, the Industrial Revolution was a revolutionary phase where manual
labor shifted to machine-based production, changing economies and
societies forever. These phases are marked by breakthroughs that reshape
how people live and work.
Revolutionary Phases
The previous 200 years of human discoveries and inventions can be divided into 4
different revolutionary phases
1st revolution---1760-1840-Age of mechanical production
2nd revolution---1870-1914---Age of Science and Massproduction
3rd Rolution---1940-1990
4th revolution 1990-21™ century
A). Age of Mechanical Production
Use of metals in tools for example iron. Formation of alloys for example steal.
Invention of Steam engine and development of railway tracks.Use of fossil fuel-coal,
natural gas and refining of petroleum.Generation of electricity and power stations,
invention of internal combustion engine.Invention of new machines, like spinning
machines which lead to formation of electric motors used in different
machineries.Industrial production or mass production of goods because of
development of heavy machineries.Use of natural resources in industries.Radio, steam
engine, telegraph, automobiles. Factory system developed and division of labour
increased.
Agricultural Developments
A large number of tools and machinery was developed to get greater amount of
food.Different fertilizers were produced to get better crops.
International Trades
As the industries stated growing and the crop production uncreased that resulted in
increased international trades. Economic situation of people become better because of
scientific revolutions.
Social and Political Developments
The scientific discoveries and inventions indirectly influenced a better social
relationship.Political changes resulted in economic power.Development of new
political strategies because of economic developments.
Cultural Development
Scientific developments brought a tremendous change in culture as new methods for
living were developed.It included changes in household materials, dress and living
styles.
B). Age of Science and Mass Production
The second revolutionary phase was from ---1870-1914. 19th and earlier 20th century
bring a great revolution and scientists discovered new materials by use of different
elements which were previously were not used. Synthetic fiber, synthetic polymer
bring a great revolution and people started using artificial fiber clothes and polymer
and plastic spread everywhere as it was cheap and made in excess that's why it was
called mass production phase.
Development in Computer and Tools
Invention of computer lead to a great change in the modern world and it was a
brilliant success of this phase.Tools were made to make many systems of factories
automatic.Worldwide business introduced and spread in this phase very rapidly.
C). 3rd Revolution IsDigital Revolution (1914-1990).
This was a revolution with digitalization of machinery and digital machinery used in
every field of life.Electronics and computer. Internet and stelitebrought the whole
world closer. Nuclear energy as source to run power stations.
Telecommunications
Telephone, telegram, fax, internet emails system. Business become easy.It become
easy to contact person from two different areas of Stellite channels, Television,
computer, raduio further development,Live broadcast.
D). 4thModern Revolution(1999-Continue) revolution-modern world in which we
exist.Artificial intelligence like Reboards,Biomedical development to control
diseases.genetically.3D to 5D digital world. Metaworse l , nanotechnology,Artificial
skin and organ formation,3D to %5D printing,Search of Residence on ither planets.
Mobile/Internet
Digital to touch mobiles, internet and improvement in speed of internet, robots,
robotic labs and robotic factories.Different softwares developedGoogle, different apps
like Facebook, whats app, instagramChat GPT, AI etc.
Associated Challenges:
The climate crisis refers to the serious and urgent environmental problem caused by the
changes in Earth's climate, primarily due to human activities. It happens because of the increase
in harmful gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, often from burning fossil fuels
(like coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial activities. These gases trap heat from
the sun, leading to global warming.
Here are some key points about the climate crisis:
1. Rising temperatures: The Earth is getting hotter, causing heatwaves, melting ice caps,
and rising sea levels.
2. Extreme weather: More frequent and intense storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are
happening.
3. Loss of biodiversity: Many plants and animals are at risk of extinction due to changing
climates and habitats.
4. Health risks: Higher temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, and pollution worsens
air quality, leading to respiratory problems.
5. Impact on food and water: Climate change affects crop growth, water availability, and
food security, especially in vulnerable regions.
Over-reliance on fossil fuels means depending too much on energy sources like oil, coal,
and natural gas. These fuels have been used for many years to power cars, factories, and homes.
The over use of fossil fuel has different effects or impacts of living organisms
There are two main effects
1. Direct effect/impact
2. Indirect effect/impact
1. Direct effect/impact
Shortage of Fossil Fuel: Limited availability of coal, oil, or gas for energy; for example,
power outages in Pakistan due to fuel shortages.
Degradation: The decline in natural land quality, like deforestation in Pakistan’s
northern regions.
Pollution: The presence of harmful substances in the environment; for instance, untreated
waste polluting the Ravi River.
Air Pollution: Harmful gases released into the air; for example, Lahore’s high smog
levels from vehicle emissions.
Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies; for example, industrial waste
discharged into the Indus River.
Soil Pollution: Harmful chemicals in soil; for instance, pesticide overuse affecting
farmland in Punjab.
Disturbance of Habitat: Destruction of animal homes, such as deforestation in the
Margalla Hills affecting wildlife.
Smog: A mix of smoke and fog causing hazy air; for example, the thick winter smog in
Lahore impacting visibility and health.
Global Warming: The earth’s temperature rising, leading to climate issues like severe
floods in Pakistan’s monsoon season.
2. Indirect effect/impact
Disturbance in Marine/Freshwater Ecosystem: Harm to aquatic life due to pollution;
for example, fish dying in the polluted waters of the Karachi coast.
Disturbance in Terrestrial Ecosystem: Damage to land habitats affecting plants and
animals; for example, urban sprawl encroaching on forests in Punjab, disrupting wildlife.
Disturbance in Human Settlements: Environmental issues affecting people’s homes;
for instance, coastal erosion and flooding displacing communities near the Indus Delta.
Influence on Farmers and Hunters: Changes in the environment affecting food
production and wildlife; for example, erratic weather patterns in Sindh impacting crop
yields and hunting.
Food Chain Disturbance: Disruption in the feeding relationships among organisms; for
example, pesticides harming insects, which then impacts bird populations that feed on
them.
A mass extinction is a time in Earth's history when a large number of species (plants,
animals, and other organisms) die out in a short period of time. These events have happened
several times, and each time, many different types of life on Earth disappeared.
Some of the biggest mass extinctions include:
1. Ordovician-Silurian Extinction (443 million years ago): Caused by a sudden ice age, it
eliminated about 85% of marine species.
2. Devonian Extinction (around 375 million years ago): A prolonged extinction likely due
to climate changes and ocean anoxia, killing about 75% of species, especially marine life.
3. Permian-Triassic Extinction ("The Great Dying") (252 million years ago): The largest
extinction, wiping out 96% of marine species and 70% of land species, likely due to
volcanic eruptions, climate shifts, and ocean acidification.
4. Triassic-Jurassic Extinction (201 million years ago): Caused by volcanic activity and
climate changes, it led to the loss of about 80% of species, allowing dinosaurs to
dominate afterward.
5. Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction (66 million years ago): Triggered by an asteroid
impact, it killed off about 75% of species, including the dinosaurs, paving the way for
mammals to thrive.
Today, scientists are concerned that human activities, like deforestation and pollution, may be
causing a new mass extinction.
Introduction to the Science of Global Challenges
In the 21st century, humanity faces a myriad of complex and interconnected
challenges that transcend national borders. These challenges, often referred to
as global challenges, encompass a wide range of issues such as climate
change, biodiversity loss, infectious diseases, poverty, and geopolitical
tensions. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and interdisciplinary
approach that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
Defining Global Challenges
Global challenges are multifaceted issues that impact the well-being of
individuals, societies, and the planet as a whole. They often arise from the
interplay of social, economic, political, and environmental factors.
Understanding the science behind these challenges involves unraveling the
intricate web of interactions that contribute to their emergence and
persistence.
The Interconnected Nature of Global Challenges
One distinctive feature of global challenges is their interconnectedness. For
instance, climate change can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity, leading
to social unrest and migration. Similarly, the spread of infectious diseases is
influenced by factors such as climate, human mobility, and healthcare
infrastructure. Recognizing these interconnections is crucial for developing
effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to global challenges
The Emergence of the Science of Global Challenges
The study of global challenges has evolved into a distinct field of scientific
inquiry. This interdisciplinary science brings together experts from diverse
fields such as environmental science, economics, public health, political
science, and technology. Researchers in this field work collaboratively to
analyze the root causes of global challenges, predict their potential impacts,
and propose innovative solutions.
Environmental Science: Investigating the impact of human activities on the
environment, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and loss of
biodiversity.
Social Sciences: Understanding the societal factors that contribute to global
challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability.
Technology and Innovation: Exploring how technological advancements can
both exacerbate and alleviate global challenges, from renewable energy
solutions to the development of smart cities.
Public Health: Examining the spread of infectious diseases, healthcare
disparities, and the global implications of health crises.
The Role of Policy and Governance
Addressing global challenges necessitates effective policies and international
cooperation. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
international bodies play a crucial role in developing and implementing
strategies to tackle these challenges. Understanding the political and
governance aspects of global challenges is integral to devising comprehensive
and sustainable solutions.
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The Ethical Dimension
Key Dimensions of the Science of Global Challenges
The science of global challenges is not only about understanding and
mitigating problems but also involves ethical considerations. Decisions made
in addressing global challenges often have profound ethical implications, and
a responsible approach to science in this context requires careful
consideration of the potential impacts on different communities and future
generations.
