Climate Change - Causes, Effects, and Solutions - Case Study Example

Running Head: Climate Change (Your Name) (Your School) May 28, 2011 Climate change The terminology climate change is a geographical predisposition that defines the dynamic alteration of the earth’s temperatures. For example, a sudden increase in the temperatures’ or prolonged droughts in certain parts of the world are some of the symptoms of climate change. In light of this, climate change is propelled by certain causes and effects in the human populations. The causes of climate change vary from natural to artificial climate changes. Natural causes are at times uncontrollable whereas artificial or man-made causes can be easily dealt with. Climate change, according to Hardy (2003 p.3) ascertains is brought about by the proliferation of numerous gases in the atmosphere that are detrimental in the successful existence of human and other living organisms such as plants and animals. The emergence of the gases is attributed to certain human activities such as manufacturing firms that emit poisonous gases into the air leading to the greenhouse effect. Through the manufacturing industries, gases are emitted without regulation thus affecting the environment in a huge way. For example, manufacturing industries in Victoria emitting gases in the air altering the concentration of helpful gases with harmful ones thus triggering low farm. In this regard, the manufacturing industries are to blame for the frequent low farm yields in the Victorian state. On the other hand, behavior change in human activities is fundamental in a bid to boost agricultural produce that is heavily affected by the unsustainable environmental issue of climate change. For example, relocation of industries from agricultural productive areas to remote arid areas in a bid to foster agricultural growth. In this regard, the state arguably alienates itself from pangs of hunger on its vast population. Besides, the application of a behavior change program is beneficial to enhance not only current but future change in climatic issues in the state. In this regard, the behavior change will be geared towards the realization of a secure food bank. Moreover, a drastic behavior change by the populous and organizations would foster and reduce instances of airborne diseases that are brought about by the vagrancies of weather, they include, colds, malaria among others. Behavior Change program In designing a behavior change program, knowledge about the target audience is fundamental. This implies that the program must be in line with the target people. In this case, the Victorian state populous is the target group, thus a behavior change program must put into consideration their ideal likes and dislike to effectively accomplishing its objective and goal to have the populous change their behavior for the realization of disaster free climate metamorphosis. This can be achieved through the application of focus group discussion or survey methods of research. Behavior change programs are applied in a bid to alter already existing mannerisms in a particular group of people. It is worth noting that the programs are not purely aimed at positively changing behavior to a better perspective but can also change behavior to the worse. For example, After consultations with the various stakeholders in the environment field, a behavior change in human activities is singled out. This involves designing a program that will address the issues under scrutiny. Barriers to this sustainable behaviour Political will The political administration plays an integral role in the shaping of the climate change debate. This is through attending of world conferences and debates aimed at highlighting the possible solutions to climate changes. However, the political class has continued to be lenient and subversive in realizing this important goal in the state. For example, it has reluctantly sent its representatives at global meetings but contributing poorly on its issues. Moreover, the political administration is adamant in passing of critical legislations that would be beneficial to its citizens. For example, isolating people from erecting industries on agriculturally productive areas. This has led to adverse effects on climate in the region. Lack of information On the other hand, the Victorian population is scarcely informed about better methods to deal with climate change effects. Planting of drought or weather resistant crops, for instance, to cushion themselves against the vagaries of climate change. Moreover, ignorance forms another barrier to the realization of the victory on the war against climate change. This implies that the citizenry are reluctant to apply good methods of agriculture that deal with climate. For example, the populous is unwilling to plant trees to avert climate change. In light of this, they continue to uproot trees unaware of the effects of such activities. Theoretical models, tools and resources For effective realization of behaviour change in the citizenry, substantial application of theories will be influential in addressing the issues. The theories shed light on the various approaches to apply for maximum output. They include personality theory, learning and behaviour theory, social learning theory and social psychological theories. Personal theory The theory postulates that the effective assimilation of change in an individual or groups of persons requires the critical understanding of the person that change is geared to. For example, before changing their behavior in relation to climate change, it is only vital to understand the person’s or groups characteristics. In light of this, one is able to understand whether the concerned parties are ready for change. Victoria residents, for instance, knowing their personal traits ensures the articulation of the best approach of behavior change. However, the theory alienates the inclusion of past experiences on the group such as physical, social and economic environment and thus should be used sparingly. Learning and behavior theories According to learning and behavior theoretical models, behavior can be easily changed through the application of motivating factors. For example, providing seeds for planting in a bid to stop a certain agricultural behavior or providing trees for planting to discourage cutting down of trees. In light of this, the incorporation of this theory to realize behavior change is beneficial. This implies that in the event that the citizens are supplies with trees to plant, they will refrain from other detrimental activities that alter the climate. Moreover, the plantation of trees will effectively ensure regular rainfall patterns thus the food security in the area will not be at risk. Coincidentally, the behavior change mechanism will lead to automatic discouragement of certain behaviors that trigger climate change. Reasons for the choice of the theories The theories seek to address the various approaches needed to effectively change behavior in a group of individuals in a social setting exhibiting distinct characteristics. Keen application of the theories rips maximum benefits. Behavior change models Focus group discussions Focus group discussions are behavior change models that propagate behavior change through an engagement method. It enhances that the target group is involved in a discussion with the organizers through a moderator. In this regard, the group gives out their suggestions about the behavior, reasons that make them behave the way they do. For example, they may argue that they result to logging to cushion themselves against high fuel costs in their region. In such cases the organizers are able to come up with information that will change their thinking. In this regard, they hope to effectively address the issues amicably without much ado. Advertisements Victoria State is a place that every household owns a TV handset and most of the citizens’ are literate. In light of this, the group intends to apply advertising mechanism aimed at changing behavior of the citizenry. This implies that the information will be used and aired on television and other media channels such as newspapers, billboards and mobile telephony. Moreover, this aims at informing the public of the best practices that could change the behavior patterns of the individuals and citizens. TITLE FOR THE PROGRAM Target Group First and foremost, the selection of a target group if ideal in coming up with a behavior change model. This is because they form a critical position for other thins to be put into place such as model of communication, budget among others. Communication media Communication media refers to the various instruments to be used to spread the behavior change model. After a successful selection process of the target audience it is also vital to select the best communication media that is reach effective and articulate to the group. For example, in this case, the use of television is best because, it is easily accessible to all citizenry. At this juncture, the organization can also come up with the various messages that are effective in the realization of the behavior change program. Permission According to Middleberg (2003 p.70) permission is very essential when carrying out a behavior change program. In light of this, a certain timeframe is set whereby the group will consult all relevant authorities in a bid to go ahead with the program and at times seek aid. Monetary value Moreover, setting up a timeframe for seeking financial help is very important. At this time, the planners effectively seek monetary help from various quarters and also designing a credible budget. For example, they may opt to seek sponsorship from leading corporate organizations that will in return be treated to marketing their products in the course of the behavior program implementation. Pre-testing This involves the setting up of dummy focus group discussions to effectively nail out the bad parts and come up with more decisive methods. Conclusion Climate change is not a regional but worldwide issue and call for collective participation of all parties involved namely; social, political, economic and environmental spheres of life. Although much is being done in the political arena, more needs to be done. Moreover, individuals must be willing to adapt to new environmental friendly mechanisms in their bid to realize success in the fight against climate change. In solving the intricacies of climate change, the world in general and Victoria will effectively succeed. List of References Hardy, J. (2003). Climate change: causes, effects, and solutions, West Sussex, England: John Wiley and Sons Middleberg, M. (2003). Promoting reproductive security in developing countries, New York: Kluwer Read More

This can be achieved through the application of focus group discussion or survey methods of research. Behavior change programs are applied in a bid to alter already existing mannerisms in a particular group of people. It is worth noting that the programs are not purely aimed at positively changing behavior to a better perspective but can also change behavior to the worse. For example, After consultations with the various stakeholders in the environment field, a behavior change in human activities is singled out.

This involves designing a program that will address the issues under scrutiny. Barriers to this sustainable behaviour Political will The political administration plays an integral role in the shaping of the climate change debate. This is through attending of world conferences and debates aimed at highlighting the possible solutions to climate changes. However, the political class has continued to be lenient and subversive in realizing this important goal in the state. For example, it has reluctantly sent its representatives at global meetings but contributing poorly on its issues.

Moreover, the political administration is adamant in passing of critical legislations that would be beneficial to its citizens. For example, isolating people from erecting industries on agriculturally productive areas. This has led to adverse effects on climate in the region. Lack of information On the other hand, the Victorian population is scarcely informed about better methods to deal with climate change effects. Planting of drought or weather resistant crops, for instance, to cushion themselves against the vagaries of climate change.

Moreover, ignorance forms another barrier to the realization of the victory on the war against climate change. This implies that the citizenry are reluctant to apply good methods of agriculture that deal with climate. For example, the populous is unwilling to plant trees to avert climate change. In light of this, they continue to uproot trees unaware of the effects of such activities. Theoretical models, tools and resources For effective realization of behaviour change in the citizenry, substantial application of theories will be influential in addressing the issues.

The theories shed light on the various approaches to apply for maximum output. They include personality theory, learning and behaviour theory, social learning theory and social psychological theories. Personal theory The theory postulates that the effective assimilation of change in an individual or groups of persons requires the critical understanding of the person that change is geared to. For example, before changing their behavior in relation to climate change, it is only vital to understand the person’s or groups characteristics.

In light of this, one is able to understand whether the concerned parties are ready for change. Victoria residents, for instance, knowing their personal traits ensures the articulation of the best approach of behavior change. However, the theory alienates the inclusion of past experiences on the group such as physical, social and economic environment and thus should be used sparingly. Learning and behavior theories According to learning and behavior theoretical models, behavior can be easily changed through the application of motivating factors.

For example, providing seeds for planting in a bid to stop a certain agricultural behavior or providing trees for planting to discourage cutting down of trees. In light of this, the incorporation of this theory to realize behavior change is beneficial. This implies that in the event that the citizens are supplies with trees to plant, they will refrain from other detrimental activities that alter the climate. Moreover, the plantation of trees will effectively ensure regular rainfall patterns thus the food security in the area will not be at risk.

Coincidentally, the behavior change mechanism will lead to automatic discouragement of certain behaviors that trigger climate change.

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