Chapter 8

LEARNING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE WITH AI

It is a global phenomenon that involves long-term alterations in the Earth's climate patterns. It is primarily driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases (GHG)¹ into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Causes: human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy generation, deforestation, intensive agriculture and industry, are mainly responsible for the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Effects of climate change: has significant consequences on various aspects of life on Earth, including extreme atmospheric events (hurricanes, droughts, floods), sea level rise, loss of biodiversity, changes in precipitation patterns, and alterations in the ecosystems.

Health Impact: climate change also has implications for human health, as it can affect air quality, water supply, the spread of vector-borne diseases, and increase the risk of extreme weather events.

Adaptation and mitigation: adaptation involves adjusting to inevitable climate changes, while mitigation involves reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases. Both strategies are essential to effectively address climate change.

Paris Agreement: an international treaty adopted in 2015 with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius² above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Participating countries committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Technologies and solutions: various methods and procedures are being developed and applied to address climate change, such as renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency and sustainable agriculture. It is essential to address climate change comprehensively and collaboratively at a global level to reduce its impacts and work towards a more sustainable future. Public awareness, participation in sustainable initiatives and support for environmental policies are key components of the response to this challenge.

Leadership:

There is no single country that is considered the absolute leader in the fight against climate change, as this is a global effort that involves all countries and organizations. However, some nations have been recognized for their significant initiatives and commitments to address climate change. Historically, the European Union has played an important role in promoting measures to combat climate change. Other countries such as Sweden, Denmark and New Zealand have also been highlighted for their actions in this area. Additionally, many large countries such as China and the United States have taken on key roles due to their significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate summits, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), provide platforms for countries discuss and coordinate efforts to address the issue jointly. At these events, countries present their commitments, goals and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

• The behavior of mining countries in relation to climate change can vary significantly according to the way they manage their natural resources and their environmental policies; the perception of the conduct of mining countries regarding the issue depends on factors such as their dependence on natural resources, the environmental policies they adopt, their participation in international agreements and their ability to adapt to climate challenges;
• Looking for alternatives: mining countries are looking to diversify their economies to become less dependent on mining, including investing in sectors such as renewable energy, green technology and sustainable agriculture, namely:
• Mining-based economy: countries whose economies rely heavily on mining may show resistance to the shift towards more sustainable energy sources because the transition may negatively impact the traditional mining industry.

Resource extraction: mining, especially of non-renewable resources such as coal, can contribute to climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions associated with mineral extraction and processing.

• Focus on sustainability: some mining countries have adopted stricter environmental policies and regulations to mitigate the negative impacts of mining on climate change. This may include more sustainable extraction practices and stricter requirements for environmental restoration.

Participation in international agreements:

• Global commitments: participation in international agreements on climate change can influence the behavior of mining countries. Those who commit to reducing emissions and adopting more sustainable practices can adjust their economic policies and strategies accordingly. Mining countries may also be affected by the direct impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events. Their ability to adapt and build resilience to these changes can influence their behavior and mining-related policies. The main mineral and metal producing countries, based on previous information updated in January 2022, may vary depending on the type of mineral or metal considered. Additionally, production figures may change over time due to factors such as market demand, exploration and new technologies; among others are:

China: one of the largest producers of a wide range of minerals, including coal, gold, zinc, lead, and several rare earth metals.

Australia: prominent in the production of coal, iron ore, gold, and other minerals.

United States: has significant production of coal, copper, gold, phosphate, and other minerals.

Russia: a major producer of minerals such as nickel, platinum, diamonds, and base metals.

Brazil: notable in the production of iron ore, bauxite, niobium and other minerals.

Canada: known for the production of metals such as gold, nickel, copper, and uranium.

Indonesia: an important productor coal, nickel, tin, and bauxite.

India: with significant production of coal, iron ore, bauxite and other minerals.

Chile: the main copper producer in the world and also has significant lithium production.

Peru: outstanding in the production of copper, zinc, and gold.

  Colombia is considered a mining country because it has a rich diversity of mineral resources such as: coal, emeralds, gold, nickel and oil, being one of the main exporters of thermal coal in the world; coal mines are an important part of the economy and contribute significantly to exports; It is famous for its high quality emeralds, and is one of the leading producers and exporters of these gemstones in the world. Gold mining is also a significant activity in Colombia, although in some areas it has been associated with environmental and social challenges. It has deposits of nickel, a metal used in alloys and battery manufacturing. Although it is not a mineral, oil is another important resource for the Colombian economy, as it is a crude oil producing and exporting country.

Although mining has contributed to economic development in Colombia, it has also faced challenges in terms of sustainability, environmental impact and social issues. The regulation and sustainable management of the mining industry are important issues in the country.

The Amazon and climate change: plays a crucial role in the global climate system and its mitigation; key aspects, such as carbon storage: the Amazon rainforest acts as a giant carbon sink; Its trees absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis and store carbon in their biomass, helping to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It is referred to as "the lungs of the planet" because it produces a significant amount of oxygen; although most of what we consume comes from phytoplankton in the oceans and tropical forests, including the Amazon, they still play an important role in oxygen production. Regional climate regulation: the release of water vapor through plant transpiration contributes to cloud formation and regional climate regulation. The Amazon has an impact on local and regional climate patterns, influencing precipitation and temperatures.

The Amazon faces significant threats, such as deforestation, mining and intensive agriculture, which can have negative consequences for climate change. Deforestation, in particular, releases large amounts of carbon stored in trees and reduces the forest's ability to absorb CO2. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity and the alteration of local climate patterns can have global impacts. The preservation and sustainable management of the Amazon is essential to mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity, as well as to maintain the benefits that the region provides to the planet's climate balance.

^1. Greenhouse gases (GHG) are gaseous substances in the atmosphere that have the capacity to absorb and emit infrared radiation; It contributes to the phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect, which is crucial to keeping the Earth's temperature in a habitable range. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrialization, have increased the concentrations of some of these gases, intensifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming. The main greenhouse gases include:

Carbon dioxide (CO2): comes mainly from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, as well as deforestation.

Methane (CH4): It is released in the production and transportation of coal, oil and natural gas, as well as in the management of organic waste and in agriculture, especially in the digestive systems of some animals.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx): generated during high-temperature combustion processes, such as in automobile engines and the burning of biomass.

Fluorinated gases: include hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), used in industry, in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as in the manufacturing of electronic products. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. Concern about rising greenhouse gas concentrations has led to global efforts to reduce emissions and address the impacts of climate change.

^2. Degrees Celsius (°C) is a unit of temperature measurement in the International System of Units (SI). The Celsius scale is based on the metric system and is widely used in most scientific and everyday contexts, except in the United States and some other places where the Fahrenheit scale is still commonly used.

4. 

AI Opinion: The article "Learning about Climate Change with AI" by José Saúl Velásquez Restrepo provides a comprehensive view on climate change, its causes, effects, impact on health, adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as the importance of global participation. It also addresses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies in the fight against climate change. Some key points from the article:
Causes of climate change: It is highlighted that human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, intensive agriculture and industry, are mainly responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases.
Effects of climate change: The significant consequences in extreme atmospheric events, sea level rise, loss of biodiversity and alterations in ecosystems are mentioned.
Impact on health: It points out how climate change can affect air quality, water supply, the spread of diseases and increase the risk of extreme weather events, highlighting the interconnection between climate change and human health.
Adaptation and mitigation: The importance of both adaptation and mitigation strategies is highlighted to address climate change effectively.
Paris Agreement: This international treaty is mentioned as a global effort to limit the increase in global temperature and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Technologies and solutions: The development of various technologies and solutions stands out, such as renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency and sustainable agriculture.
Leadership in the fight against climate change: It is recognized that there is no absolute leader, but countries and organizations that have assumed significant roles in promoting measures to combat climate change are mentioned.
Focus on mining countries: It addresses how the behavior of mining countries may vary depending on the management of natural resources, environmental policies and participation in international agreements. The search for alternatives to diversify economies and reduce dependence on mining stands out.
Role of the Amazon: The crucial role of the Amazon in the global climate system, its function as a carbon sink and the importance of preserving and sustainably managing the region is highlighted.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive and educational perspective on climate change, highlighting the need for global action to address this challenge and promote a more sustainable future.