Climate change Flashcards
What is the Quaternary period
The most recent geological time period, spanning from about 2.6 million years ago to now
What has happened to the climate during the quaternary period
Shifted between cold glacial periods and interglacial periods
When did the last glacial period end
15000 years ago
How can scientists observe climate change
Ice cores - analysing the gases trapped in ice
Temperature records
Pollen analysis - see which species were living and compare them to now
Tree rings - rings are thicker in warmer, wetter conditions
What are some natural factors causing climate change
Orbital changes:
Stretch - oval/circular shape
Tilt
Wobble
Volcanic activity - some particles reflect some of the sun’s rays back out into space
The earth cooled by 0.5 degrees after Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991
Solar output - sun spots and it varies
What are some human activities affecting climate change
Burning fossil fuels
Deforestation
Farming (Methane)
Cement production (contains CO2)
How is climate change affecting the environment and people
Environment:
Causing sea levels to rise
Loss of polar habitats
Some species are moving at higher latitudes due to the warmer temperatures
People:
Deaths due to heat have increased
Crop yield reducing
Mitigation strategies to reduce the causes of climate change
Carbon capture
Planting trees
Alternative energy production (offshore Wind Farms in East Anglia)
International agreements (Paris Agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gases)
How are people responding to the effects of climate change
Changing agricultural systems (GM crops being grown e.g drough-resistant millet in Kenya)
Managing water supply ( water meters and recycling water)
Coping with rising sea levels (flood defences)
Sea levels are predicted to rise between 0.28 and 1.00 m by 2100
