Climate Change

Question 1

Explain 4 physical causes of climate change

Answer 1

• volcanic eruptions alter the climate as the dust can block out the Suns energy
• over time the earths orbit changes altering the amount of energy we receive from the sun
• the earth has been hit by meteors which can alter the climate
• decreasing amounts of sea ice which affects global ocean currents consequently affecting the climate

Question 2

Explain 4 human causes of climate change

Answer 2

• the extraction and burning of fossil fuels to produce energy releases greenhouse gases into the air which warms up the planet due to the greenhouse effect
• large areas of forests have been cut down which means there are less trees to take in carbon dioxide therefore increasing the greenhouse effect
• clearing areas of trees by burning them also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• cleared land gives space for billions of cattle which produce methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas

Question 3

What are the impacts of climate change?

Answer 3

• rising temperatures mean sea levels will rise as the polar ice caps are melting
• many costal areas will become part of the sea again creating millions of refugees throughout the world
• there will be less rainfall in parts of Africa causing more frequent droughts affecting people’s ability to grow food also leading to more frequent famines
• animals like polar bears are becoming extinct as ice caps melt, as they have to swim out to sea for food and are too tired to make it back
• deserts will spread as there is less rainfall in some areas
• tropical diseases like malaria will spread into new areas

Question 4

What are the solutions of climate change?

Answer 4

• regularly recycling goods to reduce the carbon footprint
• use renewable energy like wind solar and HEP instead of fossil fuels
• have massive tree planting campaigns as trees are effective at taking CO2 out of the atmosphere
• eat locally produced food which cuts down on food miles
• houses that are better insulated use less energy
• people could use bikes or walk short journeys instead of driving cars

Question 5

Why do polar regions have few people?

Answer 5

• it is difficult and expensive to survive in such cold conditions
• it is impossible to grow crops so food is expensive
• building is difficult because of the permafrost underneath
• they are very remote due to the poor weather and lack of roads and railways

Question 6

Why do very few people live in very dry regions?

Answer 6

• living in extreme heat and drought is unpleasant for most people
• it is impossible to grow crops without irrigation so food is expensive
• they are remote and unlikely to attract industries so there are less job opportunities