Climate Change Flashcards

Question

Earthquake vs drought general spatial concentration (which is more concentrated and which is less concentrated)?

Answer 1

Earthquake is more concentrated Drought is less concentrated

Answer 2

Earthquake is faster while drought is slower

Answer 3

Earthquake is less regular while drought is more regular

Answer 4

- The number of events of a given magnitude that occur over a period of time. - How often an event of a certain size occurs For example.g. A flood of 1 metre in height can occur, on average every year on a particular time, while a flood of 2 metre in height might occur every ten years.

Answer 5

As the magnitude increases, the frequency decreases. The magnitude is the x-axis while the frequency is the y-axis.

Answer 6

- The length of time that the hazard exists - It can vary from a matter of hours (volcanic eruptions) to years (drought)

Answer 7

The size of the area covered by the hazard It can range from very small scale (an avalanche chute) to continental (drought)

Answer 8

- distribution of hazards over space - for example , where they are concentrated din certain areas, such as coastal locations, over the SEA region. Concentration vs diffusion are the words to describe spatial concentration, Concentration—> e.g. tectonic Diffusion —> spread out

Answer 9

- the time difference between the start of the event and the peak of the event (maximum intensity) - It can vary from rapid events such as the Kobe Earthquake, to slow events, such as drought, in the Sahel of Africa. So the speed of onset is the Peak- Start Drought has a slow speed of onset.

Answer 10

- Some hazards occur more regularly (cyclones) whereas others occur more randomly (earthquakes and volcanoes)

Answer 11

Vulnerability - The conditions (physical, social and environmental factors) which increase susceptibility to the impact of climate-related hazards. - Depends on people’s preparedness, resilience (the ability to recover from it) and health which relates to social, economic and political factors. Many more things determines the vulnerability - level of preparedness - resilience - health - poverty - poor infrastructure (lack of access to piped water etc) Etc All these are the coping capacity Basically how susceptible a community is to the impact of a natural hazard?

Answer 12

Types of vulnerability - vulnerable socially, economically, politically, or vulnerable environmentally. A country can be socially but not economically vulnerable. The three categories are - Underlying causes - Dynamic pressures - unsafe conditions Underlying causes + Dynamic pressures —> unsafe conditions - Underlying causes are the root cause (if you do not solve the root causes, it will exist forever) - Dynamic pressures (can be defined as activities and processes that transform and channel all effects of root causes into unsafe conditions. E.g. poor housing condition —> when a flood occurs, it amplifies the effect, make it unsafe for people to live in . Turn the causes into bigger problems - Unsafe conditions

Answer 13

Ans:A C is wrong because Droughts—> natural phenomena—> even without climate change, it is already long, climate change is exacerbating drought

Answer 14

B is wrong because it is freezing there and does not create a wildfire given that heat is required for a wildfire to start. Tropical equatorial is the answer (it is the warmest at the equator.

Answer 15

A—> weeks (peak - start) C—> few hours Ans : C

Answer 16

C —> more localised While A, B and D have a larger areal extent Ans: C

Answer 17

it is determined by: - deep rooted - big issues - exist for a long time - affect many people If it is an underlying cause, there is an assumption that you can fix the underlying cause, the problem of vulnerability will be solved, greatly reduced.

Answer 18

Location cannot be fix, thus not an underlying cause, unless you move the community out of the location.

Answer 19

limited access to resources Illnesses and disabilities —> relocate the communities to somewhere else where they will have less chances to being exposed to hazards. Not really solving the disability of the person but reducing the vulnerability Age/ sex (gender)—> why is it an underlying cause? Pregnant women —> physical fitness —> could have certain limitations. Other aspect is social status which equates to education level. If natural hazards hits the houses, they have rescue the family members etc and make them more vulnerable, thus being at a more disadvantaged state from escaping from disaster, contributing to a higher death. Poverty Political systems Economic systems

Answer 20

- lack of local institutions, education, training, appropriate skills -lack of infrastructure/training for elderly to respond to hazard in the case of Japan for example - population expansion - urbanisation - uncontrolled development - environmental degradation

Answer 21

Dangerous location Dangerous buildings Low income level

Answer 22

Climate change is always happening

Answer 23

If risk were to be represented in a venn diagram, it will be the intersection of hazard and vulnerability. The probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths, injuries, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environmental damaged) resulting from interactions between natural or human-induced hazards and vulnerable conditions. Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability Level of risks depends on A. Nature of the hazard B. Vulnerability of the elements which are affected C. Economic value of those elements Level of risks The exposure of people to a hazardous event Exposure - the extent to which people and properties are exposed to climate-related hazards - influenced by the proximity of the community to coastal or dry environment.

Answer 24

Climate change: any significant change in the measures of climate (temperature, precipitation or wind patterns) for an extended period of time (decades to millions of years) Can refer to change in average weather conditions (e.g. mean annual temperature) or change in variability (how it differs from the mean e.g. distribution of weather events around an average)

Answer 25

Global warming: an increase in Earth’s average surface temperatures due to increasing levels of greenhouse gases.

Answer 26

Vulnerabilities: Weaknesses or gaps that can be exploited by threats Risk: The potential for loss, damage or destruction of an asset as a result of a threat exploiting a vulnerability.

Answer 27

Climate risks - May result in the loss of humans lives and damage to their properties This is because climate risks are determined by the interaction between 3 factors (climate related hazards, vulnerability and exposure (the situation of people, infrastructure, housing, production capacities and other tangible human assets located in hazard-prone areas)

Answer 28

Spatial concentration: diffuse—> concentrated Areal extent: widespread—> limited Duration: long—> short Speed of onset: slow—> fast Magnitude: size of event Frequency: frequent—> rarer Regularity: regular —> random

Answer 29

Limited resources Illnesses and disabilities Age and sex Poverty Political systems Economic systems Lack of local institutions, education, training, appropriate skills Population expansion Urbanisation Uncontrolled development Environmental degradation Dangerous location Dangerous buildings Low income level

Answer 30

Limited access to food, water, healthcare, and emergency aid severely reduces a community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related disasters. Without essential supplies to allow them to cope with a _________ hazard, this groups of people face higher mortality rates, prolonged suffering and slower reconstruction efforts post-disaster. This creates a vicious cycle where vulnerability increases over time due to malnutrition, disease and economic instability.

Answer 31

Individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities are less mobile and more dependent on external assistance, making evacuation and adaptation to climate-induced threats significantly harder. During disasters, disruptions in medical supply chains and healthcare services exacerbate their conditions, increasing fatality risks. The lack of inclusive disaster response measures further marginalizes these individuals, deepening societal inequalities.

Answer 32

The elderly and young children are physiologically more vulnerable to climate-related hazards like heatwaves, extreme cold, and disease outbreaks due to weaker immune systems. Gender disparities may also amplify vulnerability, as women and girls in some societies have reduced access to education, resources, and decision-making power, limiting their resilience. In disaster-prone areas, age and gender dynamics influence survival rates, economic stability, and recovery speed.

Answer 33

Poverty limits access to stable housing, healthcare, education, and adaptive technologies, leaving people disproportionately exposed to climate risks. Financial constraints force individuals to settle in high-risk areas such as floodplains or unstable hillsides, where extreme weather events cause devastating damage. With little or no savings, insurance, or state support, these communities struggle to rebuild, perpetuating intergenerational vulnerability.

Answer 34

Weak governance, corruption, and inefficient disaster response policies exacerbate climate vulnerability by diverting critical resources from those in need. Countries with poor political structures often lack the capacity to implement proactive climate adaptation strategies, leaving populations at the mercy of disasters. Additionally, when government aid is unequally distributed or delayed, marginalized communities face disproportionate losses, widening social and economic disparities.

Answer 35

An economy heavily reliant on climate-sensitive industries (e.g., agriculture, fishing, and tourism) is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather disruptions. Sudden environmental changes can lead to job losses, food shortages, and economic downturns, making recovery from climate disasters more challenging and prolonged. Nations with diversified economies and strong financial resilience are better equipped to implement adaptive strategies and protect their populations.

Answer 36

The absence of strong emergency response services, healthcare systems, and infrastructure maintenance significantly weakens a community’s ability to withstand climate shocks. Without local governance and disaster preparedness programs, response times are slower, leading to greater casualties and destruction. Moreover, weak institutions fail to provide long-term recovery and adaptation initiatives, leaving communities trapped in a cycle of repeated climate crises.

Answer 37

A lack of education reduces awareness of climate risks, survival strategies, and resource management, making individuals more susceptible to environmental hazards. Educated communities are more likely to implement preventive measures, follow evacuation protocols, and innovate sustainable solutions to climate challenges. Without climate literacy, misinformation spreads, leading to poor decision-making and greater exposure to disasters.

Answer 38

Communities without technical knowledge in construction, disaster management, and sustainable farming struggle to adapt to changing environmental conditions. For example, untrained workers may construct buildings without earthquake or flood-resistant designs, increasing structural collapse risks. Effective training equips individuals with life-saving skills, enabling them to respond to crises efficiently and rebuild resiliently.

Answer 39

Rapid population growth increases competition for land, water, and energy, often forcing settlements into high-risk areas like coastal regions and flood-prone zones. Overcrowding leads to inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, and higher transmission rates of climate-related diseases. As more people rely on limited resources, the strain exacerbates environmental degradation and reduces adaptive capacity.

Answer 40

Unregulated urban expansion leads to poorly planned infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems, and deforestation, making cities more prone to flooding and heatwaves. High population densities amplify disaster impact, as emergency services are often overwhelmed, leading to delayed response times. Without sustainable urban planning, climate change will continue to intensify housing crises, resource shortages, and environmental degradation.

Answer 41

The haphazard expansion of cities, industries, and agricultural land without considering environmental risks accelerates climate vulnerability. When wetlands are destroyed for urban projects, natural flood barriers are lost, leading to increased waterlogging and landslides. Similarly, reckless deforestation contributes to soil erosion, worsening droughts, and reducing carbon absorption, amplifying climate change effects.

Answer 42

Deforestation, pollution, and the destruction of ecosystems weaken nature’s ability to regulate climate extremes, making communities more vulnerable to storms, heatwaves, and droughts. Soil degradation reduces agricultural productivity, threatening food security and livelihoods. Additionally, the loss of biodiversity disrupts ecosystems, making adaptation more difficult and increasing the frequency of climate-induced disasters.

Answer 43

Living in floodplains, coastal regions, or earthquake-prone areas significantly increases exposure to climate hazards. Coastal communities, for example, face rising sea levels and stronger storm surges, leading to mass displacement. Relocating populations away from high-risk zones is costly and complex, often leaving low-income groups disproportionately affected by environmental threats.

Answer 44

Weak, poorly designed, or outdated buildings collapse easily during earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, causing extensive casualties and property loss. Informal settlements, often constructed with substandard materials and lacking structural reinforcements, suffer the worst impacts. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure is crucial to reducing vulnerability and ensuring community safety.

Answer 45

Low-income households lack financial buffers to recover from climate shocks, such as rebuilding homes, buying food during droughts, or relocating from high-risk areas. Without access to insurance or government aid, they experience longer recovery times and deeper economic hardship. This poverty-climate trap forces individuals to remain in hazardous environments, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability.

Answer 46

Climate action refers to a series of strategies, policies and initiatives arrived at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to low-carbon and renewable energy sources, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable practices to combat climate change.

Answer 47

Mitigation strategies are required to slow down climate change (reduce emission of greenhouse gas, root cause) and prevent the impacts from worsening. Without them, countries would have to implement more and more adaption measures to limit the harm. Process of making something less severe/serious Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate change and enhance carbon sinks. Example: Reduce air pollination Reduce reliant on fossil fuels Plant more trees Renewable sources of energy

Answer 48

Adaptation strategies are still required as some of the impacts of climate change (flooding, severe typhoon, drought, measure try to decrease the harm brought about by the impacts) are already happening. It is important to put in place measures to minimise the harm already caused. -> due to impacts of climate-change The process of change by which one becomes better suited to its environment. Efforts to adjust to climate change and its effects in order to reduce harm, instead of trying to slow down or stop climate change from happening. Example: Rising sea levels are counteract by polders to protect coastline (1 billion) - app to notify people of flood in Singapore.

Answer 49

Use of climate resilient and sustainable technologies for food production. Energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. Construction of physical structures to ensure water and flood management. - Seawall - Polders - Water storage tanks

Answer 50

Singapore Green Plan 2012 Plant- a- tree programme. (Programmes)

Answer 51

International agreements and cooperation Changes in consumption patterns Use of low carbon technologies Use of clean energy sources

Answer 52

Plant-a-tree programme Forest regeneration Managing land-use change

Answer 53

Mitigation - mitigation strategies are required to slow down climate change and prevent the impacts from worsening. Without them, countries would have to implement more and more adaptation measures to limit the harm. Adaptation - adaptation strategies are still required as some of the impacts of climate change are already happening. It is important to put in place measures to minimise the harm already caused.

Answer 54

COP United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - international treaty signed in 1992 to combat “dangerous human interference with the climate system” COP: Conference of the Parties - decision-making body of the UNFCCC - review the implementation of the convention and makes decisions to promote the effective implementation of the convention - meets annually Mitigation —- Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions International level response: - COP 3 (1997): Kyoto Protocol - COP 15 (2009): Copenhagen Conference - COP 21 (2015): Paris Agreement - COP 28 (2024): Climate Change conference in Dubai

Answer 55

Includes: a set of country-specific reductions of emissions of greenhouse gases that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation I National target range from: - 8% reductions for the European Union - 7% for the US - 6% for Japan - 0% for Russia - permitted increases of 10% for Iceland. - The target agreed upon was an average GHG (greenhouse gas) reduction of 5.2% from 1990 levels by the year 2012. - Wth DCs assuming greater commitment to reduce and to help LDCs with reduction. —> Why?? Common but different responsibilities - the largest share of historical and current global emissions of greenhouse gases(GHG) originated in developed countries - per capita emissions in developing countries still relatively low Share of global emissions originating in developing countries will grow to meet social and development needs.

Answer 56

While many DCs met or even exceeded their set targets, not all managed to do so - countries that did not sign continued to contribute significantly to global emissions From 1997-2009, global emissions increased by 35% - large portion of increase from India, China and USA

Climate Change Flashcards

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