climate change section A(p1)

Question 1

What is climate change?

Answer 1

The long term change in global weather patterns

Question 2

What is the evidence that climate has changed since the beginning of the Quaternary period?

Answer 2

over the last 3.6 million years global temperatures have fluctuated consisting of noticable glacial (cooler) periods and interglacial (warmer) periods
but over the last decades there have been record high average temperatures

since 1880 global temperatures have increased by 0.85°C

Question 3

What is the evidence for historical climate change?

Answer 3

ice cores
ice is drilled and assessed for CO2 bubbles (As carbon dioxide absorbs heat in the atmosphere, the more bubbles evident, the warmer the temperatures were.)

Question 4

What is the recent evidence for climate change?

Answer 4

shrinking glaciers
rising sea levels
seasonal changes

Question 5

Name the 3 natural causes of climate change?

Answer 5

Orbital changes (Milankovitch Cycles)
Solar Activity
Volcanic Activity

Question 6

How does solar activity cause climate change?

Answer 6

Over a period of 11 years, sunspots increase and decrease on the sun.
These sunspots appear as dark patches.
The more sunspots, the more solar radiation given. This coincides with warmer periods.

Question 7

How does orbital theory cause climate change?

Answer 7

During an ellipitcal orbit, the sun and earth are at their biggest distance, causing cooler periods (glacial periods) and also warmer periods (interglacial periods) than during a circular orbit.

Axial tilt- the earth spins on its axis. The earths axis tilts backwards and forwards over a period of 41,000 years between 22.1° to 24.5°. (increased angle = warmer summer and colder winter)

Precession(wobble) - the earth has a natural wobble (like a spinning top). Due to this, places facing away from the Sun experience longer days and nights at certain points of the year

Question 7

How does volcanic activity cause climate change?

Answer 7

large emissions of gas and ash pollute the atmosphere.
this can temporarily block the sun causing cooler temperatures and it is sometimes known as ‘volcanic winter’
EXAMPLE - Mount tombora ‘year without summer’ in 1815
200,000 deaths

Question 8

name the three mylankovich cycles

Answer 8

axial tilt
precession
eccentricity

Question 9

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 9

The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some solar radiation entering the atmosphere. Some long wave radiation is absorbed by earth, some escapes back out to space. This is a natural process which keeps Earth at an optimum temperature for life on Earth to sustain.

Question 10

What is the effect of green house gas emissions?

Answer 10

The thickening of the greenhouse gas layer, which traps more heat in the atmosphere.
It is caused by human actions that release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Question 11

Name the greenhouse gases

Answer 11

Carbon dioxide
Methane
Sulphur dioxide
Nitrous oxide
Water vapour

Question 12

Which human activities are releasing nitrous oxides?

Answer 12

Car exhausts
Agricultural fertilisers
Power stations

Question 13

Which human activity is releasing carbon dioxide (C02)?

Answer 13

Burning fossil fuels in industry
Car exhausts
Deforestation

Question 14

Which human activity is releasing Methane?

Answer 14

Decaying organic matter(death = stinky)
Rice farming
Livestock (cows = stinky)
Biomass burning

Question 15

Name a physical impact of climate change?

Answer 15

Sea level rise
Drought
Storms

Question 16

Explain how agriculture contributes to climate change?

Answer 16

cattle produce methane (burping and farting)

Cattle farming has increased as the world’s population has increased (increased demand of meat increased supply)

• more defforestation is carried out to make space for cattle farms
• eutrophication leads to less carbon emissions being absobed and more nitrous oxide and methane being released

Question 17

Explain how deforestation causes climate change

Answer 17

Trees are being cut down to make space for road building and farming.
Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
By removing more trees we are removing the ability for trees to remove CO2 from the air.
As a result, CO2 levels increase.
Increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere means more heat is trapped.
when trees are then burnt, the carbon stores release more CO2 into the atmosphere

Question 18

Explain how burning fossil fuels leads to climate change?

Answer 18

Burning fossil fuels gives off huge quantities of CO2 which is a gas that absorbs heat in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are increasingly used in manufacturing, transportation and heating homes.

Question 19

Name some of the effects of climate change on the environment?

Answer 19

warmer waters may decrease marine wildlife
70% of Asia may be at increased risk of flooding
increasing temperatures and decreasing soil moisture can reduce biodiversity in the rainforest
less sea ice could open up new oil and gas reserves

Question 20

Name some of the effects of climate change on people?

Answer 20

health may decline due to increased levels of malaria in Africa
heatwaves in Europe can kill the vulnerable
crop yields may fall causing famines or job losses
skiing resorts may close due to shorter skiing seasons
increased flood risk from sea level rise

Question 21

What is climate change adaptation?

Answer 21

Implementing strategies to defend communities from the impacts of climate change

Question 22

What is climate change mitigation?

Answer 22

Establishing strategies to combat climate change and try to prevent or reverse it

Question 23

Name the international treaties/agreements that attempt to mitigate climate change and give details of what they do

Answer 23

Copenhagen Accord - pledging financial support to developing countries to help them tackle to effects of climate change.

Paris Agreement - 195 countries agreed with tackle climate change (i.e. to keep global temperature increase below 2ºc.)

Question 23

Name 4 mitigation strategies

Answer 23

Altnerative energies (renewables) Carbon capture Planting Trees International agreements

Question 24

Name 3 adaptation strategies?

Answer 24

Changing agricultural systems Managing water supplies Reducing risk from rising sea levels (Mangroves)

Question 25

Describe how planting trees can mitigate agaisnt climate change?

Answer 25

Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. By planting trees, excess CO2 can be removed from the atmosphere.

Question 26

explain the importance of mangroves?

Answer 26

mangroves act as hybrid of both mitigation and adaptation mitigation - can be used as carbon sinks as they photosynthesise reducing carbon emissions from there air. adaptation - the mangroves long roots absorb waver energy which can be used to protect urban areas from sea level rise and tsunami's.

Question 27

Describe how alternative energy production can mitigate against climate change?

Answer 27

Most of the carbon dioxide emissions come from fossil fuels. Switching to renewable forms of energy such as solar power, hydroelectric power and nuclear means CO2 emissions will reduce.

Question 28

Describe how carbon capture helps to mitigate against climate change?

Answer 28

Carbon capture is a process by which carbon is captured, compressed and **stored underground**. This can remove **almost 90% of the CO2** that could otherwise enter the atmosphere.

Question 29

Explain how **changing agricultural systems** can adapt against the effects of climate change?

Answer 29

planting drought resistant crops changing the the time of planting introducing shades to sheild crops from sun educating farmers on new farming techniques

Question 30

Explain how managing water supplies can adapt against the effects of climate change?

Answer 30

Collecting and storing water at different seasons can reduce water lost during higher temperatures e.g. In India, collecting glacial water during the winter, storing water for summer months.

Question 31

Explain how reducing the risk from **rising sea levels** can adapt against the effects of climate change?

Answer 31

Constructing sea walls to hold back rising waters Building houses on stilts Restoring mangroves to reduce the impact of storm waves Relocating most vulnerable to new places or higher ground.

Question 32

what were the causes of the beast from the east?

Answer 32

a mixture of cold Siberian air and moist air from the Atlantic (due to a shift in the polar vortex which caused the jet streams to move) resulted in heavy snowfall and freezing conditions to pass over Europe

Question 33

what were the social impacts of the beast from the east?

Answer 33

Health risks - increased cases of frostbite, hypothermia (particularly effecting the elderly and the vulnerable). Transport chaos - road and rail travel were affected by snow and ice causing delays and accidents Disruption to daily life - schools businesses and public services were forced to close down

Question 34

what were the **economic impacts** of the beast from the east?

Answer 34

**Transport disruption** - cold conditions caused damage and delays leading to millions in loss of productivity **loss of productivity** - many workers were unable to commute leading to a decrease in work force productivity. **Agricultural damage** - lack of provisions for cattle lead to death of Livestock harsh conditions -> loss of crops -> less yield -> decreased profit

Question 35

what were the environmental impacts of the beast form the east?

Answer 35

1. Severe Snowfall: * Ten people died * Up to 50cms of snow fell on high ground * Rural (countryside) areas experienced temperature lows of up to -12°C * damage to buildings and power lines * blocked roads * damage to habitats 2. Water Supply Issues: * pipes froze and burst leading to water shortages 3. Wildlife Disruption: * some species struggled to find food and shelter, leading to increased mortality, causing a decrease in biodiversity.

Question 36

what were the responses to the beast from the east?? (cold - snow)

Answer 36

**1.Emergency Services:** * emergency measures, including snowplough's and gritters * temporary shelters built for the homeless. **2.Public Safety Alerts:** * Weather warnings were issued, urging the public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. **3. Support for Vulnerable Populations:** * Charities and community groups provided aid, including warm clothing and food, to those most affected. **4. Infrastructure Adaptations:** * improved infrastructure, such as better insulation for water pipes and more robust snow clearance strategies.

Question 37

what were the causes of the July 2022 heatwave?

Answer 37

1. **A persistent high-pressure system** over the UK led to prolonged sunny and dry conditions, trapping heat in the atmosphere. 2. **The jet stream shifted** further north than usual, preventing cooler air from the Atlantic from reaching the UK. 3. **Long-term climate warming** Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have intensified global warming, making heatwaves more frequent and severe.

Question 38

what were the social impacts of the July 2022 heatwave?

Answer 38

1. **Health Risks:** * Increased cases of heatstroke and dehydration young and elderly were most at risk Increased Mortality 2. **Disruption to Daily Life:** Schools closed public transport services were disrupted as rail lines became damaged under the heat.

Question 39

what were the economic impacts of the July 2022 heat wave?

Answer 39

1. **Transport Disruption:** Damage to rail infrastructure and road surfaces caused delays and cancellations, affecting businesses and commuters. 2. **Loss of Productivity:** businesses and people struggled to work either indoor or in the heat 3. **Impact on Agriculture:** too hot and dry for wheat and barley - decreased yield and profits

Question 40

what were the environmental impacts of the July 2022 heat wave?

Answer 40

1. **Wildfires:** Several wildfires broke out destroyed habitats and property. 2. **Water Shortages:** Increased water usage during the heatwave strained supplies, leading to hosepipe bans in some regions. 3. **Damage to Ecosystems:** fish deaths reported in rivers and ponds due to low oxygen levels in the water. ead to a decrease in biodiversity

Question 41

what were the responses to the July 2022 heat wave?

Answer 41

1. **Emergency Measures:** heat-health alerts opened cooling centres for vulnerable populations. 2. **Transport Adjustments:** Rail operators imposed speed restrictions to reduce the risk of track damage and accidents. 3. **Public Awareness Campaigns** to stay hydrated and don't take unnecessary journeys 4. **Long-Term Strategies:** discussions of infrastructure improvement heat resistant rail tracks urban cooling (plant rooves and planting more trees)