Geography Flashcards
(50 cards)
What are the natural causes of climate change?
Volcanic eruptions, solar output changes, and Milankovitch cycles.
What are Milankovitch cycles?
Changes in Earth’s orbit and tilt that affect solar radiation received.
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Increased trapping of heat due to more greenhouse gases from human activity.
How does burning fossil fuels cause climate change?
Releases large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
How does agriculture contribute to climate change?
Cattle release methane; rice paddies also emit methane.
What role does deforestation play in climate change?
Removes carbon sinks and releases CO₂ when trees are burned or decay.
What greenhouse gases are most important?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
What human activity releases nitrous oxide?
Fertiliser use and burning of biomass.
What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gases released by an individual or product.
Which sectors contribute most to global emissions?
Energy, transport, industry, and agriculture.
What are ice cores and what do they show?
Cylinders of ice showing historical CO₂ levels and temperature patterns.
How do tree rings show past climate?
Wider rings = warmer/wetter years; thinner rings = cooler/drier.
How are historical records used as climate evidence?
Diaries, harvest dates, and paintings indicate past climate conditions.
What is current instrumental evidence of climate change?
Global temperature records, sea level data, satellite images of glaciers.
What trend is seen in global temperatures since 1880?
Overall increase — rapid warming in recent decades.
Name three environmental impacts of climate change.
Melting ice caps, rising sea levels, habitat loss.
Name three economic impacts of climate change.
Damaged crops, increased cost of disasters, loss of tourism income.
Name three social impacts of climate change.
Health risks, climate refugees, food and water shortages.
How does climate change affect weather patterns?
More extreme events: heatwaves, floods, droughts, hurricanes.
Which countries are most vulnerable to climate change?
Low-lying and poorer countries like Bangladesh and island nations.
What is climate migration?
When people are forced to move due to climate-related issues.
What is mitigation?
Actions to reduce the causes of climate change.
What is adaptation?
Adjusting to cope with the effects of climate change.
Give an example of a mitigation strategy.
Using renewable energy like solar or wind.