Managing Our Environment Flashcards
(106 cards)
1
Q
What is the greenhouse effect?
A
Natural process where heat from Sun is trapped in our atmosphere by greenhouse gases, e.g. carbon dioxide and methane.
Keeps Earth warm enough for us to live on it.
Without greenhouse effect, planet would be freezing and nothing could survive.
2
Q
What is the process of the greenhouse effect?
A
- Sun’s heat passes directly through greenhouse gases.
- Earth is warmed.
- Some heat is trapped by greenhouse gases.
- Some heat escapes into space.
- Increase in greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.
- Less heat can escape into space.
- More heat is trapped. The Earth is warmed up more and faster.
3
Q
What is a carbon footprint?
A
Measure of amount of greenhouse gases produced by person, organisation or activity in given time such as a year.
All gases are converted into equivalent weight of carbon dioxide to make it simpler to compare how harmful different activities are.
4
Q
What is an example of carbon footprint?
A
Can of beans cost of growing beans;
Natural vegetation removed to create farmland;
Water used to irrigate beans;
Chemicals used to reduce pests;
Power used to plough soil and harvest crop;
Mining to produce steel and tin used in metal containers;
Energy used to make metal containers;
Transporting of beans and tins to processing plant;
Fuel used to transport them to local market;
Lights used in supermarket;
Fuel used to go to shop.
5
Q
What are the natural causes of climate change?
A
Natural climate cycles.
Sunspots.
Volcanic activity.
6
Q
How do natural climate cycles cause climate change?
A
Earth’s orbit changes very slightly between nearly circular and more elongated every 100,000 years.
Evident in glacial/interglacial cycles of roughly same period.
7
Q
How do sunspots cause climate change?
A
Slightly darker spots on sun where temperatures are temporarily lower can affect temperature.
Period between 1645 and 1715 where very few sunspots where seen coincides with very cold period in Europe known as Little Ice Age.
8
Q
How does volcanic activity cause climate change?
A
When volcano erupts it throws out large volumes of sulfur and ash into atmosphere which can influence climatic patterns for years.
Gases and dust particles partially block out incoming rays of sun, leading to cooling.
Sulfur dioxide forms small droplets of sulfuric acid in upper atmosphere which reflect sunlight, and screen ground from some energy that it would normally receive from the sun.
9
Q
What are the human causes of climate change?
A
Burning fossil fuels.
Vehicles.
Agriculture.
10
Q
How does burning fossil fuels cause climate change?
A
When coal, oil or gas is burned in power stations to generate electricity, gases such as carbon dioxide are emitted into atmosphere adding to greenhouse gases in atmosphere.
11
Q
How do vehicles cause climate change?
A
Exhausts of cars and lorries emit polluting gases such as nitrogen dioxide, which add to greenhouse gases in atmosphere.
12
Q
How does agriculture cause climate change?
A
Beef has high environmental impact and it is estimated that 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions comes from agriculture.
Methane production from large numbers of cattle is increasing very fast and so is nitrogen dioxide given off by fertilisers.
13
Q
What are the consequences of climate change?
A
Sea level changes
Precipitation changes
Tourism
Agriculture
Health
Economy
14
Q
What are the consequences of climate change towards sea level changes?
A
Sea levels could rise by up to 2.0m as water expands at it is heated, and due to melting ice.
15
Q
What are the consequences of climate change towards precipitation changes?
A
Patterns of world precipitation could change and rainfall become more unreliable so that some places will be wetter and others drier.
16
Q
What are the consequences of climate change towards tourism?
A
Places such as Alps could have less snow due to rising temperatures, so reducing conditions for skiing; could have negative effects on employment, economic prospects and income of region.
17
Q
What are the consequences of climate change towards agriculture?
A
Types of crops grown and their yields will be affected by increasing temperatures; more extreme climate conditions may affect how land is farmed.
18
Q
What are the consequences of climate change towards health?
A
Increasingly hot temperatures in Northern Europe in summer could put people at greater risk from heatstroke in cities, bringing rise in deaths.
19
Q
What are the consequences of climate change towards the economy?
A
More money may need to be spent on expensive flood protection schemes to protect coastal cities, defending low-lying coastal land and safeguard ports and harbours.
20
Q
What are the effects of climate change on the environment?
A
Increasing temperatures
Increasing rainfall
Glacier and icecap melt
Sea level changes
Impacts on plants and animals
21
Q
What is the effect of climate change on increasing temperatures?
A
World heating up and rate of this increase is speeding up.
Global temperatures have risen by 0.75oC over last 100 years.
22
Q
What is the positive effect of increasing temperatures on the environment?
A
Could improve weather (and climate) in some places.
23
Q
What is the negative effect of increasing temperatures on the environment?
A
Could cause larger infestations of insects that will bring new diseases into an area.
24
Q
What is the effect of climate change on increasing rainfall?
A
Global rainfall patterns are changing.
Places that used to be dry now experiencing more rain and wet places experiencing long periods of drought.
Rainfall totals in UK and Norway higher than 50 years ago.
25
What is the positive effect of increasing rainfall on the environment?
Increased amount of rainfall allows plants and crops to grow.
26
What is the negative effect of increasing rainfall on the environment?
Some places will have more rain while others will have less rain which lead to drought conditions.
27
What is the effect of climate change on glacier and icecap melt?
Polar icecaps and glaciers melting at faster rate.
Evidence shows sea ice in Arctic has retreated by 20%.
28
What is the positive effect of glacier and icecap melt on the environment?
Polar icecaps that are traditionally frozen through winter will not have thick ice forming all year round.
29
What is the negative effect of glacier and icecap melt on the environment?
Polar bear population in Arctic decreasing. Nears have to swim further between flows of ice, using up more energy and causing them to lose weight and body fat.
Increasing run-off from glaciers into rivers cause increase in flooding in upland areas, e.g. melting ice in Nepal cause flooding in Bangladesh.
30
What is the effect of climate change on sea level changes?
Over last 100 years, sea levels around UK have risen by 10cm.
As water released from storage in ice, amount of water in world’s oceans will continue to rise.
Even rise of 1m could flood 25% of Bangladesh.
31
What is the positive effect of sea level changes on the environment?
Some coastal areas with coral reefs will have more water to help Coll sea temperatures. Allow coral to recover from bleaching caused by warm sea temperatures.
32
What is the negative effect of sea level changes on the environment?
Flooding cause difficulties along coasts and lowland area as sea levels begin to rise.
Will change natural habitats and create more marsh areas.
33
What is the effect of climate change on the impact on plants and animals?
As changes occur to climate, some species will be unable to adapt.
34
What is the positive effect of the impact plants and animals on the environment?
Plants will be able to be grown in new areas due to warmer temperatures, e.g. oranges grown in UK.
Animals and birds will change emigration patterns to live in previously inhospitable places.
35
What is the negative effect of the impact plants and animals on the environment?
Plants not be able to survive in some areas due to weather rand climate changes.
Animals might have to migrate longer distances to find food, e.g. lions in Savannah grasslands of Africa.
Large areas of rainforest such as Amazon will be lost to drought or uncontrolled fire.
36
What are the effects of climate change on people?
Food supply
Availability of water
Increasing temperatures
Health
Mortality rates in LEDC’s
37
What is the effect of climate change on food supply on people?
Impact on crops and food supply will vary across world, but as climate changes, farmers will need to change crops and farming practices.
May need to choose plants that can adapt to different climates.
38
What is the positive effect of climate change on food supply on people?
Corps can be grown in new areas, e.g. grapes now grown in some areas of southern England.
39
What is the negative effect of climate change on food supply on people?
Decreased food supply and food security means increasing number of people are starving or malnourished, especially in Eastern African countries such as Ethiopia and Eritrea.
40
What is the effect of climate change on availability of water on people?
If there is more rainfall in an area there may be more water available for drinking or irrigation.
However, other areas might experience higher chance of drought conditions.
41
What is the positive effect of climate change on availability of water on people?
Increased rainfall might increase amount of fresh drinking water, e.g. in southern France.
42
What is the negative effect of climate change on availability of water on people?
Increased rainfall could build up in stagnant ponds and lakes, increasing amount of water-borne diseases such as cholera, e.g. in India and Pakistan.
43
What is the effect of climate change on increasing temperatures on people?
People like to go on holiday to warm countries. If temperatures continue to rise then might not have to travel as far for warm-weather holiday.
44
What is the positive effect of climate change on increasing temperatures on people?
People might benefit from periods of warm weather in summer and not have to travel for summer holidays.
45
What is the negative effect of climate change on increasing temperatures on people?
Longer frost-free seasons will mean fewer bugs and bacteria killed off by cold weather, causing increases in deaths from diseases.
46
What is the effect of climate change on health on people?
Changes in atmosphere could have both good and bad impacts on health, e.g. heatwaves cause more people to end up in hospital, yet will allow more people to enjoy sunny days in parks or on beach.
47
What is the positive effect of climate change on health on people?
People will experience better health if there is warmer climate and better weather.
Warmer temperatures allow people chance to enjoy nature and outdoors more.
48
What is the negative effect of climate change on health on people?
Malnutrition will increase and more people be endangered by extreme weather events which as heatwaves and storms.
More medical assistance will be needed to help people affected by these events.
49
What is the effect of climate change on mortality rates in LEDCs on people?
Estimated that number of deaths will increase in future, seriously affecting 660 million people.
Total cost to global economy caused by deaths could be nearly £220 billion per year.
50
What is the positive effect of climate change on mortality rates in LEDCs on people?
Increased rainfall can lead to better crops / food supply which might help reduce death rates in LEDCs.
51
What is the negative effect of climate change on mortality rates in LEDCs on people?
People in LEDCs do not have money or resources to cope with change in climate.
Means that even small changes to climate could cause floods or droughts and cause more people to die.
52
What is a waste hierarchy?
Method used to rank waste management options in order of sustainability.
53
What is the order of priority in a waste hierarchy?
1. Measures that prevent waste in the first place. (Waste prevention)
2. Preparing waste for reuse. (Reuse)
3. Recycling.
4. Energy recovery.
5. Disposal.
54
What is involved in the waste prevention management option in a waste hierarchy?
Using less material in design and manufacture.
Using products for longer.
Reusing materials.
Using less hazardous materials.
55
What is involved in the reuse management option in a waste hierarchy?
Checking, cleaning, repairing and refurbishing whole items or spare parts.
56
What is involved in the recycling / composting management option in a waste hierarchy?
Turning waste into new substance or product, including compost.
57
What is involved in the energy recovery management option in a waste hierarchy?
Disposing of waste through incineration, which produces energy of other materials from waste.
58
What is involved in the disposal management option in a waste hierarchy?
Landfill and incineration without energy.
59
What does reduce mean in the idea ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’?
Produce less waste, e.g. by buying less or choosing products that have less packaging.
60
What does reuse mean in the idea ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’?
You can use an item again as it is, such as passing things on to a friend or donating them to a charity shop.
61
What does recycle mean in the idea ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’?
An item can be turned into something else, such as plastic bottles into a park bench.
Uses energy, so not quite as sustainable as the other options.
62
What is a renewable energy source?
Sustainable source of energy production (e.g. solar, wind or biofuels).
Energy can be naturally replaced and used repeatedly.
63
What is solar energy?
Renewable energy source that uses sun to generate energy.
Sun’s light and heat is converted into electricity and used to heat water.
64
What is wind energy?
Renewable energy source that uses force of the wind to turn sails on a turbine and generate power.
65
What are biofuels?
Renewable energy source that uses fermented animal or plant waste to create energy.
Power generated as biological material rots and creates chemical energy.
66
What are biofuels also known as?
Biogas or biomass.
67
Where have the biggest advances in wind technology come from?
The UK, Denmark and California (USA).
68
What is the world’s largest wind farm in the world?
Walney Wind farm.
69
What are some facts about Walney Wind farm?
Located off coast of Cumbria in UK.
Opened in 2012.
Its 189 wind turbines can create 1026 megawatts of energy.
70
What are the benefits of wind energy?
Less carbon emissions.
A source of ‘green’ energy.
Reduced need for imported fossil fuels.
Value for money.
71
What are the benefits of wind energy on less carbon emissions?
Much of UK’s energy comes from fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and carbon emissions.
Move to a renewable source provides an inexhaustible, locally available, ‘green’ fuel.
72
What are the benefits of wind energy on a source of ‘green’ energy?
Wind power is cost-effective and modern wind turbines are reliable - lasting over 20 years.
UK also has access to most reliable wind patterns in Europe.
In 2021, 26% of energy needs in UK came from wind power.
73
What are the benefits of wind energy on reduced need for imported fossil fuels?
UK has become very dependent on fossil fuels, which are mostly imported from other countries.
Any reduced dependence helps UK with its energy security.
74
What are the benefits of wind energy on value for money?
Wind power can be expensive (especially to build) but, as fossil fuels become more expensive to use, it is becoming more attractive long-term solution.
Once turbines are built, they can produce a fixed income for at least 20 years with minimal maintenance.
75
What are the disadvantages of wind energy?
Harm to wildlife
Eyesores / visual impact
A need for alternative sources of energy
High set up costs
76
What are the disadvantages of wind energy on harm to wildlife?
Some scientists concerned that electric field created be generators in turbines might affect sense of direction of seals, porpoises, sharks and whales.
77
What are the disadvantages of wind energy on eyesores / visual impact?
Some people find wind farms ugly and feel that they will put tourists off coming to an area.
However, contractor of Walney Wind farm argues that it is difficult to see its wind farm as is 14km offshore.
78
What are the disadvantages of wind energy on a need for alternative sources of energy?
On calm or very wind (above 16 knots) days turbines cannot be used.
Means backup system is always needed, e.g. non-renewable power station which can be brought to full capacity quickly.
79
What are the disadvantages of wind energy on high set up costs?
Initial investment of £1 billion very expensive.
Wind turbines (especially those off coast) expensive to build and can take over 20 years until they make a profit.
80
Where did the 2015 International Climate Change Agreement take place?
Paris at COP 21 conference.
81
What are some of the key points of the 2015 International Climate Change Agreement?
Keep global temperatures ‘well below’ 2oC above pre-industrial times (potentially below 1.5oC).
Limit amount of greenhouse gas emissions due to human activity so that trees p, soil and oceans can naturally absorb carbon emissions (between 2050 and 2100).
Review contributions each country is making in cutting emissions every 5 years.
MEDCs to help LEDCs by providing ‘climate finance’, will help poorer countries to adapt to climate change and encourage use of renewable energy.
82
How many countries agreed to the International Climate Change Agreement?
196 countries.
83
When did the International Climate Change Agreement go into force?
4 November 2016.
84
What are the positives of the International Climate Change Agreement?
Very first time all world leaders agreed to create any limit to global warming.
World leaders also agreed to policies aiming for 0 emissions in second half of 21st century.
Fist agreement to slow down impacts of global warming, aims to limit global warming to “well below 2oC and striving for 1.5oC”.
Some countries made early decision to implement changes to how they act, France already announced it will ban all petrol and diesel cars by 2040, Norway set target of only allowing sales of 100% electric or plug-in hybrid cars by 2025.
All governments agreed to review climate policies and success every 5 years, CBI (Confederation of British Industry) noted agreement was “an exciting opportunity for business”.
Some countries that currently produce most pollution made commitments to cut down, China accounts for almost 24% and has agreed to reduce this by 60%.
85
What are the negatives of the International Climate Change Agreement?
Agreement came after 36 years of climate meetings that made little progress.
Agreement is non-binding - not legal document and few penalties for countries that fail to take any action.
Environmental lobby groups like Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth argue agreement has not gone far enough, target of 2oC is ridiculous as has nearly been reached already.
Many of different pledges within agreement did not come into effect until 2020 (5 years after meeting).
USA initially signed up to agreement but Trump removed them from deal in 2017, only country to withdraw, in 2021 newly-elected Biden signed executive order for USA to re-join.
Friends of the Earth Scotland critical of deal, said it delays any real impact on greenhouse gas emissions and failed to commit enough finances to support poorer countries.
86
What is mass tourism?
When large numbers of people go on holiday to same resort, usually at same time of year, often as part of package deal.
87
What are some of the developments in the 1960’s that transformed tourism into mass tourism?
Increased leisure time.
Cheaper travel.
Increased disposable income.
Increased health and wealth of pensioners.
88
How has increased leisure time since the 1960’s transformed tourism into mass tourism?
People began to get longer holidays.
For example, since mid 1960’s, typical UK adult now working almost 8 hours less per weak, equivalent of between 7 and 9 week’s holiday each year.
89
How has cheaper travel since the 1960’s transformed tourism into mass tourism?
Travel increasingly more affordable for more people.
Cheaper air travel brought what we’re once faraway destinations into reach for many people.
Internet has helped to bring down cost of travel and holidays and more people booking their holidays online.
90
How has increased disposable income since the 1960’s transformed tourism into mass tourism?
Alt side shorter working weeks, in 2005 UK workers earned 4 times as much as did in 1980s.
People have larger proportion of salary available for their holidays.
91
How has increased health and wealth of pensioners since the 1960’s transformed tourism into mass tourism?
As people living longer and healthier lives, older people now able to travel more than could before.
Has extended season for many traditional summer resorts in sun as pensioners take long holidays in winter, avoiding worst of cold weather at home.
92
What are the positive cultural impacts of mass tourism?
Revitalisation - when tourists come to area triggers revitalisation of neglected areas, government investment and building of new community facilities (e.g. traditional beer gardens and museums in Berlin).
Rebirth of customs - tourists can cause rebirth if local arts, crafts and customs (e.g. embroidery, lace and ceramics in the Algarve in Portugal).
93
What are the negative cultural impacts of mass tourism?
Inappropriate behaviour - behaviour of tourists can distort local customs and can insult culture, values and beliefs of hosts, crime and drunken behaviour might increase (e.g. Majorca).
Move from traditional employment - traditional activities such as farming can be lost as young people seek to move to new tourism jobs (e.g. Costa del Sol).
Loss of local languages - local languages can be lost through under use (e.g. Majorca).
94
What are the positive economic impacts of mass tourism?
Create jobs - UNWTO estimates that 385 million people around world are employed in travel and tourism industry (11% of total workforce).
Foreign currency - cash coming into country can help it to develop and stabilise economy (e.g. Kenya).
Improvements to infrastructure - if country attempts to improve its transport, utilities and communications to attract tourists, will also benefit inhabitants (e.g. better road networks and airports in Cyprus).
95
What are the negative economic impacts of mass tourism?
Services - services in many resorts designed and priced to cater for tourists, local May have limited access to water services, entertainment and transport, struggle to afford inflated prices (e.g. Majorca).
Land and house prices - some tourists buy second homes which can increase price of housing, local people may not be able to afford higher prices (e.g. London).
Character changes - rural areas might lose traditional characteristics, traditional services and shops may be replaced with those that cater for needs of tourists (e.g. Normandy and rural France).
96
What are the positive environmental impacts of mass tourism?
Sustainable tourism - visitors may actively participate in helping area to be maintained and protected.
Awareness - tourism to remote places can help expose environmental problems and negative activities there.
Improvements - development of tourism can ring much needed improvements to derelict areas and tidy up clean waterways.
97
What are the negative environmental impacts of mass tourism?
Soil erosion - erosion of soil, rock and vegetation be caused by walkers and horse riders, damage fragile environments such as mountain areas (e.g. Alps).
Congestion - too many people visiting areas at one time cause overcrowding and congestion, increasing carbon emissions (e.g. Paris).
Pollution - tourists can pollute water, air and cause noise, put pressure on water supplies.
98
What is a responsible tourist?
Tourists who respects environment and people in place they visit.
99
What ways can tourists be responsible?
Research place you are visiting and learn some of local language.
Buy locally produced goods and services.
Don’t leave behind litter.
Ask permission before taking photographs.
Try local foods in local restaurants.
100
What is ecotourism?
Sustainable method of tourism, which protects wildlife and natural resources of host area.
101
How is ecotourism described?
Environmentally sound.
Protects natural environments, wildlife and resources.
Socially appropriate and respectful of local culture.
Domes not damage local communities.
Provides economic benefits for local people.
Leads to sustainable tourism.
102
What is the name of an ecotourism resort?
The Mara Intrepids Camp.
103
Where is the Mara Intrepids Camp located?
Savannah grasslands of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
104
What does the Mara Intrepids Camp consist of?
30 luxury tents which are spread across a riverside.
105
What are the social and economic impacts of the Mara Intrepids Camp in Kenya?
Jobs - many of staff are local Maasai people, provides stable employment and good income.
Staff training and opportunities - gives professional training to all staff, first aid training also provided.
Cultural visits - organises series of cultural visits for tourists which helps build links with local community.
Community action - in June 2010 teamed up with MEAK (Medical and Educational Aid to Kenya) to set up local ‘Eye Mission to the Mara’ where cataract operations and eye treatments helped many local people.
Supports education - supports local primary school in Talek and provides reading and writing materials.
106
What are the environmental impacts of the Mara Intrepids Camp in Kenya?
Wildlife conservation - guests educated s out wildlife conservation, guides trained not to disturb animals on safari drives and jeep numbers kept to minimum to reduce noise pollution.
Water - grey water (from washing) and black water (from toilets) filtered before released into nearby rivers.
Electricity - majority of electricity from generator but char dust (compacted coffee husks) sued to heat water.
Waste - all kitchen waste composted and other waste recycled.
Food - camp has eco-garden where grows own vegetables.
Buildings - many are temporary and designed to blend in with local environment.
