Present and predicted impacts of climate change

Question 1

Natural Environment - The Atmosphere

Answer 1

• Globally, surface temperatures have risen by 1.1C since the Industrial Revolution and are projected to continue rising (guaranteed 1.5C). Increases will not be uniformly however
• This increase in temperatures is also increasing in rate; Global mean surface temperature change fro 2016-2035 is likely to be 0.3-07C warmer relative to the 1986-2005 average
• Australia’s climate has warmed on average by 1.44C since 1910, and is predicted to rise by 0.6-1.5C by 2030
• It is likely that heat waves will occur more frequently and last longer
• Areas at high latitudes will likely experience an increase in annual mean precipitation

Question 2

Anthropogenic Environment - Agriculture

Answer 2

• Agricultural land is increasing to keep up with growing demand. New, more intensive farming processes emit more CO2
• There has been the greatest increases in agriculture in the northern hemisphere, with agricultural growing seasons expanding and where new plant and animal species will thrive. Northern Russia has had a 150% increase in arable land due to climate change
• It is predicted that by 2050, agricultural land cover will decline in Southern Europe and move towards Northern regions
• In lower latitudes, the amount of arable land is expected to decline because of temperature increases and precipitation decreases
• The WA Wheatbelt region is predicted to see a 9% decrease in total yield of all crops across the region
• There have been increases in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters which also impact agriculture