#24 Global Climate Change and Ecosystems

Question 1

what are some aspects of global climate change

Answer 1

temperature, precipitation, extreme weather

Question 2

describe the curve of CO2 over the past 300 years

Answer 2

exponential since 1900

Question 3

Causes of global climate change

Answer 3

• burning of fossil fuels and deforestation
• Temperature increases as CO2 absorbs long-wave or thermal radiation (greenhouse effect)

Question 4

how will temperature and precipitation be affected

Answer 4

Both temperature and precipitation will increase as concentration doubles by 2100.
Temperature will increase between 0.6-7.0 degrees with the highest in the polar regions and lowest in equatorial regions

Question 5

how will ecosystem distribution change with tundra, grasslands, forests, and tropical rainforests

Answer 5

• tundra: 30-60% reduction
• grasslands: 20-50% increase
• poleward shift in forested zones
• tropical rain forest: 25: reduction

(reduction in biodiversity but increase in grasslands)

Question 6

How will agriculture be affected by climate change

Answer 6

• increased cereal crop yields (higher heat)
• world production decreased by 5%
• production in developed countries will increase (temperate regions) but developing countries will decrease 10%

Question 7

How will Canada be affected in temperature and precipitation?

Answer 7

• Southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba will see largest increase in temperature
• Northwestern Alberta and Northern Manitoba will see largest increases in precipitation
• all prairies will see a longer growing season, but less moisture for crops. more favourable cropping conditions may be seen more North.