Chapter 19: Climate Change

Question 1

Weather

Answer 1

Short-term atmospheric changes

Question 2

Climate

Answer 2

Average weather over at least three decades

Question 3

Climate Change

Answer 3

Global weather patterns shift over three decades or more

Question 4

Evidence and Impact Climate Change (3 things)

Answer 4

1. Earth’s atmosphere is warming, leading to significant climate changes
2. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are major contributors.
3. Not every place gets warmer; some get cooler, but the global average temperature is rising

Question 5

Climate Change Debate

Answer 5

There is none between climate change scientists, however, there is in the political area

Question 6

Why is Climate Changing (3 factors)

Answer 6

1. Greenhouse Effect: Natural process where solar energy warms the earth. Essential for life
2. Human Activities: Increase in greenhouse gases, especially CO2, CH4, and N20
3. Oceans: Absorb CO2 and heat, but their capacity decreases with rising temperature

Question 7

2 effects on the Atmosphere

Answer 7

1. Warmer temperature leads to more evaporation, affecting cloud formation
2. Air pollution can influence the rate of atmospheric warming

Question 8

7 potential consequences of the rapid change in atmosphere’s temperature

Answer 8

1. Sea Level Rise: Can lead to flooding in coastal cities
2. Wildfires: Many forests could be destroyed
3. Desertification: Grasslands may become dust bowls
4. Water Scarcity: Rivers might dry up
5. Biodiversity Loss: Ecosystems could collapse, and up to 50% of species might go extinct
6. Weather Extremes: Expect more intense heatwaves, destructive storms, and flooding
7. Health Concerns: Could be a rapid spread of tropical diseases

Question 9

5 specific impacts of the rapid change in atmosphere’s temperature

Answer 9

1. Tipping Points: Climate change might reach irreversible levels
2. Polar Regions: Melting snow and ice can lead to a feedback loop of warming
3. Melting Glaciers: Contributes to rising sea levels and can cause water, power and food shortages
4. Permafrost Melt: This could release methane and CO2, exacerbating global warming
5. Sea Level Effects: A 1-meter rise could have numerous consequences, including flooding

Question 10

Ocean Acidification

Answer 10

The ocean’s absorption of CO2 can harm marine life and disrupt food chains

Question 11

Droughts

Answer 11

Higher temperatures can lead to prolonged and severe droughts, which in turn can cause wildfires and reduce CO2 absorption

Question 12

Extreme Weather

Answer 12

Climate change can make extreme weather events more frequent and intense

Question 13

Biodiversity Threats

Answer 13

Rising temperatures can lead to habitat loss, affecting various species, especially those in colder climates or with specific temperature tolerance

Question 14

Food production

Answer 14

Warming can reduce crop yields, potentially leading to food shortages in the future

Question 15

Human Health and Security

Answer 15

More heatwaves can increase health risks. A warmer world can also lead to the spread of diseases, increased pollution, and socio-political challenges like mass migration and weakened government

Question 16

Geoengineering

Answer 16

Involves changing natural conditions to counteract climate change effects, but it is risky

Question 17

Pros Carbon Pricing

Answer 17

Easy to manage, clear pricing, includes everyone, generates steady income

Question 18

Cons Carbon Pricing

Answer 18

Can become complicated, might have loopholes, doesn’t ensure reduced emissions, and might not be popular

Question 19

Pros Cap-and-Trade

Answer 19

Sets a clear limit on emissions, rewards emission cuts, has been successful, and doesn’t cost consumers much

Question 20

Cons Cap-and-Trade

Answer 20

Income is unpredictable, can be cheated, allows rich polluters to continue, and has fluctuating prices

Question 21

Government Support

Answer 21

Increase Aid for eco-friendly technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable farming

Question 22

International Efforts

Answer 22

For example, the Paris Agreement. However, it doesn’t demand enough reductions, and countries aren’t legally bound to it

Question 23

3 Adaptation Measures for Climate Change

Answer 23

1. Building seawalls and shelters
2. Expanding mangrove forests
3. Designing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events