Climate Change Flashcards
natural causes of climate change
- orbital changes
- solar output
- volcanic activity
human causes of climate change
- fossil fuels burning
- deforestation
- agriculture
what evidence is there of climate change from the quaternary period
- ice cores
- ocean sediment
- studying tree rings
- pollen
- art and literature
How does agriculture increase rate of climate change
- demand for meat and rice
- accounts for 20% of greenhouse gas emission
How does volcanic activity affect rate of climate change
cools the earth
ash clouds and volcanic aerosols reflect the sunlight away
How do orbital changes affect climate change
elliptical orbit
earth tilted on its axis
earth isn’t shperical
How does solar output affect climate change
solar output barely affects climate change but it has slightly decreased
- also sunspots
effects of climate change on people
- increased risk of skin cancer and heatstroke as temps rise
- flood risk increasing insurance and repair costs
- extreme weather increases investment in MPPP
- winter related deaths decrease with milder winters
effects of climate change on the environment
- as ice melts, polar wildlife declines
- coral bleaching
- more forest fires
- warmer rivers affecting marine wildlife
- sea level rise increasing flooding and coastal erosion
how can mitigation be used to manage climate change
- alternative energy production
- carbon capture
- planting trees
- international agreements
how can adaptation be used to manage climate change
- changes in agricultural systems
- managing water supplies
- reducing risk
how can changing agricultural systems help when used to manage climate change
- move location to suit climates
- increased irrigation
- changes to type and variety of crop
what is carbon capture
when the CO2 is taken from the air and trapped in an impermeable rock
what does reducing risk from rising sea levels involve
- constructing defences (Thames barrier or mangrove forests)
- raising properties on stilts
- relocating people at risk
what does managing water supplies involve
- reducing demand (installing water efficient devices
- increasing supply (desalination plants
