Climate Change

Question 1

Describe the pattern of climate change from the beginning of the Quaternary period to the present day

Answer 1

Climate change has shown fluctuations between glacial (cold) and interglacial (warm) periods, with a significant warming trend in recent centuries.

Question 2

Explain the evidence of climate change

Answer 2

Evidence includes sea ice positions, ice cores, global temperature data, and historical records like paintings and diaries.

Question 3

Comment on the reliability of climate change proxies

Answer 3

Proxies like ice cores and historical records are generally reliable but have limitations and uncertainties in precise measurements and interpretations.

Question 4

Outline the causes of natural climate change

Answer 4

Natural causes of climate change include sunspots, volcanic eruptions, and Milankovitch cycles, which affect the Earth’s climate over long periods.

Question 5

Explain the natural greenhouse effect

Answer 5

The natural greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life.

Question 6

Explain the impacts humans have on the atmosphere, including the enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 6

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, increase greenhouse gas concentrations, leading to the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

Question 7

Explain the impacts of climate change on a global level

Answer 7

Impacts include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and negative effects on agriculture and human health.

Question 8

Categorise the global impacts of climate change into social, economic, and environmental impacts

Answer 8

Social: Displacement of people; Economic: Damage to infrastructure; Environmental: Loss of ecosystems.

Question 9

Explain the impacts of climate change on the UK

Answer 9

Impacts include changing weather patterns, increased flooding, seasonal changes, and effects on agriculture and industry.

Question 10

Categorise the UK impacts of climate change into social, economic, and environmental impacts

Answer 10

Social: Health issues from heatwaves; Economic: Costs of flood damage; Environmental: Habitat changes.