Climate change Flashcards
How does the milankovich cycle cause climate change(physical)
Milankovitch cycles describe changes in the earth’s orbit around the sun, the closer the orbit is to the sun, the more insolation and warmer temperatures the Earth receives.
How do sun spots cause climate change(physical)
Sun spots are areas of lower surface temperature on the surface of the sun and when there is lots of sunspot activity there can be a slight increase in the suns output and a temporary warming of the earth
How does volcanic activity cause climate change(physical)
Volcanic eruptions can trigger off cold periods because volcanic dust and gases such as carbon dioxide blown into the atmosphere reduce insolation by scattering solar radiation. However, if there was a small volcanic eruption the sulphur dioxide and dust could trap heat in the atmosphere causing the earth to warm.
How does permafrost cause climate change(physical)
As global temperatures rise and permafrost starts to melt, methane from dead organisms is released into the atmosphere further contributing to global temperatures rises.
How does the albedo effect cause climate change(physical)
The albedo effect is when there is a change in the earths surface reflectivity making the earth warmer as the earth is less reflective
How does burning fossil fuels cause climate change(human)
When we burn fossil fuels ,such as coal, oil and gas, to generate energy we release millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which enhances the greenhouse gas effect and intensifies global warming
How does livestock cause climate change(human)
Due to the population increasing this means there has been more need for re food so the number of cows have increased and cows release methane from burping/farting which adds to the greenhouse gases
How does landfill sites cause climate change(human)
As the population increases we dispose of more waste and when the organic matter in this waste decays this also releases more methane
How do car exhausts cause climate change(human)
Cars release a greenhouse gas called nitrous oxide which is a very potent greenhouse gas etas which causes a significant change in the climate due to the many cars
How do fertilisers cause climate change(human)
Farmers use fertilisers to add nutrients to the soil so that their crops grow better, one of these nutrients is nitrogen and the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide is a byproduct of using fertilisers
How does deforestation cause climate change(human)
Trees take in CO2 during respiration and when they are chopped down this then releases it into the atmosphere
What are the local effects of climate change
Raising sea levels in coastal communities causing coastal erosion, heatwaves in London causing a satrain on healthcare, transport and increased energy demands, flooding in Welsh valleys damaging homes costing lots, agricultural disruption wetter winters water logging unpredictable rainfall
What are the global impacts of climate change
Increased flooding and cyclones in low-lying areas of Bangladesh displacing millions, coral bleaching in the greta barrier reef and for tourism, wildfires in California lots of carbon dioxide, drought on the Sahel in Africa limiting resources
What are the positive impact of climate change
Longer growing seasons ins Scotland due to rising temperatures, increased access to natural resources in Greenland with melting ice caps, improved shipping routes through the arctic for Russia
What are stargies used to manage climate change
LEZ zones, encouraged to walk cycle or sue public transport, tax is reduced on vehicles with low CO2 emissions, uk charge 10p for every carrier bag to encourage recycling, use solar panels on huskies to power, education to switch off and save energy
