Climate Change (4.4)

Question 1

Without greenhouse gases how much colder would the Earth’s surface temperature be?

Answer 1

33°C colder than present.

Question 2

Brief Summary of Greenhouse Gases

Answer 2

The Earth is warmed by the sun and emits longwave radiation. Most of this longwave radiation escapes into outer space but some is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm enough to sustain life.

Question 3

Effects of the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Answer 3

• Melting of the polar ice caps, Greenland and Antartica
• Thawing of permafrost (released trapped gasses into the atmosphere)
• Increasing sea levels (causing flooding)
• Decrease in ocean salinity
• Extreme changes in weather patterns
• Change in water availability affecting agriculture
• Changes in natural habitats causing loss of species
• Acidification of oceans
• Bleaching of coral reefs

Question 4

Coral Reef: Bleaching

Answer 4

Warmer ocean temperatures reduce the amount of plankton available. Coral relies upon plankton as a food source and as there is less food the coral turns white. Bleached coral is weak and more susceptible to disease.

Question 5

Coral Reef: Ocean Acidification

Answer 5

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the ocean causes its pH level to lower (become more acidic). This is called ocean acidification. Ocean acidification means corals can’t absorb the calcium carbonate needed to maintain their supportive skeletons, so they dissolve.

Question 6

Effects on the Arctic Ecosystem

Answer 6

• Sea ice declines significantly (melts)
• Permafrost thaws
• Changes in vegetation to plant communities in ecosystems
• Loss of species who cannot adapt to the temperature changes
• Spread of infectious diseases to previously untouched populations
• Melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet

Question 7

Possible solutions to Global Warming

Answer 7

• Reduced use of fossil fuels
• Increase the use of renewable energy sources
• Reduce deforestation
• Increase the plantation of trees
• Low emission farming practises
• Addition of iron into the sea to boost phytoplankton growth (which will lead to the removal carbon dioxide via photosynthesis)
• Individuals reducing their own carbon footprint
• Research ways to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide
• Research ways to minimise the effects of climate change