Climate Change Flashcards

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1
Q

Explain 4 physical causes of climate change

A
  • volcanic eruptions alter the climate as the dust can block out the Suns energy
  • over time the earths orbit changes altering the amount of energy we receive from the sun
  • the earth has been hit by meteors which can alter the climate
  • decreasing amounts of sea ice which affects global ocean currents consequently affecting the climate
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2
Q

Explain 4 human causes of climate change

A
  • the extraction and burning of fossil fuels to produce energy releases greenhouse gases into the air which warms up the planet due to the greenhouse effect
  • large areas of forests have been cut down which means there are less trees to take in carbon dioxide therefore increasing the greenhouse effect
  • clearing areas of trees by burning them also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
  • cleared land gives space for billions of cattle which produce methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas
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3
Q

What are the impacts of climate change?

A
  • rising temperatures mean sea levels will rise as the polar ice caps are melting
  • many costal areas will become part of the sea again creating millions of refugees throughout the world
  • there will be less rainfall in parts of Africa causing more frequent droughts affecting people’s ability to grow food also leading to more frequent famines
  • animals like polar bears are becoming extinct as ice caps melt, as they have to swim out to sea for food and are too tired to make it back
  • deserts will spread as there is less rainfall in some areas
  • tropical diseases like malaria will spread into new areas
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4
Q

What are the solutions of climate change?

A
  • regularly recycling goods to reduce the carbon footprint
  • use renewable energy like wind solar and HEP instead of fossil fuels
  • have massive tree planting campaigns as trees are effective at taking CO2 out of the atmosphere
  • eat locally produced food which cuts down on food miles
  • houses that are better insulated use less energy
  • people could use bikes or walk short journeys instead of driving cars
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5
Q

Why do polar regions have few people?

A
  • it is difficult and expensive to survive in such cold conditions
  • it is impossible to grow crops so food is expensive
  • building is difficult because of the permafrost underneath
  • they are very remote due to the poor weather and lack of roads and railways
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6
Q

Why do very few people live in very dry regions?

A
  • living in extreme heat and drought is unpleasant for most people
  • it is impossible to grow crops without irrigation so food is expensive
  • they are remote and unlikely to attract industries so there are less job opportunities
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