Climate Change Flashcards
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
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
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
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
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
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
