Climate Change Flashcards
L1 | In a 24 hour clock, when did humans come to exist?
11:58
L1 | What shape has the graph on our global temperature followed in recent years?
Hockey Stick
L1 | Define paleoclimate
The prevalent climate in a given period of time
L1 | State 3 methods measuring temperature changes over time
Tree rings, Ice cores, Retreating glaciers, Pollen analysis, Scientific research
L1 | Why was it harder to study about the Earth further back in time?
Because the lack of technology meant we had to use long term techniques which weren’t as useful
L2 | Define anthropogenic
Caused by human activity
L2 | What are some changes that occur with changes in temperature?
Rising sea levels, Change in rainfall patterns, Change in windfall, Changes in extreme patterns
L2 | What happens during the Milankovitch cycle?
The Earth’s orbit becomes more elliptical, meaning the amount of heat reaching the Earth changes
L2 | What is the Albedo Effect?
When sunlight reflects of surfaces, resulting in heating
L2 | How often does the Milankovitch cycle occur?
Every 100,000 years
L3 | Name the main anthropogenic cause of global warming
Greenhouse gases
L3 | Why is drought bad in Africa?
Because it leads to crop failure, a major part of their income
L3 | Name 2 of the 6 situations that make Africa vulnerable to climate change
Water resources, Food security, Natural resources, Diseases, Sea-level rise, Desertification
L3 | What percent of Africa’s GDP would have to be spent on adaptions?
5-10%
L3 | Where in Africa is coral bleaching a problem?
Zanzibar
L4 | Why can’t Africa have sea defences?
They can’t afford them
L4 | How do Arctic plants keep the area cold?
They intake CO2 much faster than coils release them
L4 | Without the GH effect, how much cooler would the Earth be?
33 degrees
L4 | What type of forest occurs in these cold regions?
Boreal
L4 | Why is melting permafrost bad?
Leads to collapsing buildings, roads and others
L5 | Since 1970, how much has CO2 levels increased by?
80%
L5 | What is meant by unprecedented change?
Never seen before
L5 | What 2 things slow CO2 release in the air
Forests and Trees
L6 | What is Eustatic change?
Change in sea levels due to change in amounts of water
L6 | What makes a floodplain very fertile?
Rich alluvium
L6 | Names ways the sea levels could rise?
Expanding water, melting ice
L6 | What are impacts of sea level rise?
Loss of farmland, increased risks of natural hazard, displacement of people
L6 | How to dams reduce sea levels?
Prevent as much water reaching the ocean from rivers
L7 | What is a carbon sink?
Something that absorbs carbon dioxide
L7 | How do carbon credits work?
They give a certain amount to each countries as to how much CO2 they can release
L7 | What percentage of carbon released is from deforestation?
18%
L8 | Define tipping point.
The point of evolution in something where it reaches a new, irreversible state
L8 | How could a warmer world affect the Amazon Rainforest
Less rainfall affects it’s whole ecosystem (vegetation and animals)
L8 | What is the predicted increase in climate by 2050?
2 degrees
L8 | Why can’t boreal forests survive in the increasing temperature
They are specialised in colder regions such as Canada and Siberia
L8 | When do scientists predict the tipping point of Greenland Ice?
50 years or so
L9 | Define mitigation
Completely preventing the issue from occurring
L9 | Define adaptation
Measures taken in order to reduce the effects of an issue that is already taking place
L9 | Give examples of mitigation stratergies
Reduced air transport, Energy conservation
L9 | Give examples of adaptation stratergies
Sewer upgrade, control of evasive species
L9 | What is carbon sequestration?
The process of storing carbon for long times, to mitigate global warming
L10 | Where and when was the Protocal drawn up?
Kyoto (Japan), 1997
L10 | What percent of the carbon emitting countries needed to accept the agreement for it to take place?
55%
L10 | Which 2 big polluting countries haven’t signed the pact?
Australia and USA
L10 | How much did leaders decide they wanted to reduce greenhouse gases by by 2050?
50%
L10 | What is the UK strategy to reduce emissions?
Car tax or VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) with different tax bands per car
L11 | What is Agenda 21?
A program run by the UN in order to achieve sustainability locally, nationally and globally.
L11 | How does Carbon Trading work?
The EU assign permits for polluting. Larger TNCs buy permits from ones who don’t need it.
L11 | What will the Drain London Forum do?
Show areas at rick from flooding
L11 | By 2012, how much did the EU need to reduce emissions by?
8%
L11 | Why aren’t USA joining the protocol?
They are very big polluters and they would not be able to control their pollution
L12 | What does CCS stand for?
Carbon Capture Storage
L12 | Give methods of efficient transport
Car sharing, Less polluting cars
L12 | Why are solar panel unattractive to people?
They are very expensive to fit and they have a long payback time
L12 | What is an issue with Tree storage?
Battles on the use of the land there
L12 | What is the biggest flaw with nuclear power?
Nuclear waste leakage
L13 | State the cycle of climate change
Higher temperatures -> Increased evaporation -> Worsening greenhouse effect -> More uncertainty -> More impacts
L13 | Why can’t farmers get jobs once farms end
They don’t have any other skills and are illiterate
L13 | Name a few factors of poverty
Hazards, Bad housing, Population growth, Famine, Illiteracy, Debt
L13 | How has climate change affected water supplies?
Increased evaporation, Less available water
L13 | Why don’t a lot of children go into education
Can’t afford it, They live in too rural an area
