Climate change Flashcards
Since when has considerable global warming been taking place
1980
cause of global warming in terms of co2
increase in co2 15% increase since over 100 years 4% each year
How does variation in solar radiation have an impact of global warming
sun sport activity attributed to 20% of global warming however reports have suggested that since 1970 no major increase in solar radiation
Other physical causes that could potentially have an impact on global warming
changes in earths obit and axial tilt affecting solar radiation
meteorite activity
changes in oceanic circulation
Briefly describe the hockey stick debate
graph shows sustained temp around 1000 years with exponential increase since 1800 which can be attributed to humans
why is the cynicism to the hockey stick debate
reliable records only date back for the last 150 years t
List of general effects of global warming
increase in tropical storm, temp increase 2-4 degrees, rise is sea levels by 28-43cm, arctic sea ice to disappear in next century
increase in heatwaves
result of global warming on ice caps
shrinkage of ice caps, increase in water due to reduction in cooling effect leading to expansion
Sea ice disappear by 2050
What will happen if perma frost melts
release of methane further fuelling global warming
global warming and rising sea levels
total 20t century rise of 0.17m
puts low lying communities at risk and increases threats of flooding
Global warming and temperatures
since 1995 to 2006 11 of the 12 warmest years on record have occurred
How will global warming have an effect on food and water
increase in drought and reduction of yields resulting in famine , predicted 3 million will suffer from water stress as reaction in rainfall in some regions
How will global warming have an impact on extreme weather events
2003 world meteorological organisation blamed global warming for increase in extreme events with temp of sea water increase fuelling and increasing intensity of tropical storms
Overall effect on the British Isles
Warmer summers, drought, increase in storms,
although if ocean currents change then gulf stream diverted cold as N canada
increase in temp 2-3.5 degrees and increase in precipitation by 10-15%
decline in snow unto 90%
In the Uk how will global warming affect coastal regions
increase in sea levels put low lying areas such as east anglia, humber estuary at risk of flooding due to a predicted rise of 12-37cm
How will agriculture be affected in the UK as a result of global warming
Increase in potato yield due to increase in temp, change in types of crops grown could become wine producing
increase in growing season
How could species in UK be affected by global warming
increase in pests
migration of species northwards
extinction of native species
foreign species compete with native species
Other general affects of global warming on UK
increase in tourism due to longer summer
decraese in winter sports
3 levels of actions against global warming
international, national and local
Which panel was created by the UN to give info and advice on global warming and make reports every 6 years based on computer models
IPCC (Intergovernmental panel on climate change) who have attributed 95% global warming to humans
what happened in the kyoto agreement
emission limits and measures put in place to ensure an reduction in greenhouse gases
How many countries are involved
55% of industrialised countries are legally bound to the agreement however some countries have not ratified inc. america and Australia
What targets do the UK face as a result of kyoto
revised target in 2008 of 80% reduction by 2050
What is carbon credits
allocation of amount of carbon wage depending on country which aims to cap emissions as carbon credits can be bought and sold so total quota is not exceeded
allows fines to be imposed for those who exceed quota
3 areas for national response
with 80% of fuel consumption from fossil fuels
1) reduction in c02 from power stations
2) developing renewable energy
3) reducing demand
What target have the Uk government put in place in term of renewables
by 2010 10% come from rnewables
What scheme has been put in place
Eu emission trading scheme
Which bill has been legislated
climate change bill 2008 which has legislated against climate change an put in place targets to reduce co2 by 60% by 2050
Local response to climate change
sustainable development
iniativies
basic things insulation recycling etc
