climate change (p1) Flashcards
evidence for climate change
- sediment cores
- tree rings (when it is hotter rings are thicker per year)
- ice cores (gas levels)
- temperature records
- pollen analysis
-historical records
what is mitigation
strategies to deal with causes of climate change
examples of mitigation?
- alternative energy production
- carbon capture + storage
- international agreements
- planting trees
what is adaptation
strategies aim to limit the negative effects - action
examples of adaptation?
changing agricultural systems
- managing water supplies
- adjusting to rising sea levels (sea walls and barriers)
natural causes of climate change?
- orbital changes
- volcanic changes
- solar output
how does orbital changes affect climate
elliptical orbit causes earth to be further or closer to sun
how does volcanic activity affect climate
eruptions release SO2 + CO2, increasing greenhouse gas layer
how does solar output affect climate
sports and flares increase temperature
human causes of climate change?
- fossil fuels
- agriculture
- deforestation
how do fossil fuels affect climate
burnt to generate energy but release co2 - main source
how does agriculture affect climate
livestock + paddy fields release methane during digestion and decomposed matter
how does deforestation affect climate
when trees are cut down they can no longer absorb co2
‘slash n burn’ releases co2
effects of climate change on environment
- rising temperatures causes melting ice caps (releasing methane) so sea levels rise
- rising sea levels cause low lying areas flood/submerge causing habitat loss
- habitat loss mean plants and animals may become extinct
rising temperatures effect on people
-people in hot regions have increased risk of heat-related health issues - working hours are shorter
- decrease crop yields + drought leads to starvation
