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
rising sea levels effect on people
costal areas at risk of flooding causing loss of homes so overcrowding and migration
what period is earth is earth in currently
INTERGLACIAL
