Climate Chnage Flashcards
What is the difference between climate and weather?
Climate is the general weather over a long period of time and averages gathered over many years whereas weather occurs over a shorter period of time.
What is climate change?
Refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth’s climate, such as long term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Can be due to natural causes or human activity.
What are the primary natural causes of climate change?
Volcanoes, ocean currents, changes in the earths orbit and natural greenhouse gas emissions from sources like wetlands and forests.
What are the main human causes of climate change?
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes and agricultural practices that release greenhouse gases.
What role do forests play in combatting climate?
They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as carbon sinks and reducing overall concentration of greenhouse gases.
How does agriculture contribute to climate change?
Through emissions of methane from livestock, nitrous oxide from fertilised soils and carbon dioxide from land-use.
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Altering habitats, leading species to migration due to seasonal weather changes, increased extinction rates due to food scarcity and destruction of habitats.
How does the UK plan to meet its sustainable development goals in relation to climate change?
Through implementing policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy use, and promoting sustainable practises across various sectors.
What are the economic impacts of climate change?
Increased costs from extreme weather events, damage to infrastructure, disruption to industries such as agriculture and need for investment into adaptations to meet changes in the environment.
