Effects Of Climate Change

Question 1

What are the social effects of global warming?

Answer 1

• Inundation of low-lying coastal areas could lead to the displacement of nearly 600 million people.
• Changes in weather patterns could decrease crop yields ; prompting food insecurity.
• Warmer temperatures increase the risk of diseases and health complications such as malaria, heat strokes and skin cancers.
• Glacial retreat reduces the discharge of freshwater into rivers ; creating water insecurity.

Question 2

What are the economic effects of global warming?

Answer 2

• Many world economic centres, such as London and New York, could experience severe flooding.
• Ski resorts may have shorter seasons, or could completely close, due to the lack of snow.
• Countries that depend on coastal tourism as their main source of income will be forced to close hotels and attractions due to sea level rise.
• Valuable land and property will need to be protected by expensive defences.
• Harbours and ports may be flooded, reducing fishing and trade opportunities.

Question 3

What are the environmental effects of global warming?

Answer 3

Increased global temperatures :

• Enact the melting of land-based ice ( such as glaciers and ice sheets ) that flow into the oceans ; creating a eustatic rise.
• Increase SST ; inducing the thermal expansion of the oceans.
• Change weather patterns and ocean currents.

> Saltwater incursion can pollute groundwater and salinise soil ; affecting coastal ecosystems.
Increased SST can bleach coral reefs.

Question 4

What are the positive opportunities of global warming?

Answer 4

• Temperature climates could experience boosted tourism as temperatures increase.
• As ice melts, new arctic ports could be constructed for trade.
• Shifts in agriculture in northern countries, such as the UK, could increase exports.