Geo

Question 1

What is Environmental Change?

Answer 1

Environmental change is a change or disturbance of the environment most often caused by human influenced and natural ecological processes.

Question 2

Define sustainability

Answer 2

Sustainability is a social goal for people and the environment so that the future has the resources they need. This forces us to be considerable and conservative with our resources. This usually encompasses environmental, economic and social considerations.

Question 3

Define sustainable development

Answer 3

Sustainable development refers to the development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs - a balance. This means building a better future without harming the environment. This is putting the social goal of sustainability to light.

Question 4

What 3 areas need to be considered when making informed sustainable decisions?

Answer 4

Environment - Protecting natural resources and minimising negative impacts.

Social - Ensuring fair treatment to all people.

Economic - Supporting economic growth, making financially responsible decisions that benefit individuals and the society.

Question 5

What are the 2 centered view points on people and the environment?

Answer 5

Human centered - This viewpoint puts humans first, not thinking about the environment. E.g. advancement of technology and its needs from the environment.

Environmental centered - This viewpoints values nature and the environment, believing that all living things are important. Earth provides for our needs not our greeds.

Question 6

What are the 3 management strategies that need to be considered if we are to reverse or prevent environmental damage?

Answer 6

Economic viability - Our actions should make financial sense, supporting all people.

Environmental Benefits - Our actions should help the environment not destroy it. Are our actions ethical? This thought supports present and future life.

Social justice - Our decisions should be fair to all people, maintaining equality to all not just a few.

Question 7

Define biome

Answer 7

Biome is a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.

Question 8

Define land degradation

Answer 8

Land degradation is the process where the quality of the land becomes worse, losing its ability to support plants, animals, and human activities. This happens because of things like erosion, deforestation, pollution, and poor farming practices, making the land less productive for the present and future.

Question 9

Define habitat

Answer 9

The natural home or environment of an animal, plant or other organism.

Question 10

Define biodiversity

Answer 10

The variety of a plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is considered to be important and desirable.

Question 11

Define ecosystems

Answer 11

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Question 12

Why is the environment important and how are humans treating it?

Answer 12

Since the start of humanity we have always impacted the environment, e.g. clearing land for farming and shelters. This has gotten worse in the last 200 years, we are ‘exploiting’ the environment now - Industrial Revolution. How will this impact the future? We must always think - Sustainability.

Question 13

What is ecological services?

Answer 13

They are the benefits that nature provides to humans, helping us service and improve quality of life. E.g. air, food, climate regulation and culture recreation.

Question 14

What are the 4 different types of ecological services?

Answer 14

Support services - The foundation for all services and all forms of primary production. E.g. Soil formation and photosynthesis.

Provisioning services - The goods that people use or harvest from nature. E.g. food, water and medicine.

Regulating services - The control of natural services like floods and droughts, and the capacity of ecosystems to regulate climate, soil and water. E.g. climate regulation and flood control.

Cultural services - The religious, spiritual, aesthetic, educational, recreational and tourism benefits of nature. E.g. recreation activities and spiritual value.

Question 15

What is an ecological footprint?

Answer 15

Ecological footprint is the impact of a person or community on the environment. This is expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resource.

Question 16

How is an ecological footprint determined?

Answer 16

The ecological footprint per person is divided by the population of the nation. This represents in how much ha we need per person in land. E.g. in Australia we need 6.5 earths to sustain the level of usage.

Question 17

What happens if humans use more than what biocapacity can support?

Answer 17

The effects of this deficit are resource depletion and environmental damage.

Question 18

Define biocapacity

Answer 18

Biocapacity is the capacity of ecosystems to produce useful biological materials and to absorb waste materials generated by humans.

Question 19

What is P.A.C.O and when is it used?

Answer 19

Used to describe distributions.

Pattern: How is the pattern distributed (Even, Uneven, Clustered, Linear, Coastal etc.)

Areas: use your knowledge of place! (E.g. Africa has the lowest EF with….)

Compass: Sometimes you need to use compass direction to be more accurate e.g. SE Asia, rather than just saying Asia.

Odd: Do any countries not follow, your pattern!

Question 20

Define ecological

Answer 20

Ecological is anything related to the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Question 21

What are the 3 different models of climate change?

Answer 21

1. Natural induced climate change
2. Human induced climate change
3. Human and Natural induced climate change

Question 22

What are 2 examples of natural induced climate changes?

Answer 22

Volcanic eruptions and Forest fires

Question 23

What are 2 examples of human induced climate changes?

Answer 23

Deforestation and urbanization

Question 24

What are 2 examples of human and natural induced climate changes?

Answer 24

Droughts and heatwaves

Question 25

What is the quaternary period?

Answer 25

The quaternary period marks the global drop in temperature and when the most recent ice age began.

Question 26

When did the Quaternary period start?

Answer 26

2.58 million years ago, rounded to 2.6 million years ago.

Question 27

How many ice ages have occurred in Earth’s time?

Answer 27

5

Question 28

How old is earth, and how do we divide this timeline?

Answer 28

4.55 billions years. We divide this to eras, periods and epochs.

Question 29

Define Climate change

Answer 29

Climate change is the long-term change in weather. This usually occurs slowly over thousands of years and results in temperature changes.

Question 30

What are the 4 proofs of climate change?

Answer 30

1. Rising Sea Levels
2. Temperature records
3. Glacial retreat and melting ice
4. Historical records - Ice cores

Question 31

What is the proof of rising sea levels?

Answer 31

Global sea level has risen by 10 - 20cm over past 100 years for 2 reasons:

1. Temp increases cause glaciers and ice to melt
2. Thermal Expansion-when Ocean water warms, it expands, adding volume

Question 32

What is the proof for temperature records?

Answer 32

The earth’s average surface air temperature has increased by approximately 1 degree over last 100 years.

Last 3 decades have been the warmest

The 10 warmest years have occurs since 2000, excluding 1998

Question 33

What is the proof of glacial retreat and melting ice?

Answer 33

Snow and ice are undergoing a global-scale decline.

Glaciers are shrinking and retreating, they might disappear by 2035.

Arctic sea has thinned by 65% since 1975, 2014 was an all-time low.

Question 34

What is the proof for historical records - ice cores?

Answer 34

Ice cores are long tubes of ice drilled from glaciers and ice sheets, they trap bubbles of ancient air, allowing scientists to measure past CO2 levels and temperatures.

The data from these ice cores show that CO2 levels were stable until the early 19th century, but experienced a sharp increase, now they’re 40% higher than the Industrial Revolution.

Their is a direct relationship between the CO2 levels and temperature, as low CO2 levels occur during cooler temperatures and high CO2 levels occur during warmer temperatures.

Question 35

What are the natural factors that can drive a climate change?

Answer 35

Solar energy, orbit variations, continental movement, volcanic activity - over a long period of time.

Question 36

What are humans doing to interfere with these natural drivers of climate change?

Answer 36

Population growth, industrialisation, fossil fuel usage, development and demand for affluent lifestyles, deforestation,

Question 37

How is evidence on climate change being collected and validated?

Answer 37

research, scientific data, historical data etc…

Question 38

What are ‘positive feedback mechanisms’ and give examples?

Answer 38

Processes that are triggered by climate change that in turn produce further changes that amplify the effects of climate change. Example - polar regions where ice has melted, the dark ocean absorbs more heat and make the formation of ice less likely.

Question 39

Define greenhouse gases and enhancement

Answer 39

Greenhouse gasses are the gasses in the earth’s atmosphere that trap heat inside. They allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere, where it warms earth’s surfaces, but they also prevent this heat to leave into space - same as glass walls of greenhouses.

Question 40

Define global warming

Answer 40

Global warming is the long-term increase in earth’s average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This leads to climate changes, significantly impacting ecosystems and human life.

Question 41

What is the order of enhanced greenhouse gas affects?

Answer 41

1. Build up of greenhouse gasses
2. Global warming
3. Climate Change
4. Environmental and human life impacts

Question 42

What are 3 main natural causes of global warming?

Answer 42

1. orbital change - alters earth’s position relative to the sun, this influences how much sunlight earth receives, and therefore temperature.
2. Volcanic eruptions - volcanic ash blocks out the sun, lowering temp for a short amount of time and CO2 emissions contribute to the enhanced greenhouse gas effect.
3. Solar output - changes in the sun’s sunspots can influence global warming. More sunspots = more energy emissions from the sun which results in higher temp, opposite for less sunspots. Sunspots are dark patches that indicate solar activity.

Question 43

What are 3 main human induced causes of global warming?

Answer 43

1. Agriculture - 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. Cows and other livestock emit large amounts of methane - greenhouse gas affect. With a growing population, more demand - more livestock where this continues and will only get worse in the future.
2. Use of fossil fuels - the use of fossil fuels results in mass CO2 emissions which contribute to the enhanced greenhouse affect = global warming = climate change. 50% of greenhouse gas emissions, more population = more demand = this increases.
3. Deforestation - we clear tree’s, they absorb CO2 and store CO2, when we clear them, they release the stored CO2 and lose ability to absorb = more greenhouse gasses. This is major and if we burn = more greenhouse gases.

Question 44

What are the 8 effects of climate change on people and the environment?

Answer 44

Agricultural, health, energy, water supplies, (plants, animals and ecosystems), forests, coastal areas and recreation

Question 45

How is agriculture impacted by CC?

Answer 45

For crops to grow we need specific conditions to thrive, like the right temp and water. A changing climate increases temp which hurts crop growth. Global CC will also affect agriculture and food supply in many different ways.

CC could make it too hot to grow crops and droughts caused by CC could reduce water needed by the crops. CC also causes floods and storms - damage to crops. Higher temp could also change patterns that cause weeds and pests to spread in new areas.

Question 46

How is health impacted by CC?

Answer 46

Heat waves, severe storms, air pollution and diseases linked to climate already threaten people’s health in many areas around the world. Global climate change will make this worth - main people in risk are those who r poor, very young, elderly, disabled or those who live in coastal areas or big cities.

Heat waves can be dangerous for all, but the ones listed more so. Extreme heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and even death.

Air pollution worsens asthma or lung problems. Bad ozone in the air will increase because ozone increases with warmer temperature - harmful for people to breathe.

Question 47

How is energy impacted by CC?

Answer 47

Global CC will affect how much energy we need and when we need. AC uses a lot of energy - fossil fuel burning. CC also makes harder to produce hydropower energy.

As climate change causes precipitation patterns to shift, some areas that currently have plenty of water to make hydropower, such as northern California, might not have enough water in the future. Without enough water to produce electricity, these areas could experience power shortages and blackouts. They might have to use other energy sources to make more of the electricity they need, and if these sources are fossil fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas, more greenhouse gases will be added to the atmosphere.

Question 48

How are water supplies affected by CC?

Answer 48

Climate change is affecting water supplies for people to use, places already have limited water supplies, this will make it worse. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing droughts will affect the amount of water in lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as the amount of water that seeps into the ground to replenish ground water.

Public water supplies will decrease, making people have less to use in the homes and businesses and make other changes, not watering plants.

Many places rely on snowmelt to fill the lakes, rivers and streams that kelp keep drinking water and water plants. Less snowpack and earlier snowmelt will reduce the amount of water flowing into the Colorado and other rivers.

Question 49

How are plants, animals and ecosystems affected by CC?

Answer 49

Most plants and animals live in areas with very specific climate conditions, such as temperature and rainfall patterns. Any change in the climate of an area can affect the plants and animals living there, and ecosystem. Some species are already responding to CC by moving to cooler locations. CC also alters the life cycles of plants and animals. Many plants are starting to grow and bloom earlier in the spring and survive longer into the fall. Some animals are waking from hibernation sooner or migrating at different times, too.

As earth gets warmer, plant and animals that need to live in cold places like on mountaintops or the Arctic might not have a suitable place to live. If the Earth keeps getting warmer, up to one–fourth of all the plants and animals on Earth could become extinct within 100 years. Every plant and animal plays a role in the ecosystem (for example, as a source of food, a predator, a pollinator, a source of shelter), so losing one species can affect many others.

Question 50

How does CC affect the forest?

Answer 50

Forests provide homes for many kinds of plants and animals. They also protect water quality, offer opportunities for recreation and provide wood. Forests are sensitive to many effects of climate change, including shifting weather patterns, drought, wildfires, and the spread of pests.

As temp inc and droughts inc, wildfires are expected to occur more often and be more destructive - more CO2- Green. Wildfires do occur naturally, but the extremely dry conditions resulting from droughts allow fires to start more easily, spread faster, and burn longer. Fires don’t just change landscape they threaten people’s homes and lives too.

Question 51

How does CC affect coastal areas?

Answer 51

Global CC threatens coastlines - specifically the buildings and cities located along them. Many millions of ppl live next to coast that could be flooded if sea levels increase. Rising sea level will also erode beaches and damage many coastal wetlands. Rising sea level and stronger storms caused by warmer oceans could completely wipe out certain beaches and islands.

CC poses risks for cities near ocean, e.g. Miami, Maldives and Bangladesh if sea levels rise. If this happens many people will lose their homes, jobs and businesses.

Question 52

How does CC affect recreation?

Answer 52

Warmer temperatures could also affect people’s jobs, recreational activities, and hobbies. In areas that usually experience cold winters, warmer temperatures could reduce opportunities for skiing, ice fishing, and other winter sports. Also, rising sea level could wash away beaches.

Higher sea level will mean less space at the beach. A combination of stronger storms and sea level rise could increase the rate of erosion along the coast, and some beaches could disappear altogether.

Question 53

What are the 4 main ways to mitigate CC?

Answer 53

Alternative energy production, carbon capture and storage (CCS), planting trees and international agreements.

Question 54

What does the mitigation strategy of alternative energy production mean?

Answer 54

Countries are turning to alternative energy sources like hydroelectricity. This doesn’t output CO2, also the use of solar panels is being advocated.

Question 55

What does the mitigation strategy of carbon capture and storage (CSS) mean?

Answer 55

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and storing them underground - so they don’t go out in the atmosphere - enhanced greenhouse effect. The only downside to this is that it’s very expensive.

Question 56

What does the mitigation strategy of planting trees mean?

Answer 56

Trees absorb and store CO2 through photosynthesis - preventing them from reaching earth’s atmosphere. This also enhanced biodiversity, further helping air quality.

Question 57

What does the mitigation strategy of international agreements mean?

Answer 57

Global agreements like the 2009 Copenhagen accord brings countries together for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And the use of renewable energy and advocating the other 3 mitigation strategies.

Question 58

WHAT ARE WAYS TO REDUCE OCEAN PLASTICS?

Answer 58

Improving Waste Management Systems: Enhancing waste collection, recycling, and proper disposal, especially in coastal and developing areas, can prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics: Banning or limiting single-use plastics like straws, bags, and bottles encourages the use of reusable alternatives, significantly cutting down plastic waste.

Promoting Plastic Recycling and Reuse: Increasing recycling rates and encouraging the use of recycled materials reduce the need for new plastic production and lower the amount of plastic waste.

Cleanup Initiatives: Organizing beach cleanups and supporting ocean cleanup projects help remove existing plastic debris from waterways and coastlines.

Innovative Product Design: Encouraging the design of biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials can reduce the environmental impact of plastic products.

Raising Public Awareness: Education and awareness campaigns help change consumer behavior, promoting responsible plastic use and disposal.

International Policies and Agreements: Strengthening international cooperation to reduce plastic pollution through policies and regulations can help mitigate the global plastic crisis in oceans.