Global Effects of Climate Change

Question 1

Sea levels

Answer 1

Sea level rises caused by thermal expansion of the oceans and also by the melting of glaciers and land-based ice caps

Question 2

Flooding

Answer 2

Low-lying coastal areas will suffer flooding, for example, Bangladesh leading to large-scale displacement of people and loss of land for farming and destruction of property

Question 3

Refugees

Answer 3

Climate change refugees moving to higher ground or to other countries from areas such as Tuvalu or the Maldives will exert more pressure on resources such as housing, water and power supplies in the receiving area

Question 4

Forest fires

Answer 4

A prolonged dry season can lead to forest fires, for example in California, USA

Question 5

Hurricanes

Answer 5

Due to increased ocean temperatures hurricanes will become more frequent and intense. (Florida, USA)

Question 6

Coral bleaching

Answer 6

Increased sea temperatures have led to 80% coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals expel the algae living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Question 7

Tropical diseases

Answer 7

Increase in extent of tropical diseases, Malaria and Yellow fever are already spreading as warmer areas expand. Possibly up to 40 million more in Africa being exposed to risk of contracting malaria

Question 8

Plants and animals

Answer 8

The increased temperature across the globe will result in many plants and animals facing extinction - predicted extinction of at least 10% of land species

Question 9

North-West Passage

Answer 9

The North-West Passage will be opened up to ships due to melting sea ice meaning more efficient trading routes.

Question 10

Growing seasons

Answer 10

Longer growing seasons in many areas in Northern Europe, increasing food production and range of crops being grown