Global Hazards- The Future

Question 1

Give an example of how increasing global warming is causing water shortages and reduced food security.

Answer 1

Warming causes changes in precipitation and temperature patterns.
Some areas- results in drier conditions- water shortages and a decreased ability to grow foods, e.g poor places like sub-Saharan Africa.
Poorer places also have less money to find technological solutions such as dams or to import sufficient food supplies.
Dehydration and famine can occur in vulnerable environments and populations.

Question 2

Give an example of conflicts can escalate as a result of global warming.

Answer 2

Egypt relies on Nile for water
Two main tributaries go through Ethiopia and Sudan
Egypt built Aswan High Dam which created a large lake to store water (Lake Nasser)
Droughts in 80s led to famine in Ethiopia and Sudan but Egypt wasn’t affected because of water in Lake Nasser.
If global warming continues to cause shortages and Ethiopia/Sudan increase use- Egypt likely affected.
Egypt ready to use force to protect access to Nile.

Question 3

What strategies have been proposed to help cope with the impacts of global warming?

Answer 3

Increasing energy efficiency
Energy conservation 
Decreasing carbon emissions 
Increasing alternative energy use 
Reafforestation

Question 4

The Stern Review in 2006 looked at the economics of climate change, what did it conclude?

Answer 4

An investment of 1% of the worlds GDP would be needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
If this investment isn’t made, GDP could be reduced by up to 20% in the future.

Question 5

What is Agenda 21?

Answer 5

A programme set up by the UN in 1992 which outlines action to be taken at local and global levels to help sustainable development.
The first section looks at vulnerability and is about combating poverty, changing consumption and promoting better health.
The second section looks at reducing risks by changing emissions, working against deforestation and protecting environments.