Impacts and Management of Climate Change

Question 1

What changes do melting glaciers bring to the hydrological cycle?

Answer 1

-Threaten flow of many Asian rivers that provide water for 1 billion people

-Meltwater can damage water quality and fill it with sediment, making it less drinkable or meaning it needs extra filtration which costs more

-Increased glacial outburst floods, losing a key water store

Question 2

Why is managing climate change becoming increasingly challenging?

Answer 2

Even if greenhouse emissons stopped, further warming would still take place

So, adaptation strategies are very necessary too

Many governments, communities etc… are slow to recognise the issue, so hard to coordinate global approaches and apply them locally, as everyone needs to be on board

Question 3

Action on climate change

Answer 3

Local- Green homes, recycling, greener transport e.g. cycling

National- Policies and legislation on energy mix, transport, taxations

International- Agreements/ Treaties e.g. Kyoto + Paris Agreements. Agree targets for C02 emissions e.g. now it’s less than 2 degrees pre industrial levels

Question 4

Impacts of Climate Change on Glaciers

Answer 4

40 glaciers tracked and lost average of 4ft per year

If ice continues melting at this rate only 10% Switzerland’s glaciers will remain by 2090

Some glaciers expected to disappear in next 15 years