Lesson 11 Flashcards
Why will climate change cause sea levels to rise?
- water from melting ice caps
- water expansion due to warmer temperatures.
What does seawater move in?
a series of currents known as thermohaline circulation, or the ‘global ocean conveyor’. The currents flow due to water density.
What warm saltwater currents are responsible for the relative warmth of the UK climate?
thermohaline circulation, or the ‘global ocean conveyor’
Definition of an environment?
The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives or operates’ or ‘the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as affected by human activity
Definition of a habitat?
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant or other organism
What changes could climate change cause?
rainfall and weather conditions as well as increases and decreases in local temperatures
What species will come more common due to climate change?
invasive species
What are conservationists researching?
which species will thrive in conditions affected by climate change and how habitats must be supported to adapt their ecosystems. It may not be possible to restore some ecosystems to prior states, but they could adapt to help nature to thrive.
Describe the conservation practice of rewilding?
allowing nature to bounce back in suitable areas. It has been suggested that 12% of theUK’s greenhouse gas emissions could be captured by restoring and protecting native woodlands, peatlands, heaths and species-rich grasslands over30% of Britain.
Describe the conservation practice of carbon capture?
trees, peatlands, saltmarshes and other ecosystems are perfectly adapted to soak up carbon dioxide and store it.
Describe the conservation practice of reintroducing species?
studies have shown that beaver dams and ponds can reduce nitrogen pollution in watercourses, as well as helping with flood management. Other British species such as red squirrels and sea eagles have also been reintroduced.
What can wildfires be a result of?
poor management practices, accidents or deliberate arson.
Describe how wildfires have a major impact on all three pillars of sustainability?
- Environmental: loss of species and habitats.
- Social: displacement of people and lost homes, fatalities, health effects.
- Economic: loss of infrastructure/agriculture and productivity, rebuilding, suppression and firefighting costs, impact on tourists.
Describe soil erosion in terms of climate change?
Predicted climate change will influence rainfall and rainfall effects, such as soil erosion.
Some of the largest affected areas will be land that would have been used for growing crops such as wheat and cereals.
Describe the challenges of farming conditions?
Increased wet and dry periods could increase the risk of crop diseases. Extreme temperatures are also a risk. For example, 2021 saw a 35% increase in combine-harvester fires.
What may higher food prices be a result of?
lower wheat yields
What is there a potential for over food resources?
economic and physical wars
What challenges could the human population face as a result of climate change?
Ideal temperatures for humans range from 17 to 24 degrees.
Exposure to temperatures above 25 degrees with high humidity can cause heat stress. Extreme temperatures can be lethal. The number of locations experiencing temperatures of 25 degrees on a frequent basis is steadily increasing.
As a result, certain regions of the world may become increasingly inhospitable for human populations.
