Lesson 16 - RCP + Tipping Points

Question 1

What is RCP?

Answer 1

Representative Concentration Pathway
Subsequent changes due to certain atmospheric GG concentration

Question 2

Describe an RCP 2.5 future

Answer 2

High effort to reduce emissions
Renewables + capture technology
1 degree rise
0.4m sea level rise
Small increase in extreme weather

Question 3

Describe an RCP 4.5 future

Answer 3

Medium effort to reduce emissions
Energy production + consumption mix
1.8 degree rise
0.47m sea level rise
Mild increase in extreme weather

Question 4

Describe an RCP 6.0 future

Answer 4

Medium effort to reduce emissions
Energy production + consumption mix
2.2 degree rise
0.48m sea level rise
Moderate increase in extreme weather

Question 5

Describe an RCP 8.5 future

Answer 5

Low effort to reduce emissions
Coal fired power + fossil fuels
3.7 degree rise
0.63m sea level rise
Large increase in extreme weather

Question 6

What is a Tipping Point?

Answer 6

Abrupt irreversible large scale change
Over few decades or less

Question 7

Which tipping points will affect the hydrological cycle?

Answer 7

Long term drought
Intensification of monsoon climate
Loss of Arctic Sea ice

Question 8

Which tipping points will affect ecosystems?

Answer 8

Dieback of tropical forests
Dieback of boreal forests

Question 9

Name the 7 recognised tipping points

Answer 9

Thermohaline collapse
Seabed methane release
Tropical forest loss
Boreal forest loss
Loss of Arctic sea ice
Long term droughts
Intense monsoon