Likely effects of climate change Flashcards
Suggest reasons for the changes in the extent of Arctic sea ice shown in the map. [4]
In Figure 1, it can be seen that sea ice has decreased from the years 1979 to 2000. This is because of the Enhance Greenhouse Effect an increased amount of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) traps more solar radiation in the atmosphere thus melting the ice. Factors such as burning fossil fuels, changes in agriculture and deforestation are all examples of human activity which causes climate change,
What are the social effects of climate change
Skiing tourist resorts such as the Alps may close or have shorter seasons as there may be less snow.
In the UK, average temperatures are likely to increase, as will the risk of diseases such as skin cancers and heat strokes. Milder winters may lead to a decline in winter-related deaths
Health: in Europe, more
heat waves can increase
deaths, but deaths related to
colder weather may decrease
Health in southern and eastern Africa may decline as malaria would increase in hot humid regions that remain hotter for longer in the year
What are the economic effects of climate change
Skiing tourist resorts such as the Alps may close or have shorter seasons as there may be less snow
Flood risk from heavy rain is one of the main threats to the UK. The estimated cost of damage from flooding could rise from £2.1 billion currently to £12 billion by the 2080’s
The fishing industry in East Asia is expected to decline due to higher temperatures and more acidic seas.
What are the environmental effects of climate change in Europe
The Mediterranean region may see increased drought
Less heating required means increased crops and forest growth in northern Europe
The UK may be affected by sea level rise in Europe, putting the UK’s coastal defences under increased strain
In the UK, average temperatures are likely to increase
Extreme weather (drought, heat waves and flooding) is expected to increase across the UK, as are water shortages in the south and south east
Crop yields in Europe are expected to increase but require more irrigation
What are the environmental effects of climate change in the rest of the world
Drought is likely to put pressure on food and water supplies in sub-Saharan Africa due to higher temperatures and less rainfall
Agriculture may be affected in South Asia. A decrease in wheat and maize and a small increase in rice are expected
Warmer rivers affect marine wildlife. The change in food supply may decrease the Ganges river dolphin population in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
Around 70% of Asia may be at increased risk of flooding
Wildlife declines as polar bears and seals disappear with the loss of habitat as ice melts
Less Ice in the Arctic ocean would allow more shipping and extraction of gas and oil reserved
The tree line of the Sub-Arctic boreal forests is expected to retreat north as temperatures rise.
What are the environmental effects of climate change in America, Australia, Antarctica
It is likely that agriculture may yield more wheat and soybean and rice but see a decrease in maize fields in North America
Forests in North America may be affected more by pests, disease and forest fire.
In Central America, maize
crop yields mayfall by up
to 12 per cent.
In the Amazon rainforests
a modest level of climate
change can cause high
levels of extinction. Eastern Amazonia may become a
savannah with warmer
temperatures and less soil
moisture.
South America is expected
to decrease in maize,
soybeans and wheat crop
yields
Fishing in the Lower
Mekong delta would
decline, affecting 40 million
people, due to reduced
water flow and sea level
rise changing the quality of the water.
Less rainfall may affect
wildlife, causing food
shortages for orangutans
in Borneo and Indonesia
