Revision on effects of climate change

Question 1

What is the global average temperature rise since 1880?

Answer 1

1.1°C

Significant regional variation exists, with the High Arctic seeing increases of 2-4°C.

Question 2

What does the cryosphere refer to?

Answer 2

That part of the Earth’s surface where water is stored in ice

Includes ice sheets and glaciers.

Question 3

How much has the Arctic lost in annual glacial volume since 2002?

Answer 3

400 billion metric tons per year

Greenland ice sheet loss is 286 billion metric tons per year.

Question 4

What percentage of Arctic minimum ice cover has been lost since 1970?

Answer 4

12.8% per decade

Question 5

What is the estimated loss of sea ice volume in the Arctic Ocean over the last 40 years?

Answer 5

75%

This corresponds to a reduction of both sea ice extent and thickness by half.

Question 6

What is the significance of the Thwaites Glacier?

Answer 6

It accounts for 4mm of sea level rise per year

If it fully collapses, it would add 0.5 m to global sea levels.

Question 7

What are two factors causing sea level rise?

Answer 7

• Melting glaciers increase water in oceans
• Thermal expansion due to warmer atmospheric temperatures

Question 8

How much carbon is stored in permafrost?

Answer 8

1,600 gigatons

This carbon comes from thawing and decomposing organic matter.

Question 9

What effect does ocean warming have on carbon absorption?

Answer 9

Warmer oceans absorb lower levels of carbon dioxide

Leads to reduced carbon absorption over time.

Question 10

How much carbon is stored in the biosphere?

Answer 10

2,300 gigatons

Question 11

What is the average rate at which carbon flows through a stock called?

Answer 11

Carbon turnover

Question 12

What is the impact of drought frequency due to climate change?

Answer 12

Droughts are predicted to increase in frequency and severity in vulnerable regions

Question 13

What has been the trend in the frequency of meteorological events from 1980 to 2018?

Answer 13

Increased from 165,000 to 370,000 events per year

Question 14

What is the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

Answer 14

A periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean

Question 15

What percentage of insects, plants, and vertebrates may lose geo-climatic range at 2°C warming?

Answer 15

• 18% of insects
• 16% of plants
• 8% of vertebrates

Question 16

What is a consequence of forest fires related to climate change?

Answer 16

Rapid loss of biodiversity and carbon release

Question 17

What is the impact of climate change on the migration of species?

Answer 17

Species will likely migrate poleward seeking suitable geo-climatic areas

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The Arctic has experienced more than ___ wildfires in 2019.

Answer 18

100

Question 19

True or False: The Sahara Desert has grown 10% since 1902.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

What is the rate at which Atlantic cod and Europe’s purple emperor butterfly moved in a single decade?

Answer 20

More than 200km

Question 21

What phenomenon is associated with increased frequency of severe storms?

Answer 21

Rising ocean temperatures

Question 22

What is the average movement speed of terrestrial species per decade?

Answer 22

1 km per decade

This is contrasted with marine species, which move four times faster.

Question 23

Which species moved more than 200 km in a single decade?

Answer 23

Atlantic cod and Europe’s purple emperor butterfly

According to Camille Parmesan, a scientist at Plymouth University.

Question 24

What diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes?

Answer 24

• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus

The Aedes aegypti species is notably linked to the Zika virus crisis.

Question 25

Where are mosquitoes expected to extend their territories?

Answer 25

Temperate climates in North America and Europe, reaching as far north as the Arctic ## Footnote This indicates a significant range expansion due to climate change.

Question 26

What impact is climate change expected to have on crop yields?

Answer 26

Dramatic impact, with some crops facing declines and others benefiting ## Footnote Environmental stress and water insecurity will contribute to this change.

Question 27

What is the expected change in maize production in the US?

Answer 27

* Southern states: declines over 5% * Northern states: increases greater than 5% ## Footnote This reflects a poleward shift in maize yields.

Question 28

What disease has significantly impacted banana crops due to climate change?

Answer 28

Fusarium Wilt ## Footnote This disease has led to widespread losses of some banana varieties.

Question 29

What yield changes are observed in staples like rice, wheat, and potato?

Answer 29

* Northern temperate climates: 5% growth * Tropical southern climates: 5% fall ## Footnote This pattern is based on climatic regions.

Question 30

Which regions are likely to see increases in crop yields according to research at Californian University?

Answer 30

Europe and Brazil ## Footnote Southern Asia and Africa are expected to see the biggest falls in yield.

Question 31

What is the projected fall in crop yields for Africa by 2080?

Answer 31

Up to 10% fall ## Footnote This is particularly concerning for least developed countries facing food security issues.

Question 32

Which countries face worsening food insecurity due to falling crop yields?

Answer 32

China and India ## Footnote India already has the highest number of malnourished children.

Question 33

What is soil erosion?

Answer 33

Gradual movement and transport of the upper layer of soil (topsoil) ## Footnote Caused by agents like surface run-off, wind, and poor farming practices.

Question 34

What are the main causes of soil erosion?

Answer 34

* Surface run-off * Wind * Poor farming practices ## Footnote Water scarcity also contributes to soil erosion.

Question 35

What farming types are resilient to soil erosion?

Answer 35

* Fields maintaining soil cover with vegetation * Woodland * Pasture land ## Footnote These farming methods help protect against soil erosion.

Question 36

What farming practices are considered most vulnerable to soil erosion?

Answer 36

Soils that switch crops through the seasons and leave ploughed and tilled soils exposed ## Footnote This method is typical of farming in Europe and North America.

Question 37

What does the extent of soil degradation depend on?

Answer 37

The extent to which farmers adopt careful soil management methods ## Footnote This is critical for mitigating soil erosion risks.