Revision on effects of climate change Flashcards
What is the global average temperature rise since 1880?
1.1°C
Significant regional variation exists, with the High Arctic seeing increases of 2-4°C.
What does the cryosphere refer to?
That part of the Earth’s surface where water is stored in ice
Includes ice sheets and glaciers.
How much has the Arctic lost in annual glacial volume since 2002?
400 billion metric tons per year
Greenland ice sheet loss is 286 billion metric tons per year.
What percentage of Arctic minimum ice cover has been lost since 1970?
12.8% per decade
What is the estimated loss of sea ice volume in the Arctic Ocean over the last 40 years?
75%
This corresponds to a reduction of both sea ice extent and thickness by half.
What is the significance of the Thwaites Glacier?
It accounts for 4mm of sea level rise per year
If it fully collapses, it would add 0.5 m to global sea levels.
What are two factors causing sea level rise?
- Melting glaciers increase water in oceans
- Thermal expansion due to warmer atmospheric temperatures
How much carbon is stored in permafrost?
1,600 gigatons
This carbon comes from thawing and decomposing organic matter.
What effect does ocean warming have on carbon absorption?
Warmer oceans absorb lower levels of carbon dioxide
Leads to reduced carbon absorption over time.
How much carbon is stored in the biosphere?
2,300 gigatons
What is the average rate at which carbon flows through a stock called?
Carbon turnover
What is the impact of drought frequency due to climate change?
Droughts are predicted to increase in frequency and severity in vulnerable regions
What has been the trend in the frequency of meteorological events from 1980 to 2018?
Increased from 165,000 to 370,000 events per year
What is the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?
A periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean
What percentage of insects, plants, and vertebrates may lose geo-climatic range at 2°C warming?
- 18% of insects
- 16% of plants
- 8% of vertebrates
What is a consequence of forest fires related to climate change?
Rapid loss of biodiversity and carbon release
What is the impact of climate change on the migration of species?
Species will likely migrate poleward seeking suitable geo-climatic areas
Fill in the blank: The Arctic has experienced more than ___ wildfires in 2019.
100
True or False: The Sahara Desert has grown 10% since 1902.
True
What is the rate at which Atlantic cod and Europe’s purple emperor butterfly moved in a single decade?
More than 200km
What phenomenon is associated with increased frequency of severe storms?
Rising ocean temperatures
What is the average movement speed of terrestrial species per decade?
1 km per decade
This is contrasted with marine species, which move four times faster.
Which species moved more than 200 km in a single decade?
Atlantic cod and Europe’s purple emperor butterfly
According to Camille Parmesan, a scientist at Plymouth University.
What diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes?
- Malaria
- Dengue fever
- Zika virus
The Aedes aegypti species is notably linked to the Zika virus crisis.
Where are mosquitoes expected to extend their territories?
Temperate climates in North America and Europe, reaching as far north as the Arctic
This indicates a significant range expansion due to climate change.
What impact is climate change expected to have on crop yields?
Dramatic impact, with some crops facing declines and others benefiting
Environmental stress and water insecurity will contribute to this change.
What is the expected change in maize production in the US?
- Southern states: declines over 5%
- Northern states: increases greater than 5%
This reflects a poleward shift in maize yields.
What disease has significantly impacted banana crops due to climate change?
Fusarium Wilt
This disease has led to widespread losses of some banana varieties.
What yield changes are observed in staples like rice, wheat, and potato?
- Northern temperate climates: 5% growth
- Tropical southern climates: 5% fall
This pattern is based on climatic regions.
Which regions are likely to see increases in crop yields according to research at Californian University?
Europe and Brazil
Southern Asia and Africa are expected to see the biggest falls in yield.
What is the projected fall in crop yields for Africa by 2080?
Up to 10% fall
This is particularly concerning for least developed countries facing food security issues.
Which countries face worsening food insecurity due to falling crop yields?
China and India
India already has the highest number of malnourished children.
What is soil erosion?
Gradual movement and transport of the upper layer of soil (topsoil)
Caused by agents like surface run-off, wind, and poor farming practices.
What are the main causes of soil erosion?
- Surface run-off
- Wind
- Poor farming practices
Water scarcity also contributes to soil erosion.
What farming types are resilient to soil erosion?
- Fields maintaining soil cover with vegetation
- Woodland
- Pasture land
These farming methods help protect against soil erosion.
What farming practices are considered most vulnerable to soil erosion?
Soils that switch crops through the seasons and leave ploughed and tilled soils exposed
This method is typical of farming in Europe and North America.
What does the extent of soil degradation depend on?
The extent to which farmers adopt careful soil management methods
This is critical for mitigating soil erosion risks.
