The greenhouse effect

Question 1

Analyze the changes in concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide using historical records

Answer 1

• Glacier in east antarctic
• warmer climate = fewer Co2 bubbles in ice.
• Ice cores are analyzed to find the number of bubbles + analyze the gas trapped inside the bubbles

Question 2

Outline the precautionary principle

Answer 2

If the effects of a human-induced change would be very large, perhaps catastrophic, those responsible for that change must prove that it will not do harm before proceeding.

Question 3

Evaluate the precautionary principle as a justification for strong action in response to the threats posed by the enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 3

Consequences:

• melt-down of ice
• warning of sea-water
• permanent flooding
• failure of algal photosynthesis
• destruction of forests
• interruption of ocean current system

Actions:

• conserve fossilfuel stocks
• renewable sources
• nuclear power sources
• bioful sources
• reduce transport
• design well-insulated houses
• terminate the destruction of forests

Question 4

Outline the consequences of a global temperature rise on arctic ecosystems

Answer 4

Doubling of CO2 in the atmosphere leads to increase in the active layer of permafrost and a disappearance of most of the ice-rich discontinuous permafrost.
Disappearance of discontinuous permafrost results in erosion, change of hydrologic processes and release of CO2 + CH4 to the atmosphere