Tuvalu ⛵️🏝️ + Tiny Bit On Extreme Weather

Question 1

Where is Tuvalu

Answer 1

• Tuvalu is a group of 9 tiny islands in the South Pacific
• nearby Austrailia

Question 2

What is Tuvalu like

Answer 2

• most islands are low lying —> highest point on the islands is only 4.5m above sea level
• around 11, 000 people live on Tuvalu
• the economy is based on the export of copra and the sale of fishing licences for tuna

Question 3

What are the issues facing Tuvalu

Answer 3

• sea level rise
• increased levels of salivation = affects soil = impact on agricultural productivity
• Wells are the only source of water, but are becoming increasingly polluted by sea water
• water supply becomes difficult due to increased droughts = due to climate change
• coastal erosion: erodes productive land
• During King Tides, the islands are battered by powerful waves, threatening homes and flooding roads
• The main runway is under threat from flooding

Question 4

How are the people in Tuvalu responding

Answer 4

• Tuvalu government are campaigning for other countries to help tackle global warming by reducing carbon emissions
• a wave of ‘environmental refugees’ going to New Zealand
• some low sea walls have been constructed —> but the sea walls are being eroded = not long term
• Japan is supporting a coral reef restoration programme to reintroduce species to damaged reefs = provide protection from storms as sea levels continue to rise

Question 5

How can global warming lead to more extreme weather

Answer 5

• warmer climate = more energy in atmosphere + greater rates of evaporation from ocean
• this means that more water vapour can cause increased rain/snow

Question 6

What are the changes to disease ranges (vectors) due to global warming

Answer 6

• increased range of Malaria
• as area of warmer and wetter climates increase, the mosquitos spread to these areas

Question 7

How does increased erosion happen due to extreme weather

Answer 7

• more higher energy storm events creates greater/more erosion