Water, Carbon, Climate and life on earth

Question 1

What can increased CO2 in atmosphere do to the water cycle ?

Answer 1

Higher evaporation rates and a wetter atmosphere which leads to a positive feedback situation of further warming. CO2 causes about 20% of earths greenhouse effect, water vapour occurs for 50% and clouds 25%.

Question 2

What can increased CO2 in atmosphere do to the ocean ?

Answer 2

As CO2 concentrations rise, air temps go up - the oceans then warm up and more water vapour evaporates into the atmosphere which amplifies greenhouse heating. Also CO2 can control the temperatures as it controls the amount of water vapour in atmosphere and therefore the size of the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Question 3

Mitigation to climate change for rural land use ?

Answer 3

Afforestation, Changing agricultural methods e.g non-ploughing.

Question 4

Mitigation to climate change for urban design ?

Answer 4

Sustainable transport, Waste management practices, Building design

Question 5

Mitigation to climate change for increased use of renewable energy ?

Answer 5

Solar energy, Wind power, Wave and tidal power