Key Terms: Climate Change (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Note

Climate change causes and effects - key terms glossary

Causes of climate change

Atmospheric dust – Tiny particles in the atmosphere from meteors or volcanic eruptions that reflect sunlight and reduce temperatures.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – A greenhouse gas released from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – Chemicals used in aerosols and fridges that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Deforestation – The cutting down of trees which reduces the amount of CO₂ removed from the atmosphere.

Enhanced greenhouse effect – When human activities increase the amount of greenhouse gases, causing more heat to be trapped.

Fossil fuels – Natural fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, used for energy, which release greenhouse gases when burned.

Greenhouse effect – The natural process where greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases – Gases like CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Methane (CH₄) – A greenhouse gas released by cattle, rice farming, and decaying waste.

Milankovitch cycles – Natural changes in the Earth's orbit and tilt that affect the climate over thousands of years.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) – A greenhouse gas released from fertilisers and burning fossil fuels.

Sunspot activity – Dark spots on the sun linked to changes in solar radiation and global temperature.

Volcanic eruptions – Natural events that release ash into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and cooling the planet.

Effects of climate change

Agriculture disruption – Crops may fail due to drought or flooding, forcing farmers to change what they grow.

Beach erosion – Coastal areas wear away faster due to rising sea levels and stronger storms.

Coral bleaching – Warmer sea temperatures cause coral reefs to die.

Ecosystem change – Animal and plant habitats shift or disappear as temperatures rise.

Health risks – Increases in diseases like malaria and respiratory problems due to warmer temperatures and pollution.

Job losses – Some jobs, especially in tourism and farming, may disappear due to changing climate conditions.

Migration – People may be forced to move due to flooding, heatwaves, or food shortages.

Nutrition – Food shortages caused by droughts and floods may lead to malnutrition or famine.

Property damage – Homes and businesses may be destroyed or damaged by flooding or extreme weather.

Sea level rise – Oceans expand due to warming and melting ice, leading to coastal flooding.

Wildfires – Hotter, drier conditions increase the frequency and severity of forest fires.

Managing climate change - key terms glossary

Mitigation

Afforestation – Planting more trees to absorb CO₂ and reduce global warming.

Alternative energy – Using clean, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric instead of fossil fuels.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) – Collecting CO₂ before it escapes into the atmosphere and storing it underground.

International agreements – Global decisions to reduce emissions, such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.

Paris Agreement – A 2015 global deal to limit global warming to below 2°C.

Renewable energy – Energy from sources that do not run out, such as sunlight, wind, and water.

Adaptation

Agricultural changes – Using drought-resistant crops, better irrigation, and new farming methods to cope with changing climates.

Desalination – The process of turning salt water into drinking water to tackle shortages.

Flood defences – Sea walls, barriers, and mangrove planting to protect against rising sea levels.

Floating gardens – Crops grown on floating platforms to survive flooding.

Raised homes – Houses built on stilts to avoid flood damage.

Water conservation – Using water-saving devices and managing supplies more efficiently.