Causes & Impacts of Climate Change (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography): Flashcards
Exam code: 0460 & 0976
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Give three sources of evidence for past climate change.
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Give three sources of evidence for past climate change.
Any of: ice cores (trapped ash, air bubbles, microbes), preserved pollen, historical sources (diaries and art), tree rings and sea ice position.
Define the Quaternary period.
The Quaternary is the last 2.6 million years, during which there have been 60 cold periods and warmer interglacial periods.
The last ______ ended approximately 25,000 years ago.
The last ice age ended approximately 25,000 years ago.
Define Milankovitch cycles.
Milankovitch cycles are long-term changes to the Earth's orbit and position that alter how much solar radiation the Earth receives.
How does the shape of the Earth's orbit affect climate over its 100,000-year cycle?
A more circular orbit leads to cooler periods; a more elliptical orbit leads to warmer periods.
How do large volcanic eruptions affect global temperatures?
They eject vast quantities of ash into the atmosphere, which blocks solar radiation and leads to a decrease in temperatures.
True or False?
Increased sunspot activity is linked to lower average temperatures.
False.
Increased sunspot activity is linked to higher average temperatures.
In the greenhouse effect, what happens to short-wave radiation from the Sun?
It passes through greenhouse gases to the surface, is radiated back as long-wave radiation (heat), and some is absorbed by greenhouse gases, keeping heat from escaping to space.
Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth's average temperature would be ______.
Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth's average temperature would be -18°C.
How much has atmospheric CO₂ increased, and what level did it reach in 2020?
It has risen by more than 100 parts per million (ppm) to 420 ppm in 2020.
Name two human sources of methane (CH₄).
Decaying organic matter such as manure and landfill waste, rice fields and livestock.
How does population growth drive the enhanced greenhouse effect?
It raises energy demand, food production, industrialisation and transport, all increasing greenhouse gases so less heat escapes; global temperatures have risen over 1°C since pre-industrial times.
Which human activities release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
The burning of fossil fuels, the burning of wood, and deforestation (less CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere).
Average sea levels have risen ______ since 1880 and are forecast to rise a further 30 cm by 2050.
Average sea levels have risen 23 cm since 1880 and are forecast to rise a further 30 cm by 2050.
What two processes are causing global sea levels to rise?
Thermal expansion of warmer seawater and the melting of ice, both increasing the volume of water.
How is climate change affecting the spread of malaria?
It is spreading to previously malaria-free areas (e.g. Italy since 2017); an additional 280 million people may be affected.
Why does coastal flooding threaten agriculture?
It causes salt intrusion (saltwater contaminating freshwater and soils), while reduced water availability limits or prevents irrigation.
True or False?
Polar and tundra biomes can simply shift further towards the poles to survive a warming climate.
False.
Polar and tundra biomes are at risk of becoming extinct because they cannot shift any further north or south.
Give one way climate change threatens employment in tourism.
Ski resorts may close due to a lack of reliable snow, and coastal resorts may close due to flooding risk.
Define mitigation in the context of climate change.
Mitigation is action taken to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to halt global warming and therefore climate change.
Define adaptation in the context of climate change.
Adaptation means adjusting to cope with the impacts of climate change that are already being felt, such as building coastal defences or changing crops.
What did the Kyoto Protocol (1997) commit industrialised countries to do?
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions below their 1990 levels.
The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to ______ (preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels.
The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 2°C (preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels.
What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), introduced by the Paris Agreement?
Climate action plans submitted by each country outlining its commitments.
According to the RN, what two broad ways can greenhouse gas emissions be reduced?
By reducing the sources of emissions (e.g. using fewer fossil fuels) OR by increasing the stores of greenhouse gases (e.g. planting more trees).
On what three factors does the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation strategies depend?
Political willingness, the availability of finance and economic resources, and technological advancements.
Why is Bangladesh so vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding?
It is a low-lying flat delta: over 75% of the country is less than 10 m above sea level, and the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers converge there.
In Bangladesh, monsoon rainfall is predicted to rise by ______ by 2030.
In Bangladesh, monsoon rainfall is predicted to rise by 40% by 2030.
What were the impacts of the 1998 flood in Bangladesh?
75% of the country was flooded, making 30 million people homeless; over 1,000 people died and at least 700,000 hectares of crops were destroyed.
What would a 1 metre sea level rise mean for Bangladesh?
The loss of 20% of its land area, impacting 15 million people.
True or False?
Bangladesh is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
False.
Bangladesh is responsible for only 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet is extremely vulnerable to climate change.
Which mangrove ecosystem in Bangladesh is threatened by climate change?
The Sundarbans mangrove forest, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
What was the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2009)?
A government plan that identified climate risks, outlined adaptations, and set the need to cut emissions; Bangladesh pledged to reduce emissions by 22% by 2030.
It is estimated that Bangladesh will need ______ a year to finance adaptation and mitigation, far more than it can afford.
It is estimated that Bangladesh will need US$5 billion a year to finance adaptation and mitigation, far more than it can afford.
Give two ways Bangladesh has adapted to flooding.
Any of: submersible or raised roads, over 2,200 stilted shelters, community-based cyclone early warning systems, 6,000 km of coastal embankments, and drought/flood-resistant crop varieties.
Over how many kilometres of coastline has Bangladesh planted mangroves as an adaptation?
9,000 km of coastline.
Give two mitigation measures Bangladesh is using to cut its emissions.
Any of: improved agriculture to cut methane from rice, replacing biomass stoves, small-scale solar for homes, the Renewable Energy Policy (2008) target of over 10% renewables, abandoning nine coal plants, and electric vehicles/public transport.
The Bangladesh ______ Policy (2008) aims to increase renewable energy to over 10%.
The Bangladesh Renewable Energy Policy (2008) aims to increase renewable energy to over 10%.
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