Photo AI
Look at Diagram Q3 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 3 - 2023
Question 3
Look at Diagram Q3. (a) Explain the human causes of climate change. (b) Discuss a range of possible impacts of climate change. You should support your answer with ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at Diagram Q3 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 3 - 2023
Step 1
Explain the human causes of climate change.
Answer
Human activities have significantly contributed to climate change, primarily through the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Here are some key causes:
-
Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This is the most significant factor driving climate change, as CO2 is a major greenhouse gas.
-
Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2, thus clearing forests for agriculture or urban development reduces the earth’s capacity to absorb this greenhouse gas. As forests are destroyed, not only is carbon storage reduced, but also the carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere.
-
Agricultural Practices: Agriculture contributes to climate change through methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Livestock digestion emits methane, while the use of synthetic fertilizers increases nitrous oxide emissions, both of which have a more potent warming effect than CO2.
-
Industry: Industrial activities produce a variety of greenhouse gases through chemical reactions, energy consumption, and waste. Manufacturing processes can emit gases like fluorinated gases, which are significantly more effective at trapping heat than CO2.
These human activities are leading to an increase in global temperatures, which alters ecosystems and contributes further to climate changes.
Step 2
Discuss a range of possible impacts of climate change. You should support your answer with specific examples.
Answer
Climate change has numerous potential impacts across various aspects of life on Earth. Here are some key effects:
-
Marine Ecosystems: Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption by seawater, negatively impacts marine life, particularly coral reefs. For example, the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing bleaching events and declines in biodiversity due to both acidification and rising sea temperatures.
-
Weather Patterns: Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods. For instance, warmer sea surface temperatures have been linked to more intense hurricane activity, as seen in hurricanes like Katrina and Sandy.
-
Food Security: Altered growing seasons and unpredictable weather can affect agricultural productivity. For example, regions dependent on consistent weather patterns for crops, such as wheat in the Midwest USA, may face significant risks from droughts or floods, threatening food supply.
-
Human Health: Increased heatwaves can exacerbate health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations. For example, heat-related illnesses significantly increased during the European heatwave of 2003.
-
Biodiversity Loss: Many species are unable to adapt rapidly to changing climates, leading to habitat loss and extinction. For example, polar bears face habitat loss due to melting sea ice in the Arctic, resulting from rising global temperatures.
These examples illustrate that climate change poses a serious challenge, impacting ecosystems, human health, and global economies.