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Describe how human activities have caused rapid global warming over the last century, the impact of global warming on weather patterns and how the change in weather patterns affects food security. - NSC Life Sciences - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
Describe how human activities have caused rapid global warming over the last century, the impact of global warming on weather patterns and how the change in weather ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe how human activities have caused rapid global warming over the last century, the impact of global warming on weather patterns and how the change in weather patterns affects food security. - NSC Life Sciences - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
How human activities have caused rapid global warming
Answer
Human activities have significantly contributed to rapid global warming through various mechanisms over the last century:
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Increased Greenhouse Gases: The burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industrial purposes has led to a considerable increase in greenhouse gases such as CO2, N2O, and CFCs in the atmosphere. This increase contributes to the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat.
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Deforestation: Deforestation results in less CO2 being absorbed by trees, consequently increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
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Agricultural Practices: The decomposition of organic waste in landfills and the increased number of livestock contribute to emissions of methane (CH4), another potent greenhouse gas.
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Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: As these activities continue, they amplify the greenhouse effect, leading to more heat being trapped in the atmosphere.
Step 2
Impact of global warming on weather patterns
Answer
Global warming influences weather patterns in several significant ways:
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Higher Temperatures: Overall, global temperatures have risen, leading to more intense heat waves.
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Changes in Rainfall Distribution: Rainfall patterns have become altered. Some areas experience increased rainfall while others face droughts, altering the availability of freshwater.
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Increased Storm Frequency: The frequency and severity of storms have also changed, resulting in more severe weather events.
Step 3
How changes in weather patterns affect food security
Answer
Changes in weather patterns have direct and detrimental effects on food security:
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Food Security Decreases: As weather changes impact agricultural productivity, fewer crops are harvested.
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Desertification and Wildfires: Events such as desertification and increased wildfires further reduce arable land and crop yields.
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Livestock Impact: Higher temperatures adversely affect livestock, reducing their productivity and the availability of food sources derived from them.
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Future Challenges: These factors create challenges in food availability, leading to potential shortages and increased prices, exacerbating food insecurity globally.