GCSE Geography- Causes of Climate Change

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Solar output is an example of a natural cause of climate change. This refers to the amount of energy that we get from the Sun. The amount of energy that we get fromt the Sun has been changing for a number of years. Measurements from 1980s have shown that the amount of solar energy that we get from the Sun has reduced by 0.1%. Even though this is not much, it can have a significant effect on the Earth's global temperature if this trend continues for another 100 years or so. It is said that 1% change in the solar output can make the Earth's global temperature rise or fall by 0.5c or 1c.

Surface reflection is another example of a natural cause of climate change. When there are cooler periods, snow and ice is formed and these can reflect sun rays back into space  by their white, shiny surfaces reducing the Earth's temperature slightly.

Changing atmospheric gas is also an example of a natural cause of climate change. Gases such as Carbon Dioxide are released into the atmosphere which goes to create the greenhouse effect. This greenhouse effect keeps heat within the Earth's atmopshere by absorbing longwave radiation. Therefore, these gases are essential as if they are not available, the greenhouse effect cannot occur and without the greenhouse effect the Earth's global temperature would be about -18c rather than the present 15c.

Orbital geometry is also another exmple…