Unit 1: Challenges for the planet

Name and describe 2 external factors which affect climate change

Solar Output – variations in amount of energy given off by sun. More sunspots, warmer climate. - Orbital Geometry: earth’s orbit of the sun varies in shape – whenwhen circular glacial periods have occurred, when elliptical warmer periods result

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Describe how volcanic activity can affect global climate change

Volcanic Dust puts huge amounts of ash and sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere – acts to block out solar radiation and can cause a decrease in global temperatures.

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Describe the main changes in global climate since the end of the last ice age.

There have been fluctuations with warmer and colder periods  8,000-4,000 years ago – 2 warmer periods with cold spell in between  1450-1850 – Little Ice Age  Since 1960s rapid increase in temperature

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How does surface reflection affect global temperatures?

Different types of surface have a different capacity to reflect radiation. Lighter surfaces e.g. snow and ice reflect large amounts of radiation back to space – reduces temp. Reduction in snow - less sunlight reflected back temp increases

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Give two examples of Greenhouse Gases.

Any of: 1. Chloroflurocarbons 2. Carbon Dioxide 3. Nitrous Oxide 4. Methane

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Give two sources of: (i) Methane (ii) Carbon Dioxide

Methane sources: Wetlands, paddy fields, landfills, burning vegetation, bowels of cattle and sheep Carbon Dioxide sources: Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) – in power stations and from car exhausts

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Why are levels of methane increasing?

Methane Increasing: increase in population (particularly LEDCs) – increase demand for rice to feed expanding population (more cattle & sheep raised for meat); also rising temps see release of methane from permafrost

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Why are levels of CO2 increasing?

Carbon Dioxide Increasing: increased energy use due to greater population and increase in electrical goods (due to greater wealth); also greater transport demands (inc. Flying and greater car ownership).

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Give the two major reasons for rising sea levels.

1. Melting of ice caps due to increased temperatures 2. Thermal expansion of water as temperatures rise.

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Give three negative effects of climate change.

ould include: 1. Retreating glaciers 2. Sea level rise 3. Reduction in crop production in some areas (there are others – see revision guide and you should also know specific examples!

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Why is international co-operation essential to tackle the problem of climate change?

Once released into the atmosphere, the greenhouse gases that cause Global warming spread far and wide affecting everyone. Therefore actions taken by individual countries will not be successful unless countries work together to reduce their gas emissi

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Name, and give the dates of two international meetings held to tackle the problem of climate change.

Kyoto Climate Conference (Japan) – led to Kyoto Protocol – 1997 Earth Summit – Rio – June 1992 Copenhagen (Denmark) – Sept 2009 Bali Conference – Dec 2007

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Give examples of what we do as a school to try and reduce our carbon footprint / be more environmentally friendly.

Recycling bins in every classroom,Turned down thermostats and restricted heating times.

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What is meant by our carbon footprint?

A measure of the impact our activity has on the environment and in particular on climate change. It is a measure of all the greenhouse gases we individually produce in our day to day lives and has units of tonnes (or kg) of CO2 equivalent.

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What is meant by the term sustainable development?

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising (limiting) the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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What is the name of Marks and Spencer's sustainable development policy? Explain what it involves.

Plan A:- Climate Change e.g. reduce energy consumption in stores / inc. Use of renewable energy - Waste: aim to reduce amount of packaging and carrier bags. - Sustainable raw materials. - Fair partners (improve livelihoods of workers. - Health

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How successful has Marks and Spencer's sustainable development policy (Plan A) been?

New electric lorries  Teardrop ‘eco-lorries’ – emit 20% less CO2  Reduce packaging and most now fully recyclable  Cut number of swing tickets  Charge for carrier bagsr-

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Describe the ways in which a hotel could reduce its carbon footprint.

Encourage people not to change towels daily Booking online / email confirmation (reduce paper / printing waste)

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Give three ways in which businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and be more sustainable.

- More energy efficient production techniques  Encourage customers and staff to recycle  Encourage employees to reduce own emissions (e.g. using bus / cycle to work)  Use of internet / email (cut paper/printing)

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Give two examples of sustainable transport management.

1. London Congestion Charge 2. Guided Bus System – St Ives 3. Park and Ride - Cambridge

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For a named example of a Park and Ride system describe its aim and how it works. (5 marks)

Provides parking for shoppers in car parks on edge of town. Parking free – just pay for bus – cuts pollution and reduces number of cars entering city. Cambridge – has 5 sites close to major routes into city–4,500 parking spaces available

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Explain what is meant by the congestion charge and what its aim is.

If drivers use designated central area of a city (e.g. London) – have to pay a daily charge – began in London in 2003 – aim to reduce congestion, reduce pollution and encourage greater use of public transport

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Using named examples, outline the main causes of Rainforest Destruction.

Logging e.g. Cameroon: commercial wood production – e.g. Local Baka work in soil mills and Naka pigmies employed to show logging companies best trees. Oil Extraction (Ecuador) e.g. in the oriente region. Mining. Extract Natural Gas – e.g. Peru

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What are the main impacts of Tropical Rainforest Destruction?

Soil and aquatic pollution e.g. in Amazon: River Tapajos – highly toxic mercury polluted waterways – found in fish and in turn affected people - Locals exploited/heath affected e.g. Baka pigmies working in sawmills (Cameroon) breath in toxic products

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Using specific examples, name and describe 2 examples of sustainable rainforest management.

1. Merck (USA company) allowed to look for plants with medical properties in Costa Rica – governments get a share of profits) 2. Small scale forestry – seek out naturally fallen trees – dragged out by buffalo (minimise destruction)

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Using specific examples, name and describe 2 more examples of sustainable rainforest management.

Inter-cropping – grow crops between trees of the rainforest (e.g. Bananas and cocoa) – sold as organic produce. 4. Eco-tourism – e.g. Costa Rica – trails set up and locals act as guides

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Describe four negative effects of global warming for the UK

Insufficient snow for winter sports in Scotland  Sea defences in coastal areas likely to cost greater than £10 billion due to increased erosion  Valuable low-lying farmland lost in fe-s  Thames Barrier become ineffectual

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Using examples describe three positive effects of global warming for the UK.

1. Higher yields of potatoes, sugar beet and tomatoes due to warmer temperatures. 2. Increased length of growing season in Scotland 3. Mediterranean style summers in the south

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Get Revising

Unit 1: Challenges for the planet

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