Climate Change and Social Vulnerability Quiz
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Questions and Answers

How do monitoring systems like satellites and dropsondes contribute to tropical storm management?

They provide critical real-time data on storm conditions, helping to track and predict storm paths.

What are the major challenges in communicating early warnings about tropical storms to affected communities?

Challenges include addressing poor infrastructure and the diverse communication needs of dispersed populations.

In what ways do cultural and social knowledge enhance community resilience against storm surges?

They provide valuable insights into local risks and improve the effectiveness of risk reduction and recovery strategies.

Define vulnerability in the context of natural hazards and explain how it can be reduced.

<p>Vulnerability reflects the extent of exposure and susceptibility of people and assets to hazards and can be reduced through improvements in environmental security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the degree of risk associated with natural hazards?

<p>The degree of risk is determined by the probability of a natural event occurring, the elements at risk, and the level of vulnerability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the majority of the population's literacy in the described culture?

<p>The majority of the population was illiterate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant weather pattern began in Scotland during the late 1860s?

<p>Scotland experienced a 30-year period of severe winter storms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred in 1881 that influenced weather conditions in the North Atlantic?

<p>Extensive sea ice extended into the North Atlantic, affecting the thermal gradient and increasing storms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural memory influence the perception of extreme weather events?

<p>The impact of extreme weather varies based on individual cultural and historical experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do different forms of remembering play according to Naylor et al. (2022)?

<p>They help curate, recycle, and transmit information about past events across generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the experience of unusual extreme events significant, according to Macdonald et al. (2022)?

<p>It conditions people’s understanding of risk and uncertainty regarding future extreme events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the typical weather conditions experienced in Scotland's summers and autumns during the period?

<p>Summers and autumns were generally wet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often did headmasters and teachers change, and what was the impact of this turnover?

<p>Headmasters and teachers changed regularly, leading to a lack of understanding of the significance of weather over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some common weather events associated with snow and ice?

<p>Snow storms, blizzards, and avalanches are common weather events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the snow event in the UK on January 7, 2007?

<p>More than 10% of the workforce was unable to commute, schools were shut, and transport faced delays.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain what occurs during an ice storm or frozen rain.

<p>Falling rain turns into ice upon contact with freezing surfaces, covering everything in a smooth layer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred during the North American ice storm from January 4-10, 1998?

<p>Nearly 3 million people were left without power, and over 15,000 troops were deployed for aid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the estimated damages caused by the 1998 ice storm in Canada?

<p>Damages were estimated between 5 and 7 billion USD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is referred to as an ice tsunami or ice shove?

<p>It is the piling up of ice on oceans or lakes caused by winds, currents, or temperature differences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors are indicated as potential influences on the frequency and intensity of storms?

<p>The North Atlantic Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation may influence storm patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is there evidence of an increase in snow storms in the UK?

<p>There are indications, but it is not definitively proven due to a lack of long-term records.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the freezing of the Thames illustrate about the relationship between climate and hydraulics?

<p>The freezing of the Thames indicates that such events are more a product of hydraulic systems rather than purely climatic conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are vulnerable populations defined in relation to climate hazards?

<p>Vulnerable populations are identified as those at risk due to marginal conditions that create a state of 'permanent emergency', rather than just exposure to hazards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the AHRC research project on Hebridean life?

<p>The focus was on social vulnerability to weather, examining aspects such as mobility, school attendance, and community response to weather events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Pfister and Brazdil, what scale of analysis is more effective for understanding social vulnerability to climate impacts?

<p>A change from the macroscale of generalization to the micro-scale of case studies is necessary for effective analysis of social vulnerability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the capitalist system have on island communities in the late 18th century?

<p>The capitalist system disrupted traditional farming practices, settlements, and resulted in the dispersal of communities, exacerbating poverty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were some effects of extreme weather on school attendance in the Outer Hebrides?

<p>Extreme weather led to very low school attendance and instances of children being sent home early during severe weather events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of infrastructure damage are associated with adverse weather in the context provided?

<p>Adverse weather is linked to various forms of infrastructure damage, including flooding and wind damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'weather memory' refer to, and what issues arise from its absence in communities?

<p>'Weather memory' refers to the collective recollection of significant weather events, and its absence indicates a lack of long-term thinking and planning for future weather impacts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main strategies to reduce the impacts of natural hazards as outlined in the content?

<p>Protection, mitigation, and adaptation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the focus of disaster management responses shifted since the 1990s?

<p>The focus has shifted from 'hazards' to 'disasters', emphasizing human vulnerability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between macro and micro protection measures in disaster risk reduction.

<p>Macro protection involves large-scale structures like levees, while micro protection refers to individual building scale measures like earthquake-proof houses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does insurance play in disaster risk reduction according to the content?

<p>Insurance transfers risk to an insurer for a premium, which can reduce vulnerability by providing financial compensation for losses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key phases of disaster aid as described in the content?

<p>The emergency period (24 hours to 3 weeks), relief period (2 weeks to 6 months), and recovery period (5 weeks to 10 years or more).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences the capacity to respond to natural hazards according to the research findings?

<p>The capacity to respond is highly dependent on societal factors, particularly levels of development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how community wildfire protection plans assess overall risk.

<p>They combine mapping of fuel hazard, ignition risk, and assets at risk to create an overall risk rating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges are associated with obtaining insurance in high-risk areas?

<p>High-risk areas may struggle to obtain insurance without government support and there is often low uptake of insurance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of climate change?

<p>Climate change is a change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean or variability of its properties, persisting for decades or longer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are climate extremes defined?

<p>Climate extremes are occurrences of a weather or climate variable above or below threshold values near the upper or lower ends of the observed range.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Wisner (2004), what factors influence social vulnerability?

<p>Social vulnerability is influenced by the characteristics of a person or group and their situation, affecting their capacity to cope with and recover from natural hazards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bankoff (2007) suggest about populations living with daily disaster threats?

<p>Bankoff suggests that these populations often develop coping strategies that can be quite successful despite chronic vulnerability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant health impact did the August 2003 heatwave have in Europe?

<p>The August 2003 heatwave resulted in the deaths of around 35,000 people from heat-related causes in France and other countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What record temperatures were observed in Argentina during the heatwave of August 2009?

<p>Argentina experienced record temperatures exceeding 40°C in many areas during the winter heatwave of August 2009.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effects can extreme cold weather have according to the content?

<p>Extreme cold weather can lead to freak weather events that develop rapidly and can become disasters, affecting thousands of lives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does McEwen and Werritty (2007) view the importance of vulnerability in assessing societal impacts?

<p>McEwen and Werritty assert that the vulnerability of individuals and communities is as important as the magnitude of the hazard in assessing societal impacts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Climate Change

A change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer.

Climate Extreme

The occurrence of a value of a weather or climate variable that is significantly above or below the normal range for a given period.

Social Vulnerability

Factors that make a person or group more likely to be harmed by a natural hazard.

Heat Index

A combined measure of temperature and humidity, which indicates how hot it feels to the human body.

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Heatwave

A period of unusually high temperatures, often lasting for several days or weeks.

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Extreme Cold Weather Event

A period of unusually low temperatures, often accompanied by strong winds and snow.

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Resilience

The ability of a person or group to cope with, resist, and recover from the impact of a natural hazard.

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Natural Disaster

A severe weather event that causes widespread damage and disruption to life.

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Natural Hazards

Events, such as earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, that can cause significant damage or loss.

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Human Vulnerability

The extent to which people and their assets are susceptible to harm from a natural hazard. It's how vulnerable they are.

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Risk

A measure of the likelihood that a natural hazard will occur and the potential consequences of that event.

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Risk Assessment

A process that evaluates the probability and consequences of different hazard scenarios.

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Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)

A type of risk assessment that specifically looks at the potential for flooding.

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Blizzard

A severe winter storm characterized by heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low visibility.

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Avalanche

A rapid slide of snow down a slope, often triggered by a sudden change in temperature or seismic activity.

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Ice storm (Frozen rain)

A phenomenon where rain freezes upon contact with a freezing surface, forming a smooth layer of ice.

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Ice tsunami (Ice shove)

A large accumulation of ice pushed by wind, currents, or temperature differences onto the shores of oceans or lakes.

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North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)

A large-scale weather pattern influencing the temperature and precipitation in the North Atlantic region.

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Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)

A large-scale climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean, affecting weather patterns across the globe.

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Atlantic Oscillation (AO)

A large-scale weather pattern influencing the temperature and precipitation in the North Atlantic region.

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Spectacular extreme cold weather event

A weather event where extremely low temperatures persist for an extended period, often coupled with snow and ice.

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Social History of Weather

The study of how weather events shape the lives and history of communities, particularly in remote or isolated locations.

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Weather and School Attendance

The impact of weather on the ability of children to attend school, including disruptions caused by storms and dangerous conditions.

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Weather and Infrastructure Damage

The damage caused by extreme weather events to infrastructure, including flooding, wind damage, and other disruptions.

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Weather Memory

The collective memory of a community regarding past weather events, how they are remembered and interpreted, and their impact on local traditions.

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Lack of Weather Foresight

The tendency for communities to lack a forward-looking approach to weather, especially in terms of anticipating and preparing for future climate change.

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Comparative Studies of Socio-Environmental Interactions

The idea that studying specific case studies of socio-environmental interactions is crucial for understanding the complex realities of climate change vulnerability.

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Chain of Causation for Climate Vulnerability

The argument that understanding vulnerability to climate change requires examining the interconnectedness of natural forces, economic factors, and political decisions.

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Wildfire Risk Assessment

A multi-layered approach used to assess wildfire risk, combining information about fuel available, likelihood of ignition, and value of assets in the area.

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Protection

Managing disasters by controlling hazardous processes to minimize impacts.

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Mitigation

Managing disasters by reducing losses after a disaster event.

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Adaptation

Managing disasters by reducing vulnerability to future events.

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Macro Protection

Large-scale structures built to manage natural hazards, like levees, dams, or floodplains.

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Micro Protection

Individual building-level measures to protect against natural hazards, like earthquake-resistant houses or flood-proof walls.

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Disaster Aid

Disaster aid provided by governments and international organizations to help people recover after a disaster, involving emergency, relief, and recovery phases.

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Insurance

A financial tool that transfers the risk of a disaster to an insurance company in exchange for premiums.

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Severe Winter Storms in 19th Century Scotland

A period of time when Scotland experienced severe winter storms, with frequent extremely cold winters and heavy snowfall or stormy conditions, while summers and autumns were typically wet. This period lasted for approximately 30 years starting in the late 1860s.

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Impact of Extreme Weather on Individuals

The impact of extreme weather events can vary greatly between individuals, influenced by cultural background, personal experiences, and historical context.

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Cultural Memory of Extreme Events

The way in which an extreme event is experienced and perceived determines whether it is remembered and passed down through generations. This can take various forms, including oral history, narratives, customs, adaptations to the environment, and cultural practices.

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Forms of Preserving Past Events

Different methods of remembering and recording past events, such as oral history, written records, and physical adaptations, play a crucial role in transmitting knowledge across generations.

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Learning from Past Extreme Events

The understanding and awareness of past extreme events can shape people's perceptions and responses to future risks and uncertainties.

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Lack of Documentation in 19th Century Scotland

The lack of written records and frequent changes in teachers and headmasters in 19th-century Scotland made it harder to understand long-term weather patterns and their impact on the community.

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1881: Extensive Sea Ice and Social Unrest

The year 1881 saw extensive sea ice in the North Atlantic, leading to colder temperatures, more storms, and a poor harvest. This resulted in social unrest, including rent strikes.

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Sea Ice and Storm Activity

The southward movement of cold polar waters due to the extension of sea ice caused a steeper thermal gradient across the North Atlantic, leading to increased storm activity.

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Study Notes

Climate Change

  • A change in the climate's state, typically lasting decades or longer, identified by changes in mean values or variability of its properties.
  • Climate extremes are weather or climate events with values above or below typical thresholds.

Social Vulnerability

  • Vulnerability is the characteristics of a person or group and the situation that influence their capacity to cope with, resist, and recover from a natural hazard.
  • Societal impacts of hazards are as significant as the hazard's magnitude.
  • Vulnerable populations are at risk due to marginality, experiencing a 'permanent emergency.'
  • People exposed to consistent disaster threats develop coping strategies.

Heat Index

  • August 2003: Europe experienced around 35,000 heat-related deaths.
  • August 2009: Argentina recorded temperatures over 40°C.
  • August 2010: Russia experienced wildfires and drought due to extreme heat.

Extreme Cold Weather Events

  • Extreme cold conditions cause disasters quickly.
  • Common incidents include: snowstorms, blizzards, avalanches, and snow accumulation.
  • Europe and Argentina recorded extreme temperature differences.

Ice Storms

  • Ice storms (frozen rain) form when rain freezes on cold surfaces, creating a thick layer of ice.
  • Ice weight can damage structures.
  • Ice storms frequently occur in North America.
  • Significant ice storms occurred in the North American region (January 1998).

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

  • Data on the magnitude, location, and fatalities from significant earthquakes are presented in a table.

Tropical Storms

  • Tropical storms, hurricanes, and cyclones have varying names by region.
  • Tropical storms are categorized using the Saffir-Simpson scale, based on sustained wind speeds.
  • The scale defines 5 categories, with category 3 and above as major hurricanes.
  • Tropical storms are formed from pressure differences and warm, moist air.
  • Coriolis force deflects storms to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Risk Assessment

  • Flooding, wildfire, and drought are examples of natural hazards requiring risk assessments.
  • The risk assessment process considers factors like the magnitude of a disaster, the probability of its occurrence, and the degree of vulnerability to loss.
  • Risk assessment considers the potential financial loss and insurance costs.

Vulnerability and Resilience

  • There are five key vulnerability types (physical, economic, social, educational/informational, and environmental), including factors like poverty, nationality, age, and health.
  • Resilience is a community's ability to resist, absorb, accommodate, and recover from natural hazards.
  • Recovery depends on factors such as financial, human, and social capital, and community strengths.

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Lecture 8 - Weather Extremes Notes PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on climate change, social vulnerability, and extreme weather events. This quiz covers the impacts of climate extremes and the coping strategies of vulnerable populations. Enhance your understanding of the interplay between climate and societal resilience.

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