Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of climate change?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of climate change on human societies?
What is a consequence of rising global temperatures?
Which of the following is a mitigation strategy for climate change?
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What is a consequence of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity?
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Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
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What is an impact of climate change on the economy?
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What is an adaptation strategy for climate change?
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Study Notes
Definition and Causes
- Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
- Primary cause: Human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
- Methane (CH4) from agriculture, natural gas production, and landfills
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) from agriculture, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from refrigeration and air conditioning
Effects of Climate Change
- Rising global temperatures:
- Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
- Sea-level rise
- Changes in precipitation patterns
- Extreme weather events:
- Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and floods
- More intense hurricanes and wildfires
- Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity:
- Changes in species distribution and extinction
- Disruption of food chains and ecosystems
- Increased risk of water scarcity and food insecurity
Consequences for Human Societies
- Health impacts:
- Increased risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
- Spread of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
- Mental health impacts from climate-related disasters
- Economic impacts:
- Damage to infrastructure and property
- Loss of productivity and economic growth
- Increased costs for healthcare and emergency response
- Social and cultural impacts:
- Migration and displacement of communities
- Loss of cultural heritage and traditional ways of life
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro)
- Improve energy efficiency in buildings and transportation
- Electrify industries and promote sustainable land use
- Adapt to the changing climate:
- Implement early warning systems and emergency preparedness plans
- Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning
- Promote climate-smart agriculture and water management practices
Definition and Causes
- Climate change is the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in the average global temperature.
- Human activities release greenhouse gases, such as:
- CO2 from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
- CH4 from agriculture, natural gas production, and landfills
- N2O from agriculture, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels
- CFCs and HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning
Effects of Climate Change
- Rising global temperatures cause:
- Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
- Sea-level rise
- Changes in precipitation patterns
- Extreme weather events increase in:
- Frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and floods
- Intensity of hurricanes and wildfires
- Impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity include:
- Changes in species distribution and extinction
- Disruption of food chains and ecosystems
- Increased risk of water scarcity and food insecurity
Consequences for Human Societies
- Health impacts include:
- Increased risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
- Spread of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
- Mental health impacts from climate-related disasters
- Economic impacts include:
- Damage to infrastructure and property
- Loss of productivity and economic growth
- Increased costs for healthcare and emergency response
- Social and cultural impacts include:
- Migration and displacement of communities
- Loss of cultural heritage and traditional ways of life
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro)
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation
- Electrifying industries and promoting sustainable land use
- Adapt to the changing climate by:
- Implementing early warning systems and emergency preparedness plans
- Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning
- Promoting climate-smart agriculture and water management practices
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Description
Learn about the primary causes of climate change, including human activities that release greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, and N2O. Understand the long-term warming of the planet due to the increase in average global temperature.
