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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of the record high carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere?
What is the main function of carbon dioxide as mentioned in the text?
What is the focus of the world's biggest climate predicting project mentioned in the text?
What impact is predicted for transport networks like rail lines and roads due to climate change?
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What response is proposed by Thames Water to cope with increased rainfall in Scotland?
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What has contributed to flooding by increasing the amount of rainwater that enters the sewers?
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By what year is it estimated that the number of homes at risk from sewer flooding will have risen by a quarter to one hundred thousand?
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What is the potential impact of climate change in the UK by 2050, according to scientists?
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Who observes changes in climate impacting his dogs and their environment, specifically earlier molting and increased need for cooling methods?
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What is a potential solution for reducing carbon emissions according to the text?
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Study Notes
- Two documentaries were made to explore the future of Canada's climate.
- In 1998, Lake was completely covered with icebergs, but now all around the world, glaciers are in recession.
- Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are at record highs, caused primarily by human activities.
- Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat from the sun and contributes to global warming.
- Temperatures have risen significantly in the last two decades.
- Scientists are working on the world's biggest climate predicting project to forecast future climate changes.
- The project uses advanced computer models to produce accurate predictions of future climate trends.
- The first results of the project show an average temperature rise in the UK of over 1 degree since the 1970s by 2020.
- Heat waves and droughts are predicted to become more frequent in the UK.
- London Underground is exploring the use of cold groundwater to cool down the tube during summer months.
- Transport networks, such as rail lines and roads, are predicted to face major problems due to climate change.
- Thames Water is proposing the construction of a large reservoir to meet water demand and prepare for droughts in the southeast.
- Scotland has been experiencing more prolonged heavy rain and downpours, which can cause flooding.
- Scottish Water is planning to increase the capacity of the sewerage system to cope with the increased rainfall.
- Paving over front gardens has contributed to flooding by increasing the amount of rainwater that enters the sewers.
- By 2020, it is estimated that the number of homes at risk from sewer flooding will have risen by a quarter to one hundred thousand.
- Scientists believe that with the right measures, it may be possible to lessen the impact of climate change in the UK by 2050.
- Climate change is expected to cause significant changes to the natural environment and threaten the survival of some native species in the UK.- Simon warns of increasing difficulties for salmon population due to heavy downpours and climate change in Scotland.
- Alan Stewart, who runs a sled dog team in Canada, observes changes in climate impacting his dogs and their environment, specifically earlier molting and increased need for cooling methods.
- Marc Deer Cano plants olive grove in Devon as he predicts a longer growing season and increased warmth will benefit the crop.
- He also plans to grow other crops like almonds, peaches, apricots, lemons, limes, kiwi, and pour pour.
- The experiment predicts an average temperature increase of 4 degrees by 2080 in the UK, leading to potential dangers such as heatwaves, drought, and stormy weather.
- Urban planners are developing homes that can conserve water, use minimum energy, and shut out summer heat.
- BedZed, a zero-energy development in the UK, uses thick walls, solar energy, and wind ventilation to reduce energy use and save water.
- Bioethanol cars, which run on plants like sugar beet and cereals, can produce co2 emissions but also absorb co2 during growth, making them a potential solution for reducing carbon emissions.
- Sea level rise, combined with more frequent and intense storms, could pose a significant threat to low-lying coastal areas in the UK.
- In the past, large storm surges have caused devastating flooding and damage to coastal communities, such as Canvey Island in Essex in 1953.
- The Thames Barrier was built to protect London from future storm surges but is unlikely to be able to safeguard the city from the biggest storm surges by 2080 due to more violent storms and rising sea levels.
- Some communities, particularly those in high-risk areas, may not receive funding for flood defenses based on their worth, potentially leaving them poorly defended.
- The melting polar ice sheets could accelerate global warming and lead to disastrous sea level rises.
- Permafrost in the Arctic Circle, which currently keeps us cool by reflecting sunlight, could melt and release vast quantities of greenhouse gases, potentially exacerbating global warming.
- The Amazon rainforest, a massive carbon store, could dry out and burn, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Western Siberia's frozen peat bog, which contains large quantities of greenhouse gases, is showing signs of melting, potentially releasing massive quantities of greenhouse gases and contributing to further global warming.
- The most significant impact on the UK is likely to come indirectly from the effects of climate change on other countries, particularly those that could lead to large-scale migration and resource scarcity.- The UK is heavily reliant on importing goods and food from other parts of the world, making it vulnerable to disruptions in supply due to climate change and sea level rise.
- Severe climate disruption could lead to millions becoming homeless in Africa and Asia, causing a human tragedy and potential world security threats due to additional migration.
- Developing countries, which are less able to adapt, will be most impacted by climate change, despite being least responsible for the problem.
- The world is increasingly interconnected, meaning that environmental changes in one part of the globe will affect all of us.
- The potential consequences of global climate change in coming centuries are uncertain, but the devastating effects are easy to imagine.
- Renewable energy sources can provide a large part of the UK's electricity needs, but a bigger global effort is needed to tackle the issue of reducing carbon emissions.
- A recent government report suggests that acting now to address climate change will be cheaper than waiting until later.
- Climate change is the biggest single issue facing the human race and we are at a pivotal point in history where action can still be taken to prevent the worst consequences.
- The Free Open University offers resources and information on climate change and what individuals can do to help.
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Description
Discover the potential impacts of climate change in the UK, from rising temperatures and sea levels to infrastructure and environmental changes. Explore how individuals and organizations are responding to these challenges, and the potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
