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Year 5 – Challenges for the Planet-Notes for revision and questions from papers(in red)
A- The causes and effects of climate changes
1- How has the world’s climate changed since the last ice age?
Page 13: Description of Figure 1 .
(i) Overall Increase of temperature by 6°C
(ii) Fluctuations, for instance:
- after the last ice the temperature rose rapidly for the following 2000 years.
- between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago, there were two warm periods interrupted by a colder spell.
(iii)In the past 100 years the temperature has begun to rise steadily, with greater increases since the
1960s
(iv) Temperature projected to be 5°C warmer in 2100 than it is now.
Learn the description as you may have a question without Figure!
2- Why has the world’s climate changed since the last ice age?
Page 14: Long-term climate change due to
a)
space
External factors from
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b) Internal factors
(i) Volcanic activity
(ii) Surface reflection
(iii) Change in atmospheric gas
Out: tectonic activity
(i)Volcanic activity
Large amounts of sulphur dioxide and ash released into the atmosphereAct as a cloak and reduce
the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surfacecolder temperature
(ii) Surface reflection (albedo)
Ice and snow reflect sunlight back to space.
During cooler periods such as ice ages global temperature drop.
As the atmosphere gets warmer, more ice and snow melt. Therefore, less sunlight is reflected back
and the Earth will continue to get warmer.
(iii) Change in atmospheric gas
The higher the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the higher the temperature.
Learn the greenhouse effect Figure 5 Page 16.
Main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide.
There is the greenhouse effect, and then there is global warming. The greenhouse effect is
caused by certain gases (and clouds) absorbing and re-emitting the infrared radiating from Earth's
surface. It currently keeps our planet 20°C to 30°C warmer than it would be otherwise. Global
warming is the rise in temperatures caused by an increase in the levels of greenhouse gases due
to human activity.
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Explain how two natural processes also contribute to climate change. (4)
Volcanoes (1) emitting dust that blocks incoming radiation (1). Orbital geometry (1) that changes the
amount of solar energy received by Sun. Sunspot activity (1) affects mount of solar energy emitted
(1). 2 marks from 2 different natural processes. (2 x 2)
Explain why sea levels have risen since the last ice age. (4)
1 mark per point. Up to 2 marks for descriptive points.
Descriptive points such as: Sea levels are rising because of global warming. (1)
Explanation such as: Due to the greenhouse effect which traps gases in the atmosphere the earth is
becoming warmer. (2) This is causing ice caps to melt and more water to be stored in the sea causing
sea levels to rise. (2)
3- The causes of current climate change on a local and global scale
(a) Burning of fossil fuels
Fossil fuels produced from coal, oil and natural gas used to produce energy in power stations and
to supply fuel to vehicles.
When fossil fuels are burnt, carbon dioxide is released, increasing the amount of long wave
radiations absorbed by the atmosphere. For instance, in China 75 per cent of energy is produced
from coal, the fossil fuel which releases the largest amount of carbon dioxide.
The growth of the world population and the economic growth of newly industrialized countries such
as India and China explain an increase in the use of fossil fuels and in the amount of carbon dioxide
released in the atmosphere.
Why has the rate of sea level rise increased significantly over the past 20 years? (2)
One mark per point or expanded point can be credited.
There has been an increase in energy production from fossil fuels due to more people using
electrical equipment. (1) More people own cars which burn fossil fuels. (1)
Explain how and why car exhaust emissions are a major contributor to global warming? (4)
Explanation to include four points given from:
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas emitted by car exhausts (1), that intercepts outgoing
radiation (1), thus leading to warming (1). Major contributor as lots of cars/growing numbers of cars
(1).
Explain how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to current climate change. (4)
1 mark per point. Max 2 marks for descriptive points. When fossil fuels are burnt they release gases
which build up in the atmosphere. (1) One of these gases is carbon dioxide (1) which contributes to
the greenhouse effect. (1) The greenhouse effect is when heat energy is trapped in the atmosphere
(1) which causes temperatures to rise. (1)
Explain how fossil fuels have caused the increase in CO2 emissions. (4)
One mark per point. Causes have to be related to fossil fuels. Credit examples if given eg coal (1)
Credit explanations if given at 1 mark each. Fossil fuels are burnt to provide energy(1). In China 75%
of energy is produced form coal (1). There are many more cars on the road(1). For example, in Delhi,
India, the number of cars has grown from half a million in 1970 to 5 million in 2008(1). Cars use fossil
fuels to power them (1).
(b) Increase of methane
Methane (20 per cent of the greenhouse gases, 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide)
Where does it come from?
From organisms, fossil or recently dead and those alive today.
Source of methane today:
1-Fossil methane (30 per cent of the methane released) comes to the surface when fossil fuels are
mined.
2- Modern methane: wetlands, growing of rice, landfills, burning vegetation, bowels of animals
Why have levels of methane been rising by 1.5 per cent for the past decade?
(i) Increase in the mining of fossil fuels due to the growing world population and the economic
growth of newly industrialised countries such as China and India.
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(ii) Rising temperature, which cause an increase in bacteria emissions from wetlands.
(iii) Increase in rice production due to the growing population in rice producing countries.
(iv)Increase in the number of cattle and sheep for meat reflecting an increase in Western-style diets,
for instance in Asian countries.
There has been an increase in the amount of methane being released into the atmosphere.
Suggest reasons why. (3)
One mark per point Points can be developed with greater reasoning or specific examples. There has
been a large increase in the population (1) of countries such as China (1) therefore more rice is being
grown. (1) Large areas of Rainforest have been burnt to provide land for cattle farming (1)
State the reasons for the increase and explain them.
Explain two causes of climate change since the last ice age. (4)
One mark per point. Causes must not be about fossil fuels. Credit examples if given.
Allow methane as a cause. A list such as cows, volcanoes, Earth’s orbit is not enough for
credit.
Descriptive statements = 1 mark per cause. Marks can be 3:1, 1:3.
Methane from cows = 1. CFCs creating a hole in the ozone layer. (1) The shape of the Earth’s orbit
around the Sun varies(1) from elliptical to nearly circular. (1).The Earth has warmer periods when
the orbit is elliptical.(1).
Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of ash. (1). This act like a blanket (1) and reduce the
amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. (1). This makes the climate colder. (1).
There are a number of factors that are recent causes of climate change. Choose EITHER A. The
burning of fossil fuels OR B. the increase of methane in the atmosphere. Explain how your chosen
factor causes climate change. (4)
For both: Source of increase identified (1) allow second source if distinctive (1)
has increased because ….. e.g. wealthier people (1) process – trapping heat (1) allow development of
process – e.g. outgoing radiation (1) Any four points
If chosen factor not stated and not clear from text limit to two i.e a generic greenhouse gas answer.
4- The negative impacts (effects) of climate change
Scientists predict that if global temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, Earth will be one
degree warmer within 10 years, two degrees warmer within the next 40 years and three degrees or
more before the end of the century. If the Earth's temperature increases to three degrees warmer
than the average pre-industrial temperature, the impact on the planet will be catastrophic. Across
the Earth, ways of life could be lost forever as climate change accelerates out of control.
Effects are at different scales:
(i) Global effects affect the world e.g.
Rising sea level
(ii) Global effects may affect specific
countries or areas. E.g. Impact of rising sea level
on Tuvalu. These are local effects.
Effects at a Global scale (3 marks each) page 17
Changing pattern of crop yields
1-Countries closest to the equator are likely to
suffer the most as their crop yield will decrease.
2- In Africa, countries such as Tanzania will have
longer periods of drought and shorter growing
seasons.
3- This is due to hotter and drier weather.
Effects at a Local scale (3 marks each) page 18
Annotation on Kenya
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Rising sea levels (due to ice melting)
1- Between 1993 and 2006 sea levels rose
3.3mm a year. This will lead to an 88cm rise in
sea levels by the end of the century.
2- This rise will threaten large areas of low lying
coastal land including major world cities such as
London.
3- Many islands in the Pacific Ocean are already
being affected by rising sea levels
Retreating glaciers
1- The vast majority of the world’s glaciers are
retreating, due to the increase in temperatures
caused by climate change
2- 90 per cent of the glaciers in Antarctica are
retreating.
3- The melting of the ice in the Arctic could cause
the Gulf Stream to be diverted further south and
this will lead to colder tenperatures in western
Europe
River flooding due to more storms
Annotation on either Bangladesh or Tuvalu
Impact on ecosystems
Annotation on either Wrangel Island or Barrier
Reef in Australia
Annotation on Colca Region in Peru
Impact on water supply
Annotation on Glacier National Park (USA)
Annotation on The UK
Describe the negative effects that climate change is having on the environment. Use examples in
your answer. (4)
One mark per point Max 2 no examples Max 3 if only one example is given.
An example could be Polar Bear or Great Barrier Reef of Maldives for coral reefs.
Credit - habitat loss. Flooding and drought will not be credited unless linked to an area which may be
a located example. Sea levels are rising (1) low lying areas will be flooded (1) in places such as the
Maldives(1) Crop yields are decreasing (1), in countries such as Tanzania (1) Glaciers are retreating
(1) in Antarctica (1)
Answers can be about the effects on both people and the environment.
Do not accept global impacts of deforestation.
Outline the negative effects of a rise in global temperatures. (4)
1 mark per point. Max 2 if list. If global temperatures rise some countries will be flooded.(1) such as
the Maldives (1) Some countries in Africa will have longer periods of drought (1) and be unable to
grow crops. (1) Other answers could focus on retreating glaciers, melting ice caps.
5- The responses to climate change – from a local to a global scale
a- Global scale responses:
1- Global agreements between nations (6 marks)
Time line:
-June 1992: Earth summit (Rio de Janeiro)
Decisions made by the most powerful countries about their response to climate change.
First international environmental treaty which aimed to stabilise greenhouse gases
Lead to the Kyoto Protocol (December 1997) Came into force in February 2005
Goals of the Kyoto Protocol:
1-Countries that signed and ratified the protocol agreed to cut greenhouse emissions by 5.2 per cent
compared with 1990 levels.
2- Each country agreed to a national limit on emissions for instance 8 per cent for the EU
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3- Allowed increases for Iceland and Australia as they were not using all their carbon allowance.
Strategies to achieve these goals:
-Cut emissions
-Trade with other countries in carbon.
How? A country could buy carbon credits from another country. e.g.Iceland could trade 2 per cent of
its carbon credits with the EU to enable the EU to meet its target of 8 per cent.
End of timeline:
December 2007: Climate change conference (Bali) Bali Roadmap: initiatives to try to reach a
secure future climate.
Last conference: December 2011: Climate change conference (Durban ) to establish a new treaty to
limit carbon emissions.
The conference agreed to a legally binding deal comprising all countries, which will be prepared by
2015, and to take effect in 2020. There was also progress regarding the creation of a Green Climate
Fund (GCF) for which a management framework was adopted. The fund is to distribute US$100
billion per year to help poor countries adapt to climate impacts.
Describe one response to climate change on a global scale. (3)
International body identified (1) basic ‘what they did’ e.g. Kyoto agreement (1) extension of what
they did – who/what where extension (1)
2-The actions of non-governmental organisations to reduce the use of fossil fuels (6marks)
NGO= non-governmental organisations e.g. Greenpeace in the UK to change the government
policies so that energy is produced in a more sustainable way.
What does Greenpeace want? 3 changes to produce energy in a more sustainable way in the UK
(i)- Waste heat (two-thirds of the energy produced) from cooling towers in power stations may be
captured and use. Go page 137. (Solutions to energy wastage at a local and domestic scale).
Combined heat and power (CHP)
(ii)- 22 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions produced by transportreduction of carbon
emissions:
-Low carbon cars
-Public transport more efficient
-Reduce air traffic by increasing the price of flights and ban building new airports
(ii)- Emissions from industry to be reduced
b- Local scale responses (4 marks for each scheme)
-by schools
-by local councils
-by local interest groups
1-By schools: ‘Livesimply’ campaign
When: 2007 by the Catholic Church
Why? To encourage students to think about their impact on the word and sustainable development
(sustainability).
(What is sustainable development? Page 23 ‘development which meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’)
How? Energy efficient water and central heating systems run from renewable sources such as wind
turbines and solar panels.
2-By local councils (Video: Zero emission homes: Bedzed, London )
When: from April 2008
Local councils important in the reduction of carbon emissions as they have an influence on local
home owners. (15 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions produced by houses)
£4 million from the government to help them. Example of local council: the City of London
How? Giving away free low energy light bulbs, CHP (Combined heat and power) scheme
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3- By local interest groups
Named example: ‘Manchester is my planet’
When: From 2005
How? ‘Pledge campaign’ to encourage individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.
Green Badge Parking Permit given to owners of low carbon emission cars. Allow them to buy an
annual parking permit for car parks within Great Manchester at a 25 per cent discount. More than
20,000 individuals have pledged
There have been a range of responses to climate change on a local level, such as the ‘live simply’
campaign. Choose one scheme that you have studied. Outline the main details of the scheme. (4)
One mark per descriptive point. Credit explanations if given but can still get max marks with
descriptive points. No mark for the name of the scheme. Live Simply campaign can be their chosen
study. Points such as switch off lights when leaving a room (1)
Don’t leave computers on stand-by (1) Walk or take the bus to school.(1)
Explain one local response to climate change. (3)
One mark per point. Max one mark if there are only descriptive comments or an
implicit link to climate change. The answers could relate to schools, local councils and interest
groups or even householders.
For example, ‘live simple’ (1) which was initiated by the Catholic Church to encourage students to
make choices about how they live.(1) Resources were given to schools to make students more aware
of how energy production can cause climate change. (1) By walking to school there will be less
emissions.(1)
B- SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PLANET
1- Definitions and sustainable interpretations of development
(i) 1980: Brundtland report by United Nations
Definition: development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
What is meant by sustainable development? (2)
‘Sustainable development’ involves development in such a way as to allow present inhabitants to
benefit from the environment (1) without compromising the possibility of future generations doing
the same (1).
Global interpretation of sustainable development:
Key areas (3 bullet points) Learn page 23
- environment
- social equality
- economic growth
(ii) 1997 UNESCO meeting
Responsibility of the present generation towards future generations:
 Bequeath an Earth which had not been permanently damaged by human activity
 Use natural resources reasonably
 Life not harmed by modifications to ecosystems e.g. genetically modified organism. The
safety of GMOs in the foodchain has been questioned by some environmental groups
 Sustainable development should not hinder development but give a better quality of life
both now and the future.
Local Interpretation:
Four key sustainable areas in the UK (learn page 23)
- Climate change and energy
- Natural resources
- Sustainable communities
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- Sustainable consumption and production
2- The development of policies by large companies to make them more sustainable: 5
different ways
(i) During the manufacturing of the product: A global company- General electric
(ii) In the recycling of packaging material: The food industry- Asda/Wal-Mart
(iii) By encouraging customers to recycle products: The communications industry- Nokia
(iv) By encouraging employees to be more sustainable in the workplace
- Use of video conferences
- Bins to recycle waste products
- Internet used at school to reduce use of paper.
Explain how large organisations are becoming more sustainable in the workplace. Use examples in
your answer. (6)
(v) By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power stations
Why?
High reliance on coal-fired power stations which provide 38 per cent of the world’s energy.
Emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide and nitrous oxide, which are major contributors
to both acid rain and climate change.
How?
(i) By making power plant more efficient: Carbon dioxide: if 40 per cent efficient= emissions drop by
25 per cent
(ii) By removing gases. How? By using amine scrubbers which use amine solutions to remove gases
Carbon dioxide up to 98 per cent, Sulphur oxide up to 95 per cent, Nitrous oxide up to 70 per cent
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Dartmoor National Park Authority is one large organisation that is being more sustainable. Explain
the policies one other large organisation has developed to make it more sustainable. (3)
Answer should contain the name of a company and then explain what they are doing. Asda are
recycling their plastic packaging which reduces the amount of waste going to landfill sites.(1) The
plastic waste is reduced to 10% of its original size and then sent away to be recycled(1).
Nokia are encouraging people to recycle their old mobile phones this is because 100% of the old
phone can be reused(1). Nearly half of old mobile phones are left in drawers at home(1). More
general comments about reduction in either energy or water usage will also receive credit.
3- The management of transport in urban areas
Definition: Sustainable transport involves maintaining the standard of transport that is required for
society and the economy to function efficiently without placing too much pressure on the
environment.
Problem: Great dependency on private cars, Car ownership growing rapidly in LICs and HICs, Car
drivers will not use public transport until it is cheaper and more efficient.
Sustainable Development Strategy in the UK
- Control the rate of traffic growth
- Improve the performance of vehicles
- Reduce dependency on cars
-Availability of affordable public transport systems
Sustainable transport schemes to reduce traffic in the UK
(i)- Congestion charging
Case study: London (2003)
Practice of making motorists pay to travel into large urban areas during periods of heaviest use.
Why? To reduce the number of vehicles entering the city, ease traffic congestion/lower pollution
emissions. Learn the 5 bullet points on beneficial effects.
What is meant by the term congestion charge? (2)
This is when motorists are charged to go into city/town centres (1). It is usually charged during times
of heaviest use.(1) In London the charge is £8 / £10 (1). the charge applies during peak periods (1)
Give reasons why cities like Durham have introduced congestion charging. (3)
One mark per point including development of a point
· To stop congestion in city centre
· To control / reduce the flow of traffic across the city
· People use park and ride instead of driving into the city
· To help stop pollution
· To make city centres safer
· To raise money
(ii)- Park and Ride
Shoppers park their cars in large designated free parking areas located on the main routes on the
edge of the urban area and catch a bus into town centre. Why? 40 people travel on one bus rather
than in 40 individual car = less congestion and pollution
Case study: Cambridge park and ride
5 park and ride sites covering the main routes coming into the city. E.g. The Milton and Newmarket
road sites are close to the A14 giving easy access for motorists. 4,500 parking space available.
Double-decker buses carrying up to 70 passengers leave the parks every 10 minutes. Costs £2.20 per
day to catch the bus
Park and Ride is a sustainable transport scheme used in many urban areas. Explain how Park and
Ride is a sustainable transport scheme. Use an example in your answer. (4)
1 mark per point. Unspecific points which do not relate to an actual example or
descriptive points, max 2
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Credit points about what is meant by Park and Ride.People park their cars in a car park on the edge
of the city. (1) They do not pay to park but pay for the bus journey. (1) It is sustainable because
people are not driving into the city (1) which stops congestion (1) it helps to cut down use of fossil
fuels (1) helps to decrease global warming. (1)
(iii)- Other sustainable schemes. Page 28: Learn 4 bullet points
Outline one other way (than congestion charge) that traffic can be managed in urban areas. (3)
One mark per point. There will be a wide variety of answers.
Answers should concentrate on one other scheme for example Park and Ride. They can either
describe the scheme or they can locate it either answer should be credited. For example Cambridge
has a park and ride scheme (1). This means that you can park your car on the outskirts of the city and
get a bus into the centre(1). You do not pay to park your car (1). You do have to pay for the bus ride
(1), it costs £2.20 per person (1).
Explain how transport is being managed in urban areas. You should refer to a number of different
sustainable schemes in your answer. (6)
4- The effects of resource extraction from tropical rainforests and their management.
(a) Effects (impacts) of resource extraction from tropical rainforests
Learn page 30:
(a) Impacts on people
(b) Impacts on environment of 4 case studies:
(i)- Mining in Brazil
(ii)- logging in Cameroon
(iii)- Oil extraction in Ecuador
(iv)- Gas project in Peru
Outline the effects of resource extraction on tropical rainforest environments and the people who
live there. Use examples in your answer. (4)
One mark per descriptive point. Credit explanations if given but can still get max marks with
descriptive points Unspecific points (no examples) max 2 . Max 3 if only one example given. The
examples can be from the same country.
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An example would be the name of country and some information about what is happening to the
people who live there e.g. Ecuador. Stomach cancer is 5 times more frequent in the people of the
Huaorani becomes of Toxic water from Oil extraction.
Answers can go to max without both people and the environment.
Do not accept global impacts of deforestation.
Explain the effects of resource extraction on tropical rainforest areas. Use examples in your
answer. (6)
Explain two effects of resource extraction in tropical rainforest areas. One effect should be on the
environment and the other on the local people. (4)
In all cases – basic description of what is happening (1) why this damages local people/environment.
(1)
Logging in the Cameroon
Has opened up the forest to everyone. Animals such as elephants and gorillas are being hunted (1)
For second mark here expect link to be made as in … to everyone (1)so more people are hunting
with elephants and gorillas being killed (1 )Local Baka people work in the sawmills they are not given
protection from the toxic products which are sprayed on the wood to preserve it from fungus (1) so
they become ill (1)
Oil extraction in Ecuador
Hydrocarbons are concentrated in the river water (1) The local people drink the river water, stomach
cancer is five times more frequent in oil exploitation areas. (1) Hydrocarbons are concentrated in the
river water (1) Many plants such as the periwinkle are now an endangered species (1)
Gold and copper mining in Indonesia
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The waste material from gold and copper mining in Indonesia is dumped into the River Aghawaghon
(1) This pollutes the river (1)
(b) Tropical rainforest management
4 different ways:
1- Government of countries take control of their forest areas:
(a) Malaysia
(i)-Government rejected plans to build a coal-fired power plant at Salam, on the island of Borneo.
Why? Site too close to the ecological sensitive areas of Darvel Bay and Danum Valley.
Management: Use of more sustainable forms of energy
(ii)- No exploitation of coal and minerals such as gold
Why? Located in the rainforest which has endangered species such as the orang-utan
Management: Development of ecotourism natural attractions such as diving and biodiversity
(b) Venezuela
No permit to mine gold and diamonds since 2008Conservation of the biodiversity of the rainforest
Protection of the local people from illegals miners.
(c) Costa Rica
Developing of the rainforest in a sustainable way
(i) Through ecotourism:
Tourist facilities such as zip wiring and trails through the forest
(ii) Through plant species:
- American company Merck allowed to look for plants which can be used to make medicines or
2- Management through carbon credits: Bolivia
How? Set aside some of the forest in developing countries and receive carbon credits which can be
bought by industrialised countries
Bolivia: project based in the Noel Kempff National Park which is an area of 1.5 million hectares£25
million by selling the carbon credit of this area.
Money h
upon logging and destroying the forest to farm to earn a living.
3- Local indigenous people take oil companies to court : Ecuador.
Oil extraction from the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador since the 1960s.
No management of effects of the extraction by companies.
Local indigenous people have taken the oil companies to court.
Texaco have agreed to pay $40 million to cover its share of cleanup of waste pits created (not
enough, $6 billion needed)
4- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) help communities in rainforest areas.
Nature Conservancy (NGO) works with indigenous people in the Amazon Rainforest to help them
develop the forest sustainably.
First step: ethnomapping= satellite image of the area which the local people draw onto.
They identify natural resources, villages and where illegal hunting, mining or logging takes place
Use of the map to plan their use of the area
2006: opening of a training centre in Manaus Brazil to train local people how to manage their areas.
Training of fifteen students on ethnomapping, natural resource management, indigenous and
environmental legislation.
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In many areas of the world tropical rainforests are under threat. With the use of examples explain
some of the ways in which tropical rainforests are being managed. (6)
Explain how resource extraction from tropical rainforest areas is being managed. Use examples in
your answer. (4)
Identification of type of resource extraction (1) detail of damage done/nature of problem (1) how
managed e.g. laws, agreements etc. (1) details of that – impact of this management (1) example as
outlined below.
Examples might ‘examples of management’, ‘examples of different types of resource extraction’ or
‘different locations’ in the rainforest.
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Explain the management initiatives used in rainforest areas where resources have been extracted.
Use examples in your answer. (6)
The world leaders were keen to reduce deforestation. Suggest reasons why. (2)
One mark per point. Reasons suggested could be about less carbon dioxide is taken out of the
atmosphere(1) or less oxygen is released into the atmosphere (1). Or about disruption to rainfall
patterns(1).