Topic 6: The issue of global warming
Assessment Statement
Notes
6.1.1 Describe the role
of greenhouse gases in
maintaining mean
global temperature.
6.1.2 Describe how
human activities add to
greenhouse gases.
The greenhouse effect is a normal and necessary condition for life on Earth. Keeps temperatures in
ranges conducive to life.
2012
N2
4a
Water, CO2, methane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main
greenhouse gases.
2011
M1
5a
5b
2010
M1
1a
2013
M1
7c
2011
M2
1g
2010
M2
4b
2012
N1
1c
2012
N1
6c,
6e
Human activities are increasing levels of CO2, methane and CFCs in the atmosphere, which may
lead to global warming.
Examples: Factory emissions, burning of fossil fuels, commercial farms that produce high levels of
methane, vehicle emissions, deforestation (elimination of CO2 sinks)
6.1.3 Discuss
qualitatively the
potential effects of
increased mean global
temperature.
Consider the potential effects on the distribution of biomes, global agriculture and human societies.
Effects might be adverse or beneficial, for example:
• biomes shifting
• change in location of crop growing areas
• changed weather patterns
• coastal flooding (due to thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of the polar ice caps)
• human health (spread of tropical diseases).
Below is a table showing different aspects of the environment and society which might be
affected by climate change.
Impact on the Environment
Impact on Society
Impact
Impact
Ice and snow
Water resources
Ocean and
coast
Food and
agriculture
Hydrology
Ecosystems
increased
flooding
Coastal living
Human health
Complete Figure 2 to state likely impacts of global warming on the environment and
society.
6.1.4 Discuss the
feedback mechanisms
that would be
associated with an
increase in mean
global temperature.
For example:
• negative feedback—increased evaporation in tropical latitudes leading to increased snowfall on
the polar ice caps, which reduces the mean global temperature
• positive feedback
- increased thawing of permafrost, leading to an increase in methane levels, which increases
the mean global temperature.
- Increased melting of reflective polar ice cover, increases water temperatures and more ice
melts
Any feedback mechanisms associated with global warming may involve very long time lags.
2010
M1
1b
2012
M1
6a
6.1.5 Describe and
evaluate pollution
management strategies
to address the issue of
global warming.
Strategies:
• global—intergovernmental and international agreements (for example, Kyoto Agreement), carbon
tax and carbon trading, alternative energy sources
• local—lifestyle choices in the context of local greenhouse gas emissions
• may be preventive and reactive.
Evaluate these strategies with regard to their effectiveness and the implications for MEDCs and
LEDCs of reducing CO2 emissions in terms of economic growth and national development.
6.1.6
Outline the arguments
surrounding global
warming.
There are a variety of sometimes conflicting arguments surrounding this issue.
Note:
 the complexity of the problem
 the uncertainty of global climate models.
 global dimming due to increased levels of atmospheric pollution.
may have caused the problem of warming to be underestimated
6.1.7 Evaluate
contrasting human
perceptions of the
issue of global
warming.
Focus: Are human activities contributing to global climate change or are changes the result of
natural cycles?
2010
3c
2012
5d
2012
6b
2012
4b
2013
2b
2010
N2
3b
2012
N2
4c
2011
M2
5b
Topic 7: Environmental value systems
Assessment Statement
Notes
7.1.1 State what is meant by
an environmental value
system.
An environmental value system is a world view that shapes the way an individual or
group of people perceive and evaluate environmental issues.
2010
N1
3a
Influenced by: cultural, economic and socio‑political context.
 Inputs: education, cultural influences, religious doctrine, media
 Outputs: decisions, perspectives, courses of action
7.1.2 Outline the range of
environmental philosophies
with reference to Figure 6
(below).
7.1.3 Discuss how these
philosophies influence the
decision‑making process
with respect to
environmental issues
covered in this course.
NOTE 14 questions from the last four years’ exams!!!!
See the range of Environmental Value Systems on the last page below.
Assessment Statement
Notes
7.1.4 Outline key
historical influences on
the development of the
modern environmental
movement.
Consider major landmarks leading to both local and global environmental pressure groups, the
concept of stewardship and increased media coverage raising public awareness.
- Minamata disease
- Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
- Bhopal
- whaling (Save the Whale)
- Chernobyl
7.1.5
Compare and contrast the
environmental value
systems of two named
societies.
7.1.6
Justify your personal
viewpoint on
environmental issues.
The societies chosen should demonstrate significant differences, for example:
• First Nation Americans and European pioneers operating frontier economics, which involved
exploitation of seemingly unlimited resources
• Buddhist and Judaeo‑Christian societies
• Communist and capitalist societies.
Reflect on where you stand on the continuum of environmental philosophies with regard to
specific issues, for example, population control, resource exploitation, sustainable development.
Environmental philosophies are shaped by cultural, economic and socio-political context.
Appreciate that others may have equally valid viewpoints.
2010
N2
4a
2010
M2
5b
2010
M2
1f
2012
N2
2a,
2b