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Learning Objectives
I have looked
at it
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Describe how climate has changed since the last ice age
Explain the causes of climate change since the last ice
age.
Explain the causes of climate change on a local to global
scale
To describe the negative effects that climate change is
having on a local and global scale.
To explain how we have responded to climate change
from a local to global scale.
To be able to define sustainable development.
To explain how large organisations are becoming more
sustainable.
To explain how traffic can be managed sustainably.
To describe and explain the effects of resource
extraction on rainforests.
To explain how we can manage resource extraction in
rainforests sustainably.
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I have revised
it well
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I really know it
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Describe how climate has changed since the last ice age
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From 10,000 years ago, temperatures have risen globally by about 6 degrees
Celsius.
Within this time there have been some fluctuations.
After the last ice age the temperature rose RAPIDLY for 2000 years.
Then there were some warmer periods interrupted by a colder period.
There have been other warm and colder periods.
More recently, temperature has begun to rise rapidly again.
Explain the causes of climate change since the last ice age.
The causes of climate since the last ice age means changes from 10,000 years ago.
People were not the main cause. BIGGER things like the sun, the way the earth orbits the
sun and tectonics are the cause.
1) Movement of continents
caused by plate movements
affects the global pattern of
atmospheric and ocean
circulation.
ORBIT
1) The shape of the
Earth’s orbit around
the sun changes from
circular to elliptical
every 95000 years.
2) This causes winds and
ocean movements to
change which can slowly
change the climate.
2) When it is elliptical
the world is warmer,
when it is more
circular the world is
cooler.
3) e.g. formation of ice
sheet over Antarctica
TILT
1) The tilt of the
earth’s axis changes
over time. When the
tilt is bigger, summers
are warmer and
winters are colder.
Overall, warmer
periods happen when
the tilt is greatest.
Solar output:
1) The amount of energy coming from the sun is
decreasing.
2) The decrease is small but could lead to lower global
temperatures.
3) Sunspots release more solar energy. High global
temperatures have been linked to increased sunspot
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activity in some years e.g.1600s
1)Volcanic eruptions release
large amounts of ASH and
SULPHUR DIOXIDE into the
atmosphere.
2) These act as a cloak and
reduce the amount of solar
energy reaching the Earth’s
surface causing climate to
be COLDER.
3) e.g. The Laki volcanic
eruption in 1783 in Iceland
caused a drop in global
temperature.
Explain the causes of climate change on a local to global scale
Human activity is the main cause of climate change in terms of short term change.
Population and wealth has grown causing an increase in greenhouse gases such as
methane and carbon dioxide.
The Greenhouse Effect
This is natural process that keeps the earth warm. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to
survive. Humans have ENHANCED the greenhouse effect through the burning of fossil
fuels and increased levels of methane.
Remember, the
greenhouse
effect is natural.
More
greenhouse
gases lead to an
enhanced
greenhouse
effect which is
not good!
Green house
gases:
Water vapour
Methane
Carbon Dioxide
Nitrous Oxide
CFCs
The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have increased because
of human activity.
Methane
Livestock animals
produce methane in
digestion. They belch
and excrete it in their
waste. 15-20% of
methane in the world
comes from livestock.
Rice paddy fields release
methane. 20% of global
methane is released in
this way. (The methane
is released from
microbes in the water
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breaking down rotting
vegetation.
About 15% of methane
comes from landfill sites,
mainly in developing
countries.
Burning vegetation
releases methane. It
accounts for about 15%
of global methane.
Swamps are also a
source of methane.
CO2
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CO2 is released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels
The fossil fuels are: oil, coal and natural gas.
e.g. In industry, transport, energy production, deforestation (through burning).
Trees
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Trees are also store CO2. They take it out of the atmosphere in photosynthesis.
When the trees are deforested, they cannot take the CO2 out.
WHY HAS THE AMOUNT OF METHANE AND CO2 BEING RELEASED INTO THE
ATMOSHERE INCREASED?
More transport on the
road e.g. in USA there
are 87 cars per 100
people.
= more burning of fossil
fuels
More rubbish produced
= more landfill
More paddy fields
needed = more
methane. (e.g. China)
More food is needed
More forest cleared for
cattle ranching = more
CO2 and methane
More energy is needed
= more burning of fossil
fules.
More livestock kept =
more methane
Population has
increased
KEY POINT: In the exam, make sure you check whether the question is about long
term (since the last ice age or 10,000 years ago) or short term (changes on a local to
global scale, fossil fules, methane or people) climate change.
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Describe the changes in temperature since the last ice age. Use data from the graph on
page2 in your answer.
There has been an increase in the amount of methane being released into the atmosphere. Suggest
reasons why. (4)
Explain two causes of climate change since the last ice age. (4 marks)
Explain how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to current climate change.
(4)
To describe the negative effects that climate change is having on a local and global scale.
There are three main effects you need to know:
1) Sea level rise
2) Falling crop yields (how much we get).
3) Retreating glaciers
For each of these you need to know specific examples and the knock on effects.
You also need to ensure you have local (UK) and global (the world) examples and the
effects on people and the environment.
Sea level rise:
Falling crop yields:
Retreating glaciers
Cause:
Cause:
Cause:
- Temperature increase causes
the ice sheets to melt and raise
sea level.
- Changes in rainfall and
temperature will affect
the type of crops grown
and may also reduce the
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amount grown (crop
yield).
Glaciers (like rivers of ice) are retreating (getting
smaller) because of temperature increase caused by
climate change.
- The sea water expands in
warmer temperatures.
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The melting ice could affect ocean currents. The Gulf
Stream could be pushed further south making
western Europe colder.
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LOCAL:
There could be more storms and flooding in the UK. E.g. London is protected by the Thames
Barrier. However, this could be breached if there is a storm surge. Much of London is on a flood
plain and not protected. This could be flooded with storms and sea level rise.
Plant and animal species living
in high mountains could
become extinct (e.g. alpine
plants & artic hares).
Rising temperatures and lower
winter snowfall could cause
the Scottish ski industry to
disappear.
Tropical diseases, such as
malaria, could spread to the
UK.
Britain is likely to experience
increased storm activity,
possibly leading to a higher
flood risk in many region.
Low-lying areas near sea level
(e.g. the fens) could be
flooded unless sea defences
are strengthened.
A warmer climate may make
it more difficult for farmers
to grow traditional cereals,
such as Oats and Barley.
Southern Britain could
become drier causing severe
water shortages.
Global impacts
In the Colca region of
Peru, people have
had to abandon their
villages as no snow
has fallen in the
mountains leading to
a lack of water
supply.
Crop yields in
countries such as
Tanzania are falling.
Polar Bears in Russia
cannot catch prey as
there has been a loss
of sea ice.
Bangladesh: If sea
level rises by 1m,
Bangladesh will lose
17.5% of its land.
In Kenya, droughts
now happen every 3
years instead of
every 10 years. In
2006, Kenya suffered
its worst drought in
80 years. Many cattle
died (food +money)
Low lying areas such
as the Maldives will
be flooded if sea
level rises.
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The Great Barrier
Reef in Australia will
be dead within 30
years due to rising
sea temperatures.
Try to explain knock on effects. E.g. insurance costs rising, loss of income,
famine, arguments between countries for resources such as water.
Describe the negative effects that climate change is having on people and the
environment (6 marks).
Explain two LOCAL impacts of climate change.
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To explain how we have responded to climate change from a local to global scale.
What can be done to reduce the threat of Climate Change?
Most world leaders now accept that climate change is a threat, and that something needs to be
done about it. It seems certain that responsibility for action will lie mainly with HICs as these
nations have been, and still are, the major global polluters.
There are two different types of response to climate change.
1. Plan now to reduce the damaging effects of warming.
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Build sea defences to counteract any increase in sea level and storm activity.
Improve water catchment and supply in areas likely to become drier,
Develop ‘drought-proof’ strains of plants which can grow even in areas of unreliable
rainfall.
2. Try to slow down (and possibly reverse) climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,
often referred to as our carbon footprint.
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Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Use renewable forms of energy (wind, solar, tidal etc…).
Protect remaining forests and expand carbon sinks through afforestation.
Conserve energy in the home and in industry to reduce energy wastage.
Plan transport policies to reduce the use of ‘petrol powered’ vehicles.
THE GLOBAL RESPONSE
1988:
1992:
1997:
The IPCC (international Panel
on Climate Change)
The United Nations held their
first Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro.
Kyoto protocol
2007
Bali/Durban
(Bali)
and
2011
(Durban)
Set to investigate whether our actions were resulting in Climate Change
The meeting resulted in the first international environmental treaty which
aimed to stabilise greenhouse emissions.
lead to legally binding targets carbon reduction targets. Signatories agreed to
reduce carbon levels to 5% below 1990 levels.
Talks aimed at agreeing new targets to replace the Kyoto Protocols. These
talks have also agreed global actions for helping countries affected by climate
change, such as providing funding for coastal defences. E.g. Bali Road Map.
THE LOCAL RESPONSE
A range of local actions have been taken by charities, councils and individuals to encourage us to
live more sustainably. These include:
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The charity ‘Manchester is my planet’ has run a campaign encouraging individuals to make
a pledge aimed at reducing their carbon footprint.
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Manchester council in partnership with NCP car parks introduced the Green Badge Parking
Permit. Owners of cars that produce low carbon emissions can apply for the badge that
gives them 25% parking discount.
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Lancashire county council distributed free energy efficient light bulbs and provided grants
to homeowners wishing to improve their cavity or attic insulation.
HOMEWOOD SCHOOL’s RESPONSE (A local level case study)
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Solar panels installed on F-block to power T-block/ This aims to reduce the reliance on
fossil fuel made energy.
Recycling scheme to aid the reduction of deforestation.
Installation of energy saving light bulbs.
Transport plan has won awards – this means more people use sustainable methods of
transport e.g. buses to reduce emissions.
Explain one local response to climate change. (2)
P
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Using examples, explain how countries work together to tackle climate change. (4)
To be able to define sustainable development.
In 1980 a UN meeting lead to the publication of the Brundtland report, an important environment
document which introduced the world to the concept of sustainable development.
It defines it as: “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs”
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Over the past 30 years the concept of sustainable development has been reviewed and revised by many
organisations. However the key principal remains the same – Development should aim to improve our
quality of life both now and in the future.
BP (British Petroleum) considers sustainable to mean responsible whilst Nestle see it as long term –
something that can be kept going.
Companies like people to think they care but their first priority is profit.
To explain how large organisations are becoming more sustainable.
Large companies have tried to become more sustainable by
a) Actions taken to reduce the company’s carbon footprint through the introduction of
renewable energy sources and the use of energy efficient equipment.
b) The introduction of new procedures aimed at reducing the amount of waste the company
produces, such as re-using and recycling programmes.
c) Investment in natural landscapes and habitats through donations schemes.
d) The use of education programmes aimed at encouraging their customers and employees
to act more sustainably.
Google has installed 9,200 solar panels on google
campuses in California. It has been able to reduce its
dependence on electricity created by fossil fuels by
30%.
e.g.
Google has made
transport more
sustainable by providing a
free shuttle bus for
employees reducing the
number of cars on the
road.
Google has bought a fleet of electric cars which are
powered by their solar panels to provide transport
around campus.
Google gives grants to its
employees to buy
environmentally friendly
cars.
Google supports local environmental and
community charities. Employees who cycle to work
gain points which turn into cash for local charities.
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Green buildings. Every new store and depot they
build is more efficient and produces fewer carbon
emissions than when they started their
sustainability programme back in 2005.
Park ‘n’ recycle.
They’ve set up instore recycling
facilities in most of
their car parks for
all those little
things the Council
might not collect,
including carrier
bags, batteries and
clothing.
They have diverted over
94%* of waste from our
operations from landfill.
They are swapping aeroplanes and lorries
for ships and trains where they can. By
using trains as opposed to road delivery
service, they’ve cut carbon emissions by
around 80,000 tonnes since 2001.
What’s for afters? They don’t
throw any store food waste into
landfill. It’s either given to charity,
or turned into something useful
like energy, biofuel or pet food
They are
developing
innovative product
packaging to
lighten the load
and pack more
items into one
lorry, transporting
it all in one go,
reducing the
carbon emissions.
Explain the policies that one large organisation has developed to make it
more sustainable. (4)
What is meant by the term ‘sustainable development’? (2)
This comes up
nearly every
year. Learn it!
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To explain how traffic can be managed sustainably.
Explain how transport is being managed in urban areas. (6)
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What is meant by the term congestion charge? (2)
Give reasons why cities like Durham have introduced congestion charging (3)
To describe and explain the effects of resource extraction on rainforests.
A resource is something we need and use.
Extraction is how we get it from nature e.g. mining, cutting down trees (deforestation).
MINING in Brazil, Amazon Rainforest for Gold.
LOGGING in Cameroon for timber
Mercury is used which is toxic. 90% of fish caught in
the area (river Tapajos) are contaminated. If eaten
it causes cancer and high miscarriage rates.
Roads built by logging companies open up the area to illegal
loggers and hunters who kill mammels such as elephant,
Gorilla and Chimpanzees. They sell the meat to restaurants
for lots of money.
GAS in Peru.
Many roads in the
forest have been
built causing
people to be
attracted. They
build farms which
further destroys
the area.
MIMING for
Gold and Copper
in Indonesia
Locals are
exploited as
they are given
the lowest paid
jobs.
OIL Extraction in Ecuador (Oriente region).
LOGGING in Cameroon for timber
Many plants such as the Periwinkle are now endangered. This
also affects people as Periwinkle is used to cure childhood
leukaemia.
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The Baka people work in the saw mills. They
are not given protective clothing so can be
affected by toxins, parasites and fungus when
they breath it in.
To explain how we can manage resource extraction in rainforests sustainably.
There are a range of management measures that can be used to help protect rainforests from
future destruction and damage.
Governments taking control of forest regions and
then banning resource extraction
Governments working in partnership with private
organisations
Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs)
In French Guinana the government has refused to
allow a gold mine, after research showed that the
mine could adversely affect a rainforest reserve
the Malaysian government rejected plans to build a
coal power station as the site was too close to an
ecological sensitive area.
In Madagascar, the government teamed up with
Swiss perfume manufacturer, Givaudan. The
government gave Givaudan sole rights to an area of
pristine forest in a deal where the Swiss firm
promised to give a percentage of any profits made
from perfumes based on local plants to nearby
villages to help finance for public projects, such as
new schools and health centres.
Nature Conservancy is an NGO which helps local
tribes in the Amazon forest develop in a sustainable
manner. Nature Conservancy provides training
courses that teach resource management and
environmental legislation.
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Explain the management initiatives used in rainforest areas where resources have
been extracted.
Use examples in your answer. (4)
Outline the effects of resource extraction on tropical rainforest environments
and the people who live there. Use examples in your answer. (4)
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