EQ3: How are the carbon and water cycles linked to the global climate system?

Why has the global demand for resources led to contrasting regional land-use trends?

Increasing demand for food, fuel, and resources has resulted in deforestation, afforestation, and conversion of grasslands to farming, which affects terrestrial carbon stores, the water cycle, and soil health.

How does ocean acidification threaten marine ecosystems?

Ocean acidification is increasing due to fossil fuel combustion, risking crossing critical thresholds that threaten coral reefs and other marine ecosystems which provide vital services.

What impact does climate change have on drought frequency?

Climate change, from the enhanced greenhouse effect, may increase drought frequency due to shifting climate belts, impacting the health of forests that act as carbon stores.

What are the implications of forest loss for human wellbeing?

Forest losses negatively impact human wellbeing, but there is evidence that forest stores are being protected and expanded in higher developed countries, as suggested by the environmental Kuznets curve model.

How do increased temperatures affect water vapour and precipitation patterns?

Increased temperatures raise evaporation rates and water vapour in the atmosphere, leading to changes in precipitation patterns, river regimes, and the health of water stores like the cryosphere.

Why do threats to ocean health impact human wellbeing?

Threats to ocean health particularly affect developing regions that rely on marine resources for food, tourism, and coastal protection.

What factors contribute to uncertainty in future emissions and climate warming?

Uncertainty in future emissions, atmospheric levels, and climate warming arises from natural factors, human activities, and feedback mechanisms.

What are some adaptation strategies for a changed climate?

Adaptation strategies include water conservation, resilient agricultural systems, land-use planning, flood-risk management, and solar radiation management, each with their own costs and risks.

How can re-balancing of the carbon cycle be achieved?

Re-balancing the carbon cycle requires mitigation efforts supported by global agreements and national actions, which have proven to be challenging.