fragile environments key terms

distribution of fragile environments

Fragile environments form from the amount of pressure put on them by human and physical actions.

Milankovitch cycles

Every 100,000 years the Earth has natural warming and cooling periods caused by variations in the tilt and orbit of the Earth around the Sun.

volcanism

During a volcanic eruption carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

solar radiation

There can be fluctuations in the amount of radiation from the sun. If there is high amount emitted there will be an increase in Earth's temperatures.

industry

Burning fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil) releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, enhancing the green house effect.

transport

Exhaust emissions from motor vehicles is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Transport in all economic sectors occurs in all countries.

energy

Non-renewables produce carbon emissions and need to be dug up from the ground with vehicles (using fuel).

farming

Agricultural practices lead to the release of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. Loss of carbon sink from farming land decreases carbon absorption.

enhanced greenhouse effect

During the day, radiation from the sun heats up the Earth. At night clouds trap the heat as it radiates back out into space. Gases in the atmosphere also trap this heat. The buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere prevents heat from radiating back out. This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect.

rising sea levels

sea water will cover low lying areas and destroy farmland and property.

more hazards (hot)

Vulnerable areas like the Sahel experience more intense heatwaves and droughts causing water shortages and crop failure.

more hazards (cold)

Northern countries experience an increase in precipitation, increasing the risk of floods.

reduced employment opportunities

tourism is impacted in skiing destinations where there is now less snow.

health and well-being challenges

As temperatures rise, tropical diseases like malaria and Yellow Fever are spreading to previously unaffected areas.

food supply issues

if optimal weather conditions for crop growth is affected, there will be less growing food

responses to global warming and climate change in a developed country

responses to global warming and climate change in an undeveloped or emerging country