Unit 9 Possible FRQS

Greenhouse Gas With GWP Greater Than 1

Methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs all have global warming potentials greater than 1

Anthropogenic Source of Greenhouse Gases

Burning fossil fuels, agriculture, landfills, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases

How Greenhouse Gases Lower Ocean pH

CO2 dissolves in seawater forming carbonic acid, which releases hydrogen ions and decreases pH

Human Health Impact of Climate Change

Increased heat related illness, spread of vector borne diseases, respiratory problems from poor air quality

Second Human Health Impact of Climate Change

Increased frequency of extreme weather events causing injury, displacement, and stress

Effect of Climate Change on Marine Organisms

Ocean acidification reduces carbonate ions needed for shells and skeletons, harming corals and shellfish

Realistic Solution to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Transition to renewable energy such as solar or wind power

Why Renewable Energy Reduces Emissions

Renewables do not release CO2 during electricity generation, lowering atmospheric greenhouse gases

Environmental Problems From Climate Change

Sea level rise, ocean acidification, stronger storms, drought, and altered precipitation patterns

Human Activity That Releases CO2 Other Than Fossil Fuels

Deforestation releases stored carbon from trees into the atmosphere

Solution to Reduce Atmospheric CO2

Restoring wetlands, increasing soil carbon storage, or expanding public transportation

Additional Benefit of CO2 Reduction Solution

Wetland restoration improves biodiversity and water filtration, soil carbon storage improves agriculture

Disadvantage of Timber Forest Carbon Sequestration

Plantations may replace natural forests, reduce biodiversity, and displace local communities

Preferred Nesting Habitat for Piping Plovers

Open sandy beaches with sparse vegetation

Restriction to Protect Plover Nests

Limiting beach driving, closing nesting areas, or restricting pets during nesting season

Environmental Benefit of Barrier Islands

They absorb storm energy, reduce erosion, and protect inland ecosystems

Human Action That Threatens Coastal Habitats

Coastal development destroys dunes and wetlands, harming species such as sea turtles

Economic Impact of Rising Sea Levels

Property damage, increased flooding costs, and loss of tourism revenue

Local Method to Protect Coastal Communities

Building seawalls, restoring dunes, or elevating buildings

Second Local Method to Protect Coastal Communities

Creating wetlands or living shorelines to absorb storm surge