GEO EXAM REVISION

What is climate change?

Long-term changes in average weather patterns, including temperature, rainfall and extreme events.

What is anthropogenic climate change?

Climate change caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gases.

What is the greenhouse effect?

Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit heat, keeping Earth's atmosphere warm.

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Extra human-produced greenhouse gases trap more heat, increasing global temperatures.

Name three major human drivers of climate change.

Burning fossil fuels, transport and agriculture.

How does burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change?

Burning coal, oil and gas releases CO₂, which traps heat in the atmosphere.

How does transport contribute to climate change?

Vehicles and planes burn fuels, releasing CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.

How does agriculture contribute to climate change?

Livestock produce methane; fertilisers release nitrous oxide. Both trap heat.

Which human driver contributes most to climate change?

Fossil fuel use is the largest overall contributor to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Where is California, and how large is it?

On the west coast of the USA; approximately 424,000 km², the third-largest US state.

Describe California's climate.

Hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Inland and mountainous areas vary more.

What precipitation pattern characterises California?

Over half its annual precipitation falls during winter storms (December–February).

Name three important environmental features of California.

Forests, shrublands and grasslands, and biodiversity.

Why are California's forests important?

They provide wildlife habitats, absorb CO₂ and protect water supplies.

Why are shrublands and grasslands important?

They provide food and shelter for wildlife and support natural ecosystems.

Why is biodiversity important?

It maintains healthy food chains and helps conserve unique wildlife.

Why is California vulnerable to climate change?

Hot, dry summers; drought and rising temperatures; dry winds and vegetation.

What temperature change has California experienced?

Its average annual temperature has risen about 1.1°C since 1895.

How do hot, dry summers increase wildfire risk?

They dry vegetation, making it easier to ignite and burn.

How do drought and rising temperatures increase wildfire risk?

They worsen dry conditions, making fires more likely to start and spread.

How do dry winds increase wildfire risk?

Strong winds can rapidly spread fires through forests and shrublands.

What are two environmental impacts of wildfires?

Habitat and vegetation destruction reduces biodiversity; exposed soil increases erosion and water pollution.

What are two social impacts of wildfires?

Deaths, destroyed homes and evacuations; smoke can cause breathing difficulties.

What are two economic impacts of wildfires?

Damage to homes and infrastructure creates repair costs; business, tourism and agricultural losses reduce income.

What is a local strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Improve public transport, walk or cycle more, and use energy-efficient buildings.

What is a national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Governments can support renewable energy and set targets to reduce emissions.

What is the global climate mitigation strategy?

The Paris Agreement (2015), an international treaty to limit global warming.

How does the Paris Agreement work?

Countries set and regularly update plans to reduce emissions, aiming to limit warming to 1.5°C and well below 2°C.

What are the strengths of the Paris Agreement?

Encourages global cooperation and promotes stronger emissions-reduction targets over time.

What are the weaknesses of the Paris Agreement?

Targets are nationally chosen and enforcement is limited; current commitments may not achieve 1.5°C.

What is human wellbeing?

A state of health, happiness, prosperity and welfare.

What is a qualitative indicator?

Descriptive information about quality of life, such as safety or freedom.

What is a quantitative indicator?

Numerical information that can be measured, such as income or life expectancy.

What is the difference between objective and subjective measures?

Objective measures use observable facts; subjective measures reflect personal feelings and opinions.

Why use several indicators to measure wellbeing?

No single indicator captures every aspect of wellbeing; a combination gives a fuller picture.

Name six indicators of human wellbeing.

Sanitation, wealth, infant mortality, adult literacy, health and life expectancy.

What is sanitation, and why is it important?

Safe management of human waste; it protects health, dignity and safety.

What does GDP measure?

The total value of goods and services produced within a country over a period, usually a year.

What is GDP per capita?

A country's GDP divided by its population; an average measure of economic output per person.

Why is GDP per capita an imperfect wellbeing measure?

It hides income inequality and does not directly measure health, education or happiness.

What is life expectancy?

The average number of years a person is expected to live.

What is infant mortality rate?

The number of deaths of children under one year old per 1,000 live births.

What does adult literacy rate measure?

The percentage of adults who can read and write with understanding.

What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

A measure combining life expectancy, education and income to compare human development.

What does spatial variation in wellbeing mean?

Differences in wellbeing between places or regions.

Why does wellbeing vary between countries?

Differences in income, education, healthcare, infrastructure, resources and government.

What historical factors contributed to differences in wellbeing between India and Australia?

India's British colonial history contributed to lasting economic and social inequalities, while Australia developed into a high-income economy.

How can population growth and urbanisation affect wellbeing in India?

Rapid urban growth increases pressure on housing, healthcare, education and sanitation, contributing to overcrowding and inadequate services.

How can unequal access to infrastructure affect wellbeing?

Poorer and remote communities may have less access to hospitals, schools, clean water, sanitation and transport.

How does wealth influence wellbeing?

Higher incomes can improve access to food, housing, healthcare, sanitation and education.

How does education influence wellbeing?

It improves literacy, employment opportunities, knowledge and life choices.

How does healthcare influence wellbeing?

Access to healthcare helps prevent and treat disease, improving health and life expectancy.

Give a broad comparison of wellbeing in Australia and India.

Australia generally has higher income, life expectancy and access to services; India has greater development gaps.

Why can wellbeing vary within India?

Differences in income, education, sanitation, healthcare and access to services between regions.

What is urbanisation?

The increasing proportion of a population living in towns and cities.

How can urbanisation affect wellbeing?

It can improve access to jobs and services, but rapid growth can increase overcrowding and pressure on sanitation and housing.

How can colonisation contribute to spatial inequality?

It can create lasting inequalities in wealth, land ownership, infrastructure and access to opportunities.

What is the role of governments in improving wellbeing?

Provide services and infrastructure, fund healthcare and education, and reduce inequality.

What is the role of NGOs in improving wellbeing?

They provide services and support, such as healthcare, education, sanitation and emergency aid.

What is the Swachh Bharat Mission?

An Indian government initiative launched in 2014 to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation.

How can the Swachh Bharat Mission improve wellbeing?

Improved toilets and sanitation can reduce disease and improve dignity, safety and public health.

What can limit the success of sanitation initiatives?

Poor maintenance, unequal access, limited infrastructure and continued open defecation.

How should you compare wellbeing between two countries?

Compare the same indicators, use supporting data, identify patterns and explain reasons for differences.

What qualitative evidence does Slumming It provide about wellbeing?

Observations of overcrowding, limited sanitation, insecure employment and difficulties accessing basic services.

What does the India-Australia wellbeing data generally show?

Australia has higher average income, life expectancy, literacy and access to services, although inequalities exist within both countries.

How should you evaluate a wellbeing initiative?

Explain its benefits and limitations, use evidence, and judge how effectively it improves wellbeing.

What evidence demonstrates the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission?

Rural toilet coverage increased from approximately 43% in 2014–15 to nearly 99% in 2018–19, according to the investigation's cited evaluation.