In-Depth Notes on Climate Change for National 5 Geography

Features of Climate Change

  • Causes:

    • Physical

    • Human

  • Effects:

    • Local

    • Global

  • Management Strategies:

    • To minimize impact/effects

Physical Causes of Climate Change

  • Sunspots:

    • More sunspots every 11 years can warm the planet.

    • The Little Ice Age (1650–1850) may have been caused by reduced solar activity.

  • Albedo Effect:

    • Increase in polar ice reflects more sunlight, potentially cooling the planet.

  • Volcanic Activity:

    • Large quantities of volcanic dust can reflect sunlight, which cools the Earth.

    • Example: Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991 released 17 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide, reducing global temperature by 0.5°C.

  • Ocean Currents:

    • Changes in currents can affect temperature distribution across the globe.

  • Earth's Orbital Changes:

    • Over 100,000 years, the Earth’s orbit changes from circular to elliptical, influencing heat reception.

    • Changes in Earth’s tilt over 41,000 years affect seasonal temperatures; larger tilt leads to more extreme temperatures.

Human Causes of Climate Change

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):

    • Increased production from burning fossil fuels for energy; includes emissions from power stations and vehicles.

  • Deforestation:

    • Reduced photosynthesis decreases CO₂ removal from the atmosphere; burning vegetation releases more CO₂.

  • Methane:

    • Less produced than CO₂, but 30 times more effective at trapping heat.

    • Sources include landfill organic waste decomposition and methane from cattle digestion.

Effects of Climate Change

  • Flooding:

    • Increased temperatures lead to more water vapor, intensifying rainfall, resulting in river flooding.

    • Coastal flooding risks, such as for low-lying island nations like the Maldives.

  • Melting Ice Caps:

    • Rising temperatures cause ice caps to melt, threatening polar habitats.

  • Heat Waves:

    • Higher temperatures can lead to water shortages and dehydration, impacting vulnerable populations.

  • Forest Fires:

    • Prolonged drought increases the risk of wildfires, notably significant in regions like California and Australia.

  • Extreme Weather:

    • Hurricanes gaining strength due to warming seas, causing extensive damage in affected areas.

  • Coral Bleaching:

    • Ocean acidification threatens coral ecosystems, impacting tourism and marine life.

Management Strategies to Minimize Impact

  • Transport:

    • Adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles reduces CO₂ emissions.

    • Initiatives encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use; some regions offer free public transport for certain demographics.

  • Energy Production and Use:

    • Increased energy production from renewable sources (e.g., solar, wind).

    • Government grants promote energy-efficient upgrades in homes.

  • Recycling and Reduction Programs:

    • Local councils provide recycling facilities; emphasis on energy-saving products like LED bulbs.

  • Afforestation:

    • Planting more trees to capture CO₂, with programs in place in various countries.

  • Sustainable Agriculture:

    • Practices like grass-feeding cattle to reduce methane emissions and promoting diets with less red meat.

Exam Techniques for Climate Change Questions

  • Descriptive Questions:

    • Provide an overall description of the resource.

    • Split into categories or trends, using key data points.

  • Map/Graph Based Questions:

    • Identify overall trends from visual data, describing key numerical changes.

  • Marking Guidelines:

    • Understand that valid points and detailed explanations earn higher marks.

    • Use specific terminology and units appropriately to clearly convey information.