IB DP ESS - Topic 7: Climate Change - Study Guide Notes

Climate vs. Weather

  • Climate is long-term, while weather is short-term (e.g., rain variation).

The Greenhouse Effect

  • Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide) trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures and climate change.

Major Greenhouse Gases

  • Water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane trap heat.

  • Human activities like burning fossil fuels and waste buildup increase their concentrations, leading to rising global temperatures.

Burning of Fossil Fuels

  • Fossil fuels contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer, increasing heat levels on Earth.

Natural Factors

  • The nitrogen and water cycles are natural factors that contribute to climate change.

Volcanic Eruptions

  • Volcanic eruptions release smoke and gases like sulfur dioxide, which can cause the sun's rays to be pushed away, cooling the Earth.

Solar Radiation

  • UV radiation from the sun warms the Earth.

  • Surfaces like snow and water reflect some of it back into space (albedo), helping to keep the planet cooler.

Deforestation

  • Deforestation leads to an increase in CO2CO_2 levels because there aren't enough trees to convert the gas into oxygen.

Agriculture

  • Fertilizer use increases nitrogen levels, which turn into nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.

Transportation and Industrial Processes

  • Industrial production and transportation
    release large amounts of fossil fuels into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gases and contributing to global warming.

Urbanization and the Urban Heat Island Effect

  • Urban areas have high amounts of concrete and asphalt, which trap heat, causing higher temperatures in populated areas.

Evidence for Climate Change

  • Melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and increasing temperatures.

Global Temperature Increase

  • Melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and increasing temperatures are clear signs of global warming.

Significance of Melting Polar Ice Caps and Glaciers

  • Melting ice caps and glaciers lead to increased sea levels, indicating rising global temperatures.

Carbon Dioxide Levels in Historical Climate Data

  • Ice tunnels (ice cores) help us understand historical carbon dioxide levels.

Environmental Impacts of Climate Change

  • Rising temperatures, melting ice, stronger storms, ocean damage, wildlife loss, and forest destruction.

Effects on Human Health and Agriculture

  • Increased UV radiation raises the risk of skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

  • Crops are damaged by drying out, reducing their growth.

Impact on Biodiversity

  • Climate change causes habitat loss, leading to the death of many animals.

  • Ocean acidification kills corals, making fish lose their homes.

Economic Consequences

  • Destruction of habitats can decrease ecotourism, leading to financial losses.

Mitigation vs. Adaptation

  • Mitigation aims to fix climate change, while adaptation strategies focus on living with its effects.

Mitigation Strategies

  • Renewable energy, carbon capture, and afforestation.

Transitioning to Renewable Energy

  • Benefits: Less pollution, greater energy independence, and new jobs.

  • Challenges: High startup costs, inconsistent energy supply, and the need for major infrastructure upgrades.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

  • Individuals, governments, and businesses can reduce carbon emissions by adopting sustainable practices, using renewable energy, and implementing related policies.

Adaptation Strategies

  • Actions taken to live with the effects of climate change, aiming to minimize harm and enhance resilience.

International Agreements

  • Agreements like the Paris Agreement establish a global framework for cooperation and set shared goals.

Climate Models

  • Climate models simulate how the Earth's climate system will respond to various factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, solar radiation, and natural climate variability.

Factors in Climate Projections

  • Natural and human factors like greenhouse gas levels, solar activity, volcanic eruptions, aerosols, land use, and interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and carbon/water cycles.

Limitations of Climate Models

  • Struggle with accurately representing complex processes like clouds and ocean mixing, leading to uncertainties in regional climate projections.

Climate Feedback Loops

  • Cyclical processes that can amplify or mitigate the effects of climate change.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

  • A foundational international treaty that sets the framework for global efforts to address climate change.

Paris Agreement

  • Aims to limit global temperature rise.

Criticisms of International Climate Agreements

  • Lack of strong enforcement mechanisms and reliance on voluntary commitments.

Global Inequalities

  • Global inequalities can worsen social and economic vulnerabilities, creating resistance and reducing public support for action.

Approaches to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

  • Countries and regions use mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (adjusting to impacts), shaped by their unique circumstances, priorities, and resources.

Challenges Faced by Developing Countries

  • Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of technical expertise.