NATURAL CAUSES
HUMAN CAUSES
NATURAL SYSTEMS AFFECTED
IMPACT ON THE WORLD
MINIMIZING HUMAN IMPACT
100
How do volcanic eruptions contribute to changes in the climate?
- the ash cloud from the volcano blocks the sun's rays thus lowering the earth's temperature - more CO2 (a gas contributing to the greenhouse effect) is emitted
100
Which chemical compound produced by humans is the leading cause of the depletion of the ozone layer? Where can this chemical compound be found?
The production and emission of CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons - used in refrigerators, home insulation, plastic foam, and throwaway food containers.
100
How are weather patterns around the world being affected by climate change? i.e. stronger hurricanes
- an increase in the areas affected by drought; increased tropical cyclone activity; more floods.
100
New York City, New Orleans, Steveston. What do these cities have in common?
Rising sea levels will affect them.
100
What are the three R's and give an example of each.
Reduce - eg. buy stuff with less packaging Reuse - don't buy bottled water but refill a water bottle (BPA-free). Recycle - put cans in recycle bins.
200
What is El Nino?
- large-scale oceanic warming of ocean temperatures that affects most of the tropical Pacific -- It happens every three to seven years--El Niño's warm pool feeds thunderstorms and creates increased rainfall in some places and drier conditions in others (for us in Coquitlam, it means milder winters)
200
List human activities that generate greenhouse gases.
The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as deforestation and various agricultural and industrial practices. --The use of aerosols.
200
Glaciers are melting more quickly than expected. How is this impacting humans?
- It puts millions of people at risk from floods, droughts, a lack of drinking water, and rising sea levels.
200
While Hurricane Katrina was bad enough, what happened in New Orleans that made it worse?
The breaking of the levee or dam, which caused extensive flooding.
200
How can you minimize your use of fossil fuels in terms of transportation?
Walk, cycle, take the bus, join a carpool, move closer to school or work, only travel by plane when you must, ask your parents to buy a hybrid or smaller more fuel-efficient vehicle, etc.
300
What is El Nina and how does it affect climate?
- Cooler than normal waters in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. Tends to exaggerate weather patterns i.e. more snow and rain than usual; stronger hurricanes.
300
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
- the burning of tropical forests releases CO2 into the air (In 24 hours, deforestation releases as much CO2 into the atmosphere as 8 million people flying from London to New York (Howden, "The Independent", May 2007). - Loses a "precious cooling band" around the equator
300
How will climate change reduce access to the roads up north? (Hint: Permafrost)
The permafrost no longer freezes solid so that trucks can drive on them.
300
How is climate change affecting the people who live in Australia?
- More fires in places; more flooding in places; lack of water in places.
300
In terms of groceries, how can your family help the environment?
Buy locally when produce is in season (less fuel needed to transport); become vegetarian as livestock consumes a lot of water, land, and resources (don't forget about the cow farts too and their methane gas!); eat less and don't become obese!
400
How does the Coriolis effect relate to climate change?
With the rotation of the earth, winds and currents in the ocean are deflected. - It affects hurricanes, cyclones, and tornadoes.
400
Which two greenhouse gases affecting climate change are released with current farming or agricultural practices ? How are these produced?
- fertilizers give off nitrous ozide and methane is produced when cows, sheep and goats digest their food and belch methane.
400
How are plants and animals being affected by climate change?
Birds lay eggs earlier in the year than usual, plants bloom earlier and mammals are come out of hibernation sooner. Distribution of animals is also affected; with many species moving closer to the poles as a response to the rise in global temperatures. Birds are migrating and arriving at their nesting grounds earlier. Some animals are losing their habitats due to flood, etc.
400
Name some floods that made the news in the past year.
- A flood in Pakistan (July 2010) - A flood in England (November 2010) - Midwest of the United States (May 2011) - Prairies (May 2011) - Okanagan (May 2011)
400
Name some ways in your house that you can cut down on your use of energy.
Change your lightbulbs to compact fluorescent ones; turn off lights and appliances when not in use; use less hot water; adjust your thermostat, etc.
500
What three characteristics of Earth's movement in space affects the climate system?
- earth's tilt - earth's rotation - earth's orbit around the sun
500
List some ways that you and your family burn fossil fuels.
- driving a car, using air conditioning, using an outdoor gas barbeque, etc.
500
How is climate change affecting our oceans?
- sea-level rise, increased intensity of storms, disruption of seasonal weather patterns, loss of sea ice, altered freshwater supply and quality.
500
Predict how people will have to change if temperatures change as expected, storms become more fierce, and the glaciers melt.
- In some cases, people will have to move away from tornado alleys, hurricane-prone areas, areas with no fresh water; farming practices will have to change and perhaps shift, etc.
500
List some creative ways to combat climate change. Hint: contraceptives, combatting reforestation, etc.
Contraception is almost five times cheaper as a means of preventing climate change than conventional green technologies, according to research by the London School of Economics. - Plant more trees.
M
e
n
u