Topic 6.2: Climate Change — Causes and Impacts Questions

Satellites have measured Arctic sea ice since 1979. Figure 1 shows the September sea-ice extent each year from 2000 to 2012. With reference to Figure 1, calculate the percentage decrease in sea-ice extent between 2000 and 2012.

Divers survey one large reef system every year for signs of bleaching. Figure 1 shows what they found from 2012 to 2021.

There are concerns that rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are changing the global climate. Figure 1 shows CO2 emissions per person for six countries in 2000 and 2023.

Arctic sea ice is largest each March, at the end of winter. Figure 1 shows the March sea-ice extent every five years from 1980 to 2025. With reference to Figure 1, calculate the percentage decrease in sea-ice extent between 1980 and 2025.

Galápagos sea lions feed on sardines brought close to the islands by cold, nutrient-rich upwelling. Outline how climate change may affect the food supply of Galápagos sea lions.

Define the term environmental value system (EVS).

Nepal gets most of its electricity from hydropower, but its use of fossil fuels is rising. Figure 1 shows Nepal's yearly carbon dioxide emissions from 2009 to 2017. Using Figure 1, calculate the average annual increase in CO2 emissions, in million tonnes per year, between 2009 and 2017.

Uruguay, in South America, has about 12 million cattle and makes almost all of its electricity from renewable sources. Figure 1 shows the country's emissions by sector in three years. With reference to Figure 1, identify the sector which contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions in Uruguay in 2021.

Humpback whales spend the summer around Antarctica feeding on krill, which depend on algae that grow under the sea ice. Outline how climate change may affect the food supply of humpback whales.

On a savanna, fires burn the grass each dry season. Figure 1 shows the number of individual wildfires and the total area burnt each year from 2012 to 2019.

Kenya is growing its economy while trying to keep its emissions low. Figure 1 shows Kenya's yearly carbon dioxide emissions from 2009 to 2017. Using Figure 1, calculate the average annual increase in CO2 emissions, in million tonnes per year, between 2009 and 2017.

Which pair of processes is mainly responsible for rising global sea level?

Which statement defines climate change?

Bangladesh is one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Figure 1 shows its yearly carbon dioxide emissions from 2010 to 2020. Using Figure 1, calculate the average annual increase in CO2 emissions, in million tonnes per year, between 2010 and 2020.

A survey asks people in Kenya and in Germany how serious they think climate change is. Outline two factors that may influence their answers.

Denmark now makes more than half of its electricity from wind, but in 2005 it still burned large amounts of coal. Figure 1 shows the country's emissions by sector in three years. With reference to Figure 1, identify the sector which contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions in Denmark in 2005.

Atlantic puffins in the North Sea feed their chicks on small fish called sandeels. Outline how climate change may affect the food supply of Atlantic puffins.

Coral reefs are being bleached more often. Figure 1 shows the number of moderate and severe coral bleaching events recorded around the world from 2007 to 2016.

Reef scientists began reporting mass bleaching in the 1980s. Figure 1 shows the moderate and severe events they recorded worldwide in each year of the 1990s.

Scientists say that most of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere since 1750 is anthropogenic. Define the term anthropogenic.