Water, Carbon and Climate

Question 1

3 ways Water and Carbon Cycles depend on each other

Answer 1

Combine with each other in atmosphere- chemical weathering- removes carbon
Water needed for photosynthesis which removes carbon from atmosphere
Amount of atmospheric CO2 affects global temperatures- impacts on evaporation- precipitation

Question 2

5 Impacts of Climate Change

Answer 2

Precipitation patterns
More frequent and extreme weather events
Reduced agricultural productivity in some areas
Increased sea level
Plankton numbers fall… marine food chain impacted

Question 3

Why might plankton numbers fall?

Answer 3

Temperature increase

Impacts their habitat- affects the food chain

Question 4

IPCC Key Points

Answer 4

Set up by UN
Share knowledge about climate change
Encourages countries to reduce CO2 emissions, prevents large temperature increase

Question 5

Reducing impact of Climate Change- Individual Scale

Answer 5

Use cars less
Use fuel efficient cars
Increase energy efficiency of homes

Question 6

Reducing impact of Climate Change- National Scale

Answer 6

Increased use of renewable energy
Afforestation- Peru
Invest in green public transport
Carbon capture and storage- sequestration

Question 7

Reducing impact of Climate Change- Global Scale

Answer 7

Kyoto Protocol 1997 + Paris Agreement 
    -International treaties
    -Control ghg emission 
Carbon trading schemes
    -Countries each given limits, can sell any extra on

Question 8

How does increased atmospheric CO2 impact water cycle?

Answer 8

Increases evaporation as temperature increases
Increases water vapour + temperature
Less dissolved CO2 held in oceans
POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Question 9

Why are water and carbon essential for life?

Answer 9

All living things contain carbon + need water to survive
Plants are base of food chains- water and carbon needed for photosynthesis
Without natural greenhouse effect, earth would be too cold to support life