in what ways can humans respond to climate change?

agriculture

climate change has major implications for agriculture. affect growing conditions, crop types, cultivation practices, crop yields etc. more than any other economic activity agriculture will have to adjust and accommodate to global warming

why might phytoplankton be more important than plants?

individual phytoplankton are tiny, but when they bloom there are billions. Phytoplankton are referred to as oceanic biological productivity. the one celled plants use energy from the sun to convert co2 and nutrients into complex organic compounds which form new plant material.

coastal flooding

land may be destroyed, people may be forced to move. people may now be homeless?

positive feedback

amplifies change and increases disequilibrium

Enhanced weathering

artificial crushing of rocks to increase surface areas and absorption of atmospheric CO2 by silicates to form carbonate minerals

do you know the implications of climate change currently being experienced for people and the environment?

changes in ecosystems, health and extreme weather

Accommodation strategies

1. technological advancements such as new crop strains e.g. more drought resident wheat, adapted to shorter or longer growing seasons, irrigation will be extended to areas of water shortage, more efficient irrigation systems such as lined irrigation canals and drip irrigation, replacement of cereal cultivation by livestock and tree farming. 2. other methods to conserve soil moisture include zero tillage, rotating crops, mulching (bark clippings that cover soil to reduce evaporation), planting hedgerows. While farmers in rich countries can accommodate change, those in poorer countries with limited access to credit and capital will struggle to adjust.

ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. living things (flora and fauna) and their non living environment so ecosystems driven by the suns energy include not only animals and plants but temp, precipitation, soil, geology, etc.

coral bleaching

Occurs when a coral becomes stressed and expels most of its colourful algae, leaving an underlying ghostly white skeleton of calcium carbonat. due to an increase in water temperature

implications of climate change on health

World Health Organization- forecasts an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 because of climate change

what is conservation and preservation

conservation= allows sustainable use of nature e.g. agroforestry preservation= complete protection e.g. in logging in a certain area

Desertification

reduction in agricultural productivity due to overexploitation of resources and natural processes such as drought.

future adaption to buildings, cities, transport and economies

they will need to adapt to rising temps

carbon cycle

- 70% of the heat is retained by co2- therefore this gas is the main contributor to the greenhouse effect. - amount of c02 increasing due to fossil fuels- carbon cycle pushed out of balance. it is usually at a state of equilibrium. - principal stores= oceans, atmosphere, carbonate rocks, soil and biosphere. - main pathways= photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and chemical weathering.

importance of carbon cycle in climate change

- all living organism depend on carbon, fundamental building block of life - photosynthesis= tree/plants and phytoplankton absorb co2 and return oxygen to the atmosphere. they are primary producers in ecosystems, converting sunlight and co2 to carbohydrates, which support a;; consumer organisms including co2. - carbon passes to all animals and is returned to atmosphere either through breathing or through aerobic decomposition. - decomposition and oxidation ensure co2 is recycled rapidly, replenishing stores of co2 in the atmosphere for photosynthesis. - carbon stores such as ocean sediments and carbonate rocks lock away carbon for millions of years, helping to maintain atmospheric co2. - too much co2 and these processes are out of balance and creates a warmer climate.

adaptation

- central , state and local governments have been proactive- commissioning research to improve understanding, target priority areas and draw up action plans. - coast= protection by new sea walls, and flood gates and dams will alleviate river flooding. - in areas of high flood risk, some relocation of houses and businesses and stricter planning laws enforced to prevent development will be inevitable. -Currently has a $US9 billion investment programme to develop new water resources, use existing resources more effectively, and protect river and wetland ecosystems. -In order to reduce agricultures vulnerability, crop strains suited to hotter and drier conditions will be developed. -Dams will be constructed to retain and manage water, and early warning and disaster-response management will be upgraded.

Bangladesh case study- LIDC

- current socio-economic and environmental impacts and the opportunities and threats they present. -Technological, socio-economic and political challenges associated with effective mitigation and adaption.

Australia case study AC

- developing country -advanced economy 2014- ranked 2nd in world on the UNs HDI - capita gross national income of US$41,500 -despite its wealth- highly vulnerable to climate change -national disasters cost economy US$4.5 billion/year, figure expected to double by 2030. most of population, major cities and infrastructure on the coast -high risk of coastal flooding

droughts

- human health could be compromised by droughts and floods reducing crop yields and food production. this could threaten and already does food security and human health in countries such as Yemen and Nigeria. Physical and human causes combine to impact food supply. - droughts more likely in places that are semi arid or arid. this can affect crop yields but also cattle and therefore people as famine becomes more commonplace.

where is Bangladesh and name some key facts

- low income country - located in South Asia -most of country occupies the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta- supports highest rural population densities in the world. -exposure to climatic hazards is high- impact of future cyclones, storm surges expected to worsen with climate change. -ability to adapt to challenge both on a national and community scale, is limited by poverty - low flat country -Capital city= Dhaka population of 20 million - Because so much of country is low and flat- vulnerable to storm surges.

Environmental impacts

- rising sea level- increase contamination of groundwater and salt water by saltwater intrusion. this means agricultural land could be too highly Stalinised for cultivation. - low and flat- average elevation above sea level- 4-5m and 10% just 1m above. -70% of country floods every year. -deforestation mainly to sell for firewood means less mangrove forest which protects against cyclones (hurricanes) from the south. - also mangrove forests are threatened by rising sea level (clearance for agriculture and fish farming).

impacts of climate change

- severe floods- tropical cyclones- devastated Queensland in past 15 years. - rising sea levels- affected tourism and ecosystems. Accelerated coastal erosion threaten beaches and infrastructure of the Gold Coast. - main tourism centre. - together with bleaching and ocean acidification- damaged part of great barrier reef. - extreme heat- human health problems- 2009 heatwave in southeast- sharp increase in heat related deaths. - bush fires- extensive damage to property and businesses. 2009 bushfires in Victoria killed 173 people and destroyed more than 2000 homes. - driest inhabited continent- climate increase risk of drought. since mid 90s rainfall in southeast has dropped by 15%. - millennium drought- lasted 1996-2010 more (steep decline in crop yields) - drought adversely impacts tourism, employment, urban water suppliers and ecosystems. - number of heatwave days has increased from 1950-11 in Australias largest cities. e.g. Sydney it was 6 between 1950-80 and between 1981-2011 9.

transport

- winter 2014= rail network vulnerable to extreme weather- storm waves destroyed parts of wall at Dawlish, Cornwall. - rising sea level - future strengthening of sea walls- winter 2014- Somerset experienced severe flooding -warmer summer= rails buckling (overcome by improved sleepers) roads= higher temps- melt tarmac and cause rutting. -airlines affected-at Heathrow new system based on time separation allows more aircrafts to land within a time frame during stiff headwinds. other problems= airport flooding, heat damage to runways Severe weather affect disrupt flights- maintenance of runways, time separations of flights, new routes may all become future adaptions.

socio-economic impacts

-60 million people according to the world bank live in poverty - most communities exposed to environmental hazards, floods and cyclones are poor. - hard to adapt- constrained by economic situation- UNs Human Development Index ranked 142th out of 187 countries. - Around Dhaka 5,000 people have been employed building houses with stilts. -more frequent flooding- increase disease burden, spread water bone diseases- breeding sites for insect vector e.g. mosquitoes. -every major flood-challenge- govt doesn't have enough resources- more frequent. -past 25 years- 60% deaths worldwide from tropical cyclones have occurred in Bangladesh. -still recovering from cyclones in 2007 and 2009. -rising sea level, more intense cyclones and rapidly growing population increase exposure.

Implications of climate change for people

-Antarctic ice cap shrinks- rising sea levels- polar bears could become extinct (2/3) decline. -affected delicate food chains. around Uk average sea surface temps risen by 1.6c, affecting fishing industry.

fuels shifts and low-carbon energy sources

-Most governments working towards energy mix jay reduces dependency on fossil fuels and increases the contribution to from renewables. - 2020 target= achieve 15% for electricity generation of renewable energies was just achieved. strategy includes expanding renewables especially wind power and closing several large coal fired power station-converting into biofuels. -There has been a steady decline in overall energy consumption since 2005. - Despite significant process in past 10 years, Uk still relies on fossil fuels for 86% of its energy supply. Lags behind other Eu countries e.g. Sweden and Germany

forestry strategies (reforestation)

-Forests reduce co2 emission to the atmosphere by storing carbon above and below the ground. -Rubber trees- instead of being felled are fitted with tight wire and beaker so that sap from just under the bark can be sustainably extracted. - creates positive impact on water cycle- water not hitting ground. - Sustainable reserve within the ARPA: UN-REDD scheme-jump reserve-provides payment to tribe for protecting rainforest. tribe called Surui. Funded by companies who exceed their annual carbon emissions. - Improved agricultural techniques= Agroforestry- interactive benefit of combining trees with crops. annual food crops and tree crops such as coconuts are planted. surrounded by hedgerows of trees. -improved farming techniques= planting more hedges- good for wildlife but also increases carbon stores. Farmers get Government Grants. also a reduction in fertilisers.

energy efficiency and conservation

-Reduce energy consumption-moving towards low-carbon economy. -New homes are highly carbon efficient- high levels of heat insulation, double glazing and small windows. -To keep up with Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement Uk have offered incentives (£) for people to reduce their carbon footprint. - Grant available where they paid up to £220 a year towards overall electric bill if solar panels added. - encouraged to have smart meters, theory if you are continually aware of usage people will use less gas, electricity and water.

vulnerability of people

-Vulnerability of people is affected by where they live and their ability to cope. rural communities in the developing world, where most people rely on sustainable farming, are extremely vulnerable, especially where they already farm marginal land, e.g. the severe land degradation and desertification in the Sahel, Northern Africa. - Other vulnerable farming areas include the Prairies on Northern America and the Pampas in Argentina. declining yields in these areas could lead to global shortages of wheat and maize. - Also rural regions of northern India that are fed by glacial meltwater. - Low lying coastal regions in the tropics and sub tropics, are vulnerable to flooding e.g. Bangladesh.

mitigation

-cap and trade scheme linked to the EUs trading scheme and has introduced targets to increase production of renewable energy by 2020. -Long term strategy-even if effective, climate change between now and end of century is a certainty. thus more urgent action is needed in the short term.

how is the polar region affected by climate change?

-ecosystem afce dramatic changes. -killer whales increasing and length of time they stay in artic= grey on narwhals and bowhead whales. -opportunistic species are moving in, southern species can pose a risk to existing arctic species and systems. on the tundra, rising temps have brought a new competitor the artic fox much larger cousin (red fox). not only does it colonise their dens, also kill smaller arctic foxes. -fish stocks in the Barents Sea are moving north at up to 160kilometres per decade. the fish are sensitive to changes in water temp. this poses a risk for commercial and subsistence fisheries that may see fish resources move away from where they can harvest them. moving fish change the ecosystem in which they move into. -animals such as polar bears who rely on ice will struggle to survive, therefore may starve and be unable to reproduce decreasing the numbers. extinct - melting of ice caps would mean changes to water current patterns- fish die to move location. moreover, predators such as polar bears will find it harder to get food. - ice melt is a feedback loop. shiny ice and snow reflect high proportion of the suns energy into space. as arctic loses snow and ice bare rock and water absorb more and more of the suns energy making it even warmer. (albedo effect). - more woody plants, more precipitation, and warmer temps compromise the survival of grazing animals such as reindeer and muskoxen. warmer winter temps have also increased the layers of ice and snow making food more difficult to dig up in winter.

strategies used to reduce the impacts of climate change. what are the mitigation strategies to cut global emissions of greenhouse gases?

-energy efficiency and conservation - fuel shifts and low-carbon energy sources - carbon capture and storage -forestry strategies - geoengineering

extreme weather

-global warming is predicted to disrupt regional weather patterns. extreme weather events such as floods, tropical cyclones and heatwaves have implications for people, the economy and society and the concern that climate change will lead to more extreme weather. -since mid 70s the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme weather has increased. -countries have been affected in recent times e.g. hurricane Katrina 2003 (economic damage) prolonged heatwaves in Europe.

contamination of food and water

-higher temps increase risk of food contamination by salmonella and other bacteria which causes food poisoning: heavier rainfall increases food frequencies, and the probability of water supplies polluted by human waste. -bacteria in drinking water will multiply the risk of diarrhoea, already a major death among young children in LIDCs. Nor are people in ACs immune: heavy rainfall can increase the contamination of drinking water with parasites like cryptosporidium and spread of water borne diseases such as choler e.g. Bangladesh.

What are the 4 scenarios?

1. GHG emissions peak 2010-20 and decline after 2. GHG emissions peak in 2040 then decline 3. GHG emissions peak in 2080 and then decline 4. GHG emissions rise throughout 21st century the higher the number e.g. 4, the greater the temps will be and the higher the sea level will be, caused from melting ice.

potential negative feedback loop relating to rising co2 and global warming

1. expansion of forests= as temps rise, tree line advances polewards. the expansions of forests will absorb more co2 from the atmosphere. 2. increased cloudiness= high rates of evaporation and levels of atmospheric water vapour will increase cloud cover. this in turn will increase reflection of incoming radiation (albedo) back into space and lower temps. however also positive as can restrict heat radiated back leading to warming. high clouds= retain heat longer. low= thicker and reflects more sunlight. In a warming world might get more high clouds. 3. increase in aerosols= burning fossil fuels releases tiny particles of smoke and dust, they reflect incoming solar radiation back into space= lower global temps (global dimming)

Protection strategies

1. improved sea defences through hard engineering- sea walls and storm barriers e.g. on Thames protect low lying coasts at risk of flooding. Soft engineering such as conservation of beaches, afforestation. 2. Halting deforestation in developing countries tropics and sub tropics would help control river floods and provide protection for vulnerable communities. 3. threat to human health from food shortages, diseases, natural hazards. improved water treatment and sanitation together with screening for pathogens- protect millions of people from threat of water-borne diseases such as Cholera

positive feedback related to rising atmospheric co2 levels and global warming

1. increased evaporation= g/w intensified evaporation from ocean and land surfaces, warm air holds more water vapour (a potent GHG)- water vapour helps earth hold onto more heat energy from the sun- warmer climate= more evaporation. 2. reduced albedo= melting of glaciers, sea ice and snow fields reduce albedos, so that more solar radiation is absorbed at the surface. bright surfaces= increased reflection of sunlight but as snow melts less sunlight is reflected. temps increase, with further melting etc... 3. declining forest cover= as global temps rise, tropical trees become stressed and die, releasing co2 from the store which results in higher temps, threatening the future of forests. 4. melting of permafrost= CH4 and co2 are stored in vast quantities in the arctic and sub-arctic permafrost. thawing of the permafrost will release these GHGs, creating an enhanced greenhouse effect, which results in more melting

accommodation strategies

1. managed realignment= people moving away from an issue e.g. moving away from a vulnerable coastal settlement 2. land use zoning= prevents high-cost land uses such as housing and business from locating in vulnerable flooding areas e.g. on floodplains. Retreat strategies may not be an option for coastal and valley communities in worlds poorest countries. -Poverty indicates nearly 140million people live in Ganges-Brahmaputra delta- region of high risk, exposed to storm surges and violent river floods. Storm surge diaster= 1970 and 1991 Population has still continued to grow rapidly -strategies are adopted in countries with higher financial information

adaption strategies to reduce vulnerability of people to climate change

1. retreat 2. accommodate 3. protect 4. implementation in response to future implications of climate change in a range of communities 5. what future homes, offices, cities, transport and economies will look like following adaptation throughout the 21st century Its important to reduce GGEs but we also need to adapt to existing higher global temps Adaption strategies take action to prevent or minimise damage

give 4 examples of renewbales

1. solar energy 2. wind energy 3. biomass energy 4. hydropower energy

accommodation strategies p2

3. Adaptions to accommodate change within the water industry: reducing leakage, recycling water and using grey water (from baths, washing machines etc) for garden. More costly options include increasing reservoir capacity. 4. water could be conserved by more efficient irrigation systems, construction of ponds and reservoirs. 5. more hazardous and extreme weather= improving education and public awareness. 6. modern satellite communications (predict hurricane movement) smartphones and the internet. 7.buildings= combat effects of extreme heat or cold while improvements in health education in the developing world (boiling drinking water, washing hands). - limit spread of water-borne diseases

mitigation and adaptation

Australias CO2 emissions in per capita terms are among highest in the world and its GHG emissions increased by 30% between 1990 and 2011 The governments response has been to develop both mitigation and adaption strategies Australia ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2007 and following the Copenhagen climate summit of 2013 agreed a 5-25% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. this target however has been criticised as being well below than of other Acs.

fast carbon cycle

Capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide by plants to create glucose and other sugars, which fuels the ecosystem. As these sugars are used in cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced. Green plants and phytoplankton extract carbon from the atmosphere.

carbon capture and storage

The process of capturing waste CO2, transporting it to a storage site, and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere, normally underground. extracts co2- long term storage underground An excellent strategy but one that is limited by cost and by shortage pf suitable storage sites. 3 parts to system= capturing, transporting and storing

future emissions scenarios and the resulting impacts on global temperatures and sea levels

Uncertainties about future emissions of GHGs and the complexity of the earth-atmosphere system, IPCC provides a range of forecasts of global temperature and sea level rises during 21st century.

technological, socio-economic and political challenges associated with effective mitigation and adaptation

adaptation= actions taken by Bangladesh government to address climate change have focused exclusively on adaption. like other developing countries, Bangladesh regards mitigation, and the reduction of GHG emissions. 2009= government published its strategy for action against climate change. adaption includes investment in major engineering projects and community-based action. lack of financial resources= government set up a trust fund to raise capital from oversea donations. - Currently a US$2 billion flood embankment project improve and strengthen some of country 3500km dykes, which provides protection against floods and erosion, warning systems has been upgraded. protection= coastal mangroves forest is a priority. threatened by rising sea level and clearance for farmland, local communities are encouraged to conserve the mangroves- natural barrier.

Vulnerable environments

already fragile ecosystems, such as the Tundra, mountains, deserts and amazon rainforest.

Adaption Strategy

community-based solutions - As Himalayan glaciers recede and river flows decline, farmers need to use techniques that conserve water including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting. -Floating vegetable gardens on rafts of water hyacinth or bamboo mesh are a low-cost solution to crop damage caused by flooding. -houses raised on platforms - new cropping systems for waterlogged and saline soils. - government- proactive in establishing a climate change and health promotion unit to research new diseases and inform and educate the population about risks= water and vector borne diseases. Technological challenges= 24,000km of rivers, streams and canals occupy Bangladesh. 60% the size of the Uk. too add significant embankments is simply not possible. -government prioritising education for climate change which is valuable for the future but meanwhile cyclones are becoming more commonplace and government priorities urban areas often at the expense of the poor rural area especially in the South.

rainforest

computer models predict amazon rainforest will become warmer and drier by mid 21st century. As deforestation increases (partly climate change and partly clearance for agriculture, ranching and logging), the water cycle will weaken, creating positive feedback and accelerating forest loss 30-60% if amazon rainforest could become dry savanna grassland by the end of the century.

disease

despite the fact between 2000-2015 global malaria mortality rates fell by 60% because of better treatment and prevention. current climate change has stimulated transmission of vector-borne diseases and extended their geographical spread. warmer climates the disease could spread to parts of the world that are currently malaria free e.g. Southern Europe. - malaria is the leading cause of mortality in the developing world (mainly in Africa) claiming around 800,000 lives. its spread by anopheles mosquitoes, which thrive in warm wet conditions. - spread of lyme ideas in the US, transmitted by ticks, which thrive in warm conditions, currently distribution is expanding northwards: eventually colonise Canada.

cars

fuel efficient car- emits low co2- may pay no road tax they 'reward' and 'punish' (tax) people with high producing carbon cars. government want more people to have electric cars by 2035 and all new cars will be electric. air travel= tax air travel- acts as an disincentive to fly and instead stay at home or use more efficient methods such as trains. tax currently £26 on short haul flights. e.g Europe and £150 for long haul.

mountains

glaciers will retreat in warmer conditions- thawing and glacier retreat will make slopes less stable and trigger more frequent mass movement e.g. landslides. The snowline will recede upslope and the winter snowpack will thin. these changes will reduce meltwater inputs in the river.

coasts

higher sea levels and more powerful storms will increase rates of erosion on both upland and lowland coasts. shorelines will retreat inland. coastal environments at particular risk include dunes, salt marshes and mudflats.

high temps

housing - air conditioning and fans, reducing window area and south facing windows, insulation to reduce external heat gain, increase albedo with reflective roofing cities - green infrastructure, replacing concrete with trees and grass, greening cities- increase evapotranspiration and cooling. trees provide shade. -rooftop gardens reduce albedo -increase reliance on renewables energy rather than combustion, which adds to urban heat generation

droughts

housing -rainwater harvesting (Collecting runoff from roofs and gutters)- using grey water systems cities - develop storage systems to capture run off and recycle water for domestic, commercial and industrial reasons

floods

housing -relocating valuable services from basements and ground floors. in offices using this space for parking. -green roofs increase interception, storage and evapotranspiration; houses built on stilts- coastal areas- floating houses to counter sea level rise cities -favouring changes in land use that conserve natural ecosystem principles, evaporation can be reduced and run off slowed and reduced. - increasing green cover with greater interception of rain, more evapotranspiration and soil moisture storage. - replacing impermeable roads with permeable paving

economies

how economies adapt to climate change is hard to predict and will vary across a range of countries at different stages of the development continuum. -ACs in a better position- accommodate the worst effects - all countries- adapting costly- limit investment elsewhere and weaken economic growth. -Most LIDCs- situated in tropics and sub-tropics- rise in global temp of 2 degrees will have a greater significance than colder climates. - LIDCs depend heavily on climate- sensitive activities such as tourism and agriculture. unable to adapt to drought- 10s of millions of African farmers- climate refugees. -problems of food production- rising sea levels force abandonment of farming in densely populated river deltas e.g. Bangladesh. - economic impacts= rising prices, inflation, unemployment, food insecurity and declining exports may require adaptations to farming techniques, diet and sources of employment.

an uncertain future

if we knew the quantity of GGEs throughout this century we could more easily predict the impacts. the most pessimistic forecasts will witness sea levels more than 1 metre high than today which will devastate coastal communities and low lying islands.

exam tip

impacts of climate change will vary considerably across the world, with factors such as economic status, current climate and ecosystem fragility.

hot semi-arid environments

rainfall likely to be more erratic, rainy season will shorten and droughts will become more frequent and prolonged. with less vegetation cover and drier conditions, wind erosion (deflation) will increase and dust storms will become more frequent.

mitigation

reduce to prevent emissions of greenhouse gases. approach is long term in the meantime, threats posed to people and the environment require immediate action. Response= adaption- strategy used to minimise impact of climate change today. both strategies are complementary. they represent a two-pronged approach to the challenge of climate change.

exam tip

reliable future predictions are extremely difficult given the complex nature of the climate change issue.

negative feedback

restores balance in a sytem

marine ecosystem

rising sea temperatures coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse with only a 1-2 degree rise in sea surface temperatures. Indonesia has lost half its reefs to bleaching, Caribbean 80% in the last 30-40 years.

Tundra

rising sea temps- melt permafrost- disrupting vegetation- creating extensive thaw lakes and wetlands and initiating mass movement. forests will invade the southern margins of the Tundra.

adaption

some plants and animal species Will adapt. problem= global warming has happened very quickly, in fact too quickly for many fauna and flora to adapt so they face extinction

the future of farming and food

the IPCC projects significant reductions in staple crops by 2030. in the 2030s climate change will adversely affect food production, particularly among small framers in poor countries. crop and pasture yields are likely to decline in many places. smaller scale producers will fewer assets will need more support to adapt-such as disaster relief, farm insurance and weather forecasts.

ice algae in the artic ocean

the base of marine ecosystems in the artic is ice algae. walrus and seas depend on it. this is disappearing as the ice melts. seal numbers will decline leading to less polar bears. the disappearance of sea ice is the main reason for projected 2/3 decline in polar bear numbers by 2050.

land degradation

the process by which human activity and natural processes damage land to the point that it can no longer support the local ecosystem- significant reductions in production capacity of the land.

terrestrial (land) ecosystems

the tundra is experiencing faster temperature rises than anywhere else habitat change is occurring as permafrost thaws wetlands expand this will attract more waders and migratory birds as open tundra habitats shrink, predators like snowy owls and artic foxes which rely on the lemming population, will be forced northwards. as permafrost thaws, impact on biodiversity, migration patterns, feeding and natural habitats. IPPC recorded past 30 years- spring occurred earlier by 2.3-5.2 per decade on average= creating a loss of synchronisation between species.

slow cycle

through a series of chemical reactions and tectonic activity, carbon takes between 100-200 million years to move between rocks, soil, ocean and atmosphere. the carbon cycle is transporting carbon throughout the cycle at different speeds and the amount of carbon emitted to the atmosphere adds to global warming through the greenhouse effect.

Geoengineering

use of technology to modify the environment. projects include: 1. increasing reflection of incoming solar radiation through reflecting plates in space or atmospheric aerosols (reduce amount of insolation (radiation)) reaching Earth. 2. removing co2 from the atmosphere through ocean fertilisation to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton which absorb co2 or by enhanced weather.

whats the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton

zooplankton= small aquatic animals e.g. small fish. can swim actively and passively. Phytoplankton= aquatic plants e.g. algae and diatom. not active swimmers and cannot move.