Geography
Causes & Impacts of Climate Change
Contents
Causes of Climate Change
Impacts of Climate Change
Detailed Specific Example: Bangladesh
Causes of Climate Change
Specification link
This page covers section 5.1.1, 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 of the CIE IGCSE specification .
5.1.1 - Evidence of climate change: global temperature data, ice cores, sea ice positions, historic writing
and paintings.
5.1.2 - Factors influencing natural climate change: orbital changes (Milankovitch cycles), sunspots,
volcanic activity.
5.1.3 - The human influence on the atmosphere causing the enhanced greenhouse effect. For example,
the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture.
Evidence of climate change
The global climate conditions of the Earth change over time, leading to colder and warmer periods
The last 2.6 million years are the Quaternary period, when there have been 60 cold periods and
warmer interglacial periods
The last ice age ended approximately 25,000 years ago Evidence
that change happened:
Ice cores have trapped ash, air bubbles and microbes
Preserved pollen
Historical sources such as diaries and art
Tree rings
Sea ice position
Over the last 200 years, we have had more accurate measurements of temperature
Graph showing global average temperature change since 1850
Worked Example
Study Figure 1, which shows changes in global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and
average temperature change between 1960 and 2020.
Estimate the increase in global CO2 emissions between 1960 and 2020.
[1]
Ensure that the correct figures are used in the answer by checking the key. The
dashed line shows CO2 emissions.
The emissions in 1960 then need to be deducted from the emissions in 2020 to
calculate the answer.
Answer
Emissions in 2020 = 4.9 metric tonnes per capita
Emissions in 1960 = 3.1 metric tonnes per capita
4.9 -3.1= 1.8
1.8 metric tonnes per capita
[1]
Factors affecting natural climate change
Milankovitch cycles
These are long-term changes to the Earth's orbit and position
This changes how much solar radiation the Earth receives
The Earth's orbit changes every 100,000 years. A more circular orbit leads to cooler periods and
an elliptical orbit leads to warmer periods
The Earth's tilt varies every 41,000 years and the greater the tilt, the hotter the summers and the
colder the winters are
Every24,000years the Earth wobbles on its axis and this can affect the seasonal
temperatures
Milankovitch cycles showing shape, tilt and wobble
Volcanic eruptions
Large-scale eruptions lead to vast quantities of ash being ejected into the atmosphere
Ash in the atmosphere blocks solar radiation, leading to a decrease in temperatures
Sunspot activity
Increased sunspot activity is linked to higher average temperatures
Atmospheric dust
Asteroids and meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere may increase the amount of dust, which
decreases temperatures
The enhanced greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is essential to the survival of life on Earth
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere allow short-wave radiation from the sun through to
the Earth's surface
This is then radiated back into the atmosphere as long-wave radiation (heat)
The greenhouse gases absorb some of the long-wave radiation (heat) and stop it from radiating out
into space
This maintains the Earth's average temperature
Without the greenhouse effect, the average temperature would be -18°C
Short wave radiation from the Sun is emitted by the Earth as long wave radiation into the
atmosphere
Greenhouse gases from natural sources
Water vapour—evaporation from the oceans/seas and plants
Carbon dioxide—volcanic eruptions, wildfires and respiration
Methane is emitted from oceans and soils as part of decomposition; termites also emit
methane
Nitrous oxide—soils and oceans
Human activity is increasing the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere have increased by more than 100 parts per
million (ppm) to 420 ppm in 2020
Diagram showing the natural and the enhanced greenhouse effects
The enhanced greenhouse effect
Population growth has led
to: higher energy
demand greater food
production more
industrialisation
increased transport
All of these are increasing the proportions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
This has led to the enhanced greenhouse effect:
Less long-wave radiation (heat) can escape the atmosphere
Average global temperatures have increased over 1°C since pre-industrial times
Greenhouse gases from human activity
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - the burning of fossil fuels, burning of wood and deforestation
(less CO2 is removed from the atmosphere)
Your notes
Methane (CH₄)—decaying organic matter, including manure and waste in landfills, rice fields and
livestock
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)—artificial fertilisers and burning of fossil fuels
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—aerosols, refrigeration, air conditioning
Your notes
Impacts of Climate Change
Specification link
This page covers section 5.2.1, 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 of the CIE IGCSE specification .
5.2.1 - The present day and predicted future impacts of climate change. For example, rising sea levels,
and changes to global temperature, weather patterns, and food production.
5.3.1 - The strategies (including national and international agreements) and techniques used to manage
the impacts of climate change.
5.3.2 - An evaluation of mitigation (including international agreements) and adaptation strategies and
techniques used to manage the impacts of climate change.
Impacts of climate change
Health
Increased temperatures and lack of precipitation may lead to the spread of diseases:
Italy has experienced cases of malaria since 2017, when it was previously a malariafree
area
An additional 280 million people may be affected by malaria
Waterborne diseases are more likely to spread
Heat waves may become more frequent
Heat stroke, dehydration and sunburn increase during heat waves
Stagnant air during heat waves increases air pollution levels:
Respiratory diseases increase and those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma
may be more affected
Increased temperatures negatively affect people with cardiopulmonary diseases
Diets may be restricted by food shortages leading to malnutrition and famine
Homes and settlements
Increased flooding due to sea level rise and increased frequency and severity of storms will lead to the
displacement of large numbers of people
Settlements in low-lying areas may have to be abandoned or need additional defences against sea level
rise
Moving settlements or improving flood defences will be costly
Your notes
Agriculture
Farmers may need to change the crop they grow if climate conditions become unsuitable
Coastal flooding may lead to salt intrusion
Reduced availability of water will mean that irrigation is limited or impossible
Food shortages will lead to malnutrition and famine
Food prices may rise
Employment
Job opportunities may change or decrease for the following reasons:
Tourism may decline in some areas; for example, ski resorts may close due to the lack of
reliable snow
Coastal resorts may be at risk of flooding leading to the closure
Farmers may have to change the crop they grow or livestock they raise or leave farming
In some areas, agriculture may decline due to rising temperatures or changing rainfall patterns
Sea level rise
Warmer temperatures cause the water in seas and oceans to expand, increasing the sea level
Melting ice is adding to the increasing volume of water:
Average sea levels have risen 23 cm since 1880
Sea levels are forecast to increase a further 30 cm by 2050
Your notes
Bangladesh sea level rise predictions
Low-lying coastal areas such as
southern and islands are at higher risk of
Bangladesh
flooding:
The Maldives may be uninhabitable by 2050
will increase, leading to greater coastal erosion
Beach erosion
including coral reefs and mangrove swamps, will be affected
Coastal ecosystems,
Saltwater is contaminating freshwater supplies and affecting coastal agriculture
Ecosystem change
The location of biomes may shift to the north (Northern Hemisphere) and south (Southern Hemisphere)
as they rely on specific climate conditions:
Your notes
Polar and tundra biomes are at risk of becoming extinct as they cannot shift any further
north/south
Increasing sea temperatures and ocean acidification have resulted in coral bleaching Migration and
behavioural patterns of animals affected by changing temperatures:
Fish species are moving north and south of their usual habitats to seek cooler water
Reduced hibernation due to warmer winters
Melting of ice caps/glaciers leading to changing ocean currents
Mangrove swamps and coral reefs are threatened by rising sea levels
Loss of habitats through flooding, drought and wildfires
Food webs breaking as species numbers are reduced and food sources are decreased
Loss of plants and vegetation
Natural hazards
Changes in climate patterns are likely to increase the frequency and severity of storms:
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the first most active on record and 2021 was the
third most active
The frequency and length of droughts are increasing
Dry conditions lead to the increased risk of wildfires:
In 2021, Australia, Greece, South Africa, Brazil and the USA were just some of the places to
experience severe wildfires
In September 2021, the USA National Fire Centre reported 44,647 wildfires that had burnt 5.6
million acres
Rising sea levels together with increased storms lead to increased flooding risk
Worked Example
State one reason for each of the following impacts of climate change.
rising sea levels prices of
food may rise shortage of
water
[3]
The command word for this question is 'state' this means that no explanation is needed in the
answer.
Answer
Rising sea levels - due to melting of the ice caps/increased sea temperatures [1]
Your notes
Prices of food may rise - drought/lower crop yields [1]
Shortage of fresh water - drought/more evaporation of rivers/lakes [1]
Responses to climate change
Global warming and climate change require an international response because they affect the entire
globe
Responses can involve either adaptation or mitigation
Mitigation includes ways that people try to reduce or eliminate greenhouse emissions
The aim is to halt global warming and therefore climate change
Mitigations can include international agreements as well as national and individual
actions
International agreements
In 1988 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up to assess the
'risks of human-induced climate change'
This was followed by several international agreements
Earth Summit, Rio 1992
In May 1992 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established
It was then signed by 166 countries at the Earth Summit in Rio or at the UN headquarters The Earth
Summit also set out:
Twenty seven principles aimed at guiding countries towards more environmentally sustainable
development
Aims to stabilise greenhouse gas levels
Principles for the management, conservation and sustainable development of all forests
Kyoto Protocol 1997
Delegates from 150 countries agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
It stated that industrialised countries would reduce emissions to below the levels in 1990
Developing countries, including China and India, were exempt from the agreement
The USA did not sign up for the treaty
Canada withdrew in 2011, stating that without China and the USA, the treaty would not work
The Kyoto Protocol was the first legally binding international treaty to set emissions targets
Your notes
Marrakech Agreement, 2007
It was agreed that funding would be provided to less developed countries to support them in adapting
to the effects of climate change
Your notes
Paris Agreement 2015
Global agreement to limit global warming to 2°C (preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels
The agreement also includes reducing CO₂ emissions by at least 60% by 2050
Signed by 196 countries, including the USA and China (the USA withdrew in 2020 and rejoined in
2021)
Introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
These are climate action plans submitted by each country outlining their commitments
Currently these are not sufficient to meet the 2oC target (projections show 2.6−
2.7oC warming by 2100)
Conference of the Parties (COP)
The United Nations (UN) holds an annual (every year) meeting to discuss climate change.
COP29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan
All nations agreed to:
Continue to take action to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Triple financial aid to developing countries
Reducing emissions
Emissions can be reduced in several ways, including:
Reducing deforestation
Increasing afforestation
Improving energy efficiency in industry and domestic appliances
Reducing emissions from industry
Improving public transport
Electric vehicles
Use of renewable energy and nuclear power
Carbon capture and storage
Reducing meat consumption
Alternative feed for cattle to reduce methane emissions
Your notes
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is achieved by either:
reducing the sources of emissions, for example by reducing the use of fossil fuels
OR
Increasing the stores of greenhouse gases, for example, by planting more trees
Adaptations
Climate change is already impacting many countries
Mitigation strategies will take time to have an impact
Adaptations are needed to help populations cope with the impacts which are already being felt
Examples of adaptations include:
Improved building design to withstand flooding and increased storm intensity
More efficient use of freshwater resources and desalination
Coastal and river defences to reduce the impact of flooding
Changing the types of crop grown
Relocation of vulnerable communities
Extreme weather plans
Effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation
strategies
Climate change is a global issue
It requires international cooperation and collaboration
The effectiveness of both strategies depends on various factors, including:
Political willingness to implement the strategies
Availability of finance and economic resources
Technological advancements
Mitigation strategies
Mitigation strategies are important in the long term to reduce the rate or even halt global warming
Their effects can be gradual and may take time to have an impact
Your notes
Challenges of mitigation strategies
Implementing mitigation strategies changes can be expensive
They rely on international cooperation and may be politically challenging to implement
Even if countries sign up to agreements, they may not be able to achieve the changes
outlined
There may be resistance from industries reliant on fossil fuels
Not all mitigation strategies are equally effective
Adaptation strategies
Adaptation strategies can help reduce the short-term negative impacts of climate change
Challenges of adaptation strategies
Adaptation measures can be expensive and require significant infrastructure changes
Some adaptation strategies may not be effective when there are extreme climate events
Adaptation efforts may be more effective if combined with mitigation efforts
Your notes
Detailed Specific Example: Bangladesh
Specification link
This page covers section 5.3.3 of the CIE IGCSE specification .
5.3.3 - One detailed specific example of a named country or region to include:
The impacts of climate change
The responses to climate change
The strategies and techniques being used to manage climate change; including sustainable.
Background
Bangladesh is responsible for 0.5% of the global greenhouse gas emissions
As a developing country, it did not have to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol but Bangladesh did sign
the Paris Agreement
Despite its very low contribution to emissions, Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to climate change
Impacts of climate change on Bangladesh
Rising sea levels and flooding
Bangladesh is mostly a low-lying, flat delta
It is vulnerable to any changes in sea levels and flooding because:
Over 75% of the country is less than 10 m above sea level
The Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers converge in Bangladesh
Over 80% of the country sits on the low-lying floodplains of the delta
The country is already prone to flooding and tropical monsoon conditions
Seasonal flooding is normal and necessary to provide fertile soil and irrigation
The size, intensity, and frequency of these events have increased
The monsoon rainfall is predicted to rise by 40% by 2030
In 1998, 75% of Bangladesh was flooded, making 30 million people homeless
Over 1,000 people died
At least 700,000 hectares of crops were destroyed
Your notes
Bangladesh is also vulnerable to sea level rise
A rise of 1 meter would lead to the loss of 20% of the land area and impact 15 million
people
Effect on Bangladesh of sea level rise
Water resources
Changes in rainfall patterns have
increased in the west and northwest regions
droughts
The droughts have led to:
crop failure
livestock deaths
food shortages
Health impacts
Your notes
Extreme heatwaves increase the risk of heatstroke Flooding increases the spread of waterborne
diseases, and diseases like malaria
Economic impacts
Flooding and droughts lead to :
loss of crops disruption
to industry damaged
infrastructure
These all impact on the country's economy
Biodiversity loss
Climate change impacts ecosystems, such as the Sundarbans mangrove forest
This leads to habitat loss and biodiversity decline
Response to climate change in Bangladesh
The government has taken steps to adapt to climate change and mitigate future climate change
The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan was adopted in 2009. The plan:
Identified the risks and challenges of climate change
Outlines adaptations which can be made
Identifies the need to reduce carbon emissions – Bangladesh has pledged to reduce
emissions by 22% by 2030
It is estimated that Bangladesh will need US$5 billion a year to finance adaptation and mitigation
projects
This is far more than the country can afford
Strategies to manage climate change in
Bangladesh
Adaptations
Bangladesh is already vulnerable to coastal and river flooding. Global warming has worsened this
vulnerability
Increased melt from the Himalayas
Increased frequency and severity of tropical cyclones
Your notes
Rising sea levels
Bangladesh has adapted in several ways
Submersible roads which can withstand flooding or raised roads
Over 2,200 shelters on stilts with a raised platform 'kills' nearby for livestock
Community-based early warning system for tropical cyclones
Flood protection and drainage schemes to protect urban areas
Coastal embankment projects involving 6,000km of embankments
Irrigation schemes
Agricultural research programme to develop saline, drought and flood resistant, high
yield varieties of crops
Mangrove planting along 9,000 km of coastline
Mitigation
Although Bangladesh's emissions are low, it is looking at ways to reduce them, including:
Improved agriculture practices to reduce the emissions of methane from rice fields
Encourage people to stop using biomass stoves for cooking and eating
Increase small-scale solar energy for homes
The Bangladesh Renewable Energy Policy (2008) aims to increase the amount of
renewable energy to over 10%
The plans to build nine new coal plants have been abandoned
Bangladesh aims to have 15% of registered vehicles powered by electricity by 2030
The expansion of the public transport system – Mass Rapid Transit and Bus Rapid Transit in
Dhaka as well as 798km of new rail lines by 2025