This unit introduces students to the geographical study of physical systems and specifically to the study of the atmosphere. These systems (atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) are fundamental to the operation of all interactions within the environment, particularly on a regional and global scale.
The geographical investigation of climate change requires an understanding of the structure and patterns of circulation of the global atmosphere. It looks at the natural and human processes that affect the atmospheric system and the resulting changes that can occur. These changes in turn have implications for the nature and pattern of human activities in relation to social, economic and political responses. The consequences of the interactions should be explained and understood.
This unit provides a focus for the study of issues that have implications for human activities and future management.
Image 1: Some of the human causes of climate change
Before we can answer our inquiry question above, we have to understand what climate is; therefore, click on the link for our Stile website below, sign in and do both sections about climate.
Processes causing climate change Inquiry question: How is climate change occurring? What are the physical, economic, social and political processes operating climate change?
There are many physical, economic, social and political processes which are operating to cause climate change. All these processes are linked to the earth’s climate system, which is influenced by a range of systems (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere) that have observable processes.
Reasons for climate change Inquiry question: Why is climate change happening?
The earth’s climate system has demonstrably changed on both global and regional scales since the pre-industrial era, with some of these changes attributable to human activities. The main reason is that human activities have increased the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and aerosols since the pre-industrial era, which has a detrimental effect on climate change.
Patterns providing evidence of climate change Inquiry question: What are the patterns that provide evidence that climate change is occurring?
The changes in climate can be mapped and observed through a number of indicators, especially through the concentration of greenhouse gases and weather (temperatures, temperature range, hot days/heat index, cold/frost days, precipitation, frequency of drought). Other key biophysical indicators of climate change are sea level changes, duration of ice cover on rivers and lakes, Arctic Sea ice extent and thickness, non-polar glaciers, snow cover, permafrost, El Niño events, growing season, plant and animal ranges, breeding, flowering, migration and coral reef bleaching.
Affected areas by climate change Inquiry question: Where is climate change occurring?
Human basic needs, such as food, water, health, and shelter, are affected by climate. Changes in climate may threaten these needs with increased temperatures, sea level rise, changes in precipitation, and more frequent or intense extreme events.
Climate change will affect individuals and groups differently. Certain groups of people are particularly sensitive to climate change impacts, such as the elderly, the infirm, children and pregnant women, native and tribal groups, and low-income populations.
Climate change may also threaten key natural resources, affecting water and food security. Conflicts, mass migrations, health impacts, or environmental stresses in other parts of the world could raise economic, health, and national security issues.
Although climate change is an inherently global issue, the impacts will not be felt equally across the planet. Impacts are likely to differ in both magnitude and rate of change in different continents, countries, and regions. Some nations will likely experience more adverse effects than others. Other nations may benefit from climate changes. The capacity to adapt to climate change can influence how climate change affects individuals, communities, countries, and the global population.
Consequences of climate change Inquiry question: What are the possible future social, environmental, economic and political consequences of climate change?
Rising sea levels are of global significance because of population distributions around low-lying coastal communities and river deltas. Rising sea levels affect food production and drinking water because of salt water intrusion, and therefore have an impact on the quality of human life. Furthermore, observed changes in regional sea levels and their impacts on ecosystems are linked with the increased risk of extinction of some vulnerable species.
The basis for determining the effect of climate change will depend on the local nature of climate change and the adaptive and mitigating capacity of the region. For example, populations who inhabit small islands and/or low-lying coastal areas are a particular risk of severe social and economic effects from sea level rise and storm surges.
Resources critical to island and coastal populations such as beaches, fresh water, fisheries, coral reefs and atolls, and wildlife habitat will be at risk from rising sea levels — also necessitating a shift in tourist destinations. Rising sea levels are projected to increase threats to human health (loss of life in floods and storms), particularly in lower-income populations, mostly in tropical and subtropical countries.
Prioritizing and managing the impacts of climate change Inquiry questions: How can the impacts of climate change be prioritized? Who will make decisions about managing the impacts and consequences of climate change?
As we have learned by now, the projected rate and magnitude of climate change can be lessened by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There is a range of strategies to achieve this, for example such as reducing energy use from fossil fuel sources, carbon trading, sequestration, changing land use, better forestry practices, and fuel cell technology. Furthermore, adaptation is a necessary strategy at all scales to complement the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions — involving risk assessment and management. This makes the cooperation between governments of upmost importance, as the removal of barriers preventing the introduction of low emission technology is the first step to a more successful future. The Kyoto Protocol and Asia Pacific Summit are only some examples on how governments can work together. Other strategies involved are for example grassroot strategies, which have been successful in drawing attention to climate change on a community and individual level, such as “think global, act local”.
Responses to climate change issues Inquiry question: How should individuals/ communities and governments respond to these issues?
As we have already learned, there are many strategies in responding to climate change, which can be done and achieved on different scales and levels. Even though most countries and communities have a good understanding and agreement about the necessity to act right now, these actions might also look very different from one place to another. The reasons can be found in social, economic, environmental and political differences and in the will and ability of governments, communities and individuals to act.
In this section we will be looking to build our knowledge and understanding about data manipulation, analytical and decision-making processes. In other words, we will be doing some mapping and graphing activities, describing the trends and anomalies of the patterns we can see, evaluate relationships and correlations, and deepen our understanding about the necessary decision-making when looking at living with climate change in the future.
Part B is where evidence of student performance of analytical processes and decision-making processes is gathered. The analysis and decision making is based on the outcomes of Part A but might be supported by additional data.
Therefore, it is important that you read the tasks carefully so you understand the requirements and necessary structure. Firstly, you will need to manipulate the data provided and draw a choropleth map and a multiple bar chart. Secondly, you will need to describe and explain the relationships in the data. Thirdly, you will need to advise the government, council or other body about a specific issue, justifying your decision with reasoned and logical arguments.