What you'll learn
The causes, effects and management of climate change.
The greenhouse effect
- Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour) trap outgoing infrared radiation, warming the Earth.
- The enhanced greenhouse effect from human emissions causes global warming.
Causes and impacts
- Causes: burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture (methane).
- Impacts: rising temperatures, melting ice, sea-level rise, changing weather patterns, threats to ecosystems and people.
Management
- Mitigation (reducing emissions — renewables, efficiency, reforestation) and adaptation (sea defences, drought-resistant crops).
- International agreements to cut emissions.
Exam tips
- Separate natural greenhouse effect from the enhanced (human) one.
- Give both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Common mistakes
- Confusing climate change with ozone depletion.
- Listing impacts without any management.