Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Geography
Common Efficiencies: a more efficient use of fossil fuels and an introduction of wide scale efficiencies in the way we live, work, play and travel e.g.: Design of Home and Solar Power Atmosphere: the envelope of gases surrounding the earth Biomass: energy that has been derived by burning organic matter or turning it into a gaseous or liquid form for use as fuel e.g.: Ethanol Ethanol: the most widely used renewable biofuel today. Ethanol is made by converting starch crops into sugars, the sugars are fermented into ethanol which is then distilled into its final form Climate: the atmospheric condition in a certain location near the surface of the earth Carbon Trading: an idea presented in response to the Kyoto Protocol that involves the trading of greenhouse gas emission rights between nations Climate Change: the increasing overall temperature and subsequent impacts of that increase on global atmospheric systems due, to the most part, to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by humans Emissions: a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range Insulations: a control system that regulates temperature of a building to keep it cold in the summer and warm in the winter Fossil Fuels: a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms Stationary Energy: includes emissions from electricity generation and from fuels consumed in the manufacturing, construction and commercial sectors, and emissions from other sources like domestic heating Orientation: the determination of the relative position of something or someone. For example the position of house can control temperatures during both summer and winter

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Alternative Energy Sources Table Energy Form Solar Advantages - Sunlight is a free resource - Production of solar energy produces no greenhouse gases - Long life with little to no maintenance Disadvantages - Large upfront cost to build/install - Energy is dependent on how much sunlight you receive (not always reliable) - Does not produce energy during night - Energy is dependent on the amount of wind (not always reliable) - Noisy - Aesthetically unappealing Overall Performance

Wind

Biomass

Wind is a free resource Production of wind energy produces no greenhouse gases Remote areas not connected to power grid can harvest own energy Reduction in the reliance for foreign countries oil Biomass crops produce oxygen and use up carbon dioxide Helps reduce solid waste

Fuel crops will compete with food crops, leading to shortages in food and increased prices Causes air pollution when it is used

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Carbon Sequestration

Emissions released into atmosphere are reduced Plants will provide jobs

Tidal Waves/Tides are a free resource Production of tidal energy produces no greenhouse gases Reliable source of renewable energy (occurs 24/7, 365 days a years) Geothermal energy is a free resource Low maintenance Reliable source of energy -

Seepage into artesian water ways Technology is very expensive and its effects are largely unproven Not recognised by Kyoto Treaty Could lead to displacement of wildlife habitat Technology isnt fully developed Landlocked countries cannot take advantage of the technology

Geothermal

Hydroelectric

Provides flood mitigation Production of Hydroelectric energy produces no greenhouse gases Long lifespan

Geothermal sites can release greenhouse gases under surface of earth High installation costs No control over the rate of gas production High installation costs Loss of wildlife habitat Displacement of communities

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Summarise the Major Gasses that contribute to Climate Change Gases in the atmosphere are a necessity, however, when the balance of these gasses become too much, they become greenhouse gasses. Greenhouse gasses then contribute to climate change. These gases that subsequently accelerate climate change are: Gases Carbon Dioxide 49% Methane 18% Contribution to Global Warming Source Burning of fossil fuels Car emissions Biological processes Bush fires Mining Rice fields Landfills Cattle (digestion) Refrigeration Air conditioning Aerosols Foam packaging Fire extinguisher Burning of fossil fuels Fertilisers Soil

Halocarbon, Chlorofluorocarbon, Halon 14%

Nitrous Oxide 6%

Differentiate Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Greenhouse Effect The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth warm. Without it, the earth would be unable to retain enough heat to sustain life. The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is caused by the all the extra greenhouse gases we put into the air from burning fossil fuels and agriculture (cattle belches). These all trap more heat and radiation from the sun than is normally required, resulting in a warmer earth.

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

List and explain five specific examples that are evidence of the impacts of climate change (An Inconvenient Truth) o Sea-level changes o Duration of ice cover o Artic sea ice extent and thickness o Non-polar glacier extent o Snow cover o Permafrost o El Nio affect o Growing season length - Shortened What are the major causes of Climate Change? There are three main areas in which humans have influence, these include: Emissions via energy pollution The first human impact is through the overuse of fossil fuels to produce energy for our homes, factories, office and for transportation. Currently, the world generates 33 % of its energy from oil, 22 % from coal and 21% from natural gas all of which release greenhouse gasses into atmosphere when burned to create energy. Air Pollution Acid Rain Acid rain is also a by-product of the materials that we release into the atmosphere. Although not directly responsible for global warming, acid rain affects vegetated areas which can influence the carbon cycle. Therefore, carbon is not absorbed by these plants via photosynthesis which then leads to a decrease in oxygen. Removal of Vegetation Removing the worlds vegetation has one simple impact on the carbon cycle; it reduces the Earths capacity to turn CO2 into oxygen, thus increasing the overall Co2 levels in the atmosphere. It is believed that 70 per cent of the worlds forests have been removed since the beginning of the industrial Revolution. By removing trees, we immediately reduce the capacity of the carbon cycle to remove Co2 from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen. Subsequently the wood that is cut down is burned for whatever purpose, thus releasing all stored carbon

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Acid Rain Is created when oxides of sulfer and nitrogen are discharged into the atmosephere, react with water vapour to from mild acids, and then return to Earth via precipitation. Impacts 1. 2. 3. 4. Corrodes vegetation Harms people and wildlife Linked to diseases such as lung cancer Corrodes buildings and soil

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Features of the Atmosphere

What is the difference between Active and Passive solar design (housing)? Active solar design uses mechanical equipment to perform some of its functions, in order to move heated air or water around or away from the living areas of a house. Whereas Passive solar design does not use additional mechanical devices to deliver heat or electrical energy (No additional fuel or utility costs therefore no additional environmental impacts). It solely relies on design that incorporates Insulation, House orientation to the sun and suitable building materials for cooling/heating requirements.

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

How can Climate Change be managed? Climate change is a critical problem that needs addressing immediately, and through the implementation of a range of practices, the effects can be reduced. Perhaps one of the quickest ways to reduce global emissions would be to introduce wide-scale efficiencies in the way we live. By making the change to a more sustainable way of life and reducing the amount of waste in society, a reduction in the amount of greenhouse gases would occur. Housing design crucial to reducing our ecological footprint; as well designed, sustainable homes can take advantage of environmentally friendly materials such as sunlight, insulation and ecologically friendly building materials. A transition must also take place, moving from a fossil-fuel dependant society to one that relies on renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass. By increasing our dependence on renewable resources, we can reduce the effects that pollution and greenhouse gases have on our environment Nuclear Energy For Emits relatively low amounts of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), when compared to other sources of energy such as coal and gas Generates a high amount of electrical energy in one single plant Technology is readily available, it does not have to be developed first Australias large percentage of the worlds uranium could provide benefits to our economy Against Nuclear Waste is extremely dangerous and is linked to a number of diseases The possibility of an accident could be devastating for both human and nature Plants are potential targets for terrorist attacks Nuclear power plants could be used to build nuclear weapons Uranium still needs to be mined (emissions from extraction) Takes years and several billions of dollars to build a power stations

Kyoto Treaty The Kyoto Treaty is a legally binding agreement between countries to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases their countries produce. In the treaty, each country has a different target based on their industrialisation and economic growth, and countries who are well within their target can sell their carbon credits to countries who are struggling to meet their targets, called emissions trading. The treaty aims to reduce the collective greenhouse gas emissions of each country by at least five per cent by 2012.

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Economic, Environmental, Social and Political consequences of Climate Change Economic - Prices of agricultural goods will increase as more energy and resources will be required to grow the foods we eat - Weather related events will become more unpredictable and costly to repair and prevent - Disruptions to global markets would wreak havoc on the stability of nations economies Environmental - Many species will change location to follow suitable growing conditions for food - Permanent loss of glaciers and ice sheets - Coral extinction due to warmer water Social - Conflict over natural resources (especially fresh water) - As bugs thrive off warm temperatures, more people would be subject to deadly diseases - People who live in coastal areas will have to relocate inland (environmental refugee) Political - The implementation of treaties/taxes to counter climate change such as: o Kyoto Treaty o Carbon Tax

Geography

Tom Morris and Nick Waters

2012

Tuvalu Case Study

What is the IPCC? What is there function? Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Its mission is to provide comprehensive scientific assessments of current scientific, technical and socio-economic information worldwide about the risk of climate change caused by human activity, its potential environmental and socio-economic consequences, and possible options for adapting to these consequences or mitigating the effects. Geographic Location: Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, Midway between Hawaii and Australia Population: 10,000 people Land Area: 26 km2 Average Height Above Sea Level: 2 meters System of Government: British System of Democracy (Parliamentary) GDP/Capita: $3,400 Major Industries/Agriculture: Tuvalu mainly generates income from the Tuvalu Trust Fund (a sovereign wealth fund to cover shortfalls in the national budget set up by Australia, New Zealand and the UK), the commercialization of the .tv domain and the selling of fishing licences Sources of Fresh Water: Rainwater, Imported Water and Desalination Predicted Timeline of Climate Change Impacts: Tuvalu is predicted to go underwater this century Impact on Marine Ecology: Coral Bleaching and fish will die as micro-organisms need cooler water to flourish so the food web will be distorted Possible Solutions/Strategies: 1. Building a levee around the island to protect it from the surrounding sea water 2. Employ efficiencies which reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are expelled into the atmosphere