Causes Of Climate Change

Front 1

Climate change

Back 1

global cooling - volcanic eruptions(natural)

global warming - variations in solar outputs(natutal)

- deforestation(human)

- agriculture(human)

- industry(human)

- urbanisation(human)

Front 2

cooling via volcanic eruptions

Back 2

When a volcano erupts it wld cse the climate to cool down

When a volcano erupts, it water vapour, sulfur dioxide, dust and ash. The sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form sulphur-based particles in the atmosphere. These particles in addition to dust and ash reflect solar energy back into space

This results in a cooling influence on regional and global temp.

In 1991, mount pinatubo in the Philippines erupted and released 17 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere forming sulphur-based particles which spread ard the world in 2 weeks. This led to the temp in the northern hemisphere decreasing by as much at 0.6°C. This effect lasted for 2 years in some locations.

Front 3

Warming via variations in solar output

Back 3

Variations in solar outputs can lead to global warming.

The sun emits varying amts if solar radiation due to changes in its magnetic field.

During intense solar magnetic energy, number of sunspots, cooler region on the sun, increases. This results in higher solar radiation. The area surrounding the sunspots then radiates more energy in order to compensate for the lower temperatures of the sunspots. This results more radiation to heat up the earth.

HIgher sunspot activity results in higher amts of solar radiation emitted.

Front 4

Warming via deforestation

Back 4

Deforestation can lead to global warming

When deforestation occurs there would be more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as there are less forests which absorbs billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide via photosynthesis which help reduce a significant amt of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is also emitted during deforestation and land clearance.

Furthermore,when the trees are removed, the soil is more exposed to sunlight, this causes the temperature of the soil to increase, increasing the rate of carbon oxidation in the soil which increases the rate carbkn dioxide in released from the soil.

Between 2000 and 2010, 52000 Square km of forests was lost every year.

Front 5

Warming via agriculture

Back 5

Agriculture cases the climate to become warmer

Cultivation of land, production of crops and raising of livestock contributes to emissions of greenhouse gases.

There are many sources of greenhouse gases in agriculture such as from the tractors used,inorganic fertilisers which increase the nitrous oxide which are released when the soil is ploughed or when it rains and the methane released from manure and the decomposition of organic matter

Cattles release methane as a waste gas. Millions of tonnes of methane has been released each year from cattle farming. It is estimated that every cow produces between 1000 to 8000 litres of emissions each day.

Front 6

Warming via industrial

Back 6

Industries are a cause to global warming

The production of goods and services and economic activities such as manufacturing involve burning fossil fuel that results in greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases are also released as by products when the goods are produced.

In the past, most carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes were found in Europe, North and south America as they were heavily involved in manufacturing activities. In the recent years, countries such as China and India are also contributing more to global carbon dioxide emissions due to rapid industrialisation.

Front 7

Warming via urbanisation

Back 7

One cause of global warming is urbanisation. Urbanisation is when there is increasingly more ppl living in urban areas such as cities and towns.

Large amt of fossil fuels were burnt to provide energy to these houses. In addition to the greenhouse gas released frm burning of fossil fuels, the high concentration of transport in urban areas also contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions. The construction of infrastructure and production of construction materials also emit greenhouse gases.