Human activities have a big effect on our weather and climate. It's really important for Year 13 Geography students to understand this connection when they study Weather and Climate Systems. Let's make it simple!
One major way people affect the climate is by releasing greenhouse gases (GHGs).
These gases come from things like:
Some of the main greenhouse gases are:
Example: In 2020, about 73% of worldwide GHG emissions came from making energy.
These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, which causes the Earth to warm up. Since the late 1800s, the amount of CO₂ has raised the Earth's temperature by about 1.1°C, and this warming is getting faster.
Cutting down trees and building more cities also change how weather works, both locally and globally.
Deforestation: When we cut down trees, the carbon stored in them is released back into the air. Plus, cutting down trees means less humidity because there are fewer trees to create moisture. In places like the Amazon rainforest, this can change how much it rains. A study showed that deforestation might reduce local rainfall by as much as 30%.
Urbanization: As cities grow, they can become much hotter than rural areas. This is called the urban heat island effect. This extra warmth can change local weather, leading to stronger storms and different wind patterns.
How we farm can greatly impact the weather and climate too.
Example: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that livestock farming is responsible for about 14.5% of global GHG emissions.
Human activities can also start feedback loops that speed up climate change.
All of these human-caused changes make severe weather events more common. More hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall are happening because of climate change.
Example: Warmer ocean temperatures make hurricanes stronger. Studies suggest that for every 1°C rise in ocean temperature, hurricane intensity can increase by 3-5%.
In conclusion, how we live and make choices has a big effect on weather and climate. It's important for us to take responsibility. By practicing sustainable living, protecting our ecosystems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can help create a more stable climate for the future.
Human activities have a big effect on our weather and climate. It's really important for Year 13 Geography students to understand this connection when they study Weather and Climate Systems. Let's make it simple!
One major way people affect the climate is by releasing greenhouse gases (GHGs).
These gases come from things like:
Some of the main greenhouse gases are:
Example: In 2020, about 73% of worldwide GHG emissions came from making energy.
These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, which causes the Earth to warm up. Since the late 1800s, the amount of CO₂ has raised the Earth's temperature by about 1.1°C, and this warming is getting faster.
Cutting down trees and building more cities also change how weather works, both locally and globally.
Deforestation: When we cut down trees, the carbon stored in them is released back into the air. Plus, cutting down trees means less humidity because there are fewer trees to create moisture. In places like the Amazon rainforest, this can change how much it rains. A study showed that deforestation might reduce local rainfall by as much as 30%.
Urbanization: As cities grow, they can become much hotter than rural areas. This is called the urban heat island effect. This extra warmth can change local weather, leading to stronger storms and different wind patterns.
How we farm can greatly impact the weather and climate too.
Example: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that livestock farming is responsible for about 14.5% of global GHG emissions.
Human activities can also start feedback loops that speed up climate change.
All of these human-caused changes make severe weather events more common. More hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall are happening because of climate change.
Example: Warmer ocean temperatures make hurricanes stronger. Studies suggest that for every 1°C rise in ocean temperature, hurricane intensity can increase by 3-5%.
In conclusion, how we live and make choices has a big effect on weather and climate. It's important for us to take responsibility. By practicing sustainable living, protecting our ecosystems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can help create a more stable climate for the future.