Question 1: What is 'global warming'?

Answer: A long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 2: Define 'extreme weather events' and give an example.

Answer: Severe and unusual weather phenomena such as hurricanes, floods, or heatwaves.

Question 3: What is 'climate resilience'?

Answer: The ability of communities or systems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related hazards.

Question 4: Explain 'Greenhouse Effect'.

Answer: The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to warming.

Question 5: Name a recent natural hazard exacerbated by climate change.

Answer: The 2022 floods in Pakistan.

Question 1: Which of the following is a primary effect of climate change on natural hazards?

Answer: Increased frequency of hurricanes

Question 2: Name the UK city most affected by flooding due to increased storm events in recent years.

Answer: York

Question 3: What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming?

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Question 4: Define 'flood risk' in relation to climate change.

Answer: The likelihood of flooding occurring in an area due to increased rainfall and rising sea levels caused by climate change.

Question 5: Name a country significantly impacted by climate change-induced droughts.

Answer: Somalia

Question 1: Read the case study about the 2022 floods in Pakistan. Identify two ways climate change contributed to the severity of these floods.

Answer: Increased monsoon rainfall due to higher temperatures and rising sea levels leading to more intense storm surges.

Question 2: Explain the social impacts experienced by communities in Bangladesh due to recent cyclones intensified by climate change.

Answer: Displacement of populations, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and increased risk of waterborne diseases.

Question 3: Assess the effectiveness of flood defenses implemented in Venice after the 2019 high tides.

Answer: The 'MOSE' project has reduced flood risks but faces challenges such as high costs, maintenance issues, and occasional failure during extreme events, making it partially effective.

Question 4: Identify the primary causes of increased wildfire frequency in California linked to climate change.

Answer: Higher temperatures, prolonged drought periods, and earlier snowmelt have created dry conditions conducive to wildfires.

Question 1: Explain why rising sea levels increase the risk of coastal flooding in areas such as the Netherlands.

Answer: Rising sea levels, caused by melting glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater, reduce the buffer zone between the sea and land, increasing the frequency and severity of coastal flooding, especially during storm surges.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of increased hurricane intensity in the Atlantic Ocean.

Answer: Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for hurricanes, leading to higher wind speeds and more destructive storms. Climate change also prolongs the hurricane season and increases moisture in the atmosphere, fueling more intense storms.

Question 3: Explain the relationship between climate change and the increased frequency of heatwaves in Europe.

Answer: Climate change leads to higher average temperatures and altered atmospheric circulation patterns, resulting in prolonged periods of extreme heat, particularly in summer, causing more frequent heatwaves.

Question 1: To what extent have international agreements like the Paris Agreement been successful in reducing the impacts of climate change-related natural hazards?

Answer: While the Paris Agreement has raised global awareness and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its success is limited by countries' varying levels of commitment, enforcement challenges, and the time lag in observing tangible environmental improvements. Overall, it has been partially successful in fostering international cooperation, but significant action is still needed to effectively mitigate climate change impacts.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of local adaptation strategies, such as flood defenses in UK cities like York, in managing climate change effects.

Answer: Local strategies like improved flood defenses have been effective in reducing immediate flood risks and protecting communities. However, they can be costly, may require constant maintenance, and might not be sufficient against extreme events driven by climate change. Therefore, while beneficial, they should be part of a broader, integrated approach including sustainable urban planning and climate resilience measures.