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Summary D4.3: Notes on SL climate change IB biology
Notes (only SL) on D.4.3 IB biology Climate change (part of continuity and change: ecosystems).
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CLIMATE CHANGEMeasuring Carbon Emissions:
● Direct Emissions:
○ Quantifies CO2 or other greenhouse gases emitted directly from sources like
power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities.
○ Measurement techniques include:
■ Gas analysers
■ Emission testing equipment
■ Air sampling near emission points.
○ Allows targeted assessments of individual sources' environmental impacts.
● Remote Sensing & Satellite Monitoring:
○ Uses satellite instruments to:
■ Detect and measure greenhouse gas concentrations.
■ Provide a global perspective and pinpoint emission hotspots.
● Comprehensive Approach:
○ Combining both direct measurement and satellite data enhances accuracy
and provides a thorough understanding of carbon emissions.
CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Greenhouse Gases and the Greenhouse Effect:
● Greenhouse Gases (GHGs):
○ Ability to trap heat from the Sun, causing the greenhouse effect.
○ Key GHGs include:
■ Carbon dioxide (CO2)
■ Methane (CH4)
■ Nitrous oxide (N2O)
■ Water vapor (H2O).
○ Water vapor is the most abundant, but its concentration is controlled by
natural processes (evaporation and condensation).
, ● Role in Earth's Temperature:
○ The greenhouse effect maintains Earth's stable temperature, which is vital
for supporting life.
○ Without this effect, Earth would be too cold to sustain life.
● Human Impact on Greenhouse Gases:
○ Human activities have increased CO2, methane, and N2O concentrations.
○ These increases amplify the greenhouse effect, leading to climate change.
● Anthropogenic Sources:
○ Carbon dioxide (CO2):
■ Released during cellular respiration and fossil fuel combustion
(coal, oil, natural gas).
■ Deforestation reduces carbon dioxide absorption through
photosynthesis, exacerbating CO2 accumulation.
○ Methane (CH4):
■ Released from agriculture (livestock, rice paddies) and landfills.
○ Nitrous oxide (N2O):
■ Emitted from agricultural activities and industrial processes.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK (effect-amplifying) CYCLES IN GLOBAL WARMING
Outgassing of CO2 from Oceans:
● Rising temperatures due to the greenhouse effect decrease the solubility of CO2
in water.
● This leads to CO2 release from oceans, a process known as outgassing.
● The released CO2 intensifies the warming trend, continuing the cycle.
Melting Snow and Ice (Albedo Effect):
● Melting of ice and snow in regions like the Arctic reduces reflective surfaces.
● Less solar radiation is reflected back into space, and more is absorbed by the Earth's
surface.
● This increased absorption of heat accelerates further melting, amplifying the
warming effect.
● This cycle is driven by albedo—the proportion of radiation reflected by a surface.
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