Unit 7: The Atmosphere and Human Activities:

2-Mark Question

1. Define the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Model Answer:

The enhanced greenhouse effect is the increased warming of the Earth's atmosphere caused by higher concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities.

Why this works:

• Identifies increased greenhouse gases (1 mark)

• Links this to increased atmospheric warming (2nd mark)

4-Mark Question

2. Explain two effects of air pollution on human health.

Model Answer:

Respiratory diseases: Pollutants such as particulate matter can enter the lungs and increase the risk of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

Heart disease: Fine particles and other pollutants can enter the bloodstream or affect the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease and premature death.

Why this works:

• Two pollutants/health effects → explanation of how pollution causes harm → 4 marks.

6-Mark Question

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy.

Model Answer:

Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can reduce carbon dioxide emissions because electricity is generated without burning fossil fuels. This reduces the enhanced greenhouse effect and helps limit climate change. Renewable resources are also not depleted by use.

However, renewable energy infrastructure can be expensive to install. Some sources are intermittent because they depend on weather conditions, meaning energy storage or alternative sources may be needed. Renewable energy projects can also have environmental impacts, such as land use and habitat disturbance.

Overall, renewable energy is an important way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it needs to be combined with energy storage, efficient energy use and careful environmental planning.

8-Mark Question

4. Describe the causes and effects of climate change and evaluate strategies for reducing its impacts.

Model Answer:

Climate change is mainly caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Burning fossil fuels for electricity, transport and industry releases carbon dioxide, while agriculture and waste can release methane. Deforestation also contributes because fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide.

Climate change can cause rising temperatures, melting glaciers and ice sheets, sea-level rise and changes in rainfall patterns. These changes can increase the risk of flooding, droughts and extreme weather events, affecting ecosystems, agriculture and human populations.

Mitigation strategies include using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and protecting forests. Adaptation strategies include building sea defenses, developing drought-resistant crops and improving water management.

These strategies can reduce vulnerability, but they can be expensive and may not completely prevent the effects of climate change. Overall, mitigation is important for reducing future climate change, while adaptation is necessary to cope with impacts that are already occurring.

10-Mark Question

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies for managing climate change.

Model Answer:

Climate change can be managed through both mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation aims to reduce the causes of climate change, while adaptation aims to reduce the impacts. Renewable energy can replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Improving energy efficiency can also reduce the amount of fossil fuels needed.

Afforestation can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere because trees absorb it during photosynthesis. Protecting existing forests is particularly important because deforestation both releases carbon dioxide and removes a carbon sink. Governments can also use carbon taxes or international agreements to encourage reductions in emissions.

Adaptation strategies are necessary because some climate change is already occurring. Sea walls can protect coastal settlements from rising sea levels, while drought-resistant crops and improved irrigation can help farmers cope with changing rainfall. However, these strategies can be expensive and poorer countries may lack the resources to implement them.

Overall, the most effective long-term approach is to prioritize mitigation because reducing greenhouse gas emissions addresses the cause of climate change. However, adaptation must occur alongside mitigation because some impacts cannot now be completely avoided.

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