Climate Change – Its effects

We are learning to… Give examples of some of the ways that changes in the climate can positively affect countries Give examples of some of the ways that changes in the climate can negatively affect countries

I can… Explain the benefits to some countries of climate change Explain the negative impacts to some countries if climate change Write a report on the effects of climate change

Global Warming – refers to the fact that the world’s temperature has increased by 10C in the last 100 years. This figure is expected to increase to at least 20C in the next 100 years. However, the rate at which areas experience warming differs from region to region. Climate Change – refers to the fact that it is not just the temperature which is changing: the amount of rainfall is also changing, leading to droughts and floods, and so is wind speed, leading to stronger storms. Different regions of the world are affected in different ways.

Positive effects of climate change People usually think of climate change as being negative. However, there are some reasons why climate change can be though of positively. You will see some of these positive effects on the next slide. You will see that northerly latitudes benefit most. Many of these areas that benefit are in developed countries.

Less sea ice will mean sea transportation will be easier and more efficient Increased crop yields Farming will be possible at higher latitudes Reduced energy demand in colder climates Increased tourism because it will be warmer Longer growing seasons which could mean an increase in agricultural production The Arctic and Antarctic will experience milder climates, allowing human habitation and more species to grow Fewer deaths and injuries caused by cold weather

Negative effects of climate change Some of the negative effects of climate change are already being witnessed across the world, including floods, sever storms, and droughts and food shortages. Tropical latitudes are particularly affected and most of these areas are in developing countries. You will see some of the negative effects of climate change on the next slide.

Ecosystems in polar regions will be changed Central Europe may experience less rainfall in summer causing shortage in water and heat waves Rising sea level will flood coastal areas, especially Bangladesh, El Salvador and Guyana More frequent and stronger hurricanes Increased temperatures will mean farming is unproductive, leading to famine Rivers such as the Ganges are at risk of flooding, which spreads disease Economic development will be slowed Widespread drought in many African countries Rising sea levels will flood islands such as the Maldives Warmer sea water expands, so sea levels rise Ocean circulation might be disrupted changing the ocean currents Wild fires will be more common in areas which become drier Wildlife may be lost from the Great Barrier Reef Much of the Amazon may be turned to desert with increased temperatures, leading to loss of wildlife and species extinction Ecosystems in polar regions will be changed Melting of polar glaciers can lead to sea level rises Increased desertification and the deserts begin to spread Water shortages particularly in southern and eastern Australia

Task Take 2 copies of the World blank map. Label them with the summarised positive and negative effects of climate change. Write a report on the global effects of climate change: Describe how the climate is changing and how it will change in the future Describe and explain what you think are the 3 biggest positive effects, and the 3 biggest negative effects Make reference to specific regions and countries (carry out research for more detail) Maps and diagrams should be included

We were learning to… Give examples of some of the ways that changes in the climate can positively affect countries Give examples of some of the ways that changes in the climate can negatively affect countries

Can I… Give examples of the positive effects of climate change Give examples of the negative effects of climate change Write a report on the effects of climate change referring to specific areas Make use of maps and diagrams to aid my report