IB Biology SL D4.3.1 Anthropogenic Causes Questions
Explain how fossil fuels, land-use change, agriculture and livestock alter greenhouse-gas concentrations and drive observed warming.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Explain how fossil fuels, land-use change, agriculture and livestock alter greenhouse-gas concentrations and drive observed warming.
Carbon is an essential element for life on Earth and must be distributed and recycled within ecosystems.
Explain the impact of anthropogenic activity on climate change.
a. greenhouse effect describes that greenhouse gases trap long-wave radiation from the Earth's surface and absorbs it keeping the Earth warm
OR
increase in greenhouse gases trapped in atmosphere increases Earth's temperature;
b. burning of fossil fuels/peat/coal/natural gas by humans has released more CO2 into the atmosphere causing temperature rise on Earth;
c. raising livestock for feed has added methane/greenhouse gas to the atmosphere causing more heat to be trapped on Earth;
d. industrial processes / fertilizer production has increased the concentration of nitrous oxides/greenhouse gases in the atmosphere;
e. deforestation has increased the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere/reduced an important sink for CO2;
f. increased temperatures have caused melting of land ice leading to changes to polar habitats/decreasing species ability to survive
OR
melting of ice/snow causes reduction in albedo, so there is more insolation absorbed at Earth's surface;
g. warmer surface water prevents upwelling of nutrients/decreases ocean productivity;
h. coral reef habitat destruction due to changes in water pH / temperature;
i. warmer temperatures/decreased snowfall has led to droughts and loss of life/habitats;
j. rates of decomposition of peat/organic matter increases greenhouse gases;
k. ocean/sea level rise from melting ice/thermal expansion of oceans has impacted coastal regions/loss of land;
I. changing weather patterns due to global warming has caused loss of life and infrastructure;
m. poleward migrations/migrations to more suitable places due to climate changes at lower latitudes;
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