Topic 1: Foundation

1.1 Perspectives

1.2 Systems

1.3 Sustainability

Topic 2: Ecology

2.1 Individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems

2.2 Energy and biomass in ecosystems

2.3 Biogeochemical cycles

2.4 Climate and biomes

2.5 Zonation, succession and change

Topic 3: Biodiversity and conservation

3.1 Biodiversity and evolution

3.2 Human impact on biodiversity

3.3 Conservation and regeneration

Topic 4: Water

4.1 Water systems

4.2 Water access, use and security

4.3 Aquatic food production systems

4.4 Water pollution

Topic 5: Land

5.1 Soil

5.2 Agriculture and food

Topic 6: Atmosphere and climate change

6.1 Introduction to the atmosphere

6.2 Climate change—causes and impacts

6.3 Climate change—mitigation and adaptation

6.4 Stratospheric ozone

Topic 7: Natural resources

7.1 Natural resources—uses and management

7.2 Energy sources—uses and management

7.3 Solid waste

Topic 8: Human populations and urban systems

8.1 Human populations

8.2 Urban systems and urban planning

8.3 Urban air pollution

HL.a Environmental law

HL.b Environmental economics

HL.c Environmental ethics

IB ESS SL 6.3 Climate change—mitigation and adaptation Question Bank

[Maximum number: 4]

Figure 1 shows the process of carbon capture and storage (CCS) that can be used to manage climate change. Carbon dioxide ( $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ ) is pumped into three different underground locations, where it is stored.

Flow 1 pumps $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ into an underground saline reservoir.
Flow 2 pumps $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ into an oil reservoir; $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ replaces oil; oil is produced.
Flow 3 pumps $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ into a coal seam; $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ replaces methane $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\right)$ ; methane is produced.

Figure 1: Carbon capture and storage flow chart

(a)

Outline how the mitigation strategy shown in Figure 1 is different to an adaptation strategy for managing climate change.

[ 2 ]

(b)

Identify two mitigation strategies to manage climate change, other than carbon capture and storage.

[ 2 ]

[Maximum number: 2]

There are concerns that increased carbon dioxide ( $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ ) emissions are leading to changes in the global climate.

Figure 3: CO2 emissions for select countries in 2007 and 2030 (Projected)

(a)

Identify one reduction strategy that the United States might use to achieve its projected change in $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ emissions.

[ 1 ]

(b)

Identify one adaptation strategy that could be used to reduce the impacts of climate change.

[ 1 ]

[Maximum number: 4]

Figure 3: Impact of deforestation on the water cycle

(a)

Evaluate the role of reforestation in the mitigation of climate change.

[ 4 ]

[Maximum number: 6]

Figure 9(a): Bioethanol harvested area and production in Brazil, 1990-2014

Figure 9(b): Biofuel production versus food production

Figures 9(a) and 9(b) provide information about the production of ethanol from sugar as a biofuel.

(a)

Figure 10: Vehicle numbers by fuel type in Brazil

Figure 7(a): Fact file on energy and economic development in Brazil
Brazil has experienced fast economic growth and is influential in South America. Major industries include mining, agriculture and manufacturing; service industries have grown significantly. Over 80% of GDP is generated in the Atlantic Rainforest region. Brazil is a major oil producer, but about 70% of electricity comes from hydroelectric power. Brazil is the largest global producer of bioethanol and over 40% of petrol use has been replaced by bioethanol. Energy policy has involved improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy production and diversifying energy sources.

Explain how biofuel production can be used as a strategy to control greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil.

[ 4 ]

(b)

Figure 6(a): Fact file on human impacts on biodiversity
Only about 10% of the original Atlantic Rainforest and around 20% of the original Cerrado vegetation remain. Losses have resulted from land clearance for crops such as sugar cane, coffee, soy beans and biofuel crops; cattle ranching; forest plantations; urban expansion including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Brasilia; infrastructure development such as road building; and commercial logging. Organizations support projects to restore forest habitats and encourage sustainable use of natural forest resources.

Outline one limitation for using biofuels as a strategy to control greenhouse gas emissions.

[ 2 ]

(a)

In addressing environmental issues, mitigation strategies may be seen as primarily ecocentric and adaptation strategies as primarily technocentric.

To what extent is this view valid in the context of named strategies for addressing the issue of global warming?

[ 9 ]

(a)

Human activities have improved global air quality during the past 50 years. With reference to examples, discuss this statement.

[ 9 ]

(a)

(i)

Suggest three ways in which carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced, giving examples.

[ 6 ]

(a)

Identify four strategies for limiting the impact of burning fossil fuels without reducing their use.

[ 4 ]

(a)

Compare and contrast the adaptation strategies to climate change for two societies.

[ 7 ]

(a)

To what extent does sustainability play a role in making decisions about energy and climate change policies at national and international levels?

[ 9 ]

0 selected

Question 1

Question 1(c)

Question 1(d)

Question 3

Question 3(d)

Question 3(e)

Question 3

Question 3(d)

Question 10

Question 10(a)

Question 10(b)

Question 4

Question 4(c)

Question 4

Question 4(c)

Question 2

Question 2(b)

Question 2(b)(ii)

Question 6

Question 6(a)

Question 6

Question 6(b)

Question 8

Question 8(c)