Climate Cluster Topic 3.2 Review

Which of the following contributes directly to climate risk? You may select more than one answer.

• Exposure

• 
  Presence of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere

• Climate-related hazards

• Vulnerability

‘Climate risks vary from place to place.’ True or false?

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

• The exposure and vulnerability of communities to hazards, and climate-related hazards differ from place to place

• As such, climate risks vary from place to place.  

Read the excerpt of Typhoon Haiyan, a tropical cyclone that affected the Philippines in 2013.

Typhoon Haiyan was a tropical cyclone that affected the Philippines in Southeast Asia in November 2013. It was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded with winds of 313 km/h. In some areas, 281.9 mm of rainfall was recorded, much of which fell in under 12 hours. Waves of up to 7 m in height battered the coast. In the 24 hours that Typhoon Haiyan passed the Philippines, more than 7000 people were killed, with 1.9 million people left homeless. There were outbreaks of diseases due to the lack of sanitation, food, water, shelter and medication.

Based on the excerpt, which of the following refer to the nature of hazards? You may select more than one option.

• 
  Lack of access to food

• 
  Outbreak of diseases

• Strong winds of 313 km/h

• Typhoon Haiyan lasting 24 hours in the Philippines

Answer explanation

• The nature of hazards refers to the characteristics of the hazard such as the duration of the hazards.

• Typhoon Haiyan brought about strong winds, which is a characteristic of tropical cyclones, to the Philippines. It also lasted for

24 hour.

Which of the following options is true?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

• Tropical cyclones are indeed considered as brief events as they last for a shorter duration of time, from days to weeks.

• Droughts are considered as a longer-term event as changes in temperature and precipitation leading to droughts can occur for years or even decades and they may last for many months and even years.

“Longer-term events result in lower climate risks.” True or false?

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

• Longer-term events may allow communities to have ample time to prepare and adapt to the impacts of these hazards. 

• However, it may also be possible that these events may go unnoticed, leaving the locals unaware to implement any measures.

• Therefore, longer events may not necessarily lead to a lower climate risk.

Study Fig. 6, which shows information about two climate-related hazards.

Which of the following statements is true?

• Cyclone Nargis had a greater impact than Australia’s Millennium Drought

• 
  Cyclone Nargis is a longer-term event 

• 
  The Millennium Drought is a shorter-term event

Answer explanation

• The cyclone resulted in many lives lost while no lives were directly lost as a result of the drought 

• The cyclone caused a larger economic loss than the drought

“A community with access to water resources will likely be less vulnerable to climate risks.” True or false?

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

• 
  In general, with better access to resources, communities will be better equipped to manage the impacts brought about by climate-related hazards. 

• For example, a community with access to water resources will be able to conduct their daily activities, such as drinking water and showering, even in the aftermath of a climate-related hazard. 

• This allows them to ensure their survival, and maintain their sanitation and hygiene levels.

Which of the following describes how climate change can bring about environmental degradation in natural systems? You may select more than one answer.

• Decreased rainfall in previously arid areas leading to a disruption in the ecosystem.

• Increased coastal flooding leading to loss of coastlines.

• 
  Increased drought conditions along coasts, leading to a dip in sea level.

• Increased rainfall in previously arid areas leading to a disruption in the ecosystem.

Answer explanation

• While it may be possible that areas near coasts may experience drier conditions, such as a lack of rainfall, it is unlikely that these conditions will lead to a dip in sea level. 

• This answer is therefore incorrect.

Climate change may bring about an increased severity of coastal flooding. 

How does a community’s lack of access to health resources bring about increased climate risks from coastal flooding? Arrange the following statements in the correct order.

• I, II, III, IV

• 
  II, III, IV, I

• II, IV, I, III

• 
  III, IV, II, I

Answer explanation

• The correct order should be II, IV, I, III.

• When floods occur, the fast-moving debris may injure people. This is stated in Point II.

• Injured people would require medication and treatment for them to recover faster. However, with limited access to healthcare, people may not be able to receive medical attention. This means that people may take longer to recover from their injuries, affecting their productivity at work. This is stated in Point IV.

• With a lower productivity, people may face a loss of livelihood or unemployment, leading to a reduction in income. This is stated in Point I.

• With lower income, people may not be able to purchase resources, such as food, water, or seek medical attention. This increases their vulnerability in the next flooding episode. This is stated in Point III.

What are some climate-related hazards communities living near coastal environments are most likely to be directly exposed to? You may select more than one answer.

• 
  Earthquake

• Sea level rise leading to coastal flooding

• Storm surges

• 
  Tsunami