AQA GCSE Geography climate change

What is one major impact of climate change on biodiversity?

• Increased species diversity

• Habitat loss and species extinction

• Stabilisation of ecosystems

• Decrease in invasive species

Answer explanation

Climate change leads to habitat loss and species extinction as ecosystems are altered, making it difficult for many species to survive. This is a significant threat to biodiversity, unlike the other options listed.

Which of the following is a primary source of carbon emissions?

• Photosynthesis

• Burning fossil fuels

• Ocean absorption

• Plant respiration

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels is a primary source of carbon emissions, releasing significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. In contrast, photosynthesis and ocean absorption help reduce carbon levels, while plant respiration is a natural process that emits less carbon.

Which strategy is considered a climate change mitigation approach?

• Building sea walls

• Reforestation

• Migration of species

• Use of air conditioning

Answer explanation

Reforestation is a climate change mitigation approach as it helps absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, thus reducing greenhouse gases. In contrast, building sea walls and using air conditioning are adaptation strategies, while species migration is a natural response.

How does climate change affect weather patterns?

• Decreases the frequency of storms

• Leads to more predictable weather

• Increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events

• Reduces rainfall in all regions

Answer explanation

Climate change leads to warmer temperatures, which can increase the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts, making this the correct choice.

What is a direct consequence of global warming on sea levels?

• Decrease in sea levels

• Stabilisation of sea levels

• Rise in sea levels due to melting ice caps

• Increase in land mass

Answer explanation

Global warming leads to the melting of ice caps, which contributes to the rise in sea levels. Therefore, the correct consequence of global warming on sea levels is the rise in sea levels due to melting ice caps.

Which of the following is a sustainable energy solution?

• Coal power

• Nuclear power

• Solar power

• Diesel generators

Answer explanation

Solar power is a sustainable energy solution as it harnesses renewable energy from the sun, producing no harmful emissions. In contrast, coal, nuclear, and diesel power have significant environmental impacts.

What is an example of a climate change adaptation strategy?

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Planting more trees

• Developing drought-resistant crops

• Increasing fossil fuel use

Answer explanation

Developing drought-resistant crops is a climate change adaptation strategy that helps ensure food security in areas affected by changing rainfall patterns, making it a practical response to climate impacts.

Which of the following is a human cause of climate change?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Solar radiation

• Deforestation

• Ocean currents

Answer explanation

Deforestation is a human activity that contributes to climate change by reducing the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. In contrast, volcanic eruptions, solar radiation, and ocean currents are natural processes.

What is a physical cause of climate change?

• Industrial pollution

• Deforestation

• Changes in solar output

• Urbanisation

Answer explanation

Changes in solar output are a natural physical cause of climate change, affecting the Earth's climate system. Unlike human activities like industrial pollution and deforestation, solar variations are part of Earth's natural cycles.

Which of the following is evidence of climate change?

• Decrease in global temperatures

• Increase in polar ice caps

• Rising global sea levels

• Stabilisation of weather patterns

Answer explanation

Rising global sea levels are a clear indicator of climate change, caused by melting ice caps and thermal expansion of water. The other options do not reflect the current trends associated with climate change.