694
In this module, we learned that the warming of Earth due to human activities has had a number of effects. In regard to the environment, global warming has caused declines in the polar ice cap, declines in the ice masses of Greenland and Antarctica, melting of glaciers, thawing of permafrost, and increases in sea level. In regard to organisms, global warming has caused changes in the dates of flowering, bird migrations, insect emergence, and the length of the growing season. Scientists predict a number of additional effects with various levels of certainty, including more extreme temperatures, changes in global patterns of precipitation, more intense storms, and altered ocean currents. These predicted changes could affect many aspects of human life including where humans can live as well as their health.
Module 64 AP® Review Questions
1. Global warming might limit the availability of fresh water in many areas because of
melting glaciers.
increased sea level.
thawing permafrost.
more frequent heat waves.
changes in storm intensity.
2. Effects of climate change on organisms include all of the following except
increased growing seasons.
disruption of animal life cycles.
coral bleaching.
decreased species ranges in temperate areas.
increased dispersal of plants and animals.
3. What is NOT a potential negative effect of climate change on agriculture?
Increased range of pests
Increased risk of droughts
Increased damage from severe weather events
Increased rates of photosynthesis
Decreased growing season in western Europe
4. How might climate change increase the range of pests?
Higher intensity weather events
Changing precipitation patterns
Increasing number of heat waves
Disruption of oceanic currents
Decreased duration of cold spells
5. In 1997 the United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol because
it required the same emission reductions from all signatories.
it did not limit the emissions of developing nations.
the predictions regarding the severity of climate change were too uncertain.
current technology was unable to meet the required goals.
the target emission reductions were seen as impossible to achieve.