Quiz 2
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School
Viola High School *
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Course
483
Subject
Geography
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
9
Uploaded by VIOLS
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Question1 (20 Marks)
(
a) With examples, differentiate between climate variability and climate change. (5 marks)
Climate variability:
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Refers to natural fluctuations in weather patterns over short periods (days, months, years).
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Examples: Seasonal changes, El Niño/La Niña, droughts and floods.
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These variations have always existed and are part of the Earth's natural climate cycles.
Climate change:
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Refers to long-term shifts in average temperatures and weather patterns over decades or centuries.
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Caused primarily by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
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These changes are significantly altering the Earth's climate system and have lasting consequences.
b) Explain the link between climate change and global warming (2 Marks)
Global warming is a key aspect of climate change. It refers to the gradual increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun, causing the planet to warm. Burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of this warming, contributing significantly to climate change.
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c) With examples, differentiate between climate change effects and impacts (5 Marks)
Climate change effects:
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Physical manifestations of climate change directly affecting the environment.
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Examples: Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, extreme weather events, changes in precipitation patterns, disruptions to ecosystems.
Climate change impacts:
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Consequences of climate change effects on human society and ecosystems.
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Examples: Increased risk of natural disasters, displacement of people and species, threats to food security and water resources, economic losses, health problems.
d) Explain the significance of considering the contribution of urban areas to climate change. (8 Marks)
Growing urban population: Cities are responsible for a disproportionate share of global greenhouse gas emissions due to factors like energy consumption, transportation, construction, and waste disposal.
Urban heat island effect: Cities absorb and retain heat more efficiently than surrounding areas, creating hotter microclimates that contribute to global warming.
Vulnerability to climate impacts: Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change effects like heatwaves, floods, and air pollution due to their dense populations and
built infrastructure.
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Mitigation and adaptation opportunities: Cities can play a critical role in mitigating climate change through sustainable development, renewable energy adoption, green spaces creation, and efficient infrastructure planning.
Equity considerations: Addressing climate change in urban areas requires considering social and economic inequalities to ensure vulnerable communities are not disproportionately impacted by mitigation and adaptation measures.
Question 2 (20 Marks)
a)
Discuss the characteristics of the urbanization process that pose major challenges for urban areas within the context of a changing climate (20 marks)
Urbanization, the concentration of people in cities and towns, presents significant challenges in a world grappling with climate change. Several key characteristics of this process exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and create new ones:
1. Rapid population growth and density:
Large and concentrated populations in urban areas lead to increased demand for water, energy, and infrastructure, putting pressure on already strained resources.
Densely built environments with limited green spaces exacerbate the urban heat island effect, leading to hotter temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses.
Crowded living conditions can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during extreme weather events.
2. Reliance on fossil fuels and unsustainable energy sources:
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Many cities rely heavily on fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and electricity generation, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate change.
Inefficient energy systems and lack of renewable energy infrastructure further exacerbate the problem.
3. Urban sprawl and land-use change:
Unplanned and rapid urban expansion often leads to deforestation, loss of natural buffers, and increased vulnerability to flooding and landslides.
Impervious surfaces like roads and buildings reduce water infiltration, leading to increased runoff and flash floods.
4. Inadequate infrastructure and resource management:
Aging and inadequate urban infrastructure, particularly drainage systems and wastewater treatment facilities, struggle to cope with the demands of a growing population and extreme weather events.
Overstressed water and sanitation systems can lead to shortages, contamination, and increased health risks.
5. Social and economic inequalities:
Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and marginalized groups, often lack access to adequate housing, healthcare, and resources, making them disproportionately affected by climate change impacts.
Unequal distribution of resources and power can hinder effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
6. Governance and institutional challenges:
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Fragmented governance structures and lack of coordination between different levels of government can impede effective climate action and adaptation planning.
Limited access to information and resources can hinder community engagement and participation in decision-making processes.
Question 3 (20 Marks)
a) Define climate change mitigation (2 marks)
Climate change mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce
the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants responsible for global warming and climate change. It aims to slow down the rate of climate change and minimize its impacts on the
planet and its inhabitants.
b)
Discuss the opportunities for climate change mitigation in urban areas. ( l 8 Marks)
Cities offer a unique opportunity for climate change mitigation due to their high concentration of people, infrastructure, and resources. Here are some key areas for action:
1. Energy:
Transition to renewable energy sources: Invest in solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy technologies to replace fossil fuels for electricity generation, heating, and cooling.
Improve energy efficiency: Promote energy-efficient buildings and appliances, implement smart grids, and encourage energy conservation measures.
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Electrification of transportation: Support the adoption of electric vehicles, expand public transportation networks, and promote cycling and walking to reduce reliance on private cars.
2. Urban planning and green infrastructure:
Compact and walkable cities: Design cities that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, reducing the need for private car transportation.
Green spaces and urban forests: Increase green spaces within and around cities to absorb carbon dioxide, reduce heat island effect, and improve air quality.
Sustainable construction and building materials: Implement sustainable building practices
and use recycled or low-carbon materials to reduce the environmental footprint of construction.
3. Waste management and resource recovery:
Reduce waste generation: Promote waste reduction practices, composting, and recycling initiatives to divert waste from landfills.
Invest in waste-to-energy technologies: Explore technologies that convert waste into energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and landfill methane emissions.
Promote circular economy principles: Encourage the reuse and repair of materials and products to minimize resource consumption and waste generation.
4. Policy and governance:
Implement carbon pricing mechanisms: Use carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to incentivize emissions reductions from businesses and industries.
Support climate-friendly policies and regulations: Enact policies that promote energy efficiency, green building standards, and sustainable transportation options.
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Foster community engagement and participation: Empower communities to participate in decision-making processes and implement local mitigation strategies.
5. Education and awareness:
Raise awareness about climate change and its impacts: Educate citizens about the importance of mitigation and empower them to take action in their daily lives.
Promote sustainable lifestyles and consumption choices: Encourage practices like reducing energy consumption, adopting sustainable diets, and purchasing eco-friendly products.
Support climate education initiatives: Integrate climate change into school curricula and provide training for professionals and community leaders.
a) Kenya's legal and policy frameworks on climate change has grown significantly. Identify 4 frameworks and discuss their key objectives. (20 Marks)
Question 5
a) Define climate change adaptation (2 Marks)
Climate change adaptation refers to the actions taken to adjust to and manage the unavoidable impacts of climate change
. It involves building resilience and reducing vulnerability to the changing climate. Adaptation strategies can be physical, social, economic, and institutional, and aim to minimize harm and maximize opportunities in the face of climate-related challenges.
c)
With theoretical examples, discuss 6 possible ways in which urban areas like Nairobi can achieve successful climate change adaptation. ( l 8 Marks)
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1. Water Management:
Example: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse for non-
potable purposes (irrigation, toilet flushing) to reduce reliance on strained water sources
during droughts.
2. Early Warning Systems and Risk Reduction:
Example: Developing and implementing flood early warning systems with clear evacuation protocols and designated safe zones to minimize loss of life and property during extreme weather events.
Flood early warning system in Nairobi
3. Urban Greening and Heat Island Mitigation:
Example: Planting trees and creating green spaces within and around the city to provide shade, reduce air temperature, improve air quality, and absorb carbon dioxide.
4. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
Example: Building flood-resistant drainage systems, heat-resistant buildings, and infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and prevent damage to essential services.
5. Community Engagement and Education:
Example: Raising awareness about climate change and adaptation through community-
based workshops, education campaigns, and citizen science projects to empower residents to take action and build resilience.
6. Sustainable Transportation and Land Use Planning:
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Example: Investing in public transportation, promoting cycling and walking, and developing compact and mixed-use urban areas to reduce reliance on private cars, emissions, and urban sprawl.
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