How natural and human processes affect the global energy balance:
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The atmospheric system, including the natural greenhouse effect and energy balance (incoming shortwave radiation and outgoing longwave radiation)
Changes in the global energy balance, and the role of feedback loops, resulting from:
The enhanced greenhouse effect and international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions, in relation to economic development, globalisation and trade Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities The complexity of the dynamic climate system and the spatial interactions of different processes and feedback mechanisms |
Exam style questions
"For two countries you have studied, explain the variations in greenhouse gas emissions". (6 Marks)
Possible answer
Compared to Australia, an industrial HIC, Botswana’s total greenhouse gas output, at 70Mt is some 8 times less than Australia, at 520 Mt. Botswana is a largely un-industrialised LIC country that is dominated by agricultural and land use emissions. Globally, most emissions are caused by the need for energy, both industrial and domestic. As Botswana is a largely rural society without an industrial base, their emissions are much lower than Australia’s. Botswana’s low consumer society will also require less industrial resources due to many people living subsistence lifestyles at a local level. Here again, transportation needs are relatively low and car ownership, as well as public transportation, is limited.
Compared to Australia, an industrial HIC, Botswana’s total greenhouse gas output, at 70Mt is some 8 times less than Australia, at 520 Mt. Botswana is a largely un-industrialised LIC country that is dominated by agricultural and land use emissions. Globally, most emissions are caused by the need for energy, both industrial and domestic. As Botswana is a largely rural society without an industrial base, their emissions are much lower than Australia’s. Botswana’s low consumer society will also require less industrial resources due to many people living subsistence lifestyles at a local level. Here again, transportation needs are relatively low and car ownership, as well as public transportation, is limited.