003 - The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Geographic Knowledge and Understanding

The enhanced greenhouse effect and international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions, in relation to economic development, globalisation and trade.

Key Concepts

Natural and human processes impact the greenhouse effect. There are international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions. Some countries have the power to create possible changes to the emissions they emit.

Aims

  • Be able to describe and explain the 'enhanced greenhouse effect'.
  • To have knowledge of international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions.
  • Be able to discuss the geographical linkages between greenhouse gas emissions/sources, economic development, globalisation and trade.

Key Terminology

            • Carbon Cycle
            • Industrial Revolution

Define the key terms above by using the 'Useful Links' below.


Useful Links

Activity One - Draw and Label

For this activity we are going to see how much you can remember about the enhanced greenhouse effect. Draw out a copy of the diagram below on A4 paper and add to it all the knowledge and understanding of how the enhanced greenhouse effect works.

Activity Two - Describe

As always in Geography it is important to be able to interpret different visual sources of information. Using the images below answer the following questions.


      1. Using image three, identify the countries which produced the largest amounts of carbon dioxide?
      2. Do any of the countries you recorded in question 1 surprise you? If so, explain why.
      3. Using image four, describe the pattern of carbon emissions against GDP. Remember to also give examples of specific countries.
      4. For the top five countries that you have identified as being large producers of carbon emissions, explain why this is the case. Think back to the 'Resources' unit and use the 'Useful Resource' box below.
      5. Using image five, describe and explain the trends in emissions by source.
      6. Using image six, describe the changes in carbon dioxide emissions by sector.

Activity Three - Discuss

While it is interesting to look at who produces the most carbon emissions and within which sector, we now need to link this to the concepts of power and possibilities.


      1. Using the first article in the 'Useful Resources' box write down the ten largest consumers of carbon emissions.
      2. Using the second article in the 'Useful Resources' box write down the KOF figure for the countries that you have listed in question 1.
      3. Is there a correlation between emissions and how globalised a country is? Explain your answer.

Exam Style Question

Explain two reasons why carbon emissions are higher in countries which have a higher GDP. [2+2 marks]