natural changes in Earth's orbit and tilt over thousands of years that influence solar energy and Earth’s climate

a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to Earth's warming, e.g. CO₂ and methane

the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities, leading to global warming

Natural and human causes of climate change 

Geography

This unit teaches pupils about the evidence, causes and impacts of climate change. Pupils learn that climate change is not just a recent trend but that it has occurred natuarlly over geological time. Pupils will also learn about the strategic options associated with mitigation and adaptation. 

Climate change

Match the Milankovitch cycles to its correct description. 

The number of sunspots rises and falls over an {{}} year cycle.

Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and {{}} are all greenhouse gases emitted by human activity. 

Human activity has caused the {{}} greenhouse effect.

Period of geological time from 2.6 million years ago to the present

Period when temperatures decrease significantly and ice advances 

Warmer period of time between ice ages and glaciers retreat 

Match the correct definition to each key term.

Temperatures have shown a gradual increase

It has seen cyclical changes between cold and warmer periods

Which of these statements correctly describe the Quaternary period?

Since 1880 there has been a more {{}} increase in global temperatures, accelerated by human activities. 

Which of these are examples of historical evidence of climate change (going back more than 200 years)?

Which of these are examples of recent evidence of climate change (within the last 100 years)?

Scientists take {{}} from the deep ice sheet in Antarctica and these have provided climate data for the last 400 000 years.

Starter Quiz