Topic Summaries

Effects of climate change

IGCSE > Geography > CIE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Climate change > Effects of climate change
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Tropical storm hazards

Responding to tropical storms

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Water supply

Energy supply

  • Effects on people: 
    • Health impacts: increased risk of diseases, such as malaria, due to warmer climates, and higher rates of skin cancer and heat stroke caused by rising temperatures. 
    • Food production: crop yields have decreased by up to 12% in South America, leading to food shortages. Although yields have increased in Northern Europe, irrigation is required to support farming and is expensive to maintain. 
    • Economic opportunities: less ice in the Arctic Ocean allows for increased shipping routes and easier extraction of oil and gas reserves. 
  • Effects on the environment: 
    • Droughts: increased drought in the Mediterranean region will lead to more food shortages. 
    • Coral bleaching: rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching. By 2100, it is expected that 98% of coral reefs will be bleached.
    • Forests: are increasingly affected by pests, diseases, and forest fires, damaging ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

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