11 Changing climate, changing

environments

Ip Kim Wai Lam Chi Chung Wong Kam Fai Anne Lee

Teacher’s Edition

1
 3
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You must not circulate this work in any other form
and you must impose this same condition on any acquirer
ISBN: 978-0-19-397473-9
1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

Illustrated by K. Y. Chan

Teacher’s Edition
ISBN: 978-0-19-397503-3
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Contents
11.1 What is happening to our climate? 1

11.2 How is the global climate changing? 5

11.3 What is causing our climate to change? 11

11.4 What are the effects of climate change? 18

11.5 What can we do about it? 24

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following for permission to use their photographs.

Dreamstime.com (Bobby17) 15/Figure f

Dreamstime.com (Darko Plohl) 14/Figure 4

Dreamstime.com (Linda Bair) 18/Figure 1

Wikimedia Commons (Daniel Alton Byers) 22/Figure 3

Every effort has been made to trace copyright. In the event of any accidental
infringement, the rightful owners are invited to contact the publisher.
1 1. 1 What is happening to our climate?

A Multiple-choice questions
Choose the best answer and put the letters in the boxes provided.

1 Which of the following statements about weather are correct?

1 Sunshine is an element of weather.
2 It can change a lot within a day.
3 It can only be observed in an observatory（天文台）.
4 It is the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere.
A 1 and 4 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1, 2 and 4 only
C
D 1, 2, 3 and 4

2 Which of the following statements about climate are correct?

1 The climate of a place is often similar year to year.
2 The climate of a place can be shown by a weather chart.
3 Areas in different latitudes have different climates.
4 The climate of a place never changes.
A 1 and 3 only C 1, 2 and 3 only
A
B 2 and 4 only D 1, 3 and 4 only

3
It is a cold and dry day. The lowest
temperature is 8°C. The relative
humidity is low too, about 20%.
Temperature at night may drop
to 3°C.

The weather forecaster above is describing the of Hong Kong.

A summer C climate
D
B spring D weather
1
 4 Which of the following show the moisture conditions of the atmosphere?

1 Rainfall 3 Relative humidity

2 Air pressure 4 Cloud cover

A 1 and 3 only C 1, 3 and 4 only

C
B 2 and 4 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4

5 Which of the following correctly describe the climate of Hong Kong in recent
decades?
1 Hong Kong has become drier.
2 Hong Kong has become hotter.
3 Wind has become stronger in Hong Kong.
4 There are more days of thunderstorms in Hong Kong.
A 1 and 3 only
B 2 and 4 only
C 1, 2 and 4 only
B
D 2, 3 and 4 only

6 Figure 1 shows some changes in the climate

of Hong Kong. Which of the following are
suitable labels for Y?
Y
1 Air temperature
2 Cloud cover
3 Visibility
Year
4 Number of hot nights 1900 2011
Figure 1
A 1 and 2 only
B 3 and 4 only
C 1, 2 and 4 only
C
D 1, 2, 3 and 4 
2
B True or false
Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false one.

1 Weather changes a lot within a day while climate changes within a year. F

2 Weather in the lowest part of the atmosphere affects our daily lives. T

3 When there is a lot of dust in the atmosphere, air pressure will increase. F

4 Mist and fog will reduce the visibility of the atmosphere. T

5 As Hong Kong becomes wetter, the number of hot nights will increase. F

C Filling in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with suitable words.

1 The earth is covered by a layer of air called the atmosphere .

2 Climate refers to the average weather condition in an area over many years.

3 The climate of Hong Kong is hot and wet in summer and cool and dry in
winter .

4 The annual mean temperature of Hong Kong has increased 1.5°C over the

past century.

5 When air becomes more polluted, the visibili ty will decrease. It will become

more difficult for us to see objects far away.

D Completing tables
Table 1 shows the descriptions of some weather elements. What are these elements? The
first one has been done as an example.
Table 1

Weather element Description

1 Temperature Amount of heat in the air

2 Air pressure Weight of air over a unit area on the ground

3 Wind speed The speed of moving air

4 Precipitation Amount of moisture falling on the ground

5 Wind direction The direction of moving air

6 Relative humidity Amount of moisture in the air

3
 E Structured questions
Figure 2 shows the annual mean temperatures of Hong Kong between 1885 and 2011.

24.5

24.0

23.5

23.0
Temperature (°C)

22.5

22.0

21.5

21.0

0
1885 1895 1905 1915 1925 1935 1945 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2011
Year Figure 2

1 a In which year did Hong Kong have the highest annual mean temperature?
1998

b What was the annual mean temperature this year?

24°C

2 a On the graph, draw a red line to show the general trend in temperature change
during the period 1885–2011.

b Describe the trend in temperature change in Hong Kong during this period.

In general, the annual mean temperature of Hong Kong has increased .

 Before the (hint: name the decade) late 1950s/1960s , the annual mean

temperatures occasionally exceeded 22.5°C. Since then, however, all the annual

mean temperatures were over 22.5°C. In the last decade, the situation has become

worse because the annual mean temperature every year was over 23°C

.
(Students do not need to draw in the exact way as shown in the answer. Nevertheless,
their answers have to meet the following requirements.
• The line should not go beyond the farthest point at each end.
• The number of dots on both sides of the line should be more or less the same.)

4
1 1. 2 How is the global climate changing?

A Multiple-choice questions
Choose the best answer and put the letters in the boxes provided.

1 Refer to Figure 1.

X
1
66 —°
N 2 N

1°
23 —
2 N

Y
0°

1°
23 —
2 S

0 3,200 km
Figure 1

Which of the following comparisons between X and Y are correct?

X Y

1 To the north of the Within the Tropic of Cancer

Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn

2 Cold region Hot region

3 Low-latitude region High-latitude region

A 1 and 2 only C 2 and 3 only

A
B 1 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

2 Which of the following statements about the global precipitation pattern are correct?
1 Polar areas are dry throughout the year.
2 In general, equatorial areas have high rainfall.
3 Precipitation decreases with increasing latitude.
4 All coastal areas have a wet climate.
A 1 and 2 only C 1, 2 and 3 only
A
B 3 and 4 only D 1, 2 and 4 only 
5
 3 Figure 2 shows the global average temperature between 1880 and 2011.
14.5

14.3

14.1
Temperature (°C)

13.9

13.7

13.5

13.3 General
trend

0
1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2011
Year
Figure 2

Which of the following about Figure 2 are correct?

1 The earth has become warmer over the past century.
2 The warming has been unsteady and varies from year to year.
3 A slight cooling occurred between 1900 and 1910.
4 The warming rate was fast during the past 30 years.
A 1 and 3 only C 1, 2 and 4 only
D
B 2 and 4 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4

4 Which of the following changes about the global temperature pattern are correct?
1 The global average temperature has risen by 0.74°C over the past 150 years.
2 The warming rate of the world as a whole is faster than that of Hong Kong.
3 The warming situation in the arctic region is particularly serious.
4 The number of frost days has decreased.
A 1 and 2 only
B 1, 3 and 4 only
C 2, 3 and 4 only
B
D 1, 2, 3 and 4

5 Which of the following changes about the global precipitation pattern is correct?
A The duration of rainfall has become longer.
B Precipitation has become less extreme.
C The total amount of the global precipitation has greatly increased.
D
D Precipitation in higher latitudes often falls as rain rather than snow.
6
B True or false
Refer to Figure 3. It shows changes in air temperature in China over the past 50 years. Write
‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false one.

1°
23 —
2 N

0 430 km
–0.2°C 0°C +0.2°C +04°C +0.6°C +0.9°C
Figure 3

1 Most regions in China have become warmer.  T

2 In general, air temperatures in the northern and north-eastern parts of China

are the highest. (This figure shows air temperature ‘change’, not ‘air temperature’.) F

3 The warming pattern is related to latitude. F

4 Coastal regions have experienced a larger increase in air temperature. F

5 Areas at the middle course of the Chang Jiang have become cooler. T

C Filling in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
1 An isotherm is a line on the map joining places with the same temperature.
2 Low-latitude areas are found within the tropics (i.e. 23½°N–23½°S).
3 The Poles are located in high -latitude regions.
4 Inland areas are usually drier than coastal areas because they are
far away from the sea.
5 Due to climate change, heavy rains occur more often throughout the world. The
intensi ty of rainfall has increased.

7
 D Map-reading
Figure 4 shows the location of two cities in China. Figures 5a and b show the climatic graphs
of these cities.

Y
N

1°
23 —
2 N

0 500 km
X
Figure 4

Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm) Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm)

20 30

10 20

0 10

–10

1,620
Annual rainfall: ______________ mm
–20 300

–30 200 200

Annual rainfall: 351 mm

100 100

0 0
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
Months Months
Figure 5a Figure 5b

1 Using the data given in Table 1, draw a climatic graph in Figure 5b.
Table 1

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp. (°C) 17 18 21 25 27 28 28 27 26 25 22 19

Rainfall (mm) 20 35 50 105 180 210 210 225 250 200 100 35

8
2 Match Figures 5a and b with Cities X and Y in Figure 4 (p. 8). Put the answer in Table 2.

3 Complete Table 2.
Table 2

Figure 5a Figure 5b

City Y X

Shortest direct distance from the sea 1,450 km (±50 km) 0 km

4 Why do you think that Figures 5a and b show the climatic conditions of the cities that
you choose? Explain your answer with the help of the information in Table 2 and Figure 4.
• City X is located at ( high / low ) latitude. Therefore, it has hot

summers and warm winters.

• City X is ( near / far away from ) the sea. Therefore, it has more/higher rainfall.
• City Y is (hint: write sentences similar to that of City X) located at high latitude. Therefore,

it has warm summers and cold winters .

• City Y is (hint: write sentences similar to that of City X) far away from the sea. Therefore,

it has little/lower rainfall .

E Matching
Figure 6 shows the changes in the global precipitation pattern between 1900 and 2000.

N
1 6

1°
23 —
2 N
2
3
4

0°

1°
5 23 —
2 S
7

Trends in percentage per century 0 2,400 km

–50% –40% –30% –20% –10% +10% +20% +30% +40% +50%

Figure 6

9
 1 Match the following regions with the numbers in Figure 6 (p. 9). The first one has been
done as an example.

Region Number Increase Decrease

a North and Central Europe ① ✔

b India ③ ✔

c South-east Asia ② ✔

d Western part of South America ⑦ ✔

e Sahel ④ ✔

f North America ⑥ ✔

g Eastern Australia ⑤ ✔

2 Refer to Figure 6. How has precipitation changed in the regions above over the past
century? Put a ‘✔’ in the correct box.

3 What can you conclude from Question 2? Are the changes in the global precipitation
pattern the same throughout the world?
No, the changes in the global precipitation pattern are not the same throughout the world. The changes

vary from one region to another./Some regions have become drier while the others have become wetter.

10
1 1. 3
What is causing our climate
to change?

A Multiple-choice questions
Choose the best answer and put the letters in the boxes provided.

1 Which of the following are greenhouse gases?

1 Ozone
2 Water vapour
3 Nitrous oxide
4 Carbon monoxide
A 1 and 2 only C 1, 2 and 3 only
C
B 3 and 4 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4

2 The following graphs show the proportions of different greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. Which one is correct?

A C Nitrous oxide
Ozone
Methane
Chorofluorocarbons
Carbon dioxide

B D

D


3 Which of the following statements about carbon dioxide are true?

1 It is harmful to our health.
2 It can be absorbed by trees.
3 It can trap heat in the atmosphere.
4 It will be emitted during the process of nuclear power production.
A 1 and 4 only C 1, 2 and 3 only
B
B 2 and 3 only D 2, 3 and 4 only
11
 4 Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect are correct?
1 It is a natural process.
2 It is harmful to man.
3 It means the same thing as global warming.
4 Its intensity is related to the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
A 1 and 4 only C 1, 2 and 4 only
A
B 2 and 3 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4

5 Figure 1 shows two

N
locations in Hong Kong.

Built-up area
0 5 km
Rural area
Figure 1

Which of the following comparisons between Locations X and Y are correct?

X Y

1 Wind speed Lower Higher

2 Annual mean temperature Lower Higher

3 Production of carbon dioxide Less More

A 1 and 2 only C 2 and 3 only

C
B 1 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

6 Figure 2 shows the sources of electricity production in Hong Kong by power resource.
We know the following from the graph EXCEPT
Pumped storage
（抽水蓄能）5%
A 84% of the electricity in Hong Kong comes
from fossil fuels.
B this production pattern intensifies global
Oil 10%
warming.
Nuclear
11%
Coal 52%
C this production pattern produces a lot of
Natural gas carbon dioxide.
22%
D this production pattern is cleaner than that
of mainland China. D
Figure 2 
(Option D is wrong because we do not know the fuel mix of
12 mainland China from Figure 2. We cannot make the comparison.)
7 Figure 3 shows the relationship between X and the global temperature. Which of the
following are suitable labels for X?
Global temperature

X Figure 3

1 Amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

2 Amount of global precipitation
3 Area of deforestation
4 Dependency on oil
A 1 and 4 only C 1, 3 and 4 only
C
B 2 and 3 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4

B True or false
Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false one.

1 Chlorofluorocarbons are man-made greenhouse gases. T

2 Forests help absorb greenhouse gases and ease global warming. T

3 Higher temperatures in urban areas cause lower wind speeds there. F

4 The climate change in Hong Kong is a combined result of global warming

and rapid urban development.  T

C Filling in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with suitable words.

1 World air temperatures are becoming higher and higher. This is known as
global warming .

2 Burning fossil fuels, such as natural gas, is a source of

greenhouse gases.

3 Chemical fertilizers can give out nitrous oxide (N2O).

4 In Hong Kong, lower visibility is related to the pollutants blowing in from the

Zhujiang Delta Region (ZDR).

13
 D Paragraph writing
1 Complete Figure 4 with suitable words to show the work of a greenhouse.

① Rays of sunshine come in as short waves

which ( can / cannot ) pass through the plastics

⑤ The greenhouse
gets ( cooler / warmer )

④ Heat is trapped
in the greenhouse

② Sun rays reach the ③ Heat is then released as

greenhouse and long waves, which
( heat it up / cool ( can / cannot ) pass through
it down ) the plastics

Figure 4

2 What do we call the process shown in Figure 4?

Greenhouse effect

3 With reference to Figure 4, write a short paragraph to explain the work of this process
on the temperature of the earth.
Rays of sunshine come in as short waves which can pass through the atmosphere. The sun rays then reach

the earth’s surface and heat it up. Heat is then released as long waves from the earth’s surface. However,

it cannot pass through the atmosphere and is trapped there. Therefore, the atmosphere, as well as the

earth, gets warmer.

14
E Matching
Match the human sources of greenhouse gases shown in Figures 5a–f with the following
gases by putting their numbers in the blue boxes below. One human source matches only
ONE greenhouse gas.

1 Ozone 3
Carbon dioxide

2 Methane Chlorofluorocarbons 4

a Burning vegetation 3 d Landfilling 2

b Rice growing  2 e Air pollution  1

c Producing cooling agents for  4 f Coal burning  3

air conditioning

Figure 5

15
 F Filling in the charts
The grey boxes on pp. 16–17 show the climate changes in Hong Kong. Complete
Figures 6a–c to show the causes leading to these changes.

Rapid population growth and urban Rapid population growth

development in Hong Kong in the world

Plenty of trees are cut; less Dense and tall buildings block
(a) carbon dioxide is absorbed (c) wind flow and prevent
(d) cooling

Concrete buildings absorb and retain

(b) heat more effectively

Busy urban activities such as

traffic, manufacturing and the
use of air conditioning produce
(e) man -made heat

Temperatures in urban areas are More (h) greenhouse

(f) ( higher / lower ) than the gases are emitted to the
surrounding rural areas. atmosphere
(g) Heat island
effect results Global (i) warming

Hong Kong is Air

t em
pe ra
t u re
getting hotter

Figure 6a Causes leading

to temperature change in
Hong Kong

16
 Various urban activities, such as heavy Rapid population growth and urban
traffic and power generation, cause development in the ZDR
(a) air pollution

More dust and tiny (b) suspended More pollutants are blown into Hong
particles in the atmosphere Kong, especially in (c) ( summer / winter )

Hong Kong’s visibility

is getting poorer

Figure 6b Causes leading

to the change in visibility in
Hong Kong

Global warming and heat island effect More dust and tiny suspended
particles in the atmosphere
A (a) ( cooler / warmer ) surface leads to more
convection（對流）and (b) ( sinking / rising ) air

Favour the formation of clouds More nuclei（核）for condensation

More cloudy days and

rainfall in Hong Kong

Figure 6c Causes leading

to the change in precipitation
in Hong Kong

17
 1 1 .4
What are the effects of
climate change?

A Multiple-choice questions
Choose the best answer and put the letters in the boxes provided.

1 What would happen if greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were reduced by 50%?
A Sea levels would rise rapidly.
B More coral reefs would turn white.
C There would be more super typhoons.
D
D Global temperatures would greatly decrease.

2 Which of the following are the possible benefits of climate change?

1 Less energy is needed for heating in cold areas.
2 More food can be grown in temperate areas.
3 Water shortages will be eased in every part of the world.
4 More energy resources may be found in the equatorial region.
A 1 and 2 only C 1, 2 and 3 only
A
B 3 and 4 only D 1, 2 and 4 only

3 Figure 1 is taken in the Arctic Ocean. What are the direct effects of this event?
1 Rising of global sea levels
2 More droughts in the Sahel
3 Flooding of island countries in the Pacific Ocean
4 Shorter shipping routes between Norway and Alaska

Figure 1

A 1 and 3 only C 1, 3 and 4 only

C
B 2 and 4 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4
18
4 Which of the following are some health problems caused by global warming?
1 More people die from cancer
2 More people die from heatstroke（中暑）
3 More people suffer from dengue fever
4 More people die from cold weather
A 1 and 4 only C 1, 2 and 3 only
B
B 2 and 3 only D 2, 3 and 4 only

5 The table below shows the relationship between a rise in temperature and an increased
risk of malaria. What can we learn from the table?

Temperature rise Increased risk of malaria

1°C 6.7%

2°C 13%
(Source: K.S. LAM,
3°C 18.7%
ICCC Presentation, May 2007)

A Malaria is a temperate disease.

B The increasing risk of malaria threatens the global food supply.
C As the earth becomes warmer, the risk of malaria increases.
C
D The risk of malaria in the world has increased 18.7% in recent decades.

B True or false
Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false one.
1 Due to climate change, more tropical plant species can be found in temperate
regions. T

2 A warming atmosphere causes more intense blizzards.  T

3 Rising sea levels will affect the supply of drinking water in coastal areas. T

4 Climate change has caused more flooding in northern China.  F

C Filling in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
1 Climate change lengthens the growing season of crops in temperate areas.
2 Higher temperatures will cause more heat waves and wild fires .
3 A warmer climate makes pests , such as locust, more active. This often
results in crop failure .
4 The flooding of a field by seawater will make the land too salty for farming.
19
 D Essay writing

Explain how farming leads to climate change.

Step 1 Refer to Figure 2 which shows how farming leads to climate change.

Climate change: Deforestation

Rise of global temperature

A
C
Farming

Figure 2

Complete the table below to describe the relationship shown by each arrow in Figure 2.
The first one (Arrow A) has been done for you as an example.

Arrow Description

A More land is needed for food production. Therefore, many forests have been
cleared for farmland.

B there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a kind of

Clearing forests means that
greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere.

C (Hint: Think about the greenhouse gases produced by farming activities.)

• The wider use of chemical fertilizers will add nitrous oxide to the air

• The growing of rice and the rearing of cattle produce methane

20
Step 2 Make use of the points on p. 20 to write a short essay of
about 150 words.

Farming is a human activity that causes climate change. It can lead to climate Introduction
How does farming lead
change both directly and indirectly. to climate change?
Are the effects direct or
indirect?

Land is needed for food production. Therefore, many forests have been Development
Explain how farming
cleared for farmland. Clearing forests means that there are fewer trees to absorb leads to climate change
indirectly (see Arrows A
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a kind of greenhouse gas. and B on p. 20).

An increase in carbon dioxide in the air will enhance the greenhouse effect. This

in turn will increase global temperatures.

Moreover, farming is a direct cause of climate change. Increased use of Explain how farming
leads to climate change
chemical fertilizers will add nitrous oxide to the air, while the growing of rice and directly (see Arrow C on
p. 20).
the rearing of cattle produce methane. Both are greenhouse gases which help

increase global temperatures.

In conclusion, farming can lead to climate change both in a direct way (by Conclusion
Summarize the effects
producing greenhouse gases) and in an indirect way (by deforestation). of farming on climate
change.

21
 E Structure questions
Figure 3 shows the location and other information about Imja Lake（伊姆扎湖）in the
Himalayan region, Nepal（尼泊爾）. Imja Lake is one of dozens of new lakes formed by the
meltwater from glaciers（冰川）in the region.

China N
Hi
斯 n
）

ma
基 sta

lay
坦

as
巴 ki

Ne
（ Pa

pa
l

Imja Lake
Bhutan
India
（不丹）
0 550 km

7,700 m
6,200 m 8,400 m

6,000 m
5,700 m

6,200 m

6,500 m Dingboche Imja

Gla 6,500 m
5,100 m cie
4,300 m r
Imja
Lake

6,100 m 6,900 m

6,700 m
Panboche

5,400 m Phorche 3,900 m 6,300 m

N
Tyangboche
Khumjung

Namche

6,700 m
0 1,800 m
2,900 m

Spot height Wall of glacial debris Lake River

Settlement Ridge Mountainous area Road

More about Imja Lake:

• Land height: 5,100 m
• Time of occurrence: Since the 1960s
• Size: About 600 m wide and 96.5 m deep in some places; widening by 47 m per year
• Potential threat: The lake may release a huge amount of water, mud and rock as far as 100 km

Figure 3

22
1 a Refer to Figure 3 on p. 22. How high is the highest spot height? At which part/
direction is this point in the area?
The highest point is 8,400 m, which is at the north-eastern part of the area.

b How high is the lowest spot height in Figure 3? At which part/direction is this point
in the area?
The lowest point is 2,900 m, which is at the south-western part of the area.

2 a If water from Imja Lake flows downstream, how will it flow? Draw a red dotted line
on the map (p. 22) to show the general route.

b Measure the distance between the following settlements and Imja Lake along the
dotted line drawn on the map. Show your calculations.
i Dingboche
(1,800 m × 4.5) = 8.1 km (± 1 km)

ii Panboche
(1,800 m × 7.7) = 13.9 km (± 1 km)

3 What is the possible reason for the occurrence of Imja Lake in recent decades?
The warmer climate in recent decades has caused Imja Glacier to melt.

4 a What hazard would occur if Imja Lake expands at its present speed?
Flooding. The lake may not be able to hold the meltwater anymore./Meltwater in the lake may break

through the walls of glacial debris. This would flood the settlements downstream as far as 100 km,

including Dingboche and Panboche.

b Similar threat exists across the Himalayan region. To solve the problem, some
scientists suggest building a channel system to drain the water in the lakes. Study
Figure 3 carefully. What are the difficulties in adopting this measure?

• (Hint 1: Relief) The relief in the Himalayan region is rugged and hilly. It is difficult to conduct
large-scale construction work there.

• (Hint 2: Transport) There is a road linking the settlements. However, as it runs in the mountainous
area, it would not be wide enough for moving heavy equipment. Besides, there is no road between

the nearest settlement (Dingboche) and Imja Lake. It would be difficult to move the equipment.

• (Hint 3: Height) The location of the lake is over 5,000 m. It is not easy for workers to work at such
a high height because of thin air/lack of oxygen in the air.

23
 1 1. 5 What can we do about it?

A Multiple-choice questions
Choose the best answer and put the letters in the boxes provided.

1 How does the activity in Figure 1 help ease global warming?

A This provides more fuel wood. The

burning of fuel wood emits little carbon
dioxide.
B Trees help increase the species of wildlife.
C Trees can hold soil and prevent flooding.
D Trees help absorb carbon dioxide.

D
Figure 1 

2 Which of the following measures help slow down the rate of greenhouse gas
emissions into the air?
1 Recycle waste
2 Conserve energy
(Option 3 can lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the air,
3 Keep oceans clean but not the ‘emission’ amount.)
4 Stop making products that contain chlorofluorocarbons
A 1 and 3 only
B 2 and 4 only
C 1, 2 and 4 only
C
D 1, 2, 3 and 4 

3 Which of the following about the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide in 2010
is correct?
A India
B China
C UK
B
D USA
24
4 Which of the following about the Kyoto Protocol are correct?
1 The USA refused to ratify the protocol.
2 It sets up a green fund to help poor countries.
3 It sets the limits of greenhouse gas emissions for MDCs only.
4 The effective period of the Protocol has been extended.
A 1 and 4 only C 1, 2 and 4 only
D
B 2 and 3 only D 1, 3 and 4 only

5 Why are some MDCs unwilling to cut their carbon emissions?

1 It will incur extra costs.
2 They lack technologies to do so.
3 Their per capita emissions are low.
4 It will slow down their economic growth.
A 1 and 4 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1, 3 and 4 only
A
D 2, 3 and 4 only

B True or false
Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false one.

1 Efforts by a few countries alone cannot solve the problem of climate change. T

2 In general, the total carbon emissions of many MDCs are increasing. F

3 Most greenhouse gases accumulated in the air were caused by MDCs in the past. T

4 In Hong Kong, wind power is widely used to cut carbon emissions.  F

5 By shopping locally, we can avoid importing goods from overseas. This helps
cut carbon emissions. T

C Filling in the blanks

Fill in the blanks with suitable words.

1 Renewable energy resources are energy resources that can be used over and

over without limit. They are usually clean too.

2 Tiny plant plankton in the sea can help absorb carbon dioxide.

3 To cut carbon emissions, the Guangdong government provides lower tax rates to
high-tech/green industries in the ZDR, which are less polluting.
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 D Structured questions
Figure 2 shows the global distribution of annual carbon dioxide emissions. Figure 3 shows
the global distribution of population density. Read both maps carefully and answer the
questions on p. 27.

1°
23 —
2 N

0°

1°
23 —
2 S

Metric tonne/year
0 2,400 km
0.1–1 1–5 5–10 10–15 15 – 50

Figure 2

1°
23 —
2 N

0°

1°
23 —
2 S

0 2,400 km

More than 50 persons/km2 6–49 persons/km2 1– 5 persons/km2 Less than 1 person/km2

Figure 3

26
1 a Compare Figures 2 and 3 on p. 26. In general, is there any association between the
global distribution of carbon dioxide emissions and population density?
Yes, the global distribution of carbon dioxide emissions is spatially associated with population density.

In general, areas with a higher population density produce more carbon dioxide.

b Explain the association in Question 1a.

Where there is a dense population, a large amount of energy, usually fossil fuels, is needed to support

various human activities such as manufacturing, travelling and heating/cooling. Upon burning, fossil

fuels give out large amounts of carbon dioxide.

2 a i Examine the levels of carbon dioxide emissions and the population densities of
the eastern parts of China and the USA. What do you notice?

Eastern part of Eastern part of

China the USA

Carbon dioxide emissions ( High / Low ) ( High / Low )

Population density ( Very high / High ) ( Very high / High )

ii Write a few words to summarize what you noticed in Question 2ai.

Although the population density in the eastern part of the USA is lower than that in the eastern part

of China, this region produces as much carbon dioxide as the eastern part of China. In other words,

its per capita emissions are higher than that of the eastern part of China.

b Explain your answer in Question 2a.

This is because the level of development/living standards in the eastern part of the USA is higher than

that in the eastern part of China. More urban activities and a higher level of energy consumption

produce more carbon dioxide.

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