GCSE

Geography

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  1. Introduction to GCSE Geography (AQA)
  2. 1. Living with the Physical Environment

  3. 1.1 The Challenge of Natural Hazards
  4. 1.2 The Living World
  5. 1.3 Physical Landscapes in the UK
  6. 2. Challenges in the Human Environment
  7. 2.1 Urban Issues and Challenges
  8. 2.2 The Changing Economic World
  9. 2.3 The Challenge of Resource Management
  10. 3. Geographical Applications
  11. 3.1 Issue Evaluation
  12. 3.2 Fieldwork
  13. 4. Geographical Skills
  14. 4.1 Cartographic Skills
  15. 4.2 Graphical Skills
  16. 4.3 Numerical Skills
  17. 4.4 Statistical Skills
  18. 4.5 Use of Qualitative and Quantitative Data
  19. 4.6 Formulate Enquiry and Argument
  20. 4.7 Literacy
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Learning
Study

In this lesson, we will explore the approaches to managing climate change, including mitigation measures such as alternative energy production, carbon capture, and international agreements, as well as adaptation strategies such as changing agricultural systems, managing water supply, and reducing risks from rising sea levels.

Mitigation Strategies

Mitigation strategies aim to reduce the impacts of climate change, primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

Figure 45. Solar panels and wind turbines in The Laurels Farm, England.
StrategyDescription
Alternative Energy ProductionTransitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)CCS technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial processes, preventing them from entering the atmosphere and storing them underground.
Afforestation and ReforestationPlanting trees and restoring forested areas helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, mitigating climate change.
International AgreementsInternational cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris 2020 Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise by setting emission reduction targets and promoting collective action.
Table 7. Key mitigation strategies.
Figure 46. Carbon capture in different types of woodland in the topsoil and subsoil.
Adaptation Strategies

Adaptation strategies focus on responding to the impacts of climate change and building resilience.

Figure 47. Adaptations to climate change: Coastal defence, granite blocks, partially made in response from sea level rise in Nairn, Scotland (left). The European Environment Agency provided case studies of adaptations to climate change in Europe (right).

StrategyDescription
Changing Agricultural SystemsImplementing climate-smart agricultural practices, such as crop diversification, precision farming, and improved water management, can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
Managing Water SupplyDeveloping sustainable water management strategies, including water conservation, efficiency improvements, and the development of water storage and distribution infrastructure, helps ensure water availability in the face of changing precipitation patterns.
Reducing Risks from Rising Sea LevelsImplementing coastal protection measures, such as constructing seawalls, restoring natural coastal buffers, and implementing flood-resistant building codes, helps reduce the risks associated with rising sea levels and storm surges.
Enhancing Resilience in Infrastructure and CommunitiesDesigning and retrofitting infrastructure to withstand climate-related hazards, improving early warning systems, and promoting community-based adaptation initiatives contribute to building resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
Table 8. Key adaptation strategies.
Integrated Approaches

Managing climate change requires integrated approaches that combine mitigation and adaptation strategies. For example, designing cities with energy-efficient buildings, promoting public transportation, and creating green spaces contribute to both emission reductions and climate-resilient urban environments. Also, developing policies that support renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, sustainable land use, and disaster risk reduction helps address climate change while ensuring social and economic development.

Key