Unit 2: Global climate — vulnerability and resilience: Practice Questions

What is the primary mechanism of the greenhouse effect in the Earth's atmosphere?

In the context of global warming, which of the following best describes a positive feedback loop?

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, including sea-level rise, increased frequency of extreme weather, and ocean acidification. Beyond the immediate physical impacts, what is the most significant structural challenge that fundamentally impedes their long-term resilience and ability to implement effective adaptation strategies, even with international support?

Which of the following surfaces possesses the highest albedo, thereby reflecting the greatest proportion of incoming solar radiation?

Which of the following strategies is categorized as climate change adaptation rather than mitigation?

Briefly explain how the melting of permafrost creates a positive feedback loop that intensifies global climate change.

Distinguish between climate change adaptation and mitigation, and explain why many Low-Income Countries (LICs) prioritize adaptation strategies over mitigation efforts.

Using the concept of civil society and governmental collaboration, evaluate how the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), such as mangrove restoration, addresses the challenge of climate change vulnerability for low-lying coastal communities while simultaneously enhancing their adaptive capacity.

a) Distinguish between climate change sensitivity and adaptive capacity.
b) Using a named example, explain how specific socio-economic factors (such as income level or age) can make certain groups within a population more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events associated with climate change.

Examine the vulnerability of low-lying coastal megacities to the impacts of sea-level rise and storm surges. Evaluate the relative effectiveness of managed retreat compared to hard engineering defenses as long-term resilience strategies for protecting diverse urban populations in a changing global climate.