Exam time management

Elective Geography

1h 40 mins = 50 marks
100 mins = 50 marks
2 mins = 1 mark

GI Assignment Feedback

1a) Majority did not write units. (Minus 0.5m)

1b) Many only wrote sling psychrometer. (Temperature is to be measure with the sixes thermometer)

1c) Data is required to support the answer (collected in Table 1)

2ii) 3m for describing. Therefore require at least 3 different points.

3ii) 3rd and 4th day does not have wind. Should indicate 2 days without wind. NOT DATES!

Late work : Chermaine (minus 3m for 3 days late)
No submission : Sharifah (0m)
Highest scorer : Tasmin 12.5

International response

International response Using specific examples, evaluate the International responses to reduce global warming.        [6] Introduction : There are International responses setup to reduce global warming, mainly the Kyoto protocol and Copenhagen conference. This essay will discuss its effectiveness. ·        Point – The Kyoto protocol was set up with the goal of reducing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere on 11 Dec 1997 and came into force on 16 Feb 2005. ·        Elaborate – Many countries came together to sign the Protocol to come up with measures to address climate change. These countries were obliged to reduce their combined greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% below their 1990 levels Example – Many countries have met /exceeded their targets set by the Kyoto Protocol, such as Finland, Greece, Iceland. Countries were required to monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions, helping to ensure that they were on track in keeping to their emission targets Limitation - On the whole, the Protocol has limited impacts on global greenhouse gas emissions. This is because countries which did not sign the Protocol contribute significantly to the global emissions. Since 1997, the global emissions have increased by 35%. A large portion of the increase came from China, India and USA Point - In 2009, Copenhagen hosted a UN Climate Change Conference. The purpose of the conference was to improve on the measures developed for the Kyoto Protocol to deal with the issue of climate change

Elaborate – Targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions were successfully set during the conference  to keep increases in the global mean maximum temperatures to within 2 deg C of the global temperatures.

Example – Developed countries agreed to provide a total of US$30b to less developed countries between 2010 and 2012 and provide long term financial aid of US$100b a year by 2020. The funds will help LDCs to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions

Limitation -  There was no agreement made on how the reduction of greenhouse gases is to be carried out, making it difficult for countries to carry out any action. Many DCs have refused to sign the Accord, hence it is not legally binding. The targets set by various countries to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases were a guideline rather than a condition that must be fulfilled. Thus, many countries did not keep to their targets

Conclusion: The International agreements are only successful to a certain extent in reducing global warming. Countries should do their part to control the release of greenhouses gases by enforcing strict regulations on industries.


Resource pack

Assess the international agreements that have been implemented to address global warming [6] International agreements Kyoto protocol ·        An international convention set up with the goal of reducing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere ·        The protocol was first drawn up in Kyoto on 11 Dec 1997 and came into force on 16 Feb 2005 ·        Many countries came together to sign the Protocol to come up with measures to address climate change and put them into practice ·        Under the protocol, various targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were set for participating countries ·        However greater responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was placed on 37 developed countries & European countries ·        From 2008 to 2012, these countries were obliged to reduce their combined greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% below their 1990 levels ·        Success: ·        Many countries have met /exceeded their targets set by the Kyoto Protocol, such as Finland, Greece, Iceland. Countries were required to monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions, helping to ensure that they were on track in keeping to their emission targets ·        The Protocol was also successful in encouraging sustainable development ·        Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits were given to countries which carried out emission –reduction projects (e.g. installing energy-efficient infrastructure) in LDCs. Each credit is equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide ·        CDM not only encouraged sustainable development , but also helped DCs to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions when they take on emission- reduction projects in LDCs ·        Limitations: ·        There were still some countries such as Austria, Spain and Denmark that did not achieve their targets ·        The Protocol does not make it compulsory for the countries with low greenhouse gas emissions to provide support to other countries with high greenhouse gas emissions ·        Hence countries with high greenhouse gas emissions may not be able to achieve their emission targets as easily ·        On the whole, the Protocol has limited impacts on global greenhouse gas emissions. This is because countries which did not sign the Protocol contribute significantly to the global emissions ·        Since 1997, the global emissions have increased by 35%. A large portion of the increase came from China, India and USA Copenhagen Conference ·        In 2009, Copenhagen hosted a UN Climate Change Conference. The purpose of the conference was to improve on the measures developed for the Kyoto Protocol to deal with the issue of climate change ·        The Copenhagen Accord was drawn up during the conference. It is an international agreement with the long term goal of keeping any increases in the global mean maximum temperatures to within 2 deg C of the global temperatures before 1850 ·        Success: ·        It successfully brought together a group of important political figures to discuss the measures that will address the issue of climate change effectively ·        Targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions were successfully set during the conference ·        DCs agreed to provide a total of US$30b to LDCs between 2010 and 2012 and provide long term financial aid of US$100b a year by 2020. The funds will help LDCs to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions ·        Limitations: ·        The targets set are insufficient to reduce emissions to within 2 deg C of the temperatures before 1850 ·        Moreover, there was no agreement made on how the reduction of greenhouse gases is to be carried out, making it difficult for countries to carry out any action. ·        Many DCs have refused to sign the Accord, hence it is not legally binding ·        The targets set by various countries to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases were a guideline rather than a condition that must be fulfilled. Thus, many countries did not keep to their targets

Class test 2 answers

		Using Fig. 1, account for the movement of the monsoon wind and its effect on rainfall in India.                                                                                                                                   [4]
		-        In August, the southern hemisphere has high pressure, while the northern hemisphere has low pressure. -        Monsoon wind moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. -        As the Southeast monsoon wind starts from Australia, the wind moves across the Indian Ocean and picks up moisture as it moves towards Asia. -        India then receives heavy rainfall as it experiences the Southwest monsoon wind.  Highest scorer : Enzo (3m) Most of you did not write about the 'pressure'.
	(b)	With the aid of a well-labelled diagram, describe the formation of land breeze.              [5] Diagram (2m) Comments: HORRIBLE DRAWING! Wierd moons! Chikin Explanation (3m) -        During the night, the land has lower temperature and higher pressure as it loses heat faster. The air above the land cools and sinks. -        The sea has higher temperature and lower pressure, thus the air above the sea expands and rises. -        Land breeze is formed from the land towards the sea as wind moves from an area of high pressure to low pressure Highest scorer : Tasmin, Anna, Chermaine, Nadia. Sharifah, Xuan Chan
	(c)	‘Volcanic eruptions are the main natural causes of global climate change.’ To what extent do you agree with the statement above?                                                 [6] Comments: Dont write in ONE paragraph. Split into Intro, Point, Point and Conclusion . Question is about NATURAL cause, so do not write about HUMAN cause L2/3 : Enzo and Anna

Introduction : Take a stand (Agree/Disagree)

Factor	Elaboration	Example
Volcanic eruptions	Volcanic eruptions releases carbon dioxide, water vapour, sulphur dioxide, dust and ash into the atmosphere. The particles reflect solar energy back into space and causes global dimming. Global dimming results in the reduction of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface. This temporarily cools the earth for months or years.	The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 released 17 million tonnes of Sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. The sulphur0based particles reflected solar energy back into space and lowered temperatures in the northern hemisphere by 0.6°C.
Variations in solar output	The increase in magnetic activity results in an increased solar radiation. Areas surrounding the sunspots radiate more energy, and causes global temperatures to increase.	In 2000, the number of sunspots observations reach up to 170, which coincided with high solar activities. When the solar activity reached its minimum, global temperatures then were also lower than those in the past 20 years.

Level 1 (0 - 2 marks)

At this level answers will be generalized or with minimal support if any stand were given at all.

Reasoning rather weak and expression may be unclear.

A basic answer that has little development.

Award L1/1 for answer limited to simple listing of one or two factor.

Award L1/2 for answer with description of one or two factor

Level 2 (3 - 4 marks)

Disagreement and agreement will be supported by appropriate detail.

Or, both agreement and disagreement are considered, but support is patchy so that the answer is not full. 

Good reasoning and logic in parts of the answer with good expression in places.

Award L2/3 for answer with balanced evaluation of at least two factors.

Award L2/4 for answer with balanced evaluation of at least two factors with at least ONE example given.

Level 3 (5 - 6 marks)

At this level answers will be supported by sound knowledge.

Both agreement and disagreement are considered and well supported. 

Reasoning is clear and logical with good expression of language.

Award L3/5 for answer with balanced evaluation of at least two factors, with at least TWO examples given.

Award L3/6 for answer with balanced evaluation of at least two factors, with a good conclusion stated.               

National responses - Singapore

Plant a tree programme
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/tree-planting-day-in-singapore-5-things-about-the-51-year-old-tradition
https://www.gardencityfund.org/pat/part.html



‘The Singapore Green Plan is the most effective National response by the Government to reduce Greenhouse gas emission’. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Introduction

I agree to a small extent that the Singapore Green Plan is the most effective response in Singapore in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and halocarbons, are found in the atmosphere. When greenhouse gases absorb long wave radiation, they re-radiate it in all directions. In my essay, I am going to discuss the measures taken by Singapore and India on how countries can decrease global greenhouse gas emissions.

Singapore Green Plan

P/E : Singapore Green Plan is launched by the Ministry of the Environment in 2002 and aims to generate 60% of Singapore’s energy needs using natural gas by 2012. Natural gas is a cleaner form of energy in comparison to coal because it does not produce smoke.

Eg : As early as 2010, about 79% of Singapore’s electricity was being generated from natural gas. This exceeded the Ministry of Environment’s target ahead of schedule.

L : However, the natural gas requires complex treatment plants to process and pipelines to transport. These pipelines have high maintenance costs because they need to be laid underground and have to be checked regularly for leakage.

Singapore Green Mark Scheme

P/E : There are other responses at the national level such as Green Mark Scheme by constructing ‘green’ buildings. It is launched by the Building Construction Authority in 2005 and allows buildings to be evaluated and certified according to how energy-efficient and environmentally friendly they are. The scheme aims to encourage more new ‘green’ buildings, which are more energy-efficient and use less energy to provide the same service.

Eg : For example, Plaza by the Park Standard Chartered at Changi and the National Library Building. They have reported energy savings of 15% to 35% compared to conventional buildings. This cuts down greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

L : However, the construction companies and developers in Singapore tend to be conservative about adopting new ideas and materials to build ‘green’ buildings. They may cost more to build because ‘green’ materials may be more expensive.

Singapore Plant-A-Tree Programme

P/E : Plant-A-Tree Programme is started in 1971 by the Singapore City Fund and Singapore Environment Council aims to maintain Singapore’s status as a Garden City by planting trees. Residents are encouraged to donate money to buy a tree or take part in tree planting events that take place monthly throughout Singapore.

Eg : The programme has contributed to an estimated 60,000 trees planted yearly throughout Singapore by the National Parks Board. Trees can remove the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

L : However, trees take a long time to mature, so the positive effects of tree planting will take time to materialize.

India’s Energy labeling Programme: Reducing energy consumption

P/E : The Bureau of Energy Efficiency of India enforced an energy labeling programme in 2007 informing consumers of the amount of energy used by a product. Products that use little energy and emit less carbon dioxide are sold at a cheaper price to encourage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Eg : The label is compulsory for frost-free refrigerators, fluorescent lamps and air conditioners and is voluntary for other appliances as ceiling fans, television sets and washing machines and computers. Sales of products with energy labels have increased steadily since 2007.

L : However, standards and labeling have yet to be developed for many other appliances such as battery chargers, computer monitors, heat pumps and freezers. Majority of the public is still unaware of the labeling programme.

Limitation

Conclusion

All the attempts to manage global warming as discussed above have their merits and disadvantages but there is no one best method. Countries attempting to manage global warming need to consider its economy needs and available resources before implementing a set of best-executable measures that allow the country to develop, and also reducing greenhouse gases. Therefore, Singapore Green Plan has to work alongside with other projects to achieve its maximum effectiveness in reducing gas emissions in Singapore.


Resource pack

Assess the national effects that have been implemented to address global warming [6]

I agree to a small extent that the Singapore Green Plan is the most effective response in Singapore in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and halocarbons, are found in the atmosphere. When greenhouse gases absorb long wave radiation, they re-radiate it in all directions. In my essay, I am going to discuss _____, ______ and ______.

Singapore Green Plan is launched by the Ministry of the Environment in 2002 and aims to generate 60% of Singapore’s energy needs using natural gas by 2012. Natural gas is a cleaner form of energy in comparison to coal because it does not produce smoke.

As early as 2010, about 79% of Singapore’s electricity was being generated from natural gas. This exceeded the Ministry of Environment’s target ahead of schedule.

However, the natural gas requires complex treatment plants to process and pipelines to transport. These pipelines have high maintenance costs because they need to be laid underground and have to be checked regularly for leakage.

There is other response at the national level such as Green Mark Scheme by constructing ‘green’ buildings. It is launched by the Building Construction Authority in 2005 and allows buildings to be evaluated and certified according to how energy-efficient and environmentally friendly they are. The scheme aims to encourage more new ‘green’ buildings, which are more energy-efficient and use less energy to provide the same service.

For example, Plaza by the Park Standard Chartered @ Changi and the National Library Building. They have reported energy savings of 15% to 35% compared to conventional buildings. This cuts down greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

However, the construction companies and developers in Singapore tend to be conservative about adopting new ideas and materials to build ‘green’ buildings. They may cost more to build because ‘green’ materials may be more expensive.

Plant-A-Tree Programme is started in 1971 by the Singapore City Fund and Singapore Environment Council aims to maintain Singapore’s status as a Garden City by planting trees. Residents are encouraged to donate money to buy a tree or take part in tree planting events that take place monthly throughout Singapore.

The programme has contributed to an estimated 60,000 trees planted yearly throughout Singapore by the National Parks Board. Trees can remove the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

However, trees take a long time to mature, so the positive effects of tree planting will take time to materialise.

India’s Energy labeling Programme: Reducing energy consumption

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency of India enforced an energy labeling programme in 2007 informing consumers of the amount of energy used by a product. Products that use little energy and emit less carbon dioxide are sold at a cheaper price to encourage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The label is compulsory for frost-free refrigerators, fluorescent lamps and air conditioners and is voluntary for other appliances as ceiling fans, television sets and washing machines and computers. Sales of products with energy labels have increased steadily since 2007.

However, standards and labeling have yet to be developed for many other appliances such as battery chargers, computer monitors, heat pumps and freezers. Majority of the public is still unaware of the labeling programme.

Limitation

E.g. The attempt to manage global warming through Kyoto Protocol is more successful than Plant-A-Tree Programme in Singapore as the former is able to get international countries together to cut down emission of greenhouse gases. It is dealing with global warming at a national level where Plant-A-Tree Programme is only at a national level and trees will take many years to mature.

E.g. All the attempts to manage global warming as discussed above have their merits and disadvantages but there is no one most successful/best method. Countries attempting to manage global warming need to consider its economy needs and available resources before implementing a one-best or a set of best-executable measures that allow the country to develop but at the same time keeping greenhouse gases that result global warming to a minimum.

In conclusion, Singapore Green Plan has to work alongside with other projects to achieve its maximum effectiveness in reducing gas emissions in Singapore. 

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Resource pack

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

14	‘The spread of insect-borne diseases is the most significant impact of enhanced greenhouse effect.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.	[6]
	Other factors [at least 1 more besides the given factor]: -        Sea level rising, Lengthening of the crops period, Extreme weather conditions Impact of climate change Sea level rise refers to the increase in the mean height of the sea’s surface between high tide and low tide relative to land. Low-lying areas and islands are threatened. 33% of the coastal land and wetland habitats are likely to be lost in the next few hundred years if sea levels continue to rise at the current rates. E.g. Majuro Atoll in the Pacific Ocean will lose 80% of its land by half a metre. More extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods, drought and tropical cyclones have increased in the last few decades. This is due to higher land and sea surface temperatures that resulted in greater amount of water vapour and latent heat in a warmer atmosphere which is a powerful driving force for extreme weather events. Increased temperatures and rainfall may cause the spread of infectious insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. E.g. Cool climate areas of Nepal and Bhutan for the first time in 2004. Higher temperatures may result in longer growing seasons for crops in some regions. New crops such as blackberries and maize can be cultivated in UK. However, in Yunan province of China, fruits such as apples and cherries and nuts like almonds and walnuts that require cool weather conditions are reduced.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Video 1

a)    Why does Malaria spread easier with global warming?

- Increased rainfall and temperatures is favourable for mosquitoes to breed

- (allows spread of malaria and dengue fever)

- As temperate countries get warmer, mosquitoes are able to breed further up north of the Equator

b)    What are the examples of extreme weather conditions seen in the video?

- drought- flood- hurricanes

Exercise 1

1) What are the 4 impact of climate change? [4]

-        Sea level rise

-        Frequent extreme weather events

-        Spread of infectious insect-borne diseases

-        Lengthening of growing season in certain regions

2) Which of the impact is the most devastating to the world? [3]

-        Sea level rise or Frequent extreme weather events

-        Flooding of coastal region

-        Natural calamities that can cause many lives to be destroyed

IMPACTS		Spread of infectious insect-borne disease	More frequent extreme weather events			Sea level rise	Change in length of growing seasons
Point = Define and state what the point is		Insect-borne diseases spreads faster and breed in new areas.	There are more occurrence of severe and rare weather phenomenon that results in economic losses and loss of lives.			The mean height of the sea’s surface increased relative to the land.	The growing seasons of certain crops could be lengthen or shorten.
Explain/ Elaborate = on how this is caused by  global warming	The increased rainfall and temperature is favourable for insects to grow. Therefore insects are able to breed in temperate countries now as the weather gets warmer. This cause diseases to spread to new places.			Higher land and sea surface temperatures creates more radiation and latent heat. This results in more frequent and irregular weather events.	Due to high temperatures, water expands and increases the sea height. The higher temperatures also cause glaciers to melt and add the melt water to the sea.			Higher temperatures have led to longer growing seasons for some regions as cold regions are now warmer and conducive for crop growing. However the hotter regions are also getting hotter, and less conducive for certain crops to grow.
Example		In 2004, Nepal and Bhutan experienced Malaria and Dengue fever for the first time.	Heat waves, floods, droughts and tropical cyclone have increased in the last few decades.			Majuro Atoll in the Pacific Ocean will lose 80% of its land by half a metre if sea levels continue to rise at current rate.	In Canada, there is an increase in soybeans, potatoes and wheat as the region is warmer. In Yunnan, apples and cherries production is reduced as they need cool conditions to grow.