Sec 2NAQn 1a)
One measure that has been taken is the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. (Accept other plausible answers) (1m)
Qn 1b)
No, the Kyoto Protocol can only slow down the effects of global warming but it cannot solve the problem completely as some countries have not acceded to the treaty. (Accept other plausible answers) (1m)
Qn 1c)
We can reduce the vehicle emissions by taking public transport.
We can use electrical appliances that are more energy-efficient.
(Accept other plausible answers) (2m)
Qn 1d)
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is working with the private companies to develop a fleet of buses that run on compressed natural gas which gives out less greenhouse gases.
The NEA is working with industries to improve energy efficiency. One way is by developing a labelling scheme for energy-efficiency household appliances.
(2m)
Qn 2a)
The global production of CFCs has fallen sharply from more than 1.2 million tonnes in 1988 to less than 600 thousand tonnes in 1992. (2m)
* 1 mark for adjective, 1 mark for data used
Qn 2b)
In 1987, many countries acceded to the Montreal Protocal to limit the production and use of CFCs. A number of countries agreed to stop using and producing CFCs completely. (2m)
Qn 2c)
The Montreal Protocol was very effective because the global CFC production has fallen sharply since 1988. (2m)
* 1 mark for stating whether the measure has been effective, 1 mark for giving the reason
Qn 2d)
We can avoid buying products that contain CFCs.
If we must dispose products with CFCs in them, such as old air-conditioners, we should get a waste management company to dispose of them properly.
(Accept other plausible answers) (2m)
Showing posts with label global warming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label global warming. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Carelessness Costs!
Remember how the Austrialian bush fires might have been started by arsonists? Well, I was quite upset to read that Singapore's bush fires were caused by irresponsible people who left the litter (like cigarette butts) behind!
Report from The Straits Times.
Feb 24, 2009
Carelessness behind 95% of bush fires
Cigarette butts, stoves and altar candles spell trouble for firefighters
By Esther Tan
BLAME man for the record number of bush fires here this year.
Blame careless smokers who toss lit cigarette butts into vegetation.
Blame those who leave behind lit candles and burnt offerings at makeshift altars.
Blame those who decide to cook out in the open using charcoal stoves.
They accounted for 95 per cent of the 339 bush fires so far this year.
There were 182 such fires last month, compared to 24 in January last year, a 'very alarming' situation, according to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Unthinking actions, coupled with the dry season, have resulted in a huge waste of firefighting resources, said the SCDF's director of operations, Colonel Anwar Abdullah.
The remaining 5 per cent of bush fires are caused naturally - when dry grass rub and trigger sparks, leading to spontaneous combustion, or when they are hit by lightning.
How easy it is to put out a fire depends on the thickness of the vegetation, the gradient of the land and how windy it is.
The more an area is covered in vegetation, the more deep-seated is the fire, said Col Anwar.
If it is burning on a hill, that also makes it tougher for firemen, as they have to haul water hoses up the slope, he said.
It could take an hour to bring under control a fire that has spread over an area the size of two or three football fields.
The SCDF has drawn up a list of more than 15 'hot spots' for bush fires.
The 'hottest' areas encompass Punggol Way, Punggol Field and Sengkang, and stretch along the Tampines Expressway near Punggol Road. The expressway area near Punggol Way and Punggol Field has been scorched 38 times.
But even confined strips of vegetation located on expressway road dividers, along the Kranji Expressway for example, have been razed by fire.
Col Anwar said the SCDF has been working with government agencies such as National Parks Board, the HDB and the Singapore Land Authority to put in place measures to curb the spread of bush fires.
The SCDF is looking at extending the existing hydrant main systems into large vegetated areas to shorten the distance between bush fires and the water supplies needed to put them out for firefighters.
In addition, it has created land buffers - by trimming short the vegetation - along the periphery of some residential areas, near forests, to prevent the spread of fires.
But the cause of fire by human activities remains the main concern of the SCDF.
It advises the public to avoid throwing lighted materials, such as cigarette butts and matches, on grass patches and fields.
It also warns against dumping trash on vacant land, as this can provide an additional source of fuel in the event of a fire.
Report from The Straits Times.
Feb 24, 2009
Carelessness behind 95% of bush fires
Cigarette butts, stoves and altar candles spell trouble for firefighters
By Esther Tan
BLAME man for the record number of bush fires here this year.
Blame careless smokers who toss lit cigarette butts into vegetation.
Blame those who leave behind lit candles and burnt offerings at makeshift altars.
Blame those who decide to cook out in the open using charcoal stoves.
They accounted for 95 per cent of the 339 bush fires so far this year.
There were 182 such fires last month, compared to 24 in January last year, a 'very alarming' situation, according to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Unthinking actions, coupled with the dry season, have resulted in a huge waste of firefighting resources, said the SCDF's director of operations, Colonel Anwar Abdullah.
The remaining 5 per cent of bush fires are caused naturally - when dry grass rub and trigger sparks, leading to spontaneous combustion, or when they are hit by lightning.
How easy it is to put out a fire depends on the thickness of the vegetation, the gradient of the land and how windy it is.
The more an area is covered in vegetation, the more deep-seated is the fire, said Col Anwar.
If it is burning on a hill, that also makes it tougher for firemen, as they have to haul water hoses up the slope, he said.
It could take an hour to bring under control a fire that has spread over an area the size of two or three football fields.
The SCDF has drawn up a list of more than 15 'hot spots' for bush fires.
The 'hottest' areas encompass Punggol Way, Punggol Field and Sengkang, and stretch along the Tampines Expressway near Punggol Road. The expressway area near Punggol Way and Punggol Field has been scorched 38 times.
But even confined strips of vegetation located on expressway road dividers, along the Kranji Expressway for example, have been razed by fire.
Col Anwar said the SCDF has been working with government agencies such as National Parks Board, the HDB and the Singapore Land Authority to put in place measures to curb the spread of bush fires.
The SCDF is looking at extending the existing hydrant main systems into large vegetated areas to shorten the distance between bush fires and the water supplies needed to put them out for firefighters.
In addition, it has created land buffers - by trimming short the vegetation - along the periphery of some residential areas, near forests, to prevent the spread of fires.
But the cause of fire by human activities remains the main concern of the SCDF.
It advises the public to avoid throwing lighted materials, such as cigarette butts and matches, on grass patches and fields.
It also warns against dumping trash on vacant land, as this can provide an additional source of fuel in the event of a fire.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sec 2 WB 10.1 Sample Answer
Qn 1ai)
They are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the Sun's rays. They include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Qn 1aii)
Decomposition of waste in landfills produces methane.
Breaking down of nitrogen-based fertilisers releases nitrous oxide.
Coolants in refrigerators and air-conditioners release chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs.)
Qn 1aiii)
When greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as the enhanced greenhouse effect, results in the increse in air temperatures throughout the world.
Qn 1b)
The frequent heatwaves, droughts and floods are caused by the changes in the Earth's climate, which is a consequence of global warming.
Qn 1c)
People living in small islands, which are only a few meters above sea level, face the risk of disappearance.
Increased erosion of the coast will damage buildings and infrastructure in coastal cities.
Arable farmland may be destroyed and people may have to move to higher grounds.
They are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the Sun's rays. They include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Qn 1aii)
Decomposition of waste in landfills produces methane.
Breaking down of nitrogen-based fertilisers releases nitrous oxide.
Coolants in refrigerators and air-conditioners release chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs.)
Qn 1aiii)
When greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as the enhanced greenhouse effect, results in the increse in air temperatures throughout the world.
Qn 1b)
The frequent heatwaves, droughts and floods are caused by the changes in the Earth's climate, which is a consequence of global warming.
Qn 1c)
People living in small islands, which are only a few meters above sea level, face the risk of disappearance.
Increased erosion of the coast will damage buildings and infrastructure in coastal cities.
Arable farmland may be destroyed and people may have to move to higher grounds.
Time for a Break
Okay, not the kind of break you're expecting.
I came across this while searching for resources on the Kyoto Protocol.
TIME: Global Warming (Special Edition)
I came across this while searching for resources on the Kyoto Protocol.
TIME: Global Warming (Special Edition)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sec 2 Global Warming Worksheet
(as of 18th Feb: I've marked about 1/2 a class and so far the answers have not been very encouraging. A good handful of students are just not putting enough effort! Disappointing to say the least.)
Page 2
1st Qn:
Water availability in the north is less than 25% of southern China.
Northern part of China is generally arid (extremely dry) while the south is prone to floods.
2nd Qn:
Rainfall in the north has decreased by about 50% to 80%. (this is found in the passage)
With global warming, drier regions will experience greater evaporation. So the grounds in the north will become even drier.
The southern parts of China are generally more developed. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from industries and vehicles would enhance the greenhouse effects. In addition, there are more water bodies in the southern parts of China. These would increase the evaporation rate in the south and contribute to heavier rainfall.
Page 3
(Please provide as much details as possible, esp. when they are stated in the passage.)
About 8770 sqm of crops are affected.
Half of the wheat crop in 8 provinces were threatened.
Farm fields are dry and cracked up.
About 4.29million people and more than 2 million livestock do not have proper drinking water.
Page 4
1st Qn:
Possible problems caused by global warming would include flooding, drought, hunger and diseases such as malaria. These problems will affect millions of people around the world.
2nd Qn:
United States is responsible for 20% of the greenhouse gas emission.
3rd Qn:
(Question focusses on what UK intend to do with their own greenhouse gas emission and not what UK wants other countries to do. Please read the question carefully!)
They are cutting down energy consumption and increase the use of renewable sources.
4th Qn:
There are a lot more greenhouse gas emission since the industrial revolution, since there are a lot more factories. The use of fossil fuel, deforestation and other human has also increase tremendously because of economic and population growth.
Page 6
The rise in sea temperature enabled valuable shell fish (abalone) to thrive. This encourages the fishing industries to farm them and export them.
Page 7
Abalone are unable to flourish below 8 C. With global warming, the seas around the Western Country, Britain are now warm enough for them to survive and grow.
(Please read the question carefully. Otherwise you'll just end up giving me really strange answers like "Abalone are best known by tourists as te source of iridescent mother of pearl jewellery..." & "They do not pollute the water and they do not concentrate toxins." And I'm like, ???)
Page 8
1st Qn:
The temperature in Australia will be increasing steadily over the next few decades.
2nd Qn:
This will lead to extreme heat waves and droughts. The dry periods will become longer and more extreme.
There will also be more forest fires.
Crops will be destroyed and water will have to be rationed as well.
Page 2
1st Qn:
Water availability in the north is less than 25% of southern China.
Northern part of China is generally arid (extremely dry) while the south is prone to floods.
2nd Qn:
Rainfall in the north has decreased by about 50% to 80%. (this is found in the passage)
With global warming, drier regions will experience greater evaporation. So the grounds in the north will become even drier.
The southern parts of China are generally more developed. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from industries and vehicles would enhance the greenhouse effects. In addition, there are more water bodies in the southern parts of China. These would increase the evaporation rate in the south and contribute to heavier rainfall.
Page 3
(Please provide as much details as possible, esp. when they are stated in the passage.)
About 8770 sqm of crops are affected.
Half of the wheat crop in 8 provinces were threatened.
Farm fields are dry and cracked up.
About 4.29million people and more than 2 million livestock do not have proper drinking water.
Page 4
1st Qn:
Possible problems caused by global warming would include flooding, drought, hunger and diseases such as malaria. These problems will affect millions of people around the world.
2nd Qn:
United States is responsible for 20% of the greenhouse gas emission.
3rd Qn:
(Question focusses on what UK intend to do with their own greenhouse gas emission and not what UK wants other countries to do. Please read the question carefully!)
They are cutting down energy consumption and increase the use of renewable sources.
4th Qn:
There are a lot more greenhouse gas emission since the industrial revolution, since there are a lot more factories. The use of fossil fuel, deforestation and other human has also increase tremendously because of economic and population growth.
Page 6
The rise in sea temperature enabled valuable shell fish (abalone) to thrive. This encourages the fishing industries to farm them and export them.
Page 7
Abalone are unable to flourish below 8 C. With global warming, the seas around the Western Country, Britain are now warm enough for them to survive and grow.
(Please read the question carefully. Otherwise you'll just end up giving me really strange answers like "Abalone are best known by tourists as te source of iridescent mother of pearl jewellery..." & "They do not pollute the water and they do not concentrate toxins." And I'm like, ???)
Page 8
1st Qn:
The temperature in Australia will be increasing steadily over the next few decades.
2nd Qn:
This will lead to extreme heat waves and droughts. The dry periods will become longer and more extreme.
There will also be more forest fires.
Crops will be destroyed and water will have to be rationed as well.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Singapore Bush Fires
For those of us who wondered if Singapore has bush fires... Now, you know the answer.
17 February 2009
Dry spell causes bush fires to surge to record numbers
SINGAPORE: Singapore has recorded the highest number of vegetation fires in decades due to the dry spell.
In the first two weeks of this month, 106 fires have been recorded. This follows a record 182 in January, well above the average of 26 cases for the month over the past decade.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has described this as unprecedented and said it is installing dry hydrant systems to provide water supply in areas with dry vegetation like Tampines and Fort Road.
Smoke from these vegetation fires has contributed to the particle build—up in the air, resulting in Singapore experiencing slightly hazy conditions since last Friday.
The weak winds have also contributed to the bleary conditions, as they are unable to blow the smoke particles away.
The National Environment Agency said Singapore’s 24—hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) crept up to the "moderate" range of between 53 and 57 over the weekend, rising from the "good" range the week before.
The haze is leaving many Singaporeans hot under the collar.
"Even at night, it’s really hot, even turning on the air—con doesn’t help," said a member of the public.
"Exercise is out of the question, movements out in the open are restricted," said another.
"I couldn’t breathe. I’ve been coughing, because I’m quite allergic to the haze," said a third.
"Even the poor doggies at home" are feeling the heat, said a fourth.
The haziness and hot weather is expected to persist over the next three days, as wind conditions continue to be light.
— CNA/ir
17 February 2009
Dry spell causes bush fires to surge to record numbers
SINGAPORE: Singapore has recorded the highest number of vegetation fires in decades due to the dry spell.
In the first two weeks of this month, 106 fires have been recorded. This follows a record 182 in January, well above the average of 26 cases for the month over the past decade.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has described this as unprecedented and said it is installing dry hydrant systems to provide water supply in areas with dry vegetation like Tampines and Fort Road.
Smoke from these vegetation fires has contributed to the particle build—up in the air, resulting in Singapore experiencing slightly hazy conditions since last Friday.
The weak winds have also contributed to the bleary conditions, as they are unable to blow the smoke particles away.
The National Environment Agency said Singapore’s 24—hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) crept up to the "moderate" range of between 53 and 57 over the weekend, rising from the "good" range the week before.
The haze is leaving many Singaporeans hot under the collar.
"Even at night, it’s really hot, even turning on the air—con doesn’t help," said a member of the public.
"Exercise is out of the question, movements out in the open are restricted," said another.
"I couldn’t breathe. I’ve been coughing, because I’m quite allergic to the haze," said a third.
"Even the poor doggies at home" are feeling the heat, said a fourth.
The haziness and hot weather is expected to persist over the next three days, as wind conditions continue to be light.
— CNA/ir
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Of Koala Bears and Yellow Fever
I was teaching in 2B and the diet of Koala came up. Mae (2B) told me they feed on eucalypts and I remember reading about gum leaves in their diet. Turns out we're both right! Read more about the Koalas here.
Also, the Yellow Fever was mentioned as one of the diseases transmitted by the mosquitoes. Thank God we do not hear about it often here. Many of us are curious about what the Yellow Fever is...
As I suspected, a person does appear yellow when suffering from this sickness. That's because some patients become jaundice as well - causing yellow eyes and skin. You can read more about this here, at the World Health Organisation and here, at netdoctor.co.uk.
Also, the Yellow Fever was mentioned as one of the diseases transmitted by the mosquitoes. Thank God we do not hear about it often here. Many of us are curious about what the Yellow Fever is...
As I suspected, a person does appear yellow when suffering from this sickness. That's because some patients become jaundice as well - causing yellow eyes and skin. You can read more about this here, at the World Health Organisation and here, at netdoctor.co.uk.
Monday, February 9, 2009
QnA Global Warming (Sec 2, Chapter 10)
Ask your questions, leave your comments...I'm not God, I don't have all the answers. But we can search for them and we'll learn together!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
'Positive' Impacts of Rising Sea Level
How does this cartoon illustrate the consequences of global warming?
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