A government report states that global climate change is likely to have several serious effects on the planet. Describe two possible effects of global climate change on the Earth.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Scientists have gathered peer-reviewed evidence suggesting that increasing levels of greenhouse gases are leading to global climate change.
Model answer (4 marks)
1. Rising sea levels
• Polar ice caps and glaciers melt as temperatures increase.
• The meltwater adds to the oceans, raising sea levels and flooding low‑lying coastal areas.
2. Reduced crop yields
• Higher temperatures and more extreme weather damage crops such as wheat, rice and maize.
• Lower yields threaten food security and can lead to higher food prices.
• Polar ice caps and glaciers melt as temperatures increase.
• The meltwater adds to the oceans, raising sea levels and flooding low‑lying coastal areas.
2. Reduced crop yields
• Higher temperatures and more extreme weather damage crops such as wheat, rice and maize.
• Lower yields threaten food security and can lead to higher food prices.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms "sea levels rise" and "reduced crop yields". Include the cause (melting ice, higher temperatures) and the effect (flooding, food insecurity).
- Show the two effects as separate points to match the 4‑mark structure.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the two effects in one sentence. Using vague phrases like "climate change will hurt the planet" without specifying sea level rise or crop yield.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Sea levels rise (due to melting of polar ice caps)
- Credit for development of sea level rise point OR a second distinct effect — extinction of species
- Decrease in crop yield (for major world crops)
- Credit for development of crop yield point OR a further distinct effect — migration of people from areas affected by drought or flooding
Key terms in this question
Related
- All AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases questions
- A farmer is considering changes to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from thei…
- Explain how greenhouse gases cause the Earth's atmosphere to warm up.
- A supermarket is trying to reduce its carbon footprint. Describe two human activ…
- A scientist claims that media reports about global climate change are often unre…