1 | Page
GEOG 314 Final Exam (Set 1; page 1; paragraph-
answers) Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest
Update / Already Graded
Several geoengineering projects have been proposed for dealing with the impacts
of global warming. Based on what we've looked at in the course, explain what
these three proposals are hoping to achieve, and discuss at least TWO potential
problems (in terms of expense, technology, or social/environmental impacts) with
each:
a) Injecting large amounts of SO2 into the upper atmosphere
b) Mass conversion of farmland and terrestrial ecosystems into monoculture tree
plantations
c) Dumping nutrients like iron into the open ocean
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Ans: a) "Stratospheric aerosol injection" -similar to a large volcanic eruption;
cooling effect; help bring back global rainfall patterns
CONCERNS:
-"Termination shock" if suddenly stopped, global temperatures could rapidly
rebound
-If released in just Northern hemisphere, could lead to decrease in rainfall in
places like India and African Sahel, increasing drought risk
b) "Afforestation" - Carbon storage since leaves of trees extract carbon and
release oxygen
CONCERNS:
-Usually made up of fast-growing, evergreens often non-native species such as
palms, which are water-intensive and can lead to "green deserts" and degraded
soil
-Invasive species can spread to surrounding areas, where native species may not
be able to compete
c) "Gertitol theory" - add iron, boost productivity
CONCERNS:
-Would have to repeat frequently in many locations
-Eutrophication
Robert Gifford has identified 7 different categories of mental barriers to action on
climate change. Name any FIVE of these "dragon species", and briefly explain how
each could be making people hesitate to act.
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
GEOG 314 Final Exam (Set 1; page 1; paragraph-
answers) Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest
Update / Already Graded
Several geoengineering projects have been proposed for dealing with the impacts
of global warming. Based on what we've looked at in the course, explain what
these three proposals are hoping to achieve, and discuss at least TWO potential
problems (in terms of expense, technology, or social/environmental impacts) with
each:
a) Injecting large amounts of SO2 into the upper atmosphere
b) Mass conversion of farmland and terrestrial ecosystems into monoculture tree
plantations
c) Dumping nutrients like iron into the open ocean
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Ans: a) "Stratospheric aerosol injection" -similar to a large volcanic eruption;
cooling effect; help bring back global rainfall patterns
CONCERNS:
-"Termination shock" if suddenly stopped, global temperatures could rapidly
rebound
-If released in just Northern hemisphere, could lead to decrease in rainfall in
places like India and African Sahel, increasing drought risk
b) "Afforestation" - Carbon storage since leaves of trees extract carbon and
release oxygen
CONCERNS:
-Usually made up of fast-growing, evergreens often non-native species such as
palms, which are water-intensive and can lead to "green deserts" and degraded
soil
-Invasive species can spread to surrounding areas, where native species may not
be able to compete
c) "Gertitol theory" - add iron, boost productivity
CONCERNS:
-Would have to repeat frequently in many locations
-Eutrophication
Robert Gifford has identified 7 different categories of mental barriers to action on
climate change. Name any FIVE of these "dragon species", and briefly explain how
each could be making people hesitate to act.
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
