Geography covers some of the biggest challenges facing our planet... Show more
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Climate Change
Climate change is basically our planet's thermostat going haywire because of human activities. The key difference here is between the natural greenhouse effect (which keeps Earth warm enough for life) and the human-enhanced greenhouse effect (which is causing problems by trapping too much heat).
There are two main ways we can tackle climate change. Mitigation means cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions by switching to renewable energy sources - essentially stopping the problem at its source. Adaptation involves changing how we live to cope with the effects, like moving away from eroding coastlines or developing crops that can survive droughts.
The main causes of climate change include farming (cattle produce methane), burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and cement production. Even natural factors like solar activity and Earth's orbital tilt play a role. The effects are pretty serious - melting ice, stronger storms, droughts, forest fires, and the spread of diseases.
Quick Fact: The Aral Sea was once the world's 4th largest inland sea but has almost completely dried up due to water being diverted for cotton farming - a perfect example of human impact on the environment.
Map Skills
Map skills are your toolkit for understanding where things are in the world. Think of latitude and longitude as Earth's address system - latitude lines run east-west (telling you how far north or south you are), whilst longitude lines run north-south (telling you how far east or west you are).
The Prime Meridian is like the starting point for measuring longitude, running through Greenwich in London. When giving coordinates, always put latitude first, then longitude - and don't forget to include whether it's North/South for latitude and East/West for longitude.
Grid references help you pinpoint exact locations on maps. For 4-figure grid references, you start from the bottom-left corner of a square and work your way along and up. 6-figure grid references are more precise - they include extra numbers showing exactly where within that square you need to look.
Memory Tip: Remember "along the corridor and up the stairs" when reading grid references - always go along first, then up!
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards are basically nature's way of reminding us who's really in charge. These are natural events that can cause serious damage, destruction, and death. The hazard risk is simply how likely it is that one of these events will actually happen.
Hurricanes (also called typhoons or cyclones depending on where they occur) are massive spinning storms that form over warm oceans. They need water temperatures of at least 27°C and specific wind conditions to develop. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 showed just how devastating these can be - it killed over 100 people in Mississippi alone and caused $89 billion in damage.
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that typically happen during hot, dry summers in forested areas like the US, Canada, and Australia. They can start naturally from lightning strikes or be caused by human carelessness. Firefighters use special tools like the Pulaski and create firebreaks to contain them.
Both hurricanes and wildfires have defences - from building homes on stilts in hurricane zones to keeping trees away from roofs in fire-prone areas. The key is being prepared and understanding the risks in your area.
Did You Know: A storm surge - the wall of water pushed inland by hurricane winds - is often more deadly than the wind itself!
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Most popular content: Human Impacts on the Environment
Most popular content in Geography
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Climate Change - Year 9 Geography
Geography covers some of the biggest challenges facing our planet today, from climate change to natural disasters. Understanding these topics will help you make sense of news stories and become a more informed global citizen.
Climate Change
Climate change is basically our planet's thermostat going haywire because of human activities. The key difference here is between the natural greenhouse effect (which keeps Earth warm enough for life) and the human-enhanced greenhouse effect (which is causing problems by trapping too much heat).
There are two main ways we can tackle climate change. Mitigation means cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions by switching to renewable energy sources - essentially stopping the problem at its source. Adaptation involves changing how we live to cope with the effects, like moving away from eroding coastlines or developing crops that can survive droughts.
The main causes of climate change include farming (cattle produce methane), burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and cement production. Even natural factors like solar activity and Earth's orbital tilt play a role. The effects are pretty serious - melting ice, stronger storms, droughts, forest fires, and the spread of diseases.
Quick Fact: The Aral Sea was once the world's 4th largest inland sea but has almost completely dried up due to water being diverted for cotton farming - a perfect example of human impact on the environment.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Map Skills
Map skills are your toolkit for understanding where things are in the world. Think of latitude and longitude as Earth's address system - latitude lines run east-west (telling you how far north or south you are), whilst longitude lines run north-south (telling you how far east or west you are).
The Prime Meridian is like the starting point for measuring longitude, running through Greenwich in London. When giving coordinates, always put latitude first, then longitude - and don't forget to include whether it's North/South for latitude and East/West for longitude.
Grid references help you pinpoint exact locations on maps. For 4-figure grid references, you start from the bottom-left corner of a square and work your way along and up. 6-figure grid references are more precise - they include extra numbers showing exactly where within that square you need to look.
Memory Tip: Remember "along the corridor and up the stairs" when reading grid references - always go along first, then up!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards are basically nature's way of reminding us who's really in charge. These are natural events that can cause serious damage, destruction, and death. The hazard risk is simply how likely it is that one of these events will actually happen.
Hurricanes (also called typhoons or cyclones depending on where they occur) are massive spinning storms that form over warm oceans. They need water temperatures of at least 27°C and specific wind conditions to develop. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 showed just how devastating these can be - it killed over 100 people in Mississippi alone and caused $89 billion in damage.
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that typically happen during hot, dry summers in forested areas like the US, Canada, and Australia. They can start naturally from lightning strikes or be caused by human carelessness. Firefighters use special tools like the Pulaski and create firebreaks to contain them.
Both hurricanes and wildfires have defences - from building homes on stilts in hurricane zones to keeping trees away from roofs in fire-prone areas. The key is being prepared and understanding the risks in your area.
Did You Know: A storm surge - the wall of water pushed inland by hurricane winds - is often more deadly than the wind itself!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Human Impacts on the Environment
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Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user