Climate Change Effects and Mitigation
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What is the primary factor that has maintained the Earth's surface temperature increase at 1.2°C since the Industrial Revolution?

  • Clouds have reflected back to space more than half of the excess heat.
  • The land has absorbed half of the excess heat created by CO2.
  • Ice sheets and glaciers have absorbed much of the excess heat but are melting.
  • The oceans have absorbed approximately 90% of the excess heat created by CO2. (correct)

Why does modern climate change appear unprecedented compared to past periods of climate change?

  • Modern climate change occurs at a faster rate than any previous time. (correct)
  • Historical climate changes were more extreme than current changes.
  • Past climate changes were less impactful due to a smaller human population.
  • Humans now dominate the Earth.

Which of the following factors is NOT contributing to the increase in wildfire activity in California and the western US?

  • Earlier extreme rainfall events promoting additional vegetation growth.
  • More months of the year experiencing warmer than normal temperatures.
  • Greater evaporation of soil moisture due to warmer temperatures.
  • Increased snowpack providing more water during the dry season. (correct)

What consequence is associated with the heat absorbed by ice sheets and glaciers in polar regions?

<p>Melting ice leading to rising sea levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do clouds play in regulating the Earth's surface temperature amidst rising CO2 levels?

<p>Clouds primarily contribute to heat loss by reflecting back excessive heat. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the average temperature of the Earth changed since the onset of the Industrial Revolution?

<p>Increased by 1.2°C. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The absorption of which element by oceans has played a critical role in temperature regulation?

<p>CO2. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been one of the significant effects of climate change in California over recent decades?

<p>Rise in wildfire activity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to remove methane from the atmosphere to effectively reach net zero carbon emissions?

<p>Methane quickly converts to CO2, adding to total CO2 levels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the composition of CO2 in the atmosphere from a historical perspective?

<p>Legacy CO2 is responsible for about 15% of all CO2 in the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the brightening of clouds is not considered a negative emissions technology?

<p>It is not a permanent solution for carbon sequestration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a negative emission technology discussed?

<p>Building solar panels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of afforestation and reforestation as negative emissions technologies?

<p>They can sequester a significant portion of atmospheric CO2. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding the longevity of carbon sequestration in trees?

<p>The carbon stored in trees is often short-lived. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is anticipated to happen to methane emissions due to climate change?

<p>Melting methane ice will produce additional methane emissions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best justifies the need for negative emission technologies?

<p>Negative emissions technologies are essential to counteract historical emissions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the present concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere?

<p>423 parts per million (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the more likely amount of total global warming that will occur in this century given current trends?

<p>4°C or higher (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes today's concentration of CO2 compared to the past?

<p>The CO2 concentration is higher than any time in the past 14 million years. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why extreme precipitation events are increasing?

<p>Clouds have become denser due to lower temperatures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon can occur if the deep ocean warms by a few degrees?

<p>Underwater landslides along continental edges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What temperature threshold should be kept to minimize catastrophic damage from climate change?

<p>≤1.5°C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is currently used to effectively sequester CO2 while alleviating environmental costs?

<p>Adding ground minerals to enhance silicate weathering (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What positive feedback can result from the oxidation of CH4 in the ocean?

<p>Anoxia leading to fish kills (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about global warming predictions is misleading?

<p>Global warming will definitely remain at or below 1.5°C. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does increased alkalinity in oceans have on CO2 absorption?

<p>It enhances the ocean's ability to absorb CO2. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome if countries fail to reduce carbon emissions effectively?

<p>Global temperatures could rise significantly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What lesson relevant to future climate can be drawn from ice core records of the past 1 million years?

<p>Earth's surface temperature is higher now than it has been for the past million years. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emissions trends is concerning for future climate conditions?

<p>Increases in fossil fuel burning for energy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes does NOT help increase CO2 sequestration?

<p>Increasing atmospheric pollution levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental cost of increasing CO2 sequestration through natural methods?

<p>Acidification of oceans leading to coral decline (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes biological pumping in the context of CO2 sequestration?

<p>Increasing organic matter in oceans and soils to lock up CO2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the current concentrations of CO2, CH4, and NO2 in the atmosphere compared to the past million years?

<p>They are unprecedented in combination. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily contributed to past warm interglacials over the last million years?

<p>Release of methane from melting ocean clathrates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in the development of urban centers over the past 6,000 years?

<p>Stability of agriculture and human societies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does not contribute to the water availability issues faced by Californians?

<p>Increased snow levels from warming. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did changes in CO2 concentrations historically relate to Earth surface temperatures?

<p>They were strongly linked despite fluctuations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature plays a critical role in California's water distribution?

<p>High mountain ranges. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor likely contributed to the climate stability over the past 6000 years?

<p>The cessation of ice melting and slowed sea-level rise. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for potential water scarcity as California's climate changes?

<p>Less snowpack leading to reduced water availability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary 'pump' that keeps the flow of air moving in atmospheric circulation cells?

<p>Latent heat of evaporation &amp; condensation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the Jet Stream?

<p>A river of fast-moving air approximately 10 km high in the atmosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is causing the Jet Stream to weaken and develop 'kinks' that lead to heat waves or freezes?

<p>Loss of sea ice in the Arctic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which region is the intensity of the Sun's heat energy delivered to Earth greatest?

<p>Tropics (ITCZ) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does the warming atmosphere have on air currents like the Jet Stream?

<p>Thickens the atmosphere, complicating air flow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of the Jet Stream on winter weather in the western U.S.?

<p>It transports moisture-laden air, bringing storms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the strength of the Jet Stream related to temperature differences between regions?

<p>Greater temperature differences strengthen the Jet Stream (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which effect of global warming is contributing to changes in the Jet Stream?

<p>Slowing of atmospheric circulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Earth's warming since Industrial Revolution

The Earth's average surface temperature has increased by 1.2°C since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Ocean heat absorption

The ocean has absorbed approximately 90% of the excess heat caused by increasing CO2 levels.

Unprecedented climate change rate

Modern climate change is unique because the speed of environmental change is faster than any previous period in Earth's history.

Wildfire activity increase cause

Warmer temperatures, greater evaporation, and drier soils/vegetation contribute to increased wildfire activity.

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CO2 and warming

Increased CO2 levels lead to a warming trend, but other factors (like ocean absorption) regulate the warming rate.

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Land heat absorption

Landmasses absorbed half of the excess heat associated with increasing CO2 levels.

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Climate change and wildfires

Climate change is a major factor in the increased wildfire activity in the Western US, specifically warmer temperatures and drier conditions.

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Incorrect wildfire activity contributor

Earlier fall rainfall, encouraging plant growth, is not a factor in increasing wildfire activity, but rather increases fuel.

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Current CO2 concentration

The present level of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere is approximately 423 parts per million (ppm).

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CO2 concentration & past

The current CO2 concentration is higher than any time in the past 14 million years.

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Global warming target

Scientists and many governments are trying to limit global warming to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid catastrophic climate change.

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Likely warming this century

Based on current fossil fuel use scenarios, total global warming in this century is likely to be between 2.0°C – 3.0°C.

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Extreme precipitation increase - reason 1

A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, thereby leading to more intense rainfall.

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Extreme precipitation increase - reason 2

Global warming can shift atmospheric circulation patterns, intensifying and destabilising the flow of water.

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Extreme precipitation increase - reason 3

Increased water cycling speeds up the water cycle as the atmosphere warms.

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Extreme precipitation increase - reason that is not a factor

Deforestation and the urban heat islands do not cause an increase in extreme precipitation.

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Jet Stream

A river of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere, flowing between high and low pressure regions in the mid-latitudes.

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Jet Stream's role in weather

The Jet Stream delivers weather systems, like winter storms, from the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of the US.

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Weakening Jet Stream cause

Rapid Arctic warming, compared to the rest of the planet, reduces temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics, weakening the Jet Stream.

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Atmospheric Circulation Pump

Density differences in the atmosphere's layers, latent heat of evaporation/condensation, and thermohaline circulation are all factors that fuel the air's journey through the circulation cells, moving water and heat.

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ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

The region near the equator where sun's heat is strongest, leading to warming, evaporation, and rising air.

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Weakening Jet Stream Effect

A weakening Jet Stream leads to extended heatwaves or freezes due to 'kinks' or disruptions in its path.

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Latent Heat

The heat absorbed or released during a change in state of matter (e.g., evaporation, condensation).

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Coriolis Effect

An effect whereby objects moving in a rotating frame of reference experience a fictitious force acting perpendicular to the direction of motion.

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Ice clathrate melting

Melting of ice clathrates in the deep ocean, releasing methane and causing oxygen depletion (anoxia) in the water.

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Positive feedback (climate change)

A process where a change in one part of a system causes a further change in the same direction, amplifying the initial effect.

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CO2 sequestration

Natural methods of capturing and storing carbon dioxide in the environment.

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Silicate weathering

A natural process where minerals react with CO2 in water to form carbonate rocks, effectively removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

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Biological pumping

The process where marine organisms absorb CO2, and when they die, sink to the seafloor, storing carbon.

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Past 1 million years climate records

Ice core data shows Earth's temperature fluctuated significantly in the past million years, but current temperatures are relatively high.

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Ocean alkalinity increase

Adding minerals to the ocean to increase its ability to absorb CO2.

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Atmospheric CO2 capture

Methods of removing CO2 from the atmosphere, such as capturing it from power plants and refining plants.

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Past interglacial warmings

Past periods of warming, similar to today's, which occurred during warmer periods, primarily caused by methane release from melting ocean clathrates.

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Current CO2, CH4, & NO2 concentrations

The combined levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere today, considered unprecedented over the last million years.

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California's water supply

California's water supply relies heavily on snowmelt from high mountains, which is affected by warming temperatures. This supply is shared among many users.

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California's water use

Agriculture in California uses about two-thirds of the state's water.

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Past 6000 years' warming

Gradual warming over the last 6,000 years contributed to the development of urban centers and societies.

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California water distribution

California's water is transferred by extensive aqueducts, canals and pumps, to deal with the semi-arid climate, where water is needed most.

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California semi-arid climate

California's climate is characterized by seasonal rainfall and high water demands, making it vulnerable to water scarcity during droughts, with water needs concentrated in regions of lower rainfall.

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Snowmelt impact on water in CA

Snowmelt is a crucial source of water for California, as the snow in the mountains melts and flows downhill to rivers, and the amount of snow is impacted by warming temperatures and the severity of drought patterns.

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Why is reducing emissions not enough?

Even if we reach peak fossil fuel emissions and switch to renewable energies, we still need to remove CO2 from the atmosphere to achieve net zero emissions. This is because existing CO2 levels are already causing harm and require removal to reach our climate goals.

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What is 'legacy CO2'?

Legacy CO2 refers to the accumulated carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that was released over the past century from human activities, mainly fossil fuel burning. This legacy CO2 continues to contribute to climate change.

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Methane's role in climate change

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that traps even more heat than CO2 in the short term. It's released from sources like agriculture and melting permafrost, and its breakdown in the atmosphere ultimately adds to overall CO2 levels.

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What are negative emission technologies?

Negative emission technologies are methods designed to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it or convert it into harmless forms. They are crucial for reaching net zero emissions and potentially reversing climate change.

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What is afforestation?

Afforestation is the process of planting trees on land that has not been forested recently. It's one way to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, as trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it in their wood and roots.

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How effective is afforestation?

Afforestation can be a powerful tool for carbon removal and sequestration, but it's not a magic bullet. Its effectiveness depends on factors like tree species, forest management practices, and how long the trees survive. It also takes time for trees to grow and store significant amounts of carbon.

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What's 'direct air capture'?

Direct air capture (DAC) technologies remove CO2 directly from the air. It involves using specialized filters or other methods to capture and store the CO2, which can then be used for various purposes or permanently stored underground.

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What are some carbon removal strategies?

There are various strategies for removing CO2 from the atmosphere. These include afforestation, reforestation, direct air capture, enhanced weathering, and ocean fertilization. Each strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages, and a combination of approaches will likely be needed to effectively combat climate change.

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Study Notes

Quiz Questions

  • Present CO2 concentration: 417 parts per million.
  • Agreement on warming: There's widespread agreement to minimize global warming to ≤1.5°C since the Industrial Revolution.
  • Likely global warming: Between 2.0°C and 3.0°C.
  • CO2 concentration vs past: Higher than in the past 14 million years.
  • CO2 concentration compared to before fossil fuels: Higher than in the past several hundred thousand years.

Additional Information (Page 2)

  • Extreme precipitation: Increasing in frequency and intensity over the past 3 decades.
  • Reasons for extreme precipitation: Warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, deforestation/urban heat, intensification of water cycle, and shifted atmospheric circulation patterns.
  • Mitigation of warming: The land absorbs half the excess heat, clouds reflect half the excess heat back into space, and oceans absorb 90% of the excess heat.

Additional Information (Page 3)

  • Wildfires: Wildfire activity in CA and the western US has increased 5-fold over the past few decades, with warmer temperatures and drier soils as contributing factors.
  • Reservoirs and flowing CO2: If the atmosphere receives more CO2 than it releases, it acts as a CO2 sink.
  • Heat energy absorbed: The oceans (part of the hydrosphere) have absorbed the most heat energy generated by fossil fuel combustion and land-use changes.

Additional Information (Page 4)

  • Greenhouse effect vs global warming: The natural greenhouse effect maintains the Earth's temperature. Global warming is an enhanced greenhouse effect due to an increased atmospheric concentration of CO2.
  • Negative feedback loops (example): Arctic temperatures warming, leading to ice melting exposing dark ocean surfaces absorbing more heat, fueling further warming.
  • Negative feedback (example): Arctic air temperature cooling, ice expanding, leading to further cooling.

Additional Information (Page 5,6,7)

  • Jet Stream deflection/weakening: Increased warming in the Arctic region causes less difference between Arctic and tropical temperatures, weakening the Jet Stream.
  • Importance of Jet Stream: Transports weather patterns.
  • Characteristics of the Jet Stream: River of fast-moving air, approximately 10 km high in the atmosphere, carrying moisture from the tropical Pacific region.

Additional Information (Page 8, 9, 10)

  • Marine deserts: Lack of winds, minimal surface currents, and enriched evaporation in subtropical high-pressure regions can prevent marine life.
  • ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation): Oceanic-atmospheric system in the tropical region that affects weather patterns on the western Americas.
  • Climate cycle process: Processes capable of returning atmospheric CO2 levels to normal levels (e.g., ocean and/or biological processes)
  • Ocean carbon cycle: Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in surface ocean, then moves into the deep ocean by circulation or biological processes
  • Evidence for climate change and impact: Past periods of warming (e.g., PETM) provide insight into the potential impacts under current conditions of climate change.

Additional Information (Page 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)

  • Climate tipping points: Above 2°C warming, new positive feedback loops trigger accelerated climate change.
  • Methane clathrates: Methane from melting ice can severely impact the climate more than CO2 emission
  • Importance of CO2: A key component of the carbon cycle, controlling Earth's temperature.
  • Evidence from past climates: Understanding past climate changes (e.g., ice ages) can be important to predicting future climate changes.
  • Addressing climate change: Both natural and human-made solutions to mitigate climate changes.

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Description

Explore the critical aspects of climate change through this quiz, including CO2 concentration comparisons, global warming agreements, and extreme weather patterns such as increased precipitation. Understand how human activities contribute to these changes and the measures taken for mitigation.

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