Climate Change Impact on Ecosystems
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Questions and Answers

What consequence does rising temperature have on ecosystems?

  • It reduces competition among species.
  • It favors the growth of all species.
  • It enhances species stability.
  • It leads to shifts in species distributions. (correct)

Which of the following is an example of a global feedback loop related to climate change?

  • Increased consumption of bottled water.
  • Deforestation leading to habitat loss.
  • Urbanization causing heat islands.
  • Melting permafrost releasing methane. (correct)

What impact does climate change have on food production?

  • It guarantees consistent weather patterns.
  • It reduces the need for sustainable practices.
  • It always increases crop yields.
  • It raises the likelihood of crop failure. (correct)

Which strategy involves the promotion of urban heat island mitigation?

<p>Community action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What solution encourages large-scale restoration of natural environments?

<p>Afforestation like the Trillion Trees Initiative. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a non-linear impact of climate change?

<p>Drastic and unpredictable ecosystem collapses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental threat is exacerbated by climate change, impacting water resources?

<p>Glacier and snowpack disappearance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which renewable energy source has reduced dependence on coal in Germany?

<p>Wind energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element in ecological preservation within urban design?

<p>Designing green corridors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes environmental protection?

<p>Harvesting sustainable materials and local goods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the principles behind waste-free production?

<p>Cycling inputs and outputs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social equity, what is essential in developing cities?

<p>Ensuring affordability for all citizens (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step emphasizes the importance of not damaging ecosystems?

<p>Do not damage ecosystems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the goal regarding stability in sustainability practices?

<p>Aiming for recovery rather than perfection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is associated with sustainability at Berry?

<p>Dual flush toilets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step encourages resilience in sustainability efforts?

<p>Encouraging resilience (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which solution is proposed to combat the impact of climate change on biodiversity?

<p>Transitioning to renewable energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the heat pump process?

<p>Evaporation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of compression in the heat pump process?

<p>It raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant gas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a nature-based solution for enhancing carbon storage and biodiversity?

<p>Wetland restoration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the refrigerant during the condensation step?

<p>It releases heat to the indoor air. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does monoculture farming primarily affect negatively?

<p>Soil nutrient retention (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What practice can reduce water usage in agriculture while benefiting ecosystems?

<p>Transitioning to drip irrigation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the expansion valve in the heat pump system?

<p>To reduce the refrigerant's pressure and temperature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the environmental challenges faced by cities?

<p>Air pollution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a solution to address the disruption of water supply due to droughts?

<p>Implementation of wetland restoration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of climate change related to species extinction?

<p>Increased ocean temperatures leading to coral bleaching (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of urban living?

<p>Efficient resource use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cities contributes to their role as systems?

<p>Waste generation and pollution outputs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates sustainable land use policies?

<p>Balancing human needs with environmental conservation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major impact does agricultural runoff have on water bodies?

<p>Causes eutrophication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are cities regarded as important for sustainability?

<p>They host a significant population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the expected economic benefits of addressing environmental disparities?

<p>Reduced healthcare costs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cap-and-trade specifically benefit the environment?

<p>By capping emissions and incentivizing innovation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What economic opportunity can be created through revenue from cap-and-trade programs?

<p>Creation of green jobs in renewable energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates the concept of path dependence in relation to climate change?

<p>Historical reliance on coal limiting present options (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge related to risk perception in the context of climate change?

<p>Underestimating short-term risks after disasters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a proposed solution for helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts?

<p>Allocating funds through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What solution is suggested to reduce reliance on automobiles and mitigate their environmental impact?

<p>Implementing high-speed rail systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of scale signify in the climate change context?

<p>Global collaboration is required for climate action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Paris Climate Agreement?

<p>To limit global warming to 1.5°C with nationally determined contributions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation focuses on cleaning up dominant pollutants in the air?

<p>Clean Air Act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What innovative project in Norway focuses on carbon capture?

<p>Sleipner project (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of the Inflation Reduction Act?

<p>Reduces ozone-depleting substances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Singapore's 'City in a Garden' initiative help its urban environment?

<p>By integrating greenery to lower urban heat islands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is associated with reducing energy consumption in housing?

<p>Passive housing designs, such as Germany's Passivhaus standards (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What successful outcome did the Montreal Protocol achieve?

<p>Reduction of ozone-depleting substances (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do innovations in energy storage, like Tesla's Powerwall, impact renewable energy?

<p>They increase the reliability of renewable energy sources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evaporation (Heat Pump)

The process where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, turning into a gas in the outdoor coil.

Compression (Heat Pump)

The refrigerant gas is compressed, increasing its temperature and pressure.

Condensation (Heat Pump)

The hot, pressurized gas releases heat to the indoor air, turning back into a liquid in the indoor coil.

Expansion (Heat Pump)

The refrigerant, now a liquid, passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature before returning to the outdoor coil.

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How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump uses a refrigerant to cycle heat between the outside and inside air. It absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it inside, or vice versa, depending on the mode.

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Why are cities important for sustainability?

Cities are where most people live, making them crucial for implementing sustainable practices and reducing our environmental impact.

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Environmental challenges of cities

Cities face challenges such as traffic congestion, air pollution, heat islands, and waste management due to their high population density.

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What are some characteristics of cities?

Cities are typically built high up, compact, offer jobs, and provide access to various locations.

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Ecological Preservation

Designing cities with green corridors that connect all parts of the city, implementing stormwater management systems, and promoting sustainable urban development.

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Environmental Protection

Utilizing sustainable materials and local goods for construction and production, minimizing environmental impact.

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Waste-Free Production

Creating closed-loop systems where inputs and outputs are recycled or reused, minimizing waste generation.

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Social Equity in Urban Development

Ensuring that all citizens, regardless of income or race, have equal access to affordable housing and living spaces within a city.

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Precautionary Principle

Taking preventive measures to avoid potential environmental harm, even if scientific certainty is lacking.

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Tragedy of the Commons

The depletion of a shared resource due to individual self-interest, leading to unsustainable practices.

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Resilience in Sustainability

The ability of a system to adapt and recover from disruptions, ensuring long-term sustainability.

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Adaptive Development

A process of continuous learning and adjustment to address unforeseen challenges and adapt to changing circumstances in sustainable development.

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Path Dependence

Past decisions influence the present and limit future choices. For example, heavy reliance on fossil fuels makes it harder to transition to renewable energy.

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Risk Perception

People tend to prioritize immediate risks over long-term threats. For example, the impact of climate change can be hard to grasp compared to immediate concerns.

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Equity & Climate Change

Vulnerable communities suffer the most from climate change despite having fewer resources to adapt.

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Scale of Climate Change

Climate change requires global collaboration and local action to address the problem effectively.

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Cap-and-Trade System

A market-based approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting limits and allowing companies to trade emission permits.

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Benefits of Cap-and-Trade

Cap-and-trade systems can reduce emissions, incentivize innovation, and generate revenue to invest in communities.

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Environmental Disparities

Unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits across different communities.

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Healthier Communities = Stronger Economy

Investing in environmental health leads to healthier communities, reduced healthcare costs, and increased economic contributions.

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Climate Change

A long-term shift in global weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities, leading to increased temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

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Ecosystem Disruption

Climate change affects the stability of ecosystems, causing shifts in species distributions and threatening biodiversity. For example, polar bears lose hunting grounds due to melting Arctic ice.

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Positive Feedback Loops

Processes that reinforce and accelerate climate change. For example, melting permafrost releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, further warming the planet.

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Interconnectedness of Environmental Challenges

Climate change exacerbates other environmental issues like pollution and resource scarcity. For instance, droughts worsen soil erosion and food insecurity.

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Renewable Energy

Energy sources like solar and wind that are naturally replenished and have less environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.

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Carbon Pricing

A policy tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by placing a price on carbon emissions. This incentivizes businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.

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Afforestation

Planting trees on a large scale to combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

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Climate Adaptation

Adjusting to the effects of climate change that are already happening, such as building seawalls to protect coastal communities.

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Nature-based Solutions

Using natural processes like reforestation and wetland restoration to solve environmental issues.

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Sustainable Land Use

Managing land to meet human needs while protecting the environment and water resources.

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Cross-sector Collaboration

Working together between different groups (like government, businesses, and communities) to solve complex environmental problems.

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Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity

Climate change is destroying habitats and causing species extinction, for example, coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef due to warmer waters.

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Sustainable Food Production

Growing food in a way that doesn't deplete the soil or make it vulnerable to climate change, like diversifying crops and using precision agriculture.

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Water Resource Challenges

Climate change causes droughts and floods, impacting water supply and the health of ecosystems.

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Drip Irrigation

A water-efficient irrigation method where water is delivered directly to plant roots, reducing runoff and benefiting food security and ecosystems.

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Renewable Energy Solutions

Using renewable energy sources like solar power reduces pollution, including water pollution from cooling coal plants.

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Paris Climate Agreement

An international treaty aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C through individual country-specific goals (NDCs).

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Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Country-specific pledges under the Paris Agreement outlining reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

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Montreal Protocol

International treaty demonstrating the success of international cooperation in reducing ozone-depleting substances.

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Inflation Reduction Act (U.S.)

U.S legislation investing $369 billion in clean energy initiatives including tax credits for renewable energy.

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Energy storage

Technologies like Tesla’s Powerwall that improve renewable energy reliability by storing excess energy.

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Carbon capture

Technologies that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, showcased by Norway’s Sleipner project.

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Urban greenery

Integrating green spaces into urban landscapes like Singapore's 'City in a Garden' to reduce heat islands.

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Study Notes

Exam Information

  • Final exam is on Wednesday, December 11 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • The exam will cover multiple choice, diagrams, and one-sentence answer questions, focusing on the last part of the course.
  • Important concepts from class need to be understood, including their details and relationships.
  • Environmental Justice (Chapter 17) is part of the important concepts.

Environmental Justice (Chapter 17)

  • Environmental Justice: Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, regarding environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Causes of Environmental Justice Issues:
    • Urban air pollution
    • Poor land-use planning
    • Redlining (a process of denying loans to people in minority communities)
  • Examples of Environmental Justice Issues:
    • National Housing Act of 1934/Home Owners Loan Corporation
  • Concentrated poverty/stifled homeownership rates in minority communities
    • Wealthy parts of a city have greater access to resources and better quality of life compared to poorer parts of a city, causing disparities, contributing to environmental injustices
    • Access to urban amenities (fresh food, safe and healthy places to live, etc.)
    • Exposure to pollution sources like industrial plants and hazardous waste sites in poorer parts of the city)
    • Global levels are not specified, but there are environmental justice issues at the local, national, and global levels.

Other Environmental Topics

  • Urban Heat Islands and Redlining: Studies show redlined neighborhoods were hotter than non-redlined neighborhoods. − Micro-heat islands, with significant temperature differences.
  • Water Supply in Flint, Michigan: Needs a basic understanding of the situation affecting the water supply in Flint, Michigan. This relates to environmental justice issues.
  • Fossil Fuels (Chapter 13): Understand fracking, specifically how it works and why coal production is in decline. Know natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels' uses, and where they come from.
  • Climate Change (Chapter 11, 17.8, and Climate Change & Human Health Article): Understanding how the atmosphere is heated. How can CO2 emissions contribute to global warming? Be able to describe the greenhouse effect, potentially using diagrams.

− Past variations in climate over the approximate 800,000-year period using ice core data. − Current greenhouse gas production trends. − Recent temperature changes compared to the 20th century.

  • Feedback loops: How feedback loops control Earth's temperature. Milankovitch Cycles, albedo effect, and more.

Additional Topics

  • Alternative Energy (Chapter 14): 5 main energy alternatives to fossil fuels • Advantages/Disadvantages of the energy alternatives
    • Wind power
  • Transportation Energy Sources: Major energy alternatives for transportation.
  • Energy Storage: Current options for energy storage and their limitations, including batteries and pumped hydro.
  • Climate Change Impacts on Human Health:
    • Increased allergy seasons, pollen production, and increased risk of allergic reactions
    • Water-borne diseases, dust storms, and other health consequences.
  • Environmental Barriers to Transitioning to Renewable Energy: Economic forces (wind/solar production cost)
  • How Heat Pumps Work: Understanding how heat pumps transfer and reuse heat.
  • Energy Audits: Their use in saving energy and money in homes.
  • Sustainable Cities (Chapter 16 and 19): Importance of cities for sustainability, city characteristics, environmental challenges, sustainability principals, international issues in urban areas.

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Description

This quiz explores the various consequences of rising temperatures on ecosystems and their interrelated components. It also evaluates global feedback loops, food production impacts, and mitigation strategies related to climate change. Test your knowledge on renewable energy solutions and environmental threats exacerbated by climate change.

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