Climate Change Impacts and Predictions

Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases

• The main purpose of using computer models, devices to measure greenhouse gases, and satellite imaging technologies is to predict and monitor climate change.
• The four main greenhouse gases mentioned in the text are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and halocarbons.

Ability of Gases to Trap Thermal Energy

• The measure of the ability of a gas to trap thermal energy in the atmosphere is called global warming potential.

Persistence of Greenhouse Gases

• Carbon dioxide has the highest persistence in the atmosphere among the four main greenhouse gases.

Natural Greenhouse Effect

• The natural greenhouse effect has a warming effect on Earth, making it habitable.

Technologies for Predicting Climate Change

• The three technologies mentioned for predicting climate change are computer models, devices to measure greenhouse gases, and satellite imaging technologies.

Impact of Increased Greenhouse Gases

• The main impact of increased greenhouse gases on Earth's surface is an enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Formation of Fossil Fuels

• Fossil fuels are formed from ancient plants and animals.

Deforestation and Carbon Sink

• Deforestation reduces the ability of forests to act as carbon sinks, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Levels

• The primary impact of agriculture on greenhouse gas levels is the release of nitrous oxides and methane from fertilizer use and livestock.

Human Practices Releasing Methane

• Human practices that release methane into the atmosphere include rice cultivation, natural gas production, and landfills.

Use of Halocarbons

• Halocarbons are primarily used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Impact of Increasing Carbon Sources and Decreasing Carbon Sinks

• The impact of increasing carbon sources and decreasing carbon sinks is an enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Nitrous Oxides Release

• The main process that releases nitrous oxides into the atmosphere is fertilizer use in agriculture.

Rice Paddies and Methane Levels

• Rice paddies are a significant source of methane emissions due to anaerobic conditions.

Burning Fossil Fuels and Atmospheric Gases

• Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

International Cooperation and IPCC Climate Research

• Increased confidence in IPCC climate research depends on international cooperation to share data and best practices.

General Circulation Model (GCM)

• The primary purpose of the general circulation model (GCM) is to predict future climate scenarios.

Impact of CFCs on the Environment

• The primary impact of CFCs on the environment was the depletion of the ozone layer.

Montreal Protocol

• The Montreal Protocol primarily aimed to reduce the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

Collecting Climate Data

• Some of the key methods used to collect climate data that were previously unreachable include satellite imaging technologies and devices to measure greenhouse gases.

Simple Climate Models

• Simple climate models are sometimes used by scientists to simplify complex climate systems and make predictions.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

• The primary purpose of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that prevents dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system.

Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change

• The purpose of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change is to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions through internationally binding emissions targets.

Canada and Kyoto Protocol

• Canada agreed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 6% below 1990 levels under the Kyoto Protocol, which it ratified in 2002, but withdrew from in 2011.

Carbon Sequestration

• Carbon sequestration is the process of pumping carbon dioxide gas into the ground or ocean and storing it in sealed containers.

Sustainable Development

• The main characteristic of sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Economic Growth and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• The primary impact of economic growth on greenhouse gas emissions is an increase in emissions due to increased energy consumption.

Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs)

• The purpose of emission reduction credits (ERCs) awarded under the Kyoto Protocol is to incentivize countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Canada's Withdrawal from Kyoto Protocol

• The main reason for Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol in 2011 was the perceived unfairness of the agreement and the economic costs of compliance.