Global Climate Change Causes
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a local impact of climate change?

  • Increased pressure on resources in receiving areas
  • More frequent and intense hurricanes
  • Melting of glaciers and ice caps (correct)
  • Increased risk of tropical diseases

What is the primary cause of the increased acidity of the oceans?

  • Increased levels of methane released from landfills
  • Increased levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere
  • Increased amounts of CFCs released from refrigerators
  • Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (correct)

What local strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing waste?

  • Using public transport, walking or cycling
  • Insulating homes to reduce energy consumption
  • Reducing, reusing and recycling products (correct)
  • Encouraging the use of hybrid or electric cars

What is a potential consequence of rising sea levels?

<p>Large-scale displacement of people in low-lying coastal areas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a national-level strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

<p>Reducing, reusing and recycling products (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the increased production of fertilizers contribute to climate change?

<p>By increasing the amount of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes?

<p>Increased sea temperatures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of climate change on biodiversity?

<p>Predicted extinction of 10% of land species (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary effect of increased sunspot activity on global temperatures?

<p>It directly increases global temperatures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason that retreating ice caps contribute to warming?

<p>They reduce the amount of solar radiation reflected back into space. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main mechanism by which methane released from melting permafrost contributes to a positive feedback loop?

<p>It traps heat, leading to more melting and further methane release. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Milankovitch theory, changes in the Earth's tilt affect the amount of solar energy reaching which area(s)?

<p>The polar regions only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the asteroid impact in Mexico 65 million years ago on global climate?

<p>A prolonged decrease in sunlight and global cooling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major human-caused source of methane emissions?

<p>Landfill sites and padi fields. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides methane, which greenhouse gas is directly emitted by increased car exhaust emissions?

<p>Nitrous Oxide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does deforestation directly contribute to climate change?

<p>It reduces the amount of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major criticism of wind energy mentioned?

<p>It causes noise pollution and is harmful to birds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is being used by some governments to encourage reduced greenhouse gas emissions?

<p>Carbon credit offset schemes for emissions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is associated with afforestation in the context of CO2 reduction?

<p>Forests take decades to mature before benefits are realized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal outlined by the Paris Agreement?

<p>To limit climate change to below a 2ËšC rise. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, raising concerns about global emissions?

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

Flashcards

Renewable Energy for CO2 Reduction

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are promoted to reduce CO2 emissions.

Flood Defenses for Climate Adaptation

Building flood defenses, such as barriers, helps protect communities from extreme weather events like flooding.

Afforestation for CO2 Absorption

Countries can plant large areas of trees (afforestation) to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, mitigating climate change.

Carbon Emission Trading

Companies pay based on their greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging them to reduce their impact on the environment.

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Paris Agreement on Climate Change

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below a 2°C rise through international cooperation.

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Milankovitch Cycles

A natural phenomenon caused by variations in Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble, affecting the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth.

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Albedo Effect

The ability of a surface to reflect sunlight. Lighter surfaces reflect more heat, while darker surfaces absorb more.

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Methane

A potent greenhouse gas released from decaying organic matter in permafrost, contributing to global warming.

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Positive Feedback Loop

A process where a change in one element leads to further changes in the same direction, amplifying the original change. E.g., melting ice releasing methane, leading to more melting.

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Fossil Fuel Combustion

The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

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Deforestation

The clearing of forests for other land uses, reducing the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

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Landfill Emissions

The emission of greenhouse gases from decaying organic matter in landfills.

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Livestock Emissions

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, particularly cattle, due to their digestive processes.

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Recycling

The process of converting waste materials into reusable products and preventing them from being disposed of in landfills.

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Climate change

The rise in global average temperatures due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

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Greenhouse effect

A natural process where certain gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, regulating temperature.

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Greenhouse gas

A type of gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

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Sea level rise

The gradual increase in the average sea level due to the melting of glaciers and ice caps.

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Individual action

A strategy involving individual actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as recycling, using public transport, and conserving energy.

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Reduce, reuse, recycle

A strategy aimed at reducing waste going to landfills by encouraging individuals to reuse products, repair them or find alternative applications.

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Study Notes

Global Climate Change

  • Physical Causes:

    • Increased sunspot activity raises global temperatures, following an 11-year cycle.
    • Volcanic eruptions eject dust and sulfur droplets, reflecting sunlight and lowering temperatures. Volcanoes can also release large amounts of CO2, trapping more heat.
    • Retreating ice reduces the albedo effect, meaning more heat absorbed.
    • Melting permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas (80x more effective than CO2). This creates a feedback loop.
    • Milankovitch cycles (changes in Earth's orbit/tilt) alter the amount of energy reaching Earth.
    • Meteorite impacts can block sunlight, cooling temperatures and causing forest fires that release CO2.
  • Human Causes:

    • Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) releases carbon dioxide, trapping heat.
    • Deforestation reduces the absorption of CO2 by trees.
    • Landfill decomposition releases methane.
    • Increased rice paddy fields in rapidly growing Asian populations contribute to methane.
    • Increased beef production generates methane from cattle and animal dung.
    • Increased car exhaust emissions release nitrous oxide.
    • Improper disposal of refrigerators releases CFCs.
  • Local and Global Impacts:

    • Sea level rise due to glacial melt causes flooding in low-lying areas like Bangladesh.
    • More extreme weather events (flooding, droughts, hurricanes) occur more frequently and intensely.
    • Increased rainfall, especially in winter.
    • Expansion of tropical disease zones.
    • Extinction risk of 10% of land species and 80% bleaching of coral reefs due to increased ocean acidity from CO2.
    • Opening of the Northwest Passage, enabling more efficient trade routes.
  • Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Manage Climate Change:

    • Individuals can reduce, reuse, and recycle to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions.
    • National governments can reduce CO2 emissions by investing in renewable energy sources.
    • International agreements (like the Paris Agreement) set targets to limit climate change to a specific temperature rise.
    • Afforestation (planting trees) can help absorb CO2.
    • Efficiency measures (e.g., energy-efficient homes, public transport) reduce consumption.

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Description

Explore the various physical and human-induced causes of global climate change in this quiz. Understand the impact of sunspot activity, volcanic eruptions, and the role of greenhouse gases. Test your knowledge on how both natural phenomena and human actions contribute to rising global temperatures.

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