Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are some current observable effects of global climate change?
What are some current observable effects of global climate change?
Glaciers are shrinking, plant blooming times are shifting, and animal geographic ranges are changing.
How much has human emissions of heat-trapping gases warmed the climate since the late 19th century?
How much has human emissions of heat-trapping gases warmed the climate since the late 19th century?
The climate has warmed by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius).
What is the expected timeframe for the global average temperature to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius?
What is the expected timeframe for the global average temperature to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius?
It is expected to occur within the next few decades.
What role do greenhouse gas emissions play in climate change?
What role do greenhouse gas emissions play in climate change?
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According to the IPCC, what proportion of the observed climate changes are irreversible?
According to the IPCC, what proportion of the observed climate changes are irreversible?
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What actions are suggested to mitigate the effects of climate change?
What actions are suggested to mitigate the effects of climate change?
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What is the potential consequence of delaying global action against climate change?
What is the potential consequence of delaying global action against climate change?
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How has the frequency of droughts, wildfires, and extreme rainfall changed according to recent assessments?
How has the frequency of droughts, wildfires, and extreme rainfall changed according to recent assessments?
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Study Notes
Global Climate Change Impacts
- Global climate change is currently impacting the environment, not just a future problem.
- Glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking.
- River and lake ice is breaking up earlier.
- Plant and animal ranges are shifting.
- Plants and trees are blooming earlier.
Predicted and Observed Impacts
- Sea ice loss is happening.
- Sea level rise is accelerating.
- Longer, more intense heat waves are occurring.
- Observed changes in global climate are unprecedented in human history.
- Some changes are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.
Future Projections
- Global temperatures will continue to increase due to human-produced greenhouse gases.
- Global average temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius (about 3 degrees Fahrenheit) within the next few decades.
- Human emissions of greenhouse gases have already warmed the climate by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) since 1850-1900.
- The severity of future effects depends on future emissions.
- More emissions lead to more climate extremes and damage.
Mitigation and Impact
- Near-term mitigation and adaptation actions are crucial.
- Projected impacts escalate with each increment of global warming.
- Some changes like droughts, wildfires, and extreme rainfall are happening faster than previously assessed.
- Reduction of emissions may lessen the worst effects.
- The scientific evidence of climate change is clear and it is a threat to both human well-being and the health of the planet, and immediate action is needed.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the current and future impacts of global climate change. Understand how human activity contributes to melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and shifting ecosystems. Explore observed changes and projections for the climate's future.
