Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two main ways to decarbonize the economy?
What are the two main ways to decarbonize the economy?
The Paris international agreement aims to limit global warming to less than 2°C.
The Paris international agreement aims to limit global warming to less than 2°C.
False
What is meant by "carbon neutrality"?
What is meant by "carbon neutrality"?
Net zero emissions.
Extreme weather events like heat waves are becoming less frequent due to global warming.
Extreme weather events like heat waves are becoming less frequent due to global warming.
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What is the primary reason why drier regions are experiencing more frequent droughts?
What is the primary reason why drier regions are experiencing more frequent droughts?
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The ______ is responsible for absorbing 91% of the excess heat trapped in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel burning.
The ______ is responsible for absorbing 91% of the excess heat trapped in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel burning.
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Why are marine heat waves becoming a concern for marine ecosystems?
Why are marine heat waves becoming a concern for marine ecosystems?
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The rate of global sea level rise has been steadily decreasing over the past century.
The rate of global sea level rise has been steadily decreasing over the past century.
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What is the primary driver of the current mass extinction event?
What is the primary driver of the current mass extinction event?
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The rate of extinction is currently occurring at a similar pace to past extinction rates.
The rate of extinction is currently occurring at a similar pace to past extinction rates.
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Climate change can occur abruptly and its rate of change can vary.
Climate change can occur abruptly and its rate of change can vary.
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What are the two key factors that have contributed to the recent decline in the price of clean energy?
What are the two key factors that have contributed to the recent decline in the price of clean energy?
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Focusing on individual actions to reduce carbon footprints is more effective than making system-level changes to reduce fossil fuel use.
Focusing on individual actions to reduce carbon footprints is more effective than making system-level changes to reduce fossil fuel use.
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Study Notes
The Future Cost of Global Warming
- The rate of atmospheric CO₂ increase depends on future fossil fuel use and decarbonization efforts (replacing fossil fuels with green energy and removing existing CO₂).
- CO₂ emissions are projected to increase for the next few decades and possibly throughout the century.
- Before 2015, a "business as usual" scenario projected CO₂ levels of 750-1000 ppm, last seen before humans evolved, with ~4°C global warming by 2100.
- The 2015 Paris Agreement set a goal of limiting warming to ≤1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Current policies aim for peak CO₂ emissions by 2050-2075, but projected warming is ~2.4-2.7°C by late this century.
- Reaching net-zero emissions by 2045-2050 is needed to lower atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Is the Weather Getting Worse?
- Some weather extremes are now 2-3 times more likely than before 2000 due to global warming.
- Many recent extreme weather events have no historical comparison for over 200 years.
Extreme Heat Conditions
- Rising temperatures fuel intense heat waves, droughts, extreme precipitation, and wildfires.
- Summer heat waves of 2022-2024 broke all-time records globally.
Places that are wet will get very wet & places that are drier will get drought
- A warmer atmosphere holds more water, leading to increased evaporation and more extreme precipitation events.
- Warmer, drier areas experience more frequent and prolonged droughts, especially in places like western US.
Increasing Intensity of Extreme Precipitation Events and Tropical Storms
- Warmer air holds more moisture and energy, resulting in more intense and frequent storms.
- Tropical storms travel further inland, causing greater damage and flooding.
Drought-prone Regions
- Drought events will become more frequent and severe in drought-prone areas of the world.
- Recent wet periods may not permanently end ongoing drought conditions.
Increased Frequency & Intensity of Wildfires
- Record-breaking wildfires have occurred frequently in the past two decades.
- Climate change impacts wildfires through hotter summers, drier conditions, and more intense fire weather events.
- CA's long-term fire suppression policies exacerbated wildfire damage.
Climate Change knows no political or justice boundaries
- Drought, and other climate change impacts, transcend geographical boundaries and significantly affect heavily populated areas.
- Climate change harms communities with historically low contributions to global warming.
Change in the Oceans
- Oceans absorb most of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases.
- Increased ocean temperatures lead to more frequent and intense marine heat waves harming coral reefs, and global warming.
- Oceans hold less oxygen, affecting marine life.
What about the Fate of Frozen Water & Global Sea Level?
- Glaciers and ice sheets are melting due to global warming.
- Rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal communities worldwide.
- Polar ice melting at accelerated rates, decreasing Arctic sea ice thickness significantly.
The 6th Largest Extinction Event in Earth History
- Current climate change is causing a mass extinction of plant and animal species, faster than previous extinction events.
- Altered habitats, ecosystems, and species interactions threaten biodiversity.
- Humans are primarily responsible for this global extinction crisis.
What can the past teach us regarding our future?
- Climate change can accelerate and intensify quickly even if the initial cause remains consistent.
- Past climate change events reveal abrupt shifts and long recovery times.
- Our choices in the next decade or two will significantly impact future climate conditions and potential catastrophic events.
It is not all doom and gloom
- Global warming is a serious problem requiring significant societal changes.
- Global cooperation and individual efforts are crucial in addressing climate change.
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Description
Explore the critical impacts of global warming and the projected rise in CO₂ emissions over the next century. This quiz discusses significant efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, to limit temperature increases and examines the likelihood of extreme weather events in the future. Understand the urgency of achieving net-zero emissions to mitigate these effects.
