Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following human activities contributes most significantly to the increase in greenhouse gases, leading to climate change?
Which of the following human activities contributes most significantly to the increase in greenhouse gases, leading to climate change?
- The natural production of methane by certain wetlands.
- Volcanic eruptions releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil. (correct)
- Reforestation efforts aimed at expanding forests.
Before the widespread usage of fossil fuels, what was the approximate concentration range of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere?
Before the widespread usage of fossil fuels, what was the approximate concentration range of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere?
- Less than 100 parts per million (ppm).
- Consistently above 500 parts per million (ppm).
- Between 200 and 280 parts per million (ppm). (correct)
- Between 400 and 500 parts per million (ppm).
How does the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere primarily affect the Earth's climate?
How does the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere primarily affect the Earth's climate?
- By trapping more heat and raising global temperatures. (correct)
- By reducing the Earth's albedo, causing it to reflect less sunlight.
- By preventing the formation of clouds, leading to less precipitation.
- By decreasing the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth.
Which of the following is a direct effect of increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
Which of the following is a direct effect of increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
What distinguishes the current period of climate change from previous natural climate variations in Earth's history?
What distinguishes the current period of climate change from previous natural climate variations in Earth's history?
Which of the following is the most direct consequence of increased ocean temperatures?
Which of the following is the most direct consequence of increased ocean temperatures?
How does global warming, specifically, differ from global climate change?
How does global warming, specifically, differ from global climate change?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between rising global temperatures and extreme weather events?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between rising global temperatures and extreme weather events?
What is a key consequence of glacial melt that directly impacts coastal regions?
What is a key consequence of glacial melt that directly impacts coastal regions?
Which of the following statements best describes the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems?
Which of the following statements best describes the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems?
If the Earth's temperature continues to increase at a rate of 0.2°C per decade, what would be the expected temperature increase over the next 50 years?
If the Earth's temperature continues to increase at a rate of 0.2°C per decade, what would be the expected temperature increase over the next 50 years?
How do changes in global temperatures directly affect terrestrial ecosystems?
How do changes in global temperatures directly affect terrestrial ecosystems?
What is the primary reason for the observed increase in Earth's temperature since the mid-nineteenth century?
What is the primary reason for the observed increase in Earth's temperature since the mid-nineteenth century?
What is the projected sea level rise over the next 100 years if current trends continue?
What is the projected sea level rise over the next 100 years if current trends continue?
What is the effect of loss of habitat due to the melting of glaciers on animals such as polar bears and seals?
What is the effect of loss of habitat due to the melting of glaciers on animals such as polar bears and seals?
Flashcards
Climate Change
Climate Change
Refers to rising global temperatures and altered weather patterns, largely due to human activities.
Effects of Climate Change
Effects of Climate Change
Rising temperatures are the most direct effect. Additional effects include altered weather and rising ocean levels.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gases
Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, warming the planet. Examples include carbon dioxide and methane. Human activity causes rapid accumulation of Greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Effect
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Fossil Fuel Impact
Fossil Fuel Impact
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Global Warming
Global Warming
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Polar Ice Melt
Polar Ice Melt
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Ocean Acidification
Ocean Acidification
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Loss of Biodiversity
Loss of Biodiversity
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Extreme Weather Events
Extreme Weather Events
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Recent Temperature Increase
Recent Temperature Increase
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Rising Ocean Levels
Rising Ocean Levels
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Trapped Heat
Trapped Heat
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Coral Reef Decline
Coral Reef Decline
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Extinction Risk
Extinction Risk
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Study Notes
- Climate change refers to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns on Earth.
- It results from human activity, pollution, fossil fuel use, and deforestation.
- This leads to negative effects on weather, ocean levels, and biodiversity.
Effects of Climate Change
- Impacts plant and animal species and natural cycles like oxygen and carbon dioxide recycling
- Results in increased formation of greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse Gases
- Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere retain heat and warm the planet:
- Fluorinated gases
- Methane
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrous oxide
- Human activities, especially fossil fuel use (coal, natural gas, and oil), have caused a rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases.
- Pre-industrial levels of greenhouse gases ranged from 200 to 280 parts per million (ppm).
- Current levels are above 400 ppm due to human activity.
- This increase has resulted in roughly a 2°F (1°C) increase in global temperatures.
Impacts of Global Climate Change
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Observed in meteorology, ecology, biology, and oceanography
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Polar regions: melting of ice caps and glaciers.
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Other effects include:
- Rising ocean temperatures
- Reduction in ice sheets (Antarctic and Greenland)
- Rising ocean levels
- Loss of biodiversity
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Rising ocean temperatures lead to ocean acidification from carbon dioxide accumulation.
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Ocean acidification decreases the biomass of coral reefs, plankton, fish, and crustaceans.
Disruptions to Weather Patterns
- Climate change creates more storms, droughts, natural disasters, and extreme weather events (e.g., tornadoes).
- Increased global temperatures and greenhouse gases contribute to these events.
- Modern storms are stronger than those from 100 years ago due to a warmer Earth.
- Impacts ecosystems by altering soil, plants, and landforms.
- Results in increased risk of extinction for various plant and animal species.
Global Warming
- Refers to the temperature increases observed since the Industrial Revolution (mid-19th century).
- It's a long-term warming trend primarily due to human activities like fossil fuel use.
- Global climate change examines how global warming impacts weather patterns.
- In the past 40 years, Earth's temperature has increased by 2°F (1°C).
- Temperatures are rising at roughly 0.36°F (0.2°C) per decade.
- Oceans have experienced roughly a 0.6°F (0.33°C) increase in temperature over the past five decades.
How Global Warming Affects the Environment
- Rising temperatures cause glaciers and polar ice caps to melt.
- Glacial melt increases ocean levels worldwide and causes habitat loss for animals like polar bears and seals, increasing their extinction risk.
- Rising ocean temperatures result in ocean acidification due to carbon dioxide accumulation.
- Acidification threatens marine species like corals, whales, and turtles.
Global Warming Facts
- 2°F (1°C) increase in global temperatures
- Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
- Extinction of various plant and animal species due to habitat loss
- Increases in natural disasters and the strength of storms
- Nearly 7-inch increase in sea levels over the past 100 years
Addressing Climate Change and Global Warming
- Requires effort from individuals, companies, and governments to reduce negative environmental impacts.
- Agencies like NASA and the EPA study and collect data to evaluate climate change.
- People can switch to electric or hybrid vehicles and energy-efficient appliances.
- Companies can use energy-efficient technologies and offer environmentally friendly products.
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Description
Climate change refers to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns on Earth due to human activity, pollution, fossil fuel use, and deforestation. This results in negative effects on weather, ocean levels, and biodiversity. Key factors include greenhouse gases and their impact on global temperatures.
