Understanding Climate Change and Human Impact

Paleoclimatology

Study of Earth's past climate changes.

Earth/Sun Geometry

Arrangement affecting climate through solar radiation.

Sun Angle

Angle of sunlight impacting temperature and climate.

Latitude

Distance from equator influencing climate variations.

U-Shaped Valleys

Glacially carved valleys with steep sides and flat floors.

Glaciers

Masses of ice that shape landscapes during ice ages.

Buried Soils

Ancient soils covered by sediments indicating past climates.

Interglacial Periods

Warmer climate phases between glacial periods.

Dendrochronology

Tree ring study for dating and climate analysis.

Annual Growth Rings

Yearly tree growth indicators influenced by climate.

Factors Affecting Growth

Temperature and moisture influence tree ring width.

Precipitation

Water availability affecting tree growth and ring size.

Drought Indicators

Narrow tree rings signal dry conditions.

Extreme Weather Events

Impact of storms or fires reflected in tree rings.

Pollen Analysis

Study of pollen to infer past climates.

Palynology

Scientific study of pollen grains in sediments.

Pollen Preservation

Durable pollen remains in sediment for millennia.

Species-Specific Pollen

pollen grains that exhibit unique characteristics, such as shape, size, and surface markings, that are characteristic of a particular plant species

Environmental Requirements

Conditions needed for plant growth affecting pollen types.

Sediment Layers

Stratified deposits containing preserved pollen over time.

Carbon Dating

Method for dating sediment layers to establish timelines.

Climate Indicators

Pollen types reveal historical climate conditions.

Chronology

Dating sediment layers to correlate with climate events.

Pollen Records

Used to track global and regional climate changes.

Ice Cores

Drilled from glaciers, preserve ancient atmospheric samples.

Air Bubbles

Trapped in ice, contain historical gas concentrations.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO₂ and CH₄ that trap heat.

Isotopic Composition

Ratio of oxygen isotopes indicates past temperatures.

Annual Layers

Counted layers in ice cores indicate ice age.

Correlation of CO₂ and Temperature

Strong link between CO₂ levels and global temperatures. For instance, during ice ages, CO2 levels were much lower, and global temperatures were cooler. During interglacial periods, CO2 levels were higher, and temperatures were warmer.

Ice Ages

Periods of lower CO₂ and colder temperatures.

Interglacial Periods

Warmer periods with higher CO₂ levels.

Tree Rings

Provide high-resolution annual climate data.

Local Climate Influence

Tree growth affected by temperature and precipitation.

Pollen Analysis

Indicates past vegetation and climate conditions.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon is exchanged between the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

Carbon Reservoirs

Are natural or artificial systems that store carbon and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. Includes atmosphere, oceans, land, and organisms.

Greenhouse Effect

the process by which certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life

Human Impact on CO₂

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrialization, and agricultural practices increases atmospheric CO₂.

Natural CO₂ Sources

Includes photosynthesis (respiration), decomposition, and volcanic activity releases co2 when magma rises to the surface

U-shaped Valleys

Evidence of past glacial activity in landscapes.

Buried Soils

Indicate past interglacial periods and climate.

Climate Variability

Short-term climate changes like droughts or wet years.

Proxy Data

Indirect measures indicating past climate conditions such as ice cores, tree rings, sediment cores, pollen, and fossils

Atmospheric Composition

Refers to the types and relative amounts of gases present in Earth's atmosphere. Historical gases analyzed from ice core samples.

Drought Indicators

Pollen shifts signal changes in climate moisture.

Greenhouse Effect

Gases trap solar heat, maintaining Earth's temperature.

Solar Radiation

Energy emitted by the Sun, mainly visible light.

Industrial Revolution

Late 18th century shift to machinery and fossil fuels.

Atmospheric CO2 Levels

Stable before Industrial Revolution, now significantly increased.

Current CO2 Levels

Surpassed 420 ppm, highest in 3 million years.

Rate of Climate Change

Current changes occur faster than historical shifts.

Historical Climate Shifts

Triggered by Earth's orbit, volcanic activity, asteroid impacts.

Temperature Increase

Earth warmed 2.2°F since the 19th century.

Recent Temperature Rise

0.5°F increase in last 20 years.

Plastic Pollution Locations

Found in North Pacific, Asia, Arctic, and Antarctic.

Microplastics

Tiny plastic particles from larger plastics or manufactured.

Microplastics Sources

Include microbeads in cosmetics and synthetic clothing fibers.

NIH Research on Microplastics

Indicates health risks include inhalation and cancer.

Paris Climate Agreement

Legally binding treaty to combat climate change globally in 2015

COP 21

Conference where the Paris Agreement was adopted.

Global Warming Limit

refers to the target set by the Paris Climate Agreement to limit the increase in Earth's average temperature as a result of human activities

1. Well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and

2. Pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Pre-Industrial Levels

Reference point for measuring global temperature rise.

Climate Change Indicators

Include wildfires, rising sea levels, Gulf Stream impacts.

Heatwaves

Increased frequency due to climate change.

Hurricanes

More intense and frequent due to warming.

Droughts

Increased occurrence linked to climate change.

Climate Change Evidence

Natural events indicating ongoing climate shifts.

Ice Age

Historical period of significant temperature decline.

Montreal Protocol

1987 treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

Ozone Layer

Protects Earth from harmful UV radiation.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases contributing to global warming and climate change.

Universal Agreement

Treaty signed by all UN member countries.

Legally Binding Targets

Mandatory goals for phasing out harmful substances. In climate agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement, legally binding targets would typically involve specific emission reduction goals, financial contributions, or other commitments that a country agrees to meet.

Environmental Success

Significant reduction of ozone-depleting substances achieved.

Industry Adaptation

Industries adjusted practices to comply with environmental standards.

Science-Driven Policy

Policies based on scientific research and findings.

Rising Temperatures

Increased heat and shorter winters in Michigan.

Extreme Weather

More frequent heavy rains and drought risks.

Great Lakes Impacts

Rising water levels and erosion affecting ecosystems.

Agricultural Disruptions

Negative effects on crop production and farming.

Public Health Risks

Increased health issues due to climate change.

Economic Disruptions

Financial instability from climate-related challenges

e.g: increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, reducing agricultural productivity, and damaging infrastructure

Energy Demand Strain

Increased energy needs impacting infrastructure.

Colorado River

Major water source for seven U.S. states.

American Nile

Nickname for Colorado River due to its importance.

Cradle of Civilization

Regions where early complex societies emerged.

Mesopotamia

Fertile area known for early agriculture and governance.

Las Vegas Population Growth

Rapid increase began in the 20th century.

Annual Visitors to Las Vegas

Approximately 40 million tourists each year.

Average Rainfall in Vegas

About 4.2 inches annually, mostly in winter.

Colorado River Compact

1922 agreement dividing Colorado River water rights.

Water Storage in SW U.S.

Stored in reservoirs, dams, and aquifers.

Water Management

Strategies to optimize limited water resources.

Dams

Structures generating electricity and controlling floods.

Anasazi Indians

Ancient civilization in SW U.S. from 200-1300 CE.

Four Corners Region

Area where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah meet.

Civilization Decline

Migration into Pueblo tribes around 1300 CE.

Tree Ring Analysis

Method to study historical climate through tree growth.

Sediment Cores

Samples used to analyze past environmental conditions.