Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary related to climate change, the greenhouse effect, and greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Effect

A process where gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's heat, making the planet habitable.

Greenhouse Gases (GHG)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that serves as the reference point for comparing the global warming potential of other gases.

Methane (CH4)

A greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of 25 times that of CO2 over a 100-year period.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

A greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of 300 times that of CO2, primarily from agriculture.

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrialized nations.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in water volume due to heating, contributing to sea level rise.

Climate Refugees

Individuals forced to migrate due to climate-related events such as rising sea levels.

Polar Amplification

The phenomenon where polar regions warm faster than other areas due to various feedback mechanisms.

Permafrost

Permanently frozen ground that, when thawed, releases greenhouse gases like methane and CO2.