Unit 9: Global Change

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas

A greenhouse gas originating from humans

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A greenhouse gas’s impact on global climate change

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of the oceans due to increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere from burning of fossil fuels

Equation of Ocean Acidification

CO_2(aq) + H₂O ↔ H₂CO₃ ↔ HCO₃^- + H⁺ ↔ CO₃^2- + H⁺

Coral Bleaching

When coral polyps expel symbiotic algae that produce 90% of the coral’s energy

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Man-made chemicals that contributed to the depletion of atmospheric ozone

Equation for CFCs Effect

Cl + O3 → ClO + O2

ClO + O → Cl + O2

Ozone Loss

Loss of O3

HIPPCO

Habitat destruction/fragmentation

Invasive species

Population growth

Pollution

Climate change

Overharvesting/overexploitation

Invasive Species

Non-native species that are successful where they’re introduced

Habitat Fragmentation

When large habitats are broken into smaller, isolated areas

Critically Endangered

High risk of extinction

Endangered species

Likely to become extinct

Vulnerable

Likely to become endangered if no action is taken

Background Extinction Rate

The natural rate of extinction

Biodiversity Hot Spot

A highly diverse region that faces severe threats and has already lost 70 percent of its original natural habitat by area

Habitat Corridors

Areas of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures

Taxon Substitution

When non-native species are introduced to fill an ecological role that was previously performed by a native species now extinct

Policy

A plan or course of action intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters

Golden Age of Conservation

Roosevelt’s term as president due to the environmentally friendly laws and policies that were put in place

Cap-and-Trade Policy

An approach that provides economic incentives for limiting emissions of pollutants

Market Permits

Permits to allow companies to discharge a certain amount of substances into certain environmental outlets