Ozone Depletion and Climate Change

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to ozone depletion and climate change.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons; chemicals that break apart ozone molecules in the stratosphere.

Ozone Hole

Area where the ozone layer is severely depleted, primarily occurring in Antarctic spring.

Halons

Chemicals that, along with CFCs, contribute to ozone depletion.

Montreal Protocol

Global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO2, CH4, N2O, that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Kyoto Protocol

International treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Albedo

The measure of how much sunlight a surface reflects.

Ocean Acidification Formula

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3; the process by which oceans become more acidic due to increased CO2.

Coral Bleaching

The phenomenon where corals lose their algae due to high temperatures, turning white.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread rapidly, often harming native species and ecosystems.

Extinction Drivers

Factors leading to species extinction: habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, and invasive species.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sources

Includes fossil fuel combustion and is a major greenhouse gas.

Greenhouse Effect

Natural process where gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm.

Feedback Loop in Melting Ice

Less ice results in more heat absorption, leading to further melting.

Reproductive Problems in Marine Life

Issues caused by warming oceans affecting species’ ability to reproduce.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Includes sun cycles, volcanic eruptions, and Earth's orbital changes.

Ozone Depletion Causes

CFCs break apart ozone molecules (O₃), letting in more harmful UV rays.

Sources of CFCs

Old fridges, aerosol sprays, air conditioners (many are now banned or replaced).

Natural Damage to Ozone

Volcanic eruptions release harmful gases that can damage ozone.

Other Ozone-Depleting Chemicals

Halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride.

Ozone Hole Timing

The ozone hole gets worse in Antarctic spring (Sept–Nov).

Importance of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer blocks UV rays that cause skin cancer and eye damage.

Substitutes for CFCs: HCFCs

Less damaging than CFCs but still harmful.

Substitutes for CFCs: HFCs

No ozone damage but contribute to greenhouse warming.

Substitutes for CFCs: HCs

Safe alternatives to CFCs but flammable.

Montreal Protocol Significance

Global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

Ozone Layer Healing Timeline

The ozone layer is expected to heal around 2060–2075 due to the long lifespan of chemicals.

Natural Greenhouse Effect

Gases trap heat and keep Earth warm.

Conditions Without Greenhouse Effect

Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be too cold for life, resembling a frozen planet.

Greenhouse Gases and Sources

1. CO₂ – burning fossil fuels; 2. CH₄ (methane) – cows, landfills; 3. N₂O – fertilizers; 4. H₂O – natural water vapor; 5. CFCs – man-made sprays & coolants.

Ways to Reduce CO₂ Emissions

Use clean energy to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Ways to Reduce Methane Emissions

Better waste management and reduced meat consumption.

Ways to Reduce N₂O Emissions

Implement smarter farming practices.

Ways to Reduce H₂O Emissions

Difficult to control as it’s natural.

Ways to Reduce CFC Emissions

Phasing out or replacing CFCs.

Keeling Curve

A graph showing the increase of CO₂ over time.

Kyoto Protocol vs. Montreal Protocol

Kyoto: Reduce greenhouse gases; Montreal: Protect ozone layer. U.S. didn’t ratify Kyoto due to economic concerns.

Climate Change and Population Effects

Increased population leads to more pollution, resulting in more warming and health issues.

Effects of Increased GHGs

Hotter Earth, higher seas, melting ice, larger oceans, spreading diseases.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Includes sun cycles, volcanic eruptions, and Earth’s orbital changes.

CO₂ and Temperature Relationship

Higher levels of CO₂ lead to increased temperatures.

What is Albedo?

Albedo measures how much sunlight a surface reflects.

Melting Sea Ice Feedback Loop

Less ice leads to more heat absorption, causing further melting.

Coral Bleaching Explanation

Corals lose their algae due to high temperatures, turning white.

Coral Recovery Potential

Corals can recover if temperatures drop quickly, but recovery is not guaranteed.

Warming Oceans Effects

Leads to habitat loss, reproductive issues, and coral death.

Ocean Acidification Formula

CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid).

Examples of Invasive Species

Zebra mussel, Burmese python, kudzu vine.

Traits of Invasive Species

Fast growth, lack of natural predators, ability to outcompete native species.

Impacts of Invasive Species

Hurt native species and incur high management costs.

Threats to Species

1. Habitat loss; 2. Pollution; 3. Overhunting; 4. Invasive species.

Ways to Reduce Extinction

1. Save habitats; 2. Zoo breeding; 3. Clean environments; 4. Educational initiatives.

Strategies to Protect Species

1. Endangered Species Act; 2. CITES; 3. Wildlife parks; 4. Establish safe corridors.

Human Actions and Solutions

Habitat destruction: Protect forests; Invasive species: Stop spread; Population growth: Family planning; Pollution: Recycle; Climate change: Clean energy; Overexploitation: Set limits; Habitat fragmentation: Wildlife corridors; Domestication: Preserve wild