H1 1.2.2.1. Contemporary Climate Change and Its Impacts Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover the definitions, environmental mechanics, and human impacts of contemporary climate change as detailed in the lecture materials.

Contemporary climate change

The change in the state of the climate that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer, occurring from 1750 onwards.

Pre-industrial period

The era prior to the onset of large-scale industrial activity around 1750, used by the IPCC as a reference point for climate observations.

Greenhouse effect

A natural phenomenon where heat-trapping gases exist in the atmosphere to keep the Earth warm enough for life to survive.

Enhanced greenhouse effect

The process by which human activities add additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, causing it to trap more heat than it naturally would.

$CO_2$ concentration (Historical vs. Modern)

For hundreds of thousands of years, atmospheric $CO_2$ stayed between $200$ and $300\,ppm$; today, it has risen to nearly $400\,ppm$.

Oceanic Feedback Loop

A process where rising temperatures warm the oceans, making them less able to absorb $CO_2$, which then releases more gas into the atmosphere to further increase temperatures.

Water cycle intensification

The increase in evaporation caused by rising surface temperatures, leading to more frequent/intense storms and higher overall precipitation.

Coral bleaching

The loss of vibrant color and potential death of reefs caused by thermal stress, which leads corals to expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues.

Ocean acidification

A reduction in $pH$ levels caused by increased $CO_2$ absorption from the atmosphere, which decreases coral growth and structural integrity.

Ecosystem engineers

Species like the pika whose foraging behaviors help promote the diversity and distribution of various plant species and nutrients.

Phenology

The study of seasonal cycles of natural phenomena, such as the timing of flowering, migration, and reproduction.

Saltwater intrusion

The movement of saline water into freshwater sources, often impacting drinking water supplies and agricultural practices in coastal regions.

Eutrophication

The process where enhanced leaching of nutrients from soil (often caused by saltwater) leads to nutrient loading in water bodies and harmful algae blooms.

Psychoterratic syndromes

Mental health conditions, such as eco-anxiety and eco-paralysis, where climate change is internalized as an existential threat causing despair or hopelessness.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Coastal island communities at high risk from intensified extreme weather events, storm surges, and flooding due to climate change.

Climate refugees

Populations forced to relocate due to sea-level rise or extreme weather events, often suffering health burdens from overcrowding and resource competition.