ECOL1000: Ecological Basis of Environmental Issues - Lecture 16: Global Climate Change

Flashcards based on the lecture notes from ECOL1000 covering essential aspects of climate change, scientific processes, and the role of organizations in addressing environmental issues.

What are the main goals of the Climate Change lectures?

To define 'Climate Change', present evidence of its reality and human causation, discuss expected consequences for Georgia and other areas, and suggest necessary actions.

What is the main difference between climate and weather?

Weather refers to atmospheric conditions in a short time frame, while climate describes these conditions over a longer period, typically decades.

What does the scientific peer review process ensure?

It provides quality control to identify flaws, enhance research quality, and validate the manuscript's contribution to scientific knowledge before publication.

What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

The IPCC assesses scientific information on climate change, its implications, and advises on its socio-economic impacts.

What phenomenon has been unequivocally accepted within the scientific community?

The reality of global climate change.

What is the approximate current concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere as of 2024?

427 parts per million (ppm).

How do greenhouse gases affect the Earth's temperature?

They absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, contributing to the warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.

What significant action did over 11,000 scientists take regarding climate change?

They issued a warning about potential 'untold suffering' from climate change and emphasized the moral obligation to act decisively.