Extreme Weather Environmental Unit Test Flashcards

Flashcards for Extreme Weather Environmental Unit Test

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.

Eunice Foote

Scientist who discovered the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Weather vs. Climate

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area.

Impacts of Climate Change

Change on ecosystems, human societies, and the environment.

PPM (Parts Per Million)

A unit of measurement used to describe the concentration of a substance in air or water.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat and warm the Earth.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A major greenhouse gas produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Human-Related Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities like industry, transportation, and agriculture.

Rise in Global Temperatures

The increase in the average temperature of Earth's climate system.

Hind-casting

Using past data to test the accuracy of climate models.

Consequences of Climate Change

The various negative impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption.

Climate Feedback Loop

Processes that can amplify or diminish the effects of climate change.

Consequences of Global Temperature Rise

The effects of the increase in Earth's average temperature, such as melting ice caps, sea level rise, and changes in precipitation patterns.

Direct Impact of Climate Change

Immediate and obvious effects of climate change, such as heat waves and floods.

Indirect Impact of Climate Change

Secondary or less obvious effects of climate change, such as changes in disease vectors and food security.

Ocean Acidification

The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Greenwashing

Misleading information or disinformation presented to portray an environmentally responsible public image.

Climate Success Soup

A combination of strategies and actions needed to address climate change effectively.

Countries that Produce the Most Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Nations with the highest levels of carbon dioxide emissions due to industrial activities and energy consumption. Including the US, China, European Union, and India.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

An agency of the United Nations that coordinates its environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)

An international body of scientists that assesses the science related to climate change.

Kyoto Protocol

An international treaty that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Paris Agreement

An international agreement to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Green Climate Fund

A fund established within the framework of the UNFCCC to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

Climate Goals

Specific objectives set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.

Rising Sea Levels

The increase in the average height of the ocean's surface, primarily caused by thermal expansion of water and melting of glaciers and ice sheets.