Global Climate Change and Human Health

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to climate change, its effects on human health, the greenhouse effect, and biodiversity issues.

What are the five main components of the climate system?

Atmosphere, land surface, hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere.

What is climate?

Long-term trends in weather patterns over an extended period of time (typically years to decades).

What does climate change refer to?

A long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns, often associated with an increase in average global temperatures.

What gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Greenhouse gases including water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

What is the most significant greenhouse gas in natural warming?

Water vapor.

What is the primary human-caused greenhouse gas?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂).

What percentage of carbon dioxide emissions comes from electricity generation?

42%.

What are some consequences of rising sea levels?

Flooding of low-lying coastal areas, saltwater contamination of freshwater, and food shortages.

What effect does global warming have on disease vectors?

Higher temperatures lead to a wider range and spread of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes.

What international agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

The Kyoto Protocol.

Why is nitrous oxide considered a powerful greenhouse gas?

It is emitted from agricultural activities, especially fertilizer use, and is significantly impactful in climate change.

What drastic environmental change occurred during the 20th century?

It was the hottest century in the past 1000 years.

What major tropical disease poses a risk due to climate change?

Malaria and dengue carried by mosquitoes.

What percentage of the atmosphere's greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide primarily responsible for?

It is the dominant greenhouse gas resulting from human activities.

What happens to agriculture as a result of climate change?

Disruption causing crop failures, injuries, and famine.

What chemical is primarily responsible for ozone depletion?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What happens to ozone when CFCs reach the stratosphere?

They lead to the breakdown of ozone (O3), resulting in net loss of ozone.

What impact does stratospheric ozone depletion have on human health?

Increased risk of skin cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cataracts.

What was the state of ozone concentrations in the mid-1990s?

They hit a low point, with little change since then.

What two types of species are currently facing extinction threats?

Endangered species and threatened species.

What are some processes affecting the increase of greenhouse gases?

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agricultural practices.

What is one major consequence of climate change related to human displacement?

Climate refugees, people forced to move due to extreme weather or rising sea levels.

Why is preserving biodiversity important?

It plays a role in ecosystems, has economic value, and ethical considerations.

What was discovered about the Pacific Yew tree during logging operations?

It contains Taxol, a substance that kills cancer cells.

What is the relationship between climate change and food security?

Climate change can disrupt agricultural production, leading to food shortages.

What was one of the significant outcomes related to glacial meltwater?

Potential cooling of North and Western Europe due to disruption of ocean currents.

What is a significant problem related to air quality that arises from climate change?

Chemical smoke and photochemical smog.

What measures are anticipated to help ozone layer recovery?

Controls established by the Montreal Protocol.

What are some examples of extinction threats?

Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, nonnative species.

What is a potential economic benefit of climate change in Canada?

Longer agricultural growing seasons and crop rotation.