Global Climate Change

Flashcards about Global Climate Change

Climate Change

The Earth's climate has been changing for billions of years, but the current rate of change is what sets it apart.

Carbon Dioxide Content of the Oceans

Oceans contain more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere, absorbing about a quarter of the CO2 released each year.

Factors Contributing to Warming at the Poles

Changes in atmospheric temperatures, cloud cover, surface albedo, and water vapor.

Warming at the Poles

North and South poles are warming faster than other biomes due to energy carried by large weather systems, warming ~3.5°F in 40 years.

Atmospheric warming feedback loop for the poles

Increase in ocean temperatures, decrease in ocean salinity, change in thermohaline currents, melting of Greenland & Antarctica, melting of Polar Ice Cap, decrease in reflective ice cooling, Rise in Sea Temperature, More Severe Weather Patterns, Rise in Air Temperature, Thawing of permafrost tundra, Release of methane gas from ocean methane hydrates, Increase in greenhouse gases, Humans Burn Fossil Fuels, Increase in Atmospheric Methane.

Changes in Ocean Currents Effect

Even small changes in ocean currents can have a large and lasting effect on global climate.

Ocean Temperature and Carbon Dioxide Absorption

Warmer ocean water cannot absorb as much carbon dioxide gas as cooler ocean water.

Changes in Tropospheric Weather Patterns

Air temperatures today average 5°F to 9°F (3°C to 5°C) warmer than they were before the Industrial Revolution.

Higher Air Temperature Effects

Higher average air temperatures may result in higher amounts of rainfall in many areas because of higher rates of evaporation.

Projected changes in Atlantic hurricane frequency

The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes will increase dramatically.

Displacement of People due to Climate Change

The United Nations estimates that by the year 2050, 150 million people will need to be relocated worldwide because of the effects of coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, and agricultural disruption.

Forest Fires

Boreal forest fires in North America used to average ~2 million acres (10,000 km²) per year and now average ~7 million acres (28,000 km²) per year.

Glacier Melting Statistics

The total surface area of glaciers worldwide has decreased 50% since the end of the 19th century.

Some causes of glacier melting

Flash floods, Glacial lake overflow, Increased variation in the water flows into rivers, Landslides, The displacement of people

Increase of Greenhouse Gases

Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor are the most abundant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Abundance of Greenhouse Gases

Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere from years to centuries and contributes to longer periods of warming, whereas methane stays in the atmosphere about nine years

Increase in Disease due to Global Warming

There are more areas that are suitable for mosquitoes to breed, which will increase the rates of malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and yellow fever.

Increase in Health and Behavioral Effects

Higher incidences of heat-related deaths caused by cardiovascular disease, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyperthermia, and diabetes.

Increase in Property Loss

Insurance payouts have increased fifteen-fold (adjusted for inflation) since the 1960s.

Loss of Biodiversity

Arctic fauna will be the most affected.

Loss in Economic Development

Money that was earmarked for education, improving healthcare, reducing hunger, and improving sanitation and freshwater supplies will instead be spent on mitigating the effects of global warming.

Plate Tectonics and Volcanic Eruptions

Large mountain changes affect air circulation patterns around the Earth, which directly influence local climates.

Strength of the Sun

Fluctuations in the solar cycle impacts Earth's global temperature by ~0.1°.

Releases of Methane from Hydrates in Coastal Sediments and Thawing Permafrost

Methane is approximately 20 times more effective per molecule in warming potential than carbon dioxide.

Rise in Sea Level

Sea levels have risen 400 feet (120 m) since the peak of the last ice age approximately 18,000 years ago.

IPCC Prediction

The IPCC predicts a global rise in sea level between 20 and 40 inches (500-1000 mm) by the year 2100

Steps That Can Be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change: Industry

Introduce sliding-scale penalties based on carbon emissions.

Steps That Can Be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change: Transport

Increase subsidies for public transportation, Increase vehicle-miles-per-gallon regulations for both private cars and trucks, Tax each parking space.

Steps That Can Be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change: Waste management

Require methane capture at all landfills.

Steps That Can Be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change: Building

Institute a tax on all buildings found not to be in compliance with a universal, standardized level of insulation, Require all appliances to be Energy Star certified, Require all public and private buildings to be insulated to a universal standard.

Steps That Can Be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change: Energy supply

Introduce a "carbon tax" on nonrenewable energy sources, Reduce or eliminate government fossil fuel subsidies, Support treaties and protocols that require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Steps That Can Be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change: Agriculture

Introduce financial incentives (reduced taxes) for large agricultural corporations that institute standardized "good land management policies".