Global Environmental Challenges: Climate Change

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to climate change and environmental challenges discussed in the lecture.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Malthusian Trap

A situation where population growth outpaces agricultural production, leading to famine and disease.

Neo-Malthusians

Advocates for population control policies inspired by Thomas Malthus' theories.

Cornucopians

Those who believe that technological innovation can solve environmental and resource problems.

Habitable Zone

The orbital region around a star where conditions are suitable for life to exist.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Anthropogenic Forcing

Climate change caused by human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions.

IPCC

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; provides assessments on climate change science.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs, approximately 11 km thick.

Stratosphere

Layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, hosting the ozone layer.

Albedo

The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.

Cumulative CO2 Emissions

Total amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced over a specified period.

Climate Models

Mathematical representations of Earth's climate system used to simulate and predict climate change.

Positive Radiative Forcing

An increase in Earth's average temperature due to an increase in greenhouse gases.

Carbon Neutrality

Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

Food Security

Having consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.