Unit 2 Notes

What movement was influential in the 18th century regarding reason and logic?

The Enlightenment.

Who was the French philosopher that developed the idea of separation of powers?

Montesquieu.

What did Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of the Laws' suggest about climate?

It espoused climate determinism, suggesting that climate conditions influence societal characteristics.

What significant volcanic event in 1815 caused global climate effects?

The eruption of Mount Tambora.

What was the climate event that occurred in 1816, often referred to?

The 'year without a summer'.

What does ENSO stand for in climate studies?

El Niño Southern Oscillation.

How did British economic modernization affect India in the late 19th century?

It made India more impoverished, decreasing access to food and water.

What was a consequence of the growth of opium production in China?

Famine spurred by increased opium production during droughts.

What was the Great Drought's impact on India during 1876-77?

It led to severe famine while British policies allowed wheat exports to double.

How did global warming affect the Arctic regions?

Arctic regions are warming rapidly, leading to melting sea ice and changing tundra biomes.

What major historical event occurred due to melting glaciers in Peru?

A series of glacial avalanches and outburst floods.

What was a key political event related to climate agreements in 1997?

The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce CO2 emissions.

What pathway does the IPCC use for climate projection scenarios?

Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs).

What is one avenue for responding to global warming regarding personal action?

Changing consumption habits to reduce one’s carbon footprint.

What does 'decarbonization' aim to achieve?

To decrease emissions from sources of energy to mitigate global warming.