Lecture 27: Current Climate Change, Effects and Predictions

#bsu #drluna #geo101

why is the scientific consensus on climate change so robust?

1. unprecedented average global temperature increase, more frequent and intense heatwaves

2. accelerating rates of ice loss in greenland and antarctica

3. sea level rise is accelerating and increase of ocean acidification

4. more intense storms from oceans absorbing heat

5. more regions have become drought prone

6. warmer temperatures and less moisture is extending wildfire seasons

7. hundreds of ecological impacts

why are climate predictions difficult?

the climate system is complex and dependent on interconnected variables, like the thermohaline system. we can’t predict how fast or how slow we can handle our emissions. associated warming can take decades to see effects.

what is the positive feedback loop linking warming and albedo?

30% of earth’s energy is reflected back into space. ice and clouds are especially reflective compared to land surfaces. low albedo leads to warmer climates.

how does warming lead to wetter climates in some areas and drier climates in others?

heat will cause more storms and flooding in wet areas, and other regions will experience more heatwaves, drought, famine and wildfires

what consequences will be particularly hard for human populations?

1. water stress

2. impacts on global agriculture

3. ecosystem impacts of ocean acidification

4. rising sea levels

5. human conflicts and migrations that will accompany these