Climate Change and Its Effects

A set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to climate change, its effects, and greenhouse gases.

Albedo

The measure of reflectivity of the Earth's surface; a decrease in albedo means more heat is absorbed.

Methane (CH4)

A potent greenhouse gas with a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide, primarily produced from anaerobic decomposition.

Anthropogenic

Caused by human activity; often refers to environmental changes like climate change due to fossil fuel consumption.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH levels of the ocean due to increased carbon dioxide absorption, impacting marine life, particularly coral.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Feedback Loop

A process where the output of a system amplifies its own effect; in climate change, it often leads to further warming.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in volume of water as it warms, contributing to rising sea levels.

Coral Bleaching

The loss of symbiotic algae from coral due to stress factors like increased temperature, leading to coral death.

Sulfate Aerosols

Particles that can increase Earth's albedo by reflecting solar energy back to space, causing a cooling effect.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline in species diversity, often exacerbated by climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

A greenhouse gas primarily emitted from agricultural practices, contributing to climate change.

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

Human-made compounds that have a high heat-trapping ability and contribute to global warming.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances formed from decomposed organisms that are burned for energy, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean air, water, and pollination; affected by climate change.

Tropical Diseases

Diseases that thrive in warmer climates and may spread to new areas as global temperatures rise.