Global Climate Change Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to global climate change based on lecture notes.

Global Climate Change

Altered global weather patterns, including a worldwide increase in temperature due largely to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, accelerated by human activity.

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

A greenhouse gas whose levels have risen steadily since the beginning of industrialization, contributing to global warming.

Ice Cores

Samples that contain air bubbles and biological substances, used to observe past atmospheric conditions and climate change.

Climate vs. Weather

Climate refers to long-term atmospheric conditions, while weather pertains to short-term atmospheric states.

Deforestation

The clearing of natural habitats for urban use, contributing to global warming by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth back into space.

Ocean Acidification

The process by which increased levels of CO2 lead to higher acidity levels in oceans, affecting marine life.

Glacial Retreat

The process of glaciers melting and retreating due to rising global temperatures, impacting local ecosystems and water supplies.

Climate Change Effects

Consequences of climate change including stronger hurricanes, increased droughts, and prolonged wildfire seasons.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons.

Climate Change Consensus

The scientific agreement that the majority of climate change is driven by human activity.