Global Warming and Ozone Loss

Flashcards covering key concepts and information about global warming and ozone depletion.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The natural trapping of heat in the troposphere essential for life.

What are the two predominant greenhouse gases?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4).

List four greenhouse gases that have risen in the last few decades.

Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and Nitrous Oxide.

What are four human activities that contribute greenhouse gases to the atmosphere?

Burning fossil fuels, using nitrogen fertilizers, clearing forests, and burning coal and oil.

How does the greenhouse effect differ from global warming?

The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat, while global warming is the result of the greenhouse effect.

What has been the trend of the earth's average surface temperature since 1860?

The mean global temperature has risen by 0.3-0.6 degrees Celsius.

What are two factors, other than the greenhouse effect, that may have contributed to temperature changes?

Global warming and deforestation.

Summarize the scientific consensus on the relationship between observed temperature changes and human activities.

Observed temperature changes are most definitely caused by human activities.

What projections do major climate models make about mean surface temperature and sea levels?

Mean surface temperature will rise 1-3.5 degrees Celsius, and average sea levels will also rise.

What range of temperature change could cause significant impact on ecosystems?

A temperature change of over 1 degree Celsius.

How can effects of global warming impact food production?

Food production may increase in some areas and decrease in others due to changing conditions.

What is the significance of stratospheric ozone?

It protects life on Earth by blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Explain the relationship between CFCs and ozone depletion.

CFCs break down ozone in the stratosphere, leading to a weaker ozone layer.

What are potential consequences of ozone depletion?

Increased skin cancer, cataracts, loss of crops, and weakened immune systems.

What strategies can be employed to combat potential global warming?

Using nuclear power, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and reducing deforestation.

What is the Montreal Protocol?

An international treaty to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances.