Global Change and Ozone Depletion

These flashcards cover important vocabulary related to global change, ozone depletion, and the effects of greenhouse gases.

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant made of 3 oxygen atoms bound together that can harm respiratory systems and damage plant structures.

Tropospheric Ozone

Ground-level ozone that acts as an oxidant and can harm respiratory systems in animals as well as damage plant structures.

Stratospheric Ozone

The ozone layer located 45-60 kilometers above Earth, which absorbs ultraviolet light and protects living organisms from harmful radiation.

UV-B Radiation

A type of ultraviolet radiation that can increase the risk of skin cancer and cataracts in humans and harm plant cells.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Manmade chemicals used in various applications, which were later found to deplete the ozone layer.

Ozone Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer due to chlorine from CFCs, leading to increased UV radiation reaching Earth.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances, including CFCs.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the atmosphere that absorb infrared radiation; includes water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and re-radiate it back toward Earth, leading to warming.

Global Warming Potential

A measure of how much a given greenhouse gas contributes to warming relative to carbon dioxide over a specified time period.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in ocean pH due to the absorption of CO2, which harms marine life that relies on calcium carbonate.

Invasive Species

Species that thrive outside their normal habitat and can threaten native species and ecosystems.

Endangered Species

Species that are at risk of extinction within the foreseeable future.

Habitat Loss

The primary threat to endangered species, often caused by human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.

HIPPCO

An acronym summarizing major causes of premature extinction: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Climate change, Overharvesting.

Affluenza

A social condition arising from the desire to be wealthy, which can contribute to environmental degradation.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 to mitigate climate change.