Climate Change Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about climate change, covering key terms, concepts, and related issues.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

A scientific body established by the United Nations in 1988 that assesses the latest research on climate change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. By compiling and synthesizing global scientific knowledge, the IPCC provides comprehensive assessments that serve as critical resources for policymakers, helping them understand the urgency of action needed to address climate change. It fosters international collaboration by uniting scientists and governments to promote a unified response to this global challenge while raising public awareness about the implications of climate change on ecosystems, economies, and societies. Additionally, the IPCC's findings inform international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, guiding countries in setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making it essential for shaping effective global responses to mitigate climate change.

Uncertainty in the IPCC Report

The degree of doubt or variability in scientific findings and projections related to climate change.refers to the degree of doubt or variability in scientific findings and projections related to climate change, arising from factors such as data limitations, the complexity of climate systems, and the unpredictability of future human activities and natural processes. This uncertainty is significant as it aids policymakers in assessing risks associated with climate change impacts and the effectiveness of various mitigation and adaptation strategies. By acknowledging uncertainties, the IPCC promotes a cautious and flexible approach to climate policy, allowing for adjustments as new information emerges. Additionally, addressing uncertainty enhances public communication about the complexities of climate science, guiding future research efforts to focus on improving models and understanding climate processes. Ultimately, recognizing uncertainty facilitates the development of adaptive management strategies that can be modified as conditions change or new insights are gained, making it essential for effective climate action.

Global Warming and Extreme Weather

• he link between global warming and extremes in temperature and precipitation is driven by several interconnected processes. As global temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, higher evaporation rates from oceans, lakes, and soil intensify precipitation events, leading to heavier rainfall and a greater likelihood of flooding in some regions. Additionally, global warming alters atmospheric circulation patterns, resulting in shifts that can cause prolonged droughts in certain areas while increasing the frequency and intensity of storms in others. This rise in average temperatures also contributes to more frequent and severe heat waves, posing risks to health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Furthermore, melting glaciers and reduced snow cover change local hydrology, affecting water availability and leading to altered precipitation patterns, which can result in increased flooding during snowmelt and reduced water supply during dry periods. These extreme weather events can create feedback loops that exacerbate climate change, such as flooding that erodes land and releases stored carbon. The significance of this link lies in its profound implications for ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for effective climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of these extreme weather events.

Climate Change Impact on Wildfires

Rising temperatures, drought conditions, and altered weather patterns increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires.

Twin Problems of World Energy

Lack of energy access in low-carbon-emitting nations and high greenhouse gas emissions in energy-accessible populations.

Contribution of Fossil Fuels to GHG Emissions

Fossil fuels account for approximately 75% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, making them the largest contributor to climate change.

Energy Transitions

Past movements away from prevailing sources of energy with characteristics of addition, rather than replacement.

Climate Change Impact on Economic Production

Changing climate conditions affect the productivity and output of agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors.

Recent Trends in Energy

The U.S. has made significant gains in solar & battery technologies, while wind power has lagged somewhat.

Impact of Climate Change on Economic Production

Climate change disrupts agriculture, increases operational costs, disrupts supply chains, and reduces labour productivity.

Distributional Conflict in Climate Change

Tensions arise over how the costs and benefits of climate policies are allocated among different groups, regions, or countries.

Discount Rates

The rate at which we discount or reduce the value of something solely because it will happen in the future.

Kaya Identity

A formula or structure for understanding and breaking down the causes of CO2 emissions: CO2 Emissions = Population x GDP per capita x energy intensity x Carbon intensity.

Decoupling

Economic growth continues to rise while CO2 emissions fall (achieved by reducing energy intensity of income and/or carbon intensity of energy).

Climate Tipping Points

Points that necessitate irreversibility of change and are driven by positive feedback, so they generate extra warming.

Energy Intensity

Measures the amount of energy consumed per unit of economic output.

Carbon Intensity

Measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced per unit of energy consumed.

Climate Change and Conflict

Climate change can exacerbate geopolitical tensions, weaken state institutions, and lead to increased violence, civil unrest, and even state failure.

First order effect on conflict

Direct damage, such as climate-induced migration.

Second order effect on conflict

Violent conflict leading to refugees.

Third order effect on conflict

Political backlash against climate refugees which leads to changes in public opinion.

Polluter Pays Principle

Those who cause environmental damage should bear the costs associated with that damage.

Beneficiary Pays Principle

Those who benefit from activities that contribute to climate change should contribute to mitigating its impacts.

Ability to Pay Principle

Wealthier entities have a greater capacity to bear costs and should contribute more to climate action.

Political Power of Fossil Fuels

The oil and gas industry can be extremely profitable and have influence in state, federal, and international climate policies.

Social Movements and Climate Change

Social movements play a crucial role in addressing climate change by raising awareness, influencing policy, and mobilizing communities.

Individualization of Responsibilities

The tendency to place the burden of addressing climate change on individuals rather than on larger systemic factors.