Module 5, Lecture 3 (Climate Change)

Flashcards created to review key concepts from climate science as discussed in Dr. Ryan Brook's lecture.

What are the key points in understanding climate change?

1. It is warming. 2. It is us. 3. We are sure. 4. It is bad. 5. We can fix it.

How does climate differ from weather?

Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns over at least 30 years, while weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions.

What is Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW)?

Climate change that began in the late 19th century as a direct result of human activity.

What greenhouse gas concentration level was recorded in 2014?

In 2014, CO2 concentrations crossed 400 ppm in the atmosphere for the first time in at least 2.5 million years.

What internal mechanisms can cause climate change?

Ocean variability and biological activity that modifies carbon and water cycles.

What are significant external forcing mechanisms affecting climate?

Solar output, Earth's magnetic field strength, variations in Earth's orbit, volcanic eruptions, and plate tectonics.

What is the significance of the Hockey Stick Graph?

It illustrates the rise in global temperatures over time, highlighting the sharp increase since the Industrial Revolution.

What was the conclusion of the study by Anderegg, Prall, Harold, and Schneider in 2010?

98% of climate researchers most actively publishing support the concept of Anthropogenic Climate Change (ACC).

What did the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change conclude regarding global warming?

There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that global warming is real, human-caused, and presents serious global challenges.

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

The process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap infrared radiation, warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.