Global Warming and Climate Change

A collection of flashcards to aid in the review of key concepts related to global warming and climate change.

What is global warming?

Global warming refers to the rise in the near surface temperature of the planet Earth caused by the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that warms the atmosphere.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The natural trapping of heat in the atmosphere.

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

The additional warming that may be produced by increased levels of gases that absorb infrared radiation.

What are the three most common types of greenhouse gases released by humans?

Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

What is the main source of human-caused methane emissions worldwide?

Livestock, as cows, sheep, goats, and other animals create methane during digestion.

What is one major contributor to global warming related to deforestation?

Deforestation eliminates trees that absorb CO2, releasing carbon stored in trees into the atmosphere.

What impact does intensive farming have on global warming?

Intensive farming increases livestock numbers and uses plant protection products and fertilizers, producing methane and nitrous oxide.

What major environmental issue is associated with waste disposal methods?

Waste management methods like landfills and incineration emit greenhouse and toxic gases.

What is a significant consequence of rising global temperatures on biodiversity?

Disturbance of ecosystems, altering conditions and cycles of plant reproduction and causing species extinction.

What are two effects of global warming on oceans?

Melting polar ice sheets leading to rising sea levels and ocean acidification affecting marine ecosystems.

How does climate change affect weather patterns?

Increased occurrences of droughts, heatwaves, heavy precipitation, and more natural disasters.

What is a carbon footprint?

A measure of the impact activities have on the environment, specifically climate change, calculated by the greenhouse gases produced.

What is an ecological footprint?

Measures how much land and water area a human population requires to produce the resources it consumes and to absorb its wastes.

What does the ecological footprint concept assess?

The number of 'earths' needed if everyone on the planet consumed resources at the same level.

How many planet Earths would it take to support humanity if everyone lived a given lifestyle in 2006?

1.4 planet Earths.

What are some renewable energies that can help prevent climate change?

Solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energies.

What is one recommended action to reduce energy consumption at home?

Use more efficient devices, such as LED light bulbs.

What practice can help reduce one’s ecological food footprint?

Eating local, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

What is currently the accepted ecological benchmark for global sustainability per person?

1.7 hectares.

What global event is projected to create 250 million climate refugees by 2050?

Rising sea levels and floods caused by climate change.