Climate Change and Global Warming Overview

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts related to climate change and global warming as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is the ultimate aim of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?

To prevent "dangerous" human interference with the climate system.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases such as CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

What is the significance of the Keeling Curve?

It tracks the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over time, showing an increasing trend.

What are the 'Planetary Boundaries'?

Limits within which humanity can safely operate to avoid destabilizing the Earth system.

What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

To assess the most recent scientific information on climate change produced globally.

What does evidence-based science indicate about methane compared to carbon dioxide?

Methane has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere.

What percentage of adults in the U.S. believe global warming is happening?

Approximately 71%.

What does the term 'anthropogenic' refer to in the context of climate change?

Human-caused factors contributing to climate change.

How does deforestation contribute to global warming?

By decreasing the number of trees that absorb CO2, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels.

What are 'novel entities' in the context of planetary boundaries?

New substances and materials that may disrupt the Earth system, with no global quantification yet.

What was the global atmospheric CO2 concentration level in 2010?

Approximately 390 ppm (parts per million).

How are climate models used to assess global warming?

They simulate the Earth's climate response to various factors, including human activities.

What key question is raised regarding CO2 and global temperatures?

What is the relationship between CO2 concentrations and global average temperatures?

What is a significant factor that reduces public understanding of climate change?

Misleading information suggesting there is a debate within the scientific community.

What evidence supports the argument for anthropogenic global warming?

The rapid increase in greenhouse gases and temperature changes that cannot be explained by natural processes.

What are proxies used in climate science?

Natural recorders of climate such as ice cores, tree rings, and coral reefs that help reconstruct past climate conditions.