Climate Change and Its Impacts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to climate change, its impacts, and environmental policies discussed in the lecture notes.

Arctic Amplification

The phenomenon where the Arctic region experiences warming at a rate that is significantly higher than the global average.

Albedo

The measure of reflectivity of a surface, affecting temperature; lower albedo in exposed ocean water accelerates warming.

Climate Space

The set of climate conditions suitable for a species, which may vary with the life stage of the species.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems; example: Asian shore crabs.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction; example: Atlantic salmon, affected by rising water temperatures.

Positive Tipping Points

Shifts in ecosystems that lead to further warming and cannot return to previous states.

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)

Ocean current system that influences global climate; weakening could have drastic climate impacts.

Permafrost Thaw

The melting of permanently frozen ground, releasing greenhouse gases .

Boreal Forest Shifts

Changes in forest biomes due to climate stress, potentially converting to grasslands or deciduous forests.

Ozone Depletion

Reduction of ozone in the stratosphere due to ozone-depleting substances; leads to increased UV radiation.

Natural Climate Solutions

Strategies that harness nature to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Biochar

Charcoal-like material used to improve soil fertility and sequester carbon.

Wetlands

Ecosystems saturated with water, providing critical carbon storage and ecosystem services.

Climate Justice

The principle that those who have contributed least to climate change often bear the greatest burdens.

Planetary Boundaries

Thresholds within which humanity can safely operate without causing irreversible environmental degradation.

What is a tipping point?

A tipping point is a critical threshold at which a minor change can lead to significant and often irreversible effects.

feedback loops in tipping points?

Feedback loops can either amplify changes leading to tipping points (positive feedback) or stabilize a system against change (negative feedback).

How can understanding tipping points apply to climate change?

Understanding tipping points in climate change can help identify thresholds where climate impacts become severe and potentially irreversible

What is climate attribution?

determining the extent to which specific weather events or changes in climate can be attributed to human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the main sources of anthropogenic CO2 emissions?

The main sources include transportation, power generation, industrial processes, and land-use changes like deforestation.

nine planetary boundaries

The nine planetary boundaries are: 1) Climate change, 2) Biodiversity loss, 3) Ocean acidification, 4) Land-system change, 5) Freshwater use, 6) Biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus cycles), 7) Atmospheric aerosol loading, 8) ozone depletion, and 9) Novel entities (chemical pollution).

Explain the climate change boundary.

The climate change boundary pertains to the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly CO2, which affects global temperature and climate stability.

Discuss the implications of exceeding the biodiversity loss boundary.

Exceeding the biodiversity loss boundary can result in widespread extinction, disrupting ecosystems, and ultimately impacting human survival due to loss of natural services.

What is the land-system change boundary?

alterations in land use, particularly through deforestation and urbanization, which can have significant ecological consequences.

How does the freshwater use boundary affect ecosystems?

Exceeding the freshwater use boundary can lead to water scarcity, affecting food production, drinking water availability, and instigating conflicts over water resources.

What is the role of biogeochemical flows in planetary boundaries?

Biogeochemical flows refer to the cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, and exceeding their boundaries can lead to ecosystem imbalance and pollution, notably in water bodies.

Explain the importance of the atmospheric aerosol loading boundary.

The atmospheric aerosol loading boundary is critical because it affects climate patterns, air quality, and human health, and exceeding it can exacerbate environmental challenges.

Describe what is meant by novel entities in the context of planetary boundaries.

Novel entities refer to man-made substances and organisms, including plastics and engineered organisms, whose introduction in the environment can have unpredictable risks and long-term effects.

What strategies are suggested to remain within planetary boundaries?

Strategies include reducing carbon emissions, conserving biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices, implementing circular economies, and enhancing renewable energy adoption.

Name some examples of natural climate solutions.

For example in forests 

1. Reforestation (#1 overall)

2.  #2 Avoided Forest conversion; (#2 overall; a challenge as some countries do not have effective policies, regulations, or the interest, e.g., the Amazon rain forest at present)

3.   Improved forest management (e.g., reduced impact logging, extended harvest cycles

Agriculture & Grasslands example

#1 Cropland Nutrient Management

#2 Trees in Croplands

Conservation agriculture helps capture and store carbon. (planting trees in croplands)

• Nutrient management - protect Water quality (refer to nitrogen lecture)

• Improved grazing pathways

How does reforestation contribute to climate change mitigation?

Reforestation contributes to climate change mitigation by planting trees that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, effectively sequestering carbon.

What role does wetland restoration play in natural climate solutions?

Wetland restoration plays a significant role by reestablishing ecosystems that can sequester carbon and improve water quality while providing habitat for wildlife.

Describe the impact of sustainable agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable agriculture practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing soil carbon storage, reducing fertilizer use, and improving land management practices.

Why is preserving existing forests important in natural climate solutions?

Preserving existing forests is crucial as they act as major carbon sinks, preventing the release of stored carbon dioxide and preserving biodiversity.

How do natural climate solutions benefit biodiversity?

Natural climate solutions enhance biodiversity by restoring habitats, promoting ecological balance, and increasing ecosystem resilience.

What is the relationship between soil management and carbon sequestration?

Effective soil management enhances carbon sequestration by improving soil health and structure, leading to increased organic matter and higher carbon storage in soils.

Explain the concept of agroforestry as a natural climate solution.

Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, which can enhance carbon storage, improve biodiversity, and provide additional income sources for farmers.

How can natural climate solutions be integrated into national policies?

Natural climate solutions can be integrated into national policies through supporting land management practices, funding conservation efforts, and promoting sustainable land use planning.

When is the Anthropocene believed to have begun?

The Anthropocene is generally considered to have begun in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the Great Acceleration, a period of rapid industrialization and population growth.

What is the Great Acceleration?

The Great Acceleration refers to the significant increase in human activity and its impacts on the Earth, including population growth, economic expansion, and technological development occurring post-World War II.

How do human activities shape the Anthropocene?

Human activities, such as urbanization, deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial agriculture, have drastically altered natural processes, contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss.

What are the key characteristics of the Anthropocene?

Key characteristics of the Anthropocene include rapid climate change, mass extinction of species, changes in land use, and alteration of biogeochemical cycles.