M5: Climate Change, Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming

What does global change encompass?

Global change includes global climate change and global warming.

Define global change.

Any chemical, biological, or physical change in the properties of the planet.

What is global climate change?

Changes in the climate (average weather) of the Earth.

What is global warming?

An aspect of climate change, specifically the warming of the oceans, land masses, and atmosphere of the Earth.

What is the ultimate source of almost all energy on Earth?

The Sun.

What happens to about ⅓ of the solar radiation that strikes the Earth?

It is reflected back into space.

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

A process where infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases, warming the planet.

Name three greenhouse gases.

Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.

What are natural sources of greenhouse gases?

Volcanic eruptions, decomposition (methane), and denitrification (nitrous oxide).

What are anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases?

Burning fossil fuels, agricultural practices, deforestation, landfills, and industrial production.

Who began measuring CO2 levels in 1958?

Charles David Keeling.

How much have global temperatures increased since 1880?

0.8°C.

What is the link between CO2 levels and global temperatures over the past 400,000 years?

Changes in CO2 levels and temperatures have been linked for millennia.

What is carbon sequestration?

The process of taking CO2 out of the atmosphere and storing it.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

An agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrialized countries to 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012.

What are some consequences of global warming for the environment?

Melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, heat waves, and changes in precipitation patterns.

How does global warming affect living organisms?

It alters growing seasons, increases disease rates, and may force human relocation.

What is the controversy surrounding climate change?

The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations is accepted, but the extent of temperature increases is debated.

What feedback systems are involved in climate change?

Warmer temperatures cause oceans to release CO2, which further warms the Earth.

How are historical gas levels measured?

Through changes in species compositions and chemical analyses of ice.

What impact will rising sea levels have on human life?

Coastal and island flooding may force relocation.

What are some predicted changes in storm intensity due to global warming?

Increases in storm intensity and changes in ocean currents.

What happens to CO2 levels when oceans warm?

Warmer oceans release CO2 into the atmosphere.

What is one method of carbon sequestration?

Storing carbon in agricultural soils or allowing retired agricultural land to become forest.

What are the predicted effects of climate change on plant growing seasons?

Growing seasons may become longer or shorter in different areas.

What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

A type of greenhouse gas produced by industrial activities.

What are some potential economic consequences of climate change?

Increased costs due to disease spread and necessary relocations.

What is the relationship between greenhouse gas concentrations and global temperatures?

Higher greenhouse gas concentrations lead to increased global temperatures.