Climate Change and Human Impact 3

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to climate change, greenhouse gases, international agreements, and environmental principles.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including water vapor, CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, halocarbons, and ground level ozone.

Carbon Sink

A major source or reservoir of carbon compounds like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans.

General Circulation Models (GCM)

Complex mathematical models used to predict future climate change.

Kyoto Accord

An international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions of industrialized nations by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012.

Paris Agreement

A comprehensive climate agreement adopted by 196 nations, where each country determines and reports its own contributions to mitigate global warming.

Precautionary Principle

Approach to environmental protection that advises taking cost-effective measures to prevent damage, despite uncertainty.

Carbon Dioxide

A greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere, critical for understanding climate change impacts.

Water Vapor Feedback

The process where increased warming leads to more water vapor, which in turn causes further warming.

Atmospheric Chemistry

The study of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and its interactions.

Climate Change Adaptation

Making adjustments to reduce vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change and take advantage of opportunities.