Global Change - Key Concepts and Terms

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts related to global change, including climate change, ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, and biodiversity.

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant made of 3 oxygen atoms bound together, which can harm respiratory systems and damage plant structures.

Tropospheric Ozone

Ground-level ozone that acts as an oxidant and poses health risks to animals and plants.

Stratospheric Ozone

The ozone layer located 45-60 kilometers above Earth that protects against harmful UV radiation.

UV-A, UV-B, UV-C

Three ranges of ultraviolet light with increasing energy; UV-B is particularly harmful and increases skin cancer risk.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Manmade chemicals used in various products, found to have adverse effects on the ozone layer.

Ozone Depletion

The reduction of the ozone layer caused by chemicals like CFCs, leading to increased UV-B radiation.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at reducing substances that deplete the ozone layer, targeting a 50% reduction of CFCs.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and re-radiate it back towards Earth.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure of how much a molecule of a gas can contribute to global warming compared to CO2 over 100 years.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in the pH of ocean waters due to CO2 uptake, affecting marine life and ecosystems.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or the entire planet.

Endangered Species

A species at risk of extinction in the foreseeable future in all or a significant portion of its range.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that threaten native species and ecosystems by spreading rapidly without natural predators.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of the natural environment, leading to loss of species and biodiversity.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions that affect global ecosystems.

Population Growth

The increase in the number of individuals in a population, contributing to habitat loss and resource depletion.

Pollution

Contamination of air, water, and land by harmful substances, affecting health and ecosystems.

Overharvesting

The removal of species from their natural habitats at a rate faster than they can replenish, risking extinction.

Affluenza

A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, often leading to environmental degradation.

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

Paris Climate Agreement

A global agreement to limit warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels to mitigate climate change.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations.

Thermohaline Circulation

Ocean currents driven by temperature and salinity differences, crucial for regulating global climate.

Heat Waves

Extended periods of excessively hot weather that can have severe health and agricultural impacts.

Melting of Polar Ice Caps

The reduction of ice in polar regions due to climate change, affecting global sea levels and biodiversity.

Ocean Warming

The rise in sea temperatures due to climate change, impacting marine ecosystems and weather patterns.

Coral Bleaching

The process where stressed corals expel their symbiotic algae, leading to loss of color and energy source.

Zebra Mussel

An invasive species that disrupts ecosystems in the Great Lakes, but also provides some ecological benefits.

Ice Core Data

Analysis of ice layers from glaciers that provide historical climate data, including CO2 and temperature changes.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems, such as clean air, water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

A potent greenhouse gas produced by agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion.

Methane (CH4)

A greenhouse gas released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, and through livestock.

Fluorinated Gases

Synthetic gases that are not naturally occurring and have a significant impact on global warming.

Eutrophication

The over-enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, using CO2 and releasing O2.

Anthropogenic Sources

Human activities that contribute to environmental change, including greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests, which impacts biodiversity and contributes to CO2 emissions.

Habitat Fragmentation

The division of larger habitats into smaller, isolated patches, impacting species survival and ecosystem function.

Biomagnification

The increase in concentration of substances, such as pesticides, in the tissues of organisms at successive levels of the food chain.

Extinction

The permanent loss of a species, often due to human activities and environmental changes.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product.

Wildlife Conservation

Efforts aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats from extinction and degradation.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources in a way that does not deplete them and protects the environment for future generations.

Ozone Layer

A layer of ozone in the stratosphere that protects life on Earth by filtering harmful UV radiation.

Destruction of Coral Reefs

Negative effects on marine biodiversity due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification.

Species Migration

The movement of species to new areas in response to changing environmental conditions.

Climate Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Ecosystem Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes.

Land Use Change

Alteration of the natural landscape for agriculture, urban development, or other purposes.

Soil Erosion

The removal of the top layer of soil, which can be accelerated by human activity and climate change.

Public Health Impact

Health consequences related to environmental changes, such as increased heat-related illnesses or diseases.

Ecosystem Restoration

Efforts aimed at recovering and restoring degraded or destroyed ecosystems.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in water volume as it warms, contributing to rising sea levels.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, vital for ecosystem function.

Natural Disasters

Severe, adverse events resulting from natural processes, often exacerbated by human activities and climate change.

Ocean Ecosystem Disruption

Negative impacts on marine life caused by changes in temperature, acidity, and food availability.

Food Security Threats

Risks to the availability of food due to climate change effects on agriculture and ecosystems.

Integrated Pest Management

An ecological approach to pest control that minimizes risks to humans and the environment.

Aquifer Recharge

The process by which water from precipitation or other sources percolates into the ground, replenishing groundwater supply.

Global Climate Policy

Policy measures and agreements aimed at addressing and mitigating climate change on a global scale.

Ecosystem Dynamics

The interactions between organisms and their environment, and how these interactions change over time.