Geography Depth Study: Climate Change

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the topic of climate change in the context of the 12 ATAR Geography Depth Study.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Hydrological Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, including absorption by plants and release by animals.

Albedo

The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed, with higher albedo surfaces reflecting more sunlight.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Factors such as solar radiation variations and volcanic eruptions that influence the Earth's climate without human intervention.

Anthropogenic Causes of Climate Change

Human-induced factors such as emissions from transport and land use changes that contribute to global warming.

Ice Core Data

Evidence gathered from ice cores that provides historical atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and temperature records.

Instrumental Temperature Record

A dataset of global temperature measurements taken from various sources, showing patterns of temperature change over time.

Positive Feedback Loops

Processes that amplify the effects of climate change, such as melting permafrost releasing methane, which further warms the climate.

Water Scarcity

A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply, often exacerbated by climate change.

Sea Level Rise

The increase in the global average sea level, primarily due to glacial melting and thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

Flooding

Overflow of water onto normally dry land, which can be intensified by rising sea levels and changing precipitation patterns.

Extreme Weather Events

Severe weather phenomena such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves that are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Ecosystem Impacts of Climate Change

Changes in natural environments and their functions, including shifts in species distributions, habitat loss, and increased extinction rates.

Mitigation Strategies

Actions aimed at reducing the severity of climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing carbon sinks.

What is climate adaptation?

The process of adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage from climate change.

What are renewable energy sources?

Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is carbon sequestration?

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer climate change.

What is the role of deforestation in climate change?

Deforestation releases stored carbon dioxide in trees and reduces the planet's ability to absorb CO2.

What is ecological footprint?

A measure of human demand on the Earth’s ecosystems, expressed as the area of biologically productive land and water required.

What is the significance of the Paris Agreement?

An international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

What are carbon credits?

Permits that allow the holder to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide; can be traded to encourage reductions in overall emissions.

What are the effects of ocean acidification?

The reduction of the pH in the Earth's oceans due to CO2 absorption, harming marine life like coral and shellfish.

What is urban heat island effect?

A phenomenon where urban or metropolitan areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Farming practices that maintain the health of the environment while ensuring economic viability and food security.

What is climate resilience?

The capacity of a system to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events or disturbances related to climate change.

What do we mean by 'climate justice'?

The concept that addresses the inequities in the impacts of climate change, advocating for the rights of vulnerable communities.

How does methane contribute to climate change?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps significantly more heat than CO2, contributing to accelerated global warming.

What is an adaptation plan?

A documented strategy outlining measures to minimize vulnerabilities and enhance resilience to climate impacts.

What is the significance of biodiversity for climate?

Biodiversity enhances resilience to climate change by maintaining ecosystem functions and services essential for human survival.

What is climate variability?

Natural fluctuations in climate patterns over time, including shifts in precipitation, temperature, and storm intensity.

What is a climate model?

A mathematical representation of the Earth's climate systems used to predict future climatic conditions.

What are the impacts of climate-related displacement?

Movement of people forced to leave their homes due to climate impacts, affecting social systems and economies.

What role do wetlands play in climate mitigation?

Wetlands act as carbon sinks, filtering pollutants and storing carbon, thereby helping reduce greenhouse gases.

What is the impact of climate change on agriculture?

Climate change can lead to reduced crop yields, altered planting seasons, and increased pest and disease pressures.

Why is public awareness crucial for climate action?

Informed citizens can advocate for policies and practices that mitigate climate change and support sustainable communities.

How do extreme weather events impact infrastructure?

Extreme weather can damage buildings, roads, and utilities, incurring high repair costs and disrupting services.

What is a climate action plan?

A strategic plan developed by communities or governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience.

What is the greenhouse gas inventory?

A comprehensive accounting of all greenhouse gases emitted by a community or organization within a specific time frame.

What is 'net zero' emissions?

Achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere, essential for climate stability.

What are the socio-economic effects of climate change?

Climate change can exacerbate poverty, create food insecurity, and lead to increased health risks and inequality.

What are climate finance and its importance?

Financial investments aimed at addressing climate change, essential for supporting mitigation and adaptation efforts.

What are the roles of trees in climate regulation?

Trees absorb CO2, provide shade, and influence weather patterns, helping to regulate the climate.

What does 'climate tipping point' mean?

A threshold beyond which a system undergoes rapid and potentially irreversible change, often leading to severe climate impacts.

What is the relationship between climate change and public health?

Climate change can increase health risks through heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from air pollution, and spread of diseases.

What is climate literacy?

The understanding of climate systems and issues, essential for informed decision-making and active participation in climate action.

What are community-based adaptation strategies?

Local initiatives designed to enhance resilience and foster sustainable practices in response to climate change impacts.

What is biodiversity loss?

A decline in the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, often exacerbated by climate change.

How does climate change affect water resources?

Climate change impacts precipitation patterns, leading to water scarcity or flooding, affecting availability for human and ecological needs.

What are 'soft' adaptation measures?

Non-structural strategies, such as policy and education initiatives, to enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

What is ocean circulation and why does it matter?

Ocean circulation patterns affect climate regulation, weather systems, and marine ecosystems, impacted by climate change.

What are adaptation and resilience indicators?

Metrics used to assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies and the resilience of communities to climate impacts.

What is the role of insurance in climate resilience?

Insurance can help mitigate financial losses from climate-impact related disasters, enhancing recovery and adaptation.

What are the consequences of soil degradation?

Soil degradation reduces agricultural productivity, threatens food security, and can lead to increased emissions of CO2.

What is climate analog planning?

A method of identifying areas with similar climate characteristics to forecast potential climate impacts and adjustments.

How does climate change contribute to species extinction?

Climate change alters habitats and disrupts ecosystems, leading to increased vulnerability and extinction risk for many species.

What are the mental health impacts of climate change?

Climate change can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress related to environmental changes and loss of livelihoods.

What is the significance of climate advocacy?

Advocacy movements raise awareness and push for policies aimed at addressing climate change effectively and equitably.