Unit 9: Global Change

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary related to global change and environmental science, focusing on key concepts, definitions, and the impacts of human activities.

Stratospheric Ozone

A layer of ozone in the stratosphere that is crucial for protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Synthetic compounds that deplete the ozone layer, previously used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Chemicals used as substitutes for CFCs that do not deplete the ozone layer but can be strong greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect; major examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period compared to carbon dioxide.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process that amplifies a change or effect, such as the melting of ice leading to less solar radiation being reflected back into space.

Ocean Warming

An increase in ocean temperatures, primarily due to greenhouse gas emissions, affecting marine ecosystems.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in ocean pH levels caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2, negatively impacting marine life.

Invasive Species

Non-native organisms that thrive outside their usual habitat and can threaten local ecosystems and native species.

Endangered Species

Species that are at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes.

HIPPCO

An acronym for the main threats to biodiversity: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, and Overexploitation.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty designed to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including CFCs.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline in the variety of life forms in a given habitat or ecosystem, often as a result of human activities.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in water volume resulting from higher temperatures, contributing to sea level rise.

Carbon Capture and Storage

Technologies designed to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes to mitigate climate change.