Study 11. Global Climate Change with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
How do greenhouse gases warm Earth?
Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit outgoing infrared radiation, slowing energy loss to space. This natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth’s average surface temperature warmer than it would otherwise be.
What is the most important long-lived human-emitted greenhouse gas?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most important long-lived human-emitted greenhouse gas. Major sources include fossil-fuel combustion, cement production, deforestation, and other land-use changes.
What is radiative forcing?
Radiative forcing is a change in the balance between incoming and outgoing energy. Positive forcing tends to warm the climate, while negative forcing tends to cool it.
Why are oceans central to climate change?
Oceans absorb most of the excess heat added to the climate system. They also become more acidic as they absorb atmospheric CO₂.
How does the ice–albedo feedback amplify warming?
The ice–albedo feedback amplifies warming: melting snow and ice expose darker land or ocean surfaces, which absorb more sunlight and cause additional warming.
What happens in the permafrost–carbon feedback?
Permafrost thaw can release CO₂ and CH₄ as previously frozen organic matter decomposes. These greenhouse gases add further warming.
What are the two main causes of global sea-level rise?
Global sea level rises because seawater expands as it warms and because melting land ice adds water to the oceans.
How can climate change alter species ranges?
Climate change can shift species toward higher latitudes or elevations as temperature conditions change. Species with specialized habitats or limited ability to migrate are especially vulnerable.
What is a phenological mismatch?
A phenological mismatch occurs when climate-driven changes make the timing of linked biological events unsynchronized, such as birds arriving after the insect abundance peak needed by their young.
How can climate change increase both flooding and water scarcity?
A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, increasing the potential for intense precipitation. However, warming can also increase evaporation and worsen drought when precipitation is limited.
What determines climate risk?
Climate risk ≈ hazard × exposure × vulnerability. A hazard is a dangerous event, exposure is being in its affected area, and vulnerability describes susceptibility to harm and limited capacity to cope.
What does climate justice address?
Climate justice addresses fairness, human rights, and accountability. It considers unequal emissions contributions, unequal impacts, participation in decisions, and fair distribution of costs and benefits.