6 Climate Change Free Online FlashCards

What does climate describe?

Climate is the long-term pattern of temperature, precipitation, winds, and other conditions shaped by interactions among Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land, ice, and living things.

What is the natural greenhouse effect?

Naturally occurring greenhouse gases absorb some outgoing heat, keeping Earth warm enough for life. Adding more of these gases strengthens this effect.

Which human activities increase greenhouse gases?

Burning coal, oil, and natural gas, clearing forests, and some agricultural and industrial processes increase atmospheric greenhouse gases.

How much warmer was global surface temperature in 2011–2020?

In 2011–2020, global surface temperature was about 1.1°C above its 1850–1900 average.

Why can climate changes continue after emissions fall?

Oceans absorb and store heat, giving the climate system inertia. As a result, some changes continue even after emissions fall.

Name several observed or projected climate impacts.

Observed and projected impacts include more intense heat in many regions, changing rainfall and drought risk, shrinking glaciers, rising seas, and ecosystem stress.

Why can climate impacts be unequal?

Impacts are unequal: communities with fewer resources to prepare, respond, and recover often face greater risks, even if their historical emissions contribution is relatively small.

What does climate mitigation mean?

Mitigation means limiting climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions or increasing their removal from the atmosphere.

How can one action support both mitigation and adaptation?

Mitigation and adaptation work best together. Restoring a wetland can store carbon, provide wildlife habitat, and help absorb floodwater.

How do weather and climate differ?

Weather describes short-term conditions; climate describes patterns over decades or longer. A single cold day or storm does not establish a climate trend.

Can natural factors explain recent global warming?

Natural factors such as volcanic eruptions and changes in solar output affect climate, but they cannot explain the warming observed since the mid-20th century. Human influence has unequivocally caused global warming.

What shapes local climate risks?

Risks depend on local exposure and vulnerability. Coastal communities may face sea-level-rise flooding, while farmers may face heat or shifts in seasonal rainfall.