10 Climate Change Flashcards
Refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. While climate change can be natural, recent changes are largely driven by human activities.
Climate Change
Key Drivers of Greenhouse effect
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane
(CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and
fluorinated gases from burning
fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial activities are key contributors.
Evidences
- Ice Cores: Provide data on atmospheric CO₂
levels going back hundreds of thousands of years. * Tree Rings: Help us understand past climates. * Ocean Temperatures: Oceans absorb heat and CO₂, leading to rising sea levels and ocean acidification
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Warmer Ocean Temperatures
- Increased Moisture in the Atmosphere
- Slower Storm Movement
Hurricanes and
Tropical Storms
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Higher Temperatures and Evaporation Rates
- Changes in Rainfall Patterns
- Depletion of Snowpack
Droughts
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Increased Intensity of Rainfall
- Sea-Level Rise
- Shifts in Seasonal Patterns
Floods
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Coral Bleaching
- Melting Ice
Habitat Destruction
and Alteration
Impacts of Climate Change:
- As temperatures rise, species are forced to migrate to cooler areas.
Range Shifts and Habitat Fragmentation
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Climate change affects seasonal cues
Disruption of
Reproductive and Life
Cycles
Impacts of Climate Change:
* wildfires, droughts,
hurricanes, and floods,
Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
Impacts of Climate Change:
* The oceans absorb about a quarter of
human-generated CO₂, which forms carbonic acid and lowers ocean pH.
Ocean
Acidification
Impacts of Climate Change:
- Climate change can alter the range of pathogens and parasites
- Invasive species can expand into new areas
Increased Spread of
Diseases and Invasive Species
