Chapter 1: Glossary

Question 1

Sea level rise

Answer 1

Sea level rise refers to the increase in the average global sea level due to the expansion of seawater as it warms and the melting of glaciers and ice caps. This phenomenon is primarily caused by climate change and poses a significant threat to coastal areas worldwide. Sea level rise can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and the submergence of low-lying areas, impacting ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities.

Question 2

Greenhouse gases

Answer 2

are gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect. This effect leads to the warming of the Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere, causing climate change. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Question 3

• Climate models

Answer 3

are computer simulations that use mathematical equations to represent the interactions between the atmosphere, ooeans, land surface, and ice. These models are used to project future climate conditions based on different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and other factors. Climate models help scientists understand the complex climate system and predict potential impacts of climate change on a regional and global scale.

Question 4

• Mitigation

Answer 4

refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to lessen the impacts of climate change. Mitigation strategies include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions.
Mitigation efforts aim to limit global warming and its associated consequences.

Question 5

> Adaptation

Answer 5

involves adjusting to the effects of climate change to minimize its negative impacts. This can include building seawalls to protect against rising sea levels, implementing drought-resistant crops in agriculture, and developing early warning systems for extreme weather events.
Adaptation strategies help communities and ecosystems cope with changing climate conditions.

Question 6

› Paris agreement

Answer 6

v Paris agreement
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFI
It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1 degrees Celsius. The agreement requires countries to set and achieve targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to enhance cli resilience.

Question 7

• Albedo

Answer 7

is the measure of the reflectivity of a surface, indicating the fraction of incoming solar radiation that is reflected back into space. Surfaces with high albedo, such as ice and snow, reflect more sunlight, while surfaces with low albedo, like dark forests or oceans, absorb more solar energy. Changes in albedo can influence the Earth’s energy balance and contribute to climate change.

Question 8

› Tipping point

Answer 8

is a critical threshold at which a small change can lead to a significant and often irreversible effect on a system. In the context of climate change, reaching a tipping point could trigger abrupt and severe impacts, such as the rapid melting of ice sheets or the collapse of ecosystems. Understanding and avoiding tipping points is crucial for preventing catastrophic climate change.

Question 9

› Desalination

Answer 9

Desalination is the process of removing salt and minerals from seawater to produce freshwater suitable for drinking or irrigation. Desalination plants use technologies like reverse osmosis or distillation to separate salt from water. Desalination is often used in arid regions or coastal areas facing water scarcity to provide a sustainable source of freshwater.

Question 10

> Consumerism

Answer 10

is a social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It pron the idea that personal happiness and social status are linked to material possessions and consumption. Consumerism can lead to overconsumption, resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequality.

Question 11

> Sea level rise

Answer 11

is a real phenomenon that is affecting low-lying areas, particularly islands like those in Indonesia. Areas such as the Gulf Coast, including parts of Florida, are also vulnerable to sea level rise, with some regions already experiencing inundation and the need for pumps to remove seawater.

Question 12

> Arctic sea ice melting

Answer 12

is melting at an alarming rate, with significant decreases in ice extent compared to historical records. The loss of sea ice leads to increased absorption of solar energy by the ocean, contributing to climate change and extreme weather events like hurricanes in the Arctic region.

Question 13

> Precipitation patterns

Answer 13

are shifting globally, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall while others face drier conditions. This shift in precipitation patterns has implications for wildfires, agriculture, and water resources management.

Question 14

> Greenhouse gas emissions

Answer 14

primarily from human activities, are a major driver of climate change. Countries like China have significantly increased their emissions over the years, surpassing the combined emissions of the United States and Europe. Efforts to reduce emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources are crucial in mitigating climate change.

Question 15

> Climate models

Answer 15

are essential tools for projecting future climate scenarios based on various parameters and inputs. These models help scientists and policymakers understand the potential impacts of climate change, evaluate different scenarios, and make informed decisions to address climate-related challenges.

Question 16

> Un framework convention on climate change (unfccc)

Answer 16

treaty aimed at stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gases to prevent dangerous climate change. It includes agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which outline commitments by countries to reduce emissions and address climate change collectively.

Question 17

> Adaptation to climate change

Answer 17

involves making plans to address the impacts of climate change, such as mass migration, conflicts, and changes in technology and lifestyle. Countries need to adapt to the changing climate by implementing strategies to mitigate risks and build resilience.

Question 18

› Mitigation of greenhouse gases

Answer 18

is crucial to limit global warming and its associated impacts. Efforts to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices are essential in mitigating climate change and achieving emission reduction targets.

Question 19

> National determined contributions (ndcs)

Answer 19

are post-2020 climate action plans developed and communicated by each country to outline their commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. These contributions play a vital role in achieving global climate goals and limiting temperature rise.

Question 20

› Emissions gap

Answer 20

refers to the disparity between current greenhouse gas mitigation targets and the necessary reductions to limit global warming to a safe level, such as 1.5 degrees Celsius. Closing the emissions gap requires enhanced efforts to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.