Climate Flashcards

1
Q

weather def

A

Atmospheric conditions that we can actively feel and experience (temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed and direction, etc)
- Always applicable to a comparatively short period of time (hours, days or a few weeks) and to particular locations or regions

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2
Q

climate def

A

Average weather phenomena in a selected place, a large region or across the entire globe
- Over a period of at least 30 years
- Climate is a slow, more stable system
- Changes occur, but at a slower pace
- Determined by a variety of factors (e.g. atmosphere, sun, ocean current)

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3
Q

greenhouse effect def

A

the gas layer surrounding earth radiates back some of the thermal radiation from earth
- Natural process
- Causes average temperature increase of 33 degrees Celsius (+15 in stead of -18)
- High gas emissions strengthen the effect
- More CO2 and NO2 since beginning of industrialization

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4
Q

effects of climate change

A
  • Increased air and sea temperature
  • Melting ice –> rising sea levels
  • Accelerating global water cycle: evaporation rate –> water content in atmosphere –> more frequent and intense heavy rainfall
  • Reduction of fresh water reservoirs –> negatively impacting agricultural production
  • Reduced biodiversity
  • More risk of parasites and pathogens
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5
Q

effects of climate change on health

A
  • Worse air quality/ pollution
  • Changes in vector ecology (infectious diseases)
  • Increasing allergens
  • Worse water quality
  • Reduced food security and safety
  • Environmental degradation
  • Extreme weather (heat, floods, rainfall, wildfires etc.)
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6
Q

opportunities for action

A
  • Mitigation: actions to reduce emissions that cause climate change
    • Sustainable transportation
    • Energy efficiency/ renewable energy
  • Adaptation: actions to manage the impact of climate change
    • Flood protection
    • Infrastructure and building design
    • Disaster management and business continuity
    • Prevention for risk groups
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