climate change Flashcards
what is weather?
short term condition of the climate in a given location
what is climate?
long-term, average condition of the atmosphere in a given location
what is the difference between weather and climate?
weather is short-term and varies distinctly, whereas climate is long-term and only gradually changes over long periods of time
what does increased temperature do to energy prices?
more air conditioning, thus greater energy demand, thus higher energy prices
what impacts do heat waves have on people?
physiological heat stress and danger for the vulnerable like the elderly and young, and those with preexisting medical conditions
what impacts does global warming have on the economy and environment?
causes decreased yield potential of grains
causes more frequent drought + lack of grains causing the death of livestock
causes heat waves + extreme weather, causing power outages and blackouts
extinction of animals and habitat loss
causes increase fire weather, thus causing more bushfires, this causing more loss of property and habitat
causes more extreme weather, making more locations uninhabitable
what impact does extreme precipitation and extreme weather events have on the economy and environment?
increased flooding, causing strain on infrastructure
causes higher property premiums, making insurance unaffordable for some
loss of property
what effect do increased evaporation and aridity have on the environment?
decreased soil moisture, therefore causing damage to agriculture and habitat loss
decreased snow cover
decreased soil moisture, meaning that floods will be more extreme because soil cannot absorb as much water
faster depletion and more unpredictability of water resources
land degradation
what affect does the spreading of tropical weather patterns have on people?
increase and spread of infectious and vector-borne diseases
what do droughts cause?
damage to agriculture and the inability for workers to work, causing a food shortage
heat stress
depletion of water, thus causing water shortages, therefore crops and livestock will not get enough water, and people may have to drink unclean water instead
Long-term shortage of resources and stress on people and the economy, causing an increased probability of conflict over resources and migration.
what do bushfires cause?
habitat loss and endangerment of species
loss of property
air pollution, causing lung and heart disease
damage to infrastructure and strain on services
what do rising sea levels cause?
worsened flooding
loss of land
contamination of existing resources such as aquifers
the strain on coastal infrastructure
what impact does climate change have on employment?
businesses may shut down or workers may become incapable of working, therefore reducing mental health and increasing unemployment, potential for suicide and crime rates to increase
