Climate Change Flashcards
Human contribution to Climate Change (L2)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Burning Fossil Fuels:
Coal, oil, and natural gas release CO2 and other greenhouse gases when burned for energy, transportation, and industry.
Deforestation:
Trees absorb CO2; when forests are cleared, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
Agriculture:
Livestock (cows, sheep) produce methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas.
Fertilizers release nitrous oxide (N2O), another greenhouse gas.
Waste:
Landfills produce methane as organic waste decomposes without oxygen.
Land Use Changes:
Urbanization and agriculture reduce natural carbon sinks like forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
Industrial Processes:
Cement production and other manufacturing processes emit significant amounts of CO2.
Transportation:
Cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes burn fossil fuels, contributing to emissions.
Natural contribution to climate change (L2)
Volcanic Eruptions:
Release large amounts of CO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ash into the atmosphere, affecting global temperatures.
Solar Variability:
Fluctuations in solar radiation can influence Earth’s climate over long periods.
Ocean Currents and Natural
Cycles:
Phenomena like El Niño and La Niña alter global weather patterns and temperatures, but are part of natural climate cycles.
Wildfires:
Natural fires release CO2 and other gases; however, they are often part of ecosystem regeneration.
Earth’s Orbital Changes:
Long-term cycles in Earth’s orbit and axial tilt (Milankovitch cycles) can affect the planet’s climate over thousands of years.
Bushfire classification
Ground fire
Grassfire
Surface fire
Forest fire
Crown Fire
Intensity and Spread of Bushfires
Climate
Temperature
Topography
Wind
Fuel load
Factors that affect a Bushfire
Fuel load
Fuel moisture
Wind speed
Ambient temperature
Relative humidity
Ignition Source
Slope Angle
Responses to a Bushfire
Bushfire
Wildfire is internationally recognized as a term for describing a fire burning out of control in grass, scrub and forested areas.
