Climate Change

Question 1

Global Climate Change

Humans responsibility?

Answer 1

The vast majority (more than 95%) of scientists who study this issue support the view that humans are responsible for climate change

Question 2

What is climate change?

Answer 2

Climate change, as defined in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC’s) Fifth Assessment Report, refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., by using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties, and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer.

Question 3

“Shininess” (Albedo)

If the surface of the earth is shinier (albedo) will it reflect more heat or absorb more heat?

Answer 3

Reflect heat

Question 4

More Greenhouse Gases…. Higher global temperature. (T/F)

Answer 4

True

Question 5

Which greenhouse gas has the highest concentration in the atmosphere?
CO2
CH4
N2O

Answer 5

CO2

Question 6

Since 1800, the increase in greenhouse gases have been:
Linear (incremental)
Exponential (very fast)
Logarithmic (very slow)

Answer 6

Exponential (very fast)

Question 7

Which greenhouse gas has had the greatest radiative forcing over the last 200 years?
CO2
CH4
N2O

Answer 7

CO2

Question 8

Since 1750, the increase in global human population has been:
Linear
Exponential
Logarithmic

Answer 8

Exponential

Question 9

2013 Conclusions

Answer 9

Warming of the climate system is unequivocal
Very high confidence that global average net effect of human activities since 1750 one of warming
Human-caused warming over last 30 years has likely had a visible influence on many physical and biological systems
Continued GHG emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming and induce many changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that would very likely be larger than those observed during the 20th century.”

Question 10

Consequences of Warming

Answer 10

sea level rise
  loss of estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove forests (aquatic nursery)
  massive biodiversity loss
  increase in extreme weather events
  depletion of fresh water resources 
  increase of vector born diseases 
  impact on ability to grow and raise food
  economic and social instabilities