Climate_Change_Flashcards
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The process where greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm.
What is Global Warming?
The long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature due to excess greenhouse gases.
What is Climate Change?
Long-term shifts in temperature, weather patterns, and ecosystems due to natural and human influences.
What are Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including CO₂, methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases.
What is Carbon Neutrality?
Achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions by balancing emissions with removal efforts (e.g., carbon capture, reforestation).
What is the Carbon Budget?
The maximum amount of CO₂ humanity can emit while keeping warming below 1.5–2°C.
What is the Paris Agreement?
A 2015 global treaty where countries pledged to limit warming to below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C).
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UN’s top climate science body, providing global reports on climate change.
1972 – Stockholm Conference
First global environmental summit, raising awareness about pollution and climate risks.
1988 – Formation of the IPCC
The UN establishes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to assess scientific data on global warming.
1997 – Kyoto Protocol (COP3)
The first climate treaty requiring developed nations to reduce emissions. Superseded by the Paris Agreement.
2015 – Paris Agreement (COP21)
195+ countries agree to limit global warming to below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C.
2021 – COP26 Glasgow Pact
Countries strengthen commitments, with a push for phasing down coal and cutting methane emissions.
2023 – COP28 UAE Summit
More nations commit to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
2050 – Net-Zero Goal for Many Countries
The target date for carbon neutrality in the EU, USA, China, and other major economies.
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
Oversees global climate summits (COP meetings).
IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
Provides scientific reports on global warming and its impacts.
IEA (International Energy Agency)
Tracks global energy use and promotes clean energy transitions.
C40 Cities
A global network of 100+ megacities working to reduce urban carbon footprints.
Climate Action 100+
An investor-led initiative pushing corporations to adopt net-zero strategies.
Breakthrough Energy (Founded by Bill Gates)
A $2+ billion fund investing in clean energy and climate tech solutions.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) & Greenpeace
NGOs advocating for climate action and conservation.
What Happens if Earth Warms by 2°C?
More extreme weather, stronger hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and sea level rise.
Which Sectors Emit the Most CO₂?
Electricity (25%) – Fossil fuel power plants. Industry (30%) – Steel, cement, and chemicals. Transport (15%) – Cars, planes, and ships. Agriculture (18%) – Livestock, fertilizers, and land use.
What is the Ice-Albedo Effect?
Melting ice exposes darker ocean surfaces, which absorb more heat, accelerating warming.
What is Permafrost Melting?
Thawing permafrost releases methane, a greenhouse gas 30x stronger than CO₂.
Why is Ocean Acidification a Problem?
The ocean absorbs CO₂, making water more acidic, which harms coral reefs and marine life.
How Long Do Greenhouse Gases Stay in the Atmosphere?
Water vapor – Days. Methane (CH₄) – 12 years. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – 300–1,000 years. Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) – 120 years.
- Transition to Renewable Energy
Shift from coal, oil, and gas to solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy.
- Improve Energy Efficiency
Better insulation, LED lighting, and electrification of industries reduce emissions.
- Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS)
Technologies that remove CO₂ from the air or prevent it from entering the atmosphere.
- Reforestation & Land Management
Planting trees and restoring forests absorb CO₂ naturally.
- Green Transport
Promote electric vehicles (EVs), public transit, and high-speed rail to cut fossil fuel use.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Diet Changes
Reduce methane emissions by improving farming practices and cutting meat consumption.
- Global Policy & Carbon Pricing
Implement carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to make polluters pay.
- Geoengineering (Controversial)
Ideas like stratospheric aerosol injection (blocking sunlight) are being researched but carry risks.
Bill Gates’ Approach: Reduce Green Premiums
Make clean energy as cheap as fossil fuels to drive global adoption.
Bill Gates’ Approach: Invest in Breakthrough Tech
Support next-gen nuclear, carbon capture, synthetic meat, and energy storage.
Bill Gates’ Approach: Fix Hard-to-Decarbonize Sectors
Focus on cement, steel, aviation, and fertilizer production.
Bill Gates’ Approach: Government + Private Sector Collaboration
Push for climate policies and clean tech investment at scale.
Bill Gates’ Approach: Avoid Over-Focusing on Personal Footprints
Systemic change (energy infrastructure) matters more than small lifestyle shifts.
Final Takeaway: Why is Climate Change an Urgent Problem?
If we don’t act, Earth could warm by 3–4°C by 2100, causing irreversible damage to ecosystems, food supplies, and global security.
Final Takeaway: What Can We Do?
Switch to clean energy, invest in innovation, push for climate policies, adopt sustainable habits, support large-scale solutions.
