global climate vulnerability & resilience Flashcards
purpose of the atmosphere x3
protects us from the vacuum of space
absorbs the sun’s UV radiation
essential for the water cycle (and life)
layers of the atmosphere x4 (and bonus)
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere & thermosphere (& exosphere)
in which layer is the ozone layer?
stratosphere (20-30km in altitude)
in which layer does weather occur?
troposphere
in the troposphere, temperature ________ with altitude
decreases
in the stratophere, temperature ________ with altitude
increases
why is the mesosphere cold?
there is nothing to absorb heat
thermosphere characteristics x2
hot & has thinnest air
shortwave radiation (UV) from the sun is also known as what? x3
sun’s rays, solar radiation & insulation
greenhouse gases that have the largest warming effect on the earth x2
carbon dioxide (below) & water vapour (e.g. clouds)
define albedo
an expression of the ability of surfaces to reflect sunlight (heat from the sun). (the higher the albedo, the more reflection) (the lower the albedo the more absorption)
high vs low albedo in relation to surface colour
light-colouredsurfaces return a large part of the sun rays back to the atmosphere (high albedo).
dark surfaces absorb the rays from the sun (low albedo).
lists of natural changes in the global energy balance x5
reflectivity/albedo
global dimming
11-year solar cycle
changes in atmospheric conditions
milankovitch cycles
watch a video on global dimming!!!!!!!!!
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watch a video on 11 year solar cycle!!!!!!!!!
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watch a video on milankovitch cycles!!!!!!!!!
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what are the 3 main carbon sinks?
soil, forests and oceans
define carbon sink
anything that absorbs MORE carbon than it releases
define carbon source
anything that absorbs LESS carbon than it releases
define radiation
the emission of short waves and long waves. as the sun is a very hot body, it releases short waves, whereas the earth as a cold body releases long waves
define convection
the transfer of heat by the movement of a gas or a liquid
define conduction
the transfer of heat by contact
___________ and _________ clouds reflect much more short-wave radiation than thin higher clouds like ______ clouds
Stratocumulus and Nimbostratus
Cirrus
define global dimming
the cooling of the air temperature due to pollution
define aerosol
a substance released in very fine mist (tiny particles of liquid or solid suspended within a gas)
what word should be used when referring to the intensity of weather events?
magnitude
negative feedback loop vs positive feedback loop
a negative feedback loop means a return of stable equilibrium (stable)
a positive feedback loop means a change away from equilibrium (unstable)
direct consequences of man-made climate change x8
temperatures will continue to rise
frost-free season (and growing season) will lengthen
changes in precipitation patterns
more droughts and heat waves
hurricanes will become stronger and more intense
sea level will rise 1-8 feet by 2100
arctic likely to become ice-free by mid-century – shrinking glaciers
thawing permafrost
indirect consequences ofclimate change, which directly affect us humans and our environment x7
an increase in hunger and water crises, esp in LIC’s
health risks thru rising air temps & heat domes
economic implications of dealing with secondary damage related to climate change
increasing spread of pests and pathogens
loss of biodiversity due to limited adaptability and adaptability speed of flora and fauna
ocean acidification due to increased HCO3 concentrations in the water as a consequence of increased CO₂ concentrations
the need for adaptation in all areas (e.g. agriculture, forestry, energy, infrastructure, tourism, etc.)
about how much % of solar radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere?
~25%
about how much % of re-mitted is captured by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
~85%
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDRxfuEvqGg&ab_channel=IntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChange%28IPCC%29
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go over the agri paper things
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review egypt vs denmark task
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watch a video on the process of condenstation
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reasons for sea level rise x2
water expands in heat & ice melt
how is biodiversity suffering from climate change x5
biomes are changing (seasons are lengthening)
disruption to local ecosystems
forest fires
melting permafrost
migration of biomes (poleward & increase in altitude)
how can climate change effect our health? x4
Effects of extreme heat on humans and animals can lead to death and illness
Decrease in crop yields
Changes in precipitation can affect insect populations which can be important for disease, ex: Malaria, pest infestation of crops
Extreme weather events can indirectly affect water supply and sanitation – causing contamination and disease outbreaks
the local effects and vulnerability of populations will depend on what factors? x5
exposure
sensitivity
development and adaptive capacity,
future demographic and economic changes
mitigation and adaptation policies implemented by governments/response
read over ppt Unit_2.3.1_Case_Studies-Disparities_in_Risk_and_Vulnerability
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watch videos on COP21
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what understanding was developed by the COP21 paris agreement?
global geopolitical effort recognizing that the source/s of greenhouse gas emissions may be spatially distant from the countries most impacted
what ecosystem stores the most carbon?
peatlands
what does NDC stand for? what do they allow? how often are they reevaluated?
nationally determined contributions
NDCs allow for country-specific action
NDCs are to be re-evaluated every 5 years, and the expectation is that each re-evaluation will go beyond the previous one
COP21 encourages development in what? x3
early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and slow onset events
watch a video on pros & cons of COP 21
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watch a video on REDD
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where is climate change civil society group “extinction rebellion’ based? what are their 3 key aims for the government? what did the US group add as a 4th aim?
UK
Declare a climate and ecological emergency
Act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2025.
Create, and be led by the decisions of, a citizens’ assembly on climate and ecological justice
US XR added the idea that a just transition that prioritises the most vulnerable people and indigenous sovereignty
what is brac? where is it located? how many people has it reached?
a development NGO that works across multiple fields of human development (largest globally)
founded in bangladesh but operates in eleven other countries in asia, africa and the americas
in total it has a reach to over 120 million people in Bangladesh alone
things brac works towards x8
protecting resources
improving quality of life
building an awareness approach about the environment in rural and urban communities (tools, education, etc. to battle climate change)
adaption and mitigation strategies against climate change
adoption of sustainable practices to combat future climate hazards
promotion of climate resilient agriculture
supporting women
nutrition and food security projects
what successions has brac seen? x2
fertility rate reduction
providing boats as classrooms due to the loss of flooded submerged buildings
what is the mangrove action plan? what purpose do these trees serve?
US based NGO in many tropical mangrove countries
mangroves are important to costal communties as they are buffers to storms
read over technology and geo-engineering ppt slides 11-22
