MODULE 6 Flashcards
How many cycles of glacial advance and retreat have occurred in the last 650,000 years?
Seven
What marked the beginning of the modern era about 7,000 years ago?
The abrupt end of the last ice age
What causes most of the Earth’s past climate changes?
Small variations in Earth’s orbit affecting solar energy received
How does Earth maintain its habitable conditions?
By being wrapped in a layer of greenhouse gases that act like a blanket
A change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns lasting for an extended period (decades to millions of years)
Climate Change
Name three observable effects of global climate change.
Shrinking glaciers, earlier ice breakup on rivers/lakes, and shifting plant and animal ranges
What are two predicted effects of global climate change now being observed?
Global temperature rise and shrinking ice sheets
The increase in average temperature of Earth’s near-surface air and oceans, largely due to human influence
global warming
What percentage of climate scientists agree that climate-warming trends are likely due to human activities?
Ninety-seven percent
What contributes to global warming?
Increased greenhouse gas concentrations, the greenhouse effect, and natural phenomena like volcanic activity
What human activities contribute to climate change?
Mining, illegal logging, deforestation, burning fossil fuels, wrong agricultural practices, excessive car use, and industrial waste production
Heat-trapping gases such as water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
greenhouse gases
The natural trapping of heat in the troposphere by greenhouse gases, warming the Earth’s atmosphere
greenhouse effect
What role do greenhouse gases play in Earth’s temperature regulation?
They allow solar energy to pass through the atmosphere, absorb and trap heat, maintaining Earth’s temperature
Who proposed the concept of the greenhouse effect, and when?
Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius in 1896
What would Earth’s average surface temperature be without the greenhouse effect?
. -18°C, making it cold and lifeless
How have atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases changed in recent decades?
CO2, CFCs, methane, and nitrous oxide levels have risen significantly
What human activities increase greenhouse gas levels?
Burning fossil fuels, agriculture, deforestation, and use of CFCs
What are the main greenhouse gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect?
Water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)
How does water vapor contribute to the greenhouse effect?
It absorbs heat radiated from Earth’s surface and radiates it back, acting as a secondary source of warmth
Why is water vapor considered the most important greenhouse gas?
It plays a key role in transferring heat and energy from Earth’s surface to the atmosphere
What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions is carbon dioxide responsible for?
About 75%
What is a key source of carbon dioxide emissions?
Burning organic materials like coal, oil, gas, wood, and solid waste
Why is methane considered a potent greenhouse gas despite its shorter atmospheric lifetime?
It is at least 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide over two decades
What are the primary sources of methane emissions?
Landfills, natural gas and petroleum industries, and agriculture (especially grazing animals)
How does nitrous oxide compare to carbon dioxide in terms of potency and lifetime?
It is 264 times more powerful over 20 years and lasts over a century in the atmosphere
What are the major sources of nitrous oxide emissions?
Agriculture and livestock (fertilizer, manure, and residue burning) and burning fuel
What are some effects of human-caused climate change?
More frequent and severe droughts, snowstorms, and extreme winter weather in temperate regions
How is warming Arctic weather affecting other regions
It is causing extreme winter weather and snowstorms in temperate regions
What is happening to coral reefs due to climate change?
Warming ocean temperatures are increasing the frequency of coral reef bleaching
How are forests being affected by climate change?
Warmer, drier weather is preventing some forests from recovering from wildfires
How is wildlife being impacted by climate change?
Wildlife habitats around the world are becoming less hospitable to animals
What does environmental awareness help us understand?
The fragility of our environment and the importance of its protection
It fosters a sense of connection to the natural world, promotes sustainable development, and encourages conservation of resources and species
Why environmental awareness is important
It helps people understand the economic, aesthetic, and biological importance of preserving resources and reducing harmful human impacts
How environmental awareness educate people
It helps people realize the consequences of human activities and identifies solutions for environmental problems
role of environmental education
Why is it important to promote environmental education for future generations?
To prevent passing on environmental problems to future generations and to ensure a bright future for them
How can individuals contribute to environmental awareness
By recognizing the worth of good quality living and doing their part in protecting the environment
A major venue for developing environmental awareness by forming children’s positive attitudes towards the environment.
School
A process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to improve the environment.
Environmental education
Awareness and sensitivity to the environment, knowledge and understanding of the environment, attitudes of concern, skills to resolve challenges, and participation in activities to resolve environmental issues.
components of environmental education
What skills does environmental education develop in individuals
It develops skills to make informed decisions, solve problems, and take responsible actions to improve the environment.
How does environmental education help in solving problems?
It teaches individuals how to weigh various options and use problem-solving and decision-making skills to arrive at the best solution.
What are the top 3 benefits of environmental education?
It heightens imagination and enthusiasm, enhances critical and creative thinking, and encourages healthy lifestyles.
How does environmental education impact communities?
It strengthens communities by promoting responsible actions to better the environment.
How does environmental education impact communities?
It strengthens communities by promoting responsible actions to better the environment.
