NH- Climate Change Flashcards
What are the Natural causes of climate change?
Volcanic Eruptions: Release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere, which can influence climate patterns.
Solar Variations: Changes in solar radiation affect Earth’s climate over both short and long timescales.
Orbital Changes: Milankovitch cycles, which are variations in Earth’s orbit and tilt, can lead to significant changes in climate.
Natural Carbon Cycle Variations: Shifts in carbon exchange between the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere can impact climate.
What are the Human causes of climate change?
Fossil Fuel Combustion: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation releases large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, increasing atmospheric carbon levels.
Industrial Processes: Manufacturing and industrial activities release various pollutants, including methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Agriculture: Livestock produce methane, and certain farming practices release nitrous oxide.
Waste Management: Landfills emit methane as organic waste decomposes anaerobically.
What is the evidence for climate change?
Rising Global Temperatures: Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.0°C (1.8°F) since the late 19th century.
Melting Ice Sheets and Glaciers: Significant ice loss has been observed in the Arctic, Antarctic, and glaciers worldwide.
Sea Level Rise: Global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches since 1880, with the rate of rise increasing in recent decades.
Extreme Weather Events: There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
