The enhanced Greenhouse effect Flashcards
What has led to the enhanced greenhouse effect (EGE)?
Exponential increase in greenhouse gas concentration due to human activity
This is primarily linked to developed economies.
Which economies are primarily responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Developed economies are the main source of historical emissions and current emissions
Emerging economies are increasing emissions linked to global trade.
What is the main contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions?
Dependency on fossil fuels accounts for 65% of total emissions
This includes energy for industry, transport, and domestic needs.
What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to agriculture?
Agriculture contributes a further 25% of emissions
This includes emissions from livestock, fertilizers, and rice paddies.
What are the important terrestrial carbon sinks mentioned?
Forests, wetlands, and peatlands
A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more car
What is a carbon sink?
They store carbon in biomass and soils.
What is a major consequence of losing forests and wetlands?
It releases huge quantities of carbon and methane into the atmosphere
This enhances the greenhouse effect and can trigger positive feedback loops.
What is the biggest source of carbon emissions globally?
China, contributing 29% of global emissions
The USA follows with 16%.
Which country has the highest per capita carbon emissions?
The USA
Despite lower total emissions compared to China, its per capita emissions are higher.
What is embedded emissions in a globalized economy?
Emissions linked to the production of goods consumed in other countries
It highlights the interconnectedness of global trade.
What percentage of global methane emissions is attributed to agriculture?
About 40%
This includes enteric fermentation and waste management in livestock.
What is a significant source of methane emissions from rice production?
Rice paddies create ideal conditions for bacteria that emit methane
Flooded fields block oxygen from penetrating the soil.
What is the time frame of the historical atmospheric carbon dioxide data analyzed?
800,000 years
This data comes from ice core analysis of the Greenland ice sheet.
What do cumulative emissions data from 1751 to 2017 show?
They reveal historical emissions that are mainly responsible for current greenhouse gas concentrations
This data is grouped by global region.
Fill in the blank: The enhanced greenhouse effect is primarily a result of _______.
human activity
True or False: Developed countries are the only contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions.
False
Emerging economies are also increasing their emissions.
What is the impact of urbanization on climate change?
Land use changes disrupt ecosystems and contribute to climate change
This includes the loss of carbon sinks.
What role does agriculture play in methane emissions in East Asia?
85% of methane emissions come from human activity related to agriculture
This includes rice paddies and livestock management.
