The Ozone Layer
This specific layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer, which shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
stratosphere
This primary anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide is linked to synthetic fertilizers and manure management
agricultural practices
When the ocean absorbs CO2, it reacts with water to form this specific acid, leading to ocean acidification.
carbonic acid
This term describes a habitat being broken into smaller, isolated pieces, which typically leads to a decrease in the number of specialist species.
habitat fragmentation
This term refers to the reflectivity of a surface; its decrease in the Arctic creates a positive feedback loop that accelerates global warming.
albedo
Switching to renewable energy reduces emissions of this main gas.
carbon dioxide (CO₂)
where is harmful ozone found?
troposphere
Methane is released into the atmosphere primarily through this process occurring in wetlands, landfills, and the digestive systems of ruminants.
the anaerobic breakdown of organic material
Ocean warming can cause this detrimental effect on coral reefs, resulting in the loss of algae within the coral tissues.
coral bleaching
Invasive species like the brown marmorated stink bug often thrive in new environments because they are tolerant of this.
a wide range of environmental conditions
This specific region of Earth is warming more quickly than others because melting ice and snow reduce the amount of solar radiation reflected back into space.
the polar regions (or the Arctic)
This specific chemical reaction occurs when CO2 is absorbed by ocean water, leading to a decrease in pH and the formation of this substance.
CO2 reacting with water to form carbonic acid
hese ozone-depleting substances are commonly released when refrigerators and air conditioners are improperly disposed of.
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
This metric compares the heat-trapping ability of different gases; for example, carbon dioxide is set at 1, while methane is approximately 25,
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
As ocean temperatures rise, many marine organisms such as fish are expected to migrate in this direction to find cooler waters.
toward the poles
To reduce the threat of exotic species, governments can enforce legislation restricting these specific materials often used in shipping.
untreated wooden packing crates
One solution to reduce atmospheric CO2 is to sequester carbon through this biological process performed by planting trees and vegetation.
photosynthesis
Identify two ways global climate change specifically impacts human health
the spread of vector-borne diseases
increased heat-related illness
decreased air and water quality
This 1987 international treaty led to a dramatic reduction in CFC production globally, effectively slowing the breakdown of stratospheric ozone.
the Montreal Protocol
These specific greenhouse gases are considered extremely potent because their Global Warming Potential can be thousands of times greater than that of CO2.
CFCs or HFCs
Scientists suspect that this specific life stage of fish is most vulnerable to the decreasing pH of ocean water.
immature fish larvae
This international treaty helps protect endangered animals and plants by controlling and restricting international trade of their products.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
This positive feedback loop involves the melting of permafrost, which releases this potent greenhouse gas, further increasing global temperatures.
methane
Carbon dioxide is used as the baseline with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1; name one gas from the exam that has a significantly higher GWP and explain why.
CFCs, HFCs, methane, or nitrous oxide
They are more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2
To reduce ozone depletion, the Montreal Protocol encouraged the use of these chemicals as substitutes for CFCs
HCFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)
Beyond environmental impacts, climate change affects human health by expanding the habitat of these types of diseases as they move from the tropics toward the poles.
vector-borne diseases
While ocean acidification is strictly caused by the absorption of CO2, students often mistakenly attribute the decreasing pH of the ocean to these two other atmospheric pollutants which are actually responsible for acid rain.
nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx)?
This combination of three characteristics significantly increases a species' risk of becoming endangered: small population size, limited distribution, and this specific niche.
specialist at the end of a long food chain
This climate variation is primarily caused by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
El Niño
Explain how human activities increase atmospheric CO₂ and how that leads to ocean acidification.
Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ → CO₂ dissolves in ocean → forms carbonic acid → lowers pH → harms marine life.