Definitions
The state of the atmosphere at a particular place during a short period of time
Weather
What is biodiversity?
bio:life
diversity:different
Name 3 anthropogenic causes of climate change
deforestation, urbanization, generating power
What are consequences of wildfires?
CO2 in atmosphere, hard to breathe, adds to GHGs
Milankovitch cycles describe changes in what?
Changes in Earth's tilt, orbit, and wobble
The long-term weather pattern in a region
Climate
weather vs climate
short-term vs long-term state of atmosphere
Name 3 natural causes of climate change
Milankovitch Cycles, Output of energy from our sun, Ocean’s natural cooling & warming cycles
How does deforestation lead to climate change?
cutting down trees releases CO2 into atmosphere
How much UV radiation does the ozone layer absorb?
90%
Long-term change in the average weather patterns on Earth
Climate change
anthropogenic activities vs natural causes
human vs natural
any ground that remains completely frozen
Permafrost
Why are effects of melting glaciers?
flooding/increased sea level
What is the Paris Agreement?
A global pact to reduce emissions and limit warming
Fossil fuels
Difference between global warming and climate change
global warming - gradual increase of Earth's temp
climate change - long term change in global weather patterns
What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are made from decomposing plants and animals. These fuels are found in Earth's crust and contain carbon and hydrogen, which can be burned for energy. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.
Health impacts of climate change?
mental health and physical health (hard to breathe, work, do activities)
What is ocean acidification?
CO₂ dissolving into the ocean, lowering its pH
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor
Greenhouse gases
What is the greenhouse effect?
The process through which heat is trapped near Earth's surface by substances known as 'greenhouse gases.'
What are greenhouse gases?
these are gases that absorb and trap heat in the atmosphere.
What is coral bleaching? How does it occur?
Coral bleaching happens when the ocean becomes too warm, stressing corals. The heat causes corals to expel the colorful algae that live inside them and provide food. Without these algae, the corals turn white and can die if conditions don’t improve.
Positive strengthens change (amplifies); negative reduces it (neutralizes)