bio Flashcards

(149 cards)

1
Q

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE??

A

A LONG TERMM SHIFT IN GLOBAL OR REGIONAL CLIMATE PATTERMS, MOSTLY DRIVEN BY HUMAN EMITTED GREENHOUSE GASES

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

WHAT DO INDUSTRIAL AGE CO2 EMISSIONS DO?

A

Industrial-age CO₂ emissions ENHANCES the GHG effect, heating the planet.
WHICH MAY leads to melting glaciers, rising seas, changing precipitation, and more extreme weather.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

A

Process where atmospheric gases trap the Sun’s heat, warming the planet (a natural and necessary proc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Global Warming

A

The observed rise in Earth’s average surface temperature, largely due to increased GHGs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

IPCC

A

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; scientific body assessing climate science and impacts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is climate change?

A

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, mainly caused by human activity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What causes recent climate change?

A

Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the greenhouse effect?

A

The trapping of the sun’s heat in Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Name 3 main greenhouse gases.

A

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What human activities release greenhouse gases?

A

Transportation, electricity, farming, deforestation, waste, and industry.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is global warming?

A

The long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How much has Earth warmed since pre-industrial times?

A

About 1°C.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the difference between weather and climate?

A

Weather is short-term; climate is the long-term average.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

Strengthened warming due to extra greenhouse gases from human actions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why is water vapor not the main cause of global warming?

A

: It increases with temperature and amplifies warming, but doesn’t cause it directly.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What sectors emit the most greenhouse gases?

A

Electricity/heat production, agriculture, transport, industry.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is a fossil fuel?

A

A fuel formed from ancient plants and animals, like coal, oil, or gas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How do cars and factories cause climate change?

A

How do cars and factories cause climate change?C

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What’s the problem with deforestation?

A

Fewer trees = less CO₂ is absorbed from the atmosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is a feedback loop in climate science?

A

A process where warming causes changes that make warming worse.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What’s a tipping point?

A

A critical limit where small changes cause big, often irreversible effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What happens when permafrost melts?

A

Methane is released, which causes even more warming.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why is the Arctic warming faster than other regions?

A

Melting ice makes the surface darker, absorbing more heat (albedo effect).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is a sea-level rise?

A

The increase in ocean levels due to melting glaciers and expanding warmer water.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
How does climate change affect weather?
It causes more intense storms, heatwaves, floods, and droughts.
26
What is the 2015 Paris Agreement?
The 2014/2015 Paris Agreement is a legally binding global deal by 196 countries to limit global warming to below 2°C, above pre- industrial levels but ideally 1.5°C.
27
What happens at 1.5°C of warming?
More wildfires, floods, droughts, sea rise, and loss of coral reefs.
28
What happens at 2°C of warming?
Even worse heatwaves, food shortages, rising seas, and species extinction.
29
What can individuals do to help?
Save energy, walk/bike, recycle, use renewables, eat sustainably.
30
What can governments do to fight climate change?
Pass laws, invest in clean energy, protect forests, and support green tech.
31
What’s the role of renewable energy?
It replaces fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
32
Name some renewable energy sources.
Solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.
33
What is carbon neutrality?
Carbon neutralization (or carbon neutrality) means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted with an equal amount removed or offset, so that net emissions = zero.
34
What is climate justice?
Fair treatment of all people in climate solutions, especially the most affected.
35
Why act now on climate change?
Delays mean worse impacts and fewer chances to stop them.
36
What is climate mitigation?
Actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
37
What is climate adaptation?
Adjusting to climate impacts to reduce harm.
38
What is carbon dioxide (CO₂)?
A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
39
What is methane (CH₄)?
A powerful greenhouse gas released from livestock, landfills, and fossil fuels.
40
What is nitrous oxide (N₂O)?
A greenhouse gas from fertilizers and industrial processes.
41
What is carbon footprint?
The total greenhouse gases you’re responsible for emitting.
42
What is the IPCC?
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – gives scientific reports on climate.
43
What is the UNFCCC?
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
44
When was the UNFCCC adopted?
In 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio.
45
What does the UNFCCC do?
Helps countries cooperate to reduce climate change and adapt to it.
46
What is COP?
Conference of the Parties – yearly climate talks by the UNFCCC.
47
What is the ACE Initiative?
Action for Climate Empowerment – promotes education, training & youth action.
48
How many countries signed the Paris Agreement?
196
49
What’s the goal of the Paris Agreement?
Limit warming to well below 2°C, aim for 1.5°C.
50
What is sustainable development?
Growth that meets today’s needs without harming future generations.
51
Which SDG is about climate action?
Goal 13
51
51
51
What are the SDGs?
Sustainable Development Goals – 17 global goals to end poverty and protect the planet.
52
How does SDG 13 help fight climate change?
By urging countries to take urgent climate action.
52
What does Trinidad and Tobago’s Climate Policy focus on?
Renewable energy, energy efficiency, reforestation, and reducing emissions.
52
ame one T&T mitigation initiative.
The Renewable Energy Policy Framework or Carbon Reduction Strategy.
53
What are mangroves?
Coastal trees that protect land from erosion and store carbon.
53
Why are mangroves important?
They reduce storm damage and absorb CO₂.
54
What are coral reefs?
Underwater structures made by corals that protect coasts and support marine life.
55
How are coral reefs affected by climate change?
Coral bleaching due to warmer oceans and ocean acidification.
56
What are rainforests?
Dense forests that absorb CO₂ and host rich biodiversity.
57
What are seagrasses?
Underwater plants that store carbon and support marine ecosystems.
58
How do rainforests help the climate?
They act as carbon sinks by removing CO₂ from the atmosphereE
59
What causes coral bleaching?
Stress from warm waters makes coral expel algae and turn white.
60
What’s the importance of Caribbean biodiversity?
It supports tourism, fishing, and protects against climate risks.
61
What threatens Caribbean ecosystems?
Rising sea levels, storms, warming oceans, and pollution.
62
What is ocean acidification?
CO₂ absorbed by oceans makes them more acidic, harming marine lifE.
63
What is a carbon sink?
Something that absorbs more carbon than it releases (e.g., forests, oceans).
64
What is carbon sequestration?
Capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.
65
Why are small islands vulnerable to climate change?
Rising sea levels, storm surges, and limited resources.
66
What does “climate resilience” mean?
The ability to recover from climate impacts.
67
What is a climate model?
A tool that predicts future climate using data and math.
68
What is green energy?
Clean energy from natural sources like the sun or wind.
69
What’s one benefit of using solar energy in the Caribbean?
It reduces fossil fuel use and lowers emissions.
70
What are adaptation strategies in the Caribbean?
Flood defenses, drought planning, climate-smart farming.
71
What is climate-smart agriculture?
Farming that’s resilient to climate change and reduces emissions.
72
What is the goal of mitigation strategies in T&T?
Reduce GHG emissions and promote sustainable energy.
73
What is energy efficiency?
Using less energy to do the same work.
74
Name one way T&T can be more energy efficient.
Use LED bulbs or improve building insulation.
75
What is reforestation?
Planting trees in areas where forests were cut down.
76
Why is reforestation important
It removes CO₂ and restores ecosystems.
77
What are NDCs?
Nationally Determined Contributions – countries’ climate action plans.
78
What is public transportation’s role in reducing emissions?
It cuts down on individual car use and fuel burning.
79
What’s one challenge to renewable energy in the Caribbean?
High startup costs and technology access.
80
What’s a climate refugee?
A person forced to leave their home due to climate impacts.
81
What is extreme weather?
Unusual, severe weather like hurricanes, floods, or heatwaves.
82
What are fossil fuels mostly used for?
Electricity, transport, and industry.
83
: Why is climate education important?
It helps people understand and take action.
84
What’s youth’s role in climate action?
Advocacy, education, innovation, and holding leaders accountable.
85
What is environmental stewardship?
Protecting nature responsibly for future generations.
86
How does climate change affect food security?
Crop failures, less water, and more pests.
87
What is climate financing?
Funding for climate solutions in poorer countries.
88
What’s one thing schools can do to support the climate?
Teach climate topics and lead eco-projects.
89
What are protected areas?
Zones where ecosystems are safeguarded from damage.
90
What is disaster preparedness?
Planning ahead to reduce harm from natural disasters.
91
How does tourism affect the climate?
Planes and cruise ships burn fossil fuels.
92
What’s a climate pledge?
A public promise to reduce your emissions or take action.
93
What is decarbonization?
Reducing carbon emissions from all sectors.
94
Why is clean water linked to climate change?
Droughts and storms affect water supply and safety.
95
What is land degradation?
When land becomes less productive due to overuse and climate stress.
96
How does plastic pollution affect climate?
Plastic is made from fossil fuels and releases GHGs when burned.
97
.What is eco-tourism?
Responsible travel that supports conservation.
98
EARTH'S TEMPPERATURE IS AFFECTED BY WHAT THREE THINGS?
Solar radiation intensity. Atmospheric composition, particularly greenhouse gases. Surface reflectivity (albedo).
99
HUMAN'S CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE CHANGE BY?
Burning fossil fuels increases CO₂ levels. Deforestation reduces carbon sinks.
100
WHAT THREE CONSEQUENCES OF GHG ARE THERE?
Global temperature rise (~1°C since pre-industrial times). Melting glaciers and rising sea levels. Increased frequency of extreme weather events.
101
102
What is CZITT? (Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago)
CZITT is a national institute in Trinidad and Tobago focused on promoting carbon neutrality, sustainable energy, and environmental education.
103
SDG 7
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
104
SDG 1
no poverty
105
SDG 2
ZERO HUNGER
106
SDG 3
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING
107
SDG 6
CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
107
SDG 5
GENDER EQUALITY
107
SDG 4
Quality Education
108
SDG 7
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
109
SDG 8
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
110
SDG 9
INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUTCURE
111
SDG 10
REDUCED INEQUALTIY
112
SDG 11
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
113
SDG 12
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUTION
114
SDG 13
CLIMATE ACTION
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
139