chapter 7 and ipcc report Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the Anthropocene?
The current geological era dominated by human activity and its impact on Earth’s systems.
What is an ecological footprint?
The total area of land and water needed to supply the resources a person uses and absorb their waste.
What was the Great Acceleration?
A rapid increase in human impact on the environment starting in the 1950s, including fossil fuel use, farming, and population growth.
What are anthromes?
Human-altered biomes like cities, villages, croplands, and rangelands.
What is climate change?
Long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns, and extreme weather events caused by global warming.
What causes ocean acidification?
CO₂ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid that lowers ocean pH and harms marine life.
What is acid rain caused by?
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released from burning fossil fuels mix with rainwater to form acid.
What is biological magnification?
The increase in concentration of pollutants as they move up the food chain.
What does the IPCC do?
It provides scientific data and reports on climate change and its impacts worldwide.
What is sustainability?
Meeting current needs without harming the environment or limiting future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
What are renewable resources?
Resources that can be replenished naturally, like solar energy, wind, and fresh water.
What happens when habitats are fragmented?
Species become isolated in smaller areas, reducing biodiversity and increasing extinction risk.
What are invasive species?
Non-native organisms that spread quickly and cause harm to ecosystems, economies, or human health.
How can we reduce habitat fragmentation?
By building wildlife corridors that connect separate patches of habitat.
What are two major contributors to greenhouse gases in agriculture?
Methane from cattle and flooded rice paddies.
What is the relationship between global warming and climate change?
Global warming (rising temperatures) causes climate change (shifts in weather, storms, droughts, etc.).
How does deforestation affect nutrient cycles?
It removes trees that recycle nutrients, leading to soil degradation and disrupted carbon and water cycles.
What are harmful effects of pollution?
Air and water pollution can damage ecosystems, harm health, and lead to issues like acid rain and toxic blooms.
How is ocean water becoming more acidic?
Extra CO₂ in the atmosphere dissolves in water, forming carbonic acid and lowering pH levels.
What has caused global warming?
Human activities, especially GHG emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
How much has the Earth warmed since 1850-1900?
About 1.1°C as of 2011–2020.
Which areas are warming faster, land or ocean?
Land areas are warming faster than oceans.
Who is most affected by climate change impacts?
Vulnerable and poor populations, especially in Africa, Asia, Central/South America, and Small Island States.
What are the key observed climate impacts?
More extreme weather, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, food/water insecurity, and displacement.
