Greenhouse Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is climate change?
The alteration of global or regional climate patterns, often attributed to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The process by which greenhouse gases in a planet’s atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space.
What type of radiation is emitted by stars and how does it interact with greenhouse gases?
Stars emit shortwave radiation that passes through greenhouse gases.
What type of radiation do planets emit, and how does it interact with greenhouse gases?
Planets emit longwave radiation that is partly absorbed by greenhouse gases.
What would Earth’s average surface temperature be without the greenhouse effect?
-18 °C
What was Earth’s 20th century average surface temperature?
About 14 °C
What is the current average surface temperature of Earth?
About 15 °C
By how much has global warming occurred since the industrial revolution?
About 1.2 °C
What is the rate of global temperature increase per decade?
0.18 °C per decade
What are the consequences of the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Wide-ranging effects including:
* Global warming
* Extreme weather events
* Disruption of ecosystems
* Ocean acidification
* Health impacts
What is global warming?
The overall increase in Earth’s average temperature leading to changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and melting of ice caps and glaciers.
What are extreme weather events caused by climate change?
More frequent and intense:
* Heatwaves
* Droughts
* Hurricanes
* Floods
* Storms
How does climate change affect ecosystems?
It affects biodiversity, alters habitats, and can lead to species extinction and shifts in ecosystems.
What is ocean acidification?
The process where increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by oceans, leading to harm for coral reefs and marine life.
What are some health impacts of climate change?
Risks include:
* Heat-related illnesses
* Increased prevalence of infectious diseases
* Negative impacts on food and water security
What is required to address the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources.
What policies are needed to mitigate climate change?
Policies that:
* Promote renewable energy
* Improve energy efficiency
* Adopt sustainable land-use practices
* Encourage international cooperation
Fill in the blank: The greenhouse effect traps and retains _______ in the Earth’s atmosphere.
greenhouse gases
True or False: The sun’s radiation is completely absorbed by the Earth.
False
