Ss Flashcards
What primarily drives the current climate change?
Human activities and the release of greenhouse gases
This indicates that while natural factors play a role, human influence is the dominant force.
What are Milankovitch cycles?
Long-term changes in Earth’s orbit and axial tilt that influence climate variations over thousands of years
These cycles occur too slowly to explain recent rapid warming.
How do El Niño and La Niña phenomena affect climate?
They cause temporary fluctuations in global temperature patterns
However, they do not account for the long-term warming trend over the past century.
What role does solar irradiance play in climate change?
Changes in solar energy output have influenced past climate variations
Recent measurements show no significant increase in solar irradiance, while global temperatures have risen sharply.
What is the effect of large volcanic eruptions on the climate?
They can release volcanic aerosols that temporarily cool the planet
This cooling effect is relatively short-lived compared to the long-term warming trend caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
True or False: Natural factors alone can account for the current global warming trend.
False
The overwhelming scientific consensus is that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver.
What is the recommended action to address climate change?
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Mitigating the impacts of climate change is crucial.
Fill in the blank: Milankovitch cycles operate on _______ timescales.
longer
These cycles cannot explain the rapid warming observed in recent decades.
What is the consensus regarding the impact of human activities on climate change?
Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of current global warming
This highlights the importance of human actions in climate change.
