the meaning of climate change Flashcards
(10 cards)
how is climate powered?
solar radiation and over long periods of time it evolves because of internal dynamic and external forcings.
how can humans influence the solar radiation that is reflected off the earths surface
changing the land surface or particles in the atmosphere, or by altering longwave radiation leaving the atmosphere (by changing concentrations of greenhouse gases)
what is a businesses/organisations carbon footprint
the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of everyday activities of an organisation or business is commonly referred to, or measured as its carbon footprint
what are internal dynamics
the ongoing interactions between the different interconnected systems which impact the global climate system, these include the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere and biosphere
what are forcings
factors that affect climate which are not normally considered to be part of the global climate system; they can include natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions or changes in the orbit of the earth and earths crust
what are green house gases
gases that absorb infrared radiation emitted from the earths surface, rather than letting it travel into space, and re-emit back into the earth, causing the surface to heat up.
what is global warming
the increase in the average surface temperature of the earth as a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions
what is climate change
a long term shift in temperature and weather patterns
What are are the consequences of climate change on biosecurity
- increased heat waves and droughts can be a health risk
- increased cold weather
- displacement of hum/wildlife/flora habitations
- melting ice caps results in sea level rise and storm surges can cause damage to property
- increased risk flooding damage property
what are key activities of causing climate change
HUMAN ACTIVITY
- burning fossil fuels
- deforestation
- agricultural activities
