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Dates, names and organizations (103 cards)

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1
Q

What era did humans live in before the current climate changes?

A

Pleistocene era

The Pleistocene era lasted until approximately 11,700 years ago.

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2
Q

What has been a significant factor in the changing climate?

A

Burning fossil fuels

This practice contributes to global warming.

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3
Q

What does the term ‘Anthropocene’ refer to?

A

The era we live in, marked by significant human impact on the Earth

‘Anthro’ means human and ‘cene’ refers to a period in the Cenozoic.

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4
Q

What are the four subsystems of Earth according to Earth System Science?

A
  • Geosphere
  • Hydrosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • Biosphere

These subsystems interact to shape weather and climate.

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5
Q

What is the greenhouse effect?

A

The trapping of heat inside the atmosphere by greenhouse gases

It is essential for maintaining a livable temperature on Earth.

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6
Q

What are the main causes of climate change called?

A

Forcings

Influential forcings include solar energy, volcanoes, and greenhouse gases.

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7
Q

What is dendrochronology?

A

The study of tree rings to determine climate conditions

It helps analyze historical climate data.

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8
Q

What evidence can ice cores provide?

A

Atmospheric conditions from hundreds of thousands of years ago

Ice cores trap particles from the atmosphere as they freeze.

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9
Q

How do scholars reconstruct past climate conditions?

A

By analyzing proxies from nature and human records

Proxies include ice cores, tree rings, and sediment layers.

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10
Q

What is the difference between historical climatology and paleoclimatology?

A

Historical climatology uses archives of society, while paleoclimatology relies on archives of nature

Both fields study past climates but from different perspectives.

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11
Q

What is the significance of the Milankovitch Cycles?

A

They reflect how Earth’s position affects solar energy received over thousands of years

These cycles influence the onset of ice ages.

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12
Q

What do positive feedbacks in climate change do?

A

They amplify the effects of climate change

For example, melting ice reduces the Earth’s albedo, leading to further warming.

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13
Q

What is the role of volcanoes in climate change?

A

They can cool the atmosphere by emitting dust particles that block sunlight

This cooling effect can impact global temperatures significantly.

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14
Q

What does the term ‘proxy’ refer to in climate studies?

A

Natural indicators that provide evidence of past climate conditions

Examples include ice cores, tree rings, and sediment layers.

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15
Q

What type of records do climate historians analyze?

A

Documents produced by humans that contain climate information

These records typically date back only about 1,000 years.

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16
Q

What is the importance of scale in the History of Climate and Society (HCS)?

A

It determines the area of investigation, affecting the reliability of claims

Evidence from a small town may not support claims for a larger region.

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17
Q

What are instrumental records?

A

Precise measurements of climate data recorded by scientific instruments

They help identify weather trends over shorter time frames.

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18
Q

What is the role of narrative records in climate history?

A

They provide qualitative descriptions of climate conditions before instruments were invented

These include diaries and ship logbooks.

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19
Q

What is the significance of the year 1950 in climate discussions?

A

It marks the proposed beginning of the Anthropocene and significant global warming trends

This date is often cited in discussions about human impact on climate.

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20
Q

True or False: The Anthropocene is officially recognized as a new geological epoch.

A

False

The International Union of Geological Sciences rejected its official status in 2024.

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21
Q

What is the purpose of studying past climate changes?

A

To understand the causes and effects of climate change on Earth

Insights can help predict future climate scenarios.

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22
Q

When did professional historians begin telling stories?

A

Since the 1800s

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23
Q

How long ago did modern historians start including climate in their narratives?

A

Two and a half decades ago

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24
Q

What is the relationship historians are trying to understand?

A

How climate affected civilizations and how that history relates to the present

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25
What is one method historians use to combine historical narratives with climate history?
Mapping Climate onto existing Narratives
26
What historical narrative structure is commonly used for the History of China?
Successive dynasties
27
What is a weakness of scholars proving a specific thesis before reading sources?
It could lead to biases in results and important events may be missed
28
What is climate determinism?
The idea that climate sets the course for Human History
29
What interpretive issue arises from combining climate history and human history?
Difficulty in identifying causal relationships
30
What event marked the Last Glacial Maximum?
20,000 years ago when Europe was frozen
31
What is the Cold Millennium also known as?
The Younger Dryas period
32
What are the three periods of the Holocene?
* Early Holocene * Middle Holocene * Late Holocene
33
What characterized the Early Holocene?
It was the warmest part of the Holocene
34
What happened at the end of the Early Holocene?
A meltwater event caused the collapse of the Canadian glacial sheet
35
What significant transition occurred during the Mid-Holocene?
Development of key agricultural practices
36
What is the Meghalayan Stage in relation to the Late Holocene?
Refers to a cave in North India that helped date the start of the Late Holocene
37
What year is debated as the start of the Anthropocene?
1950
38
What is one challenge scholars face when aligning timelines of human history and climate history?
Different scales of timelines
39
When did Mesopotamia, the first civilization, begin?
3500 BCE
40
What river system was crucial for the development of Mesopotamian civilization?
Tigris and Euphrates rivers
41
What caused the decline of the Old Kingdom in Egypt?
Climate changes leading to drought
42
What were the three parts of the Indus civilization?
* Early Harappan * Mature Harappan * Late Harappan
43
What civilization emerged in the Americas around the same time as Mesopotamia?
Chavín culture
44
Who was Alexander the Great?
King from Greece who conquered many territories including Egypt and Persia
45
What climatic phenomenon is associated with the year 536 CE?
A volcanic eruption caused a super cold year in Europe
46
What cultural concept in China helps explain the stability of rulers in relation to climate?
The Mandate of Heaven
47
What is the Little Ice Age (LIA)?
A climatic period from 1300 to 1850 that made the Earth cooler than usual
48
What is the Little Ice Age (LIA)?
A climatic period from 1300 to 1850 that made the Earth cooler than usual ## Footnote The cooling was not uniform across the globe and included periods of warming.
49
What caused the Little Ice Age?
Volcanic eruptions and low solar activity, known as solar minima ## Footnote Specific minima include Wolf minimum (1280-1350), Maunder minimum (1350-1790), and Dalton minimum (1790-1820).
50
During which years did the glaciers in the European Alps grow significantly?
Three main periods: 1200-1380, 1580-1660, and 1810-1860 ## Footnote These periods coincided with significant cooling in the Northern Hemisphere.
51
What impact did the LIA have on European exploration?
It coincided with European contact with the Americas and the beginning of colonialism ## Footnote Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492 marked the start of this exploration.
52
How did the LIA affect Africa?
It caused less rainfall and increased drought conditions, particularly in the Sahel Region ## Footnote Notable droughts occurred around 1600 and from 1800 to 1850.
53
What were the cultural impacts of the LIA in Europe?
It influenced modernization, leading to the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution ## Footnote The Enlightenment followed, emphasizing reason and scientific thought.
54
What is the Anthropocene?
A proposed geological epoch starting around 1950 when human activities began to significantly impact the Earth ## Footnote The term was popularized by Paul J. Crutzen and Eugene F. Stoermer.
55
What event is referred to as the Great Acceleration?
The rapid increase in human development and environmental impact starting around 1950 ## Footnote This period saw a significant rise in population and industrial activities.
56
What are some effects associated with the Anthropocene?
* Increase in erosion * Rise in sea levels * Global warming * Effects on animals in the biosphere ## Footnote These changes are expected to persist long-term.
57
What major climate changes occurred during the Holocene?
The Holocene began 11,700 years ago and included two cold periods/ice ages ## Footnote The climate was influenced by Milankovitch cycles affecting Earth's orbit.
58
What role did the Industrial Revolution play in greenhouse gas emissions?
It marked the start of significant fossil fuel consumption, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions ## Footnote The coal-powered steam engine was a pivotal development.
59
What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to fossil fuels?
75% of greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of carbon dioxide emissions ## Footnote This highlights the significant role fossil fuels play in climate change.
60
Which countries have increased their greenhouse gas emissions despite reductions in the US and EU?
China and India ## Footnote China is currently the largest emitter, while India ranks fourth.
61
What is the relationship between historical fossil fuel extraction and global geopolitics?
The history of oil extraction is linked with European influence and control over oil-rich regions ## Footnote The competition for oil shaped international relations, particularly in the Middle East.
62
Fill in the blank: The term Anthropocene comes from the Greek words 'anthropos' meaning _______ and 'kainos' meaning _______.
human, new
63
True or False: The Little Ice Age affected all regions of the world equally.
False
64
What term is used to describe the new era in Earth's history due to human impact?
Anthropocene ## Footnote The Anthropocene highlights significant human-induced changes to the Earth, including global warming.
65
What are some natural world events that can affect human societies?
Natural disasters and extreme weather events ## Footnote These events illustrate the bidirectional relationship between humans and nature.
66
What is the biggest concern of our time according to climate science?
Climate change ## Footnote Climate change encompasses a larger set of environmental changes affecting the planet.
67
List the three components of the triple planetary crisis.
* Climate change * Air pollution * Biodiversity loss
68
What can rising sea levels lead to?
Flooding and increased coastal erosion ## Footnote Rising sea levels are caused by melting glaciers and warming ocean temperatures.
69
What is the heat index?
How hot it feels = humidity plus actual temperature ## Footnote An example is the 158F heat index recorded in Iran in 2023.
70
Fill in the blank: The _______ can create rain and snowmelt which contributes to floods.
Warming climate
71
What is a megadrought?
The worst drought in 1,200 years ## Footnote An example of a megadrought occurred in the Western part of the United States.
72
What health threats are posed by climate change?
* Infectious diseases * Malnutrition and undernutrition * Health impacts from extreme weather
73
What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?
To spread information and research climate change ## Footnote The IPCC assesses the science produced by various climate research programs.
74
True or False: The Kyoto Protocol was unanimously accepted by the US Senate.
True ## Footnote The Senate voted 95-0 on conditions regarding the protocol, though it was not ratified.
75
What was the purpose of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)?
To increase knowledge of how oceans and atmosphere interact ## Footnote Established in 1979, the WCRP contributes to climate change awareness.
76
Fill in the blank: The _______ was created in 1988 to assess climate change science.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
77
What is the 'Keeling Curve'?
A record of CO2 levels in the atmosphere ## Footnote Established by Charles David Keeling, it highlighted the increase in CO2 and its implications.
78
What event in the late 1980s raised public awareness about climate change?
The publication of findings by NASA scientist James E. Hansen ## Footnote Hansen's research linked human-induced greenhouse gases to climate change.
79
What does the term 'anthropogenic' refer to?
Human-induced climate change
80
What are some factors that complicate migration due to climate change?
Economic conditions, political conflict, and environmental factors ## Footnote The US government estimates that 30 million people move due to climatic conditions.
81
What is the impact of climate change on financial well-being?
Destruction from climate-related disasters and insurance challenges ## Footnote Communities may struggle to recover financially after disasters.
82
What led to the creation of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP)?
The need to study global change and its effects ## Footnote The IGBP examines climate change's impact on Earth's systems.
83
What historical event did Bert Bolin and others influence in climate science?
The establishment of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) ## Footnote This event marked a significant collaboration in Earth sciences.
84
What action is suggested for those with less wealth regarding climate change?
They need to take action ## Footnote Taking action is crucial to addressing climate issues.
85
How did President Bill Clinton influence the Kyoto Protocol?
He urged the US to sign the treaty ## Footnote Despite the urging, the US ultimately rejected the protocol.
86
What was Al Gore's stance on climate change compared to George W. Bush?
Gore was more proactive about climate change; Bush opposed the Kyoto protocol ## Footnote Gore won the popular vote but lost in a court case.
87
What impact did the oil industry have on climate science communication?
It promoted skepticism and opposed regulations ## Footnote ExxonMobil funded research that questioned climate change.
88
What was the financial outcome for Western oil companies in 2020?
They made a sum of $219 billion and paid $110 billion in shares ## Footnote This financial success motivated climate skepticism.
89
What marketing approach did British Petroleum use regarding climate change?
They marketed the concept of reducing carbon footprints ## Footnote This idea aimed to empower individuals to combat climate change.
90
What lobbying group supports businesses and accepted climate change in 2019?
The United States Chamber of Commerce ## Footnote Despite accepting climate change, they often did not support climate action.
91
What significant difference exists between the Republican and Democratic parties regarding climate change?
Republicans are pro-business and less supportive of climate action; Democrats favor government regulation ## Footnote Younger Republicans show differing views compared to older Republicans.
92
What percentage of Democrats prioritized climate change according to a 2023 poll?
80% ## Footnote In contrast, 72% of Republicans prioritized economic growth.
93
What agreement was made in 2015 to combat climate change?
The Paris Agreement ## Footnote 196 countries agreed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.
94
What is the goal of the Kyoto Protocol established in 1997?
To reduce emissions by 5% from 2008 to 2010 compared to 1990 levels ## Footnote It involved 37 nations working together.
95
What is geoengineering?
Changing Earth's environment to counteract climate change ## Footnote It includes methods like carbon sequestration and solar radiation management.
96
What is the focus of climate justice according to philosopher Olúfẹ́ mi O. Táíwò?
Understanding history and addressing global wealth disparities ## Footnote Climate justice involves equitable solutions for climate change.
97
Who led protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline?
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe ## Footnote Their protests highlighted environmental and spiritual health concerns.
98
What movement did Greta Thunberg inspire?
Fridays for Future ## Footnote It mobilized millions globally to demand climate action.
99
What was a key message from Greta Thunberg's speeches?
Politicians need to listen to scientists ## Footnote She emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change.
100
What did the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provide for climate funding?
$369 billion ## Footnote It was signed into law by President Joe Biden.
101
What is a significant challenge in capturing carbon emissions?
Finding a safe place to store captured carbon ## Footnote Carbon capture is a complex process with potential risks.
102
What is the relationship between climate activism and climate justice?
Climate activists advocate for equitable actions to address climate change ## Footnote They seek to involve underserved communities in climate solutions.
103

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