9.5 Global Climate Change

Front

What is global climate change?

Back

Global climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). They contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet.

Front

What is permafrost?

Back

Permafrost is permanently frozen ground that occurs in polar regions and high altitudes. Its melting due to climate change can release greenhouse gases like methane.

Front

What is sea level rise?

Back

Sea level rise is the increase in the level of the world's oceans due to factors such as melting ice caps and glaciers, and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity.

Front

How does climate change affect biodiversity?

Back

Climate change can lead to habitat loss, altered ecosystems, and increased extinction rates, thereby reducing biodiversity.

Front

What are methane hydrates?

Back

Methane hydrates are ice-like structures that trap methane gas, found mainly in ocean sediments and permafrost. Their melting can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Front

What is the impact of ocean acidification?

Back

Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 is absorbed by seawater, leading to lower pH levels, which can harm marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells.

Front

What is the polar amplification effect?

Back

Polar amplification is the phenomenon where the polar regions warm faster than the global average due to feedback mechanisms, such as melting ice reducing the Earth's albedo.