Climate Change Mini-Flashcard

Front

What is climate change?

Back

Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, while climate is the average long-term atmospheric conditions (30+ years) for a specific region.

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

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

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

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

Front

What human activities contribute to climate change?

Back

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices contribute to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Front

What is global warming?

Back

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

Front

What are some effects of climate change?

Back

Effects of climate change include rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events (like hurricanes and droughts), melting polar ice caps, and shifts in wildlife populations and habitats.

Front

What is climate adaptation?

Back

Climate adaptation involves making adjustments in ecological, social, or economic practices to minimize the damage caused by climate change.

Front

What is climate mitigation?

Back

Climate mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aiming to limit the magnitude of future climate change.

Front

What role do forests play in climate change?

Back

Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere.