Climate Change and Environmental Impact

Julie Ferguson discusses climate change and its impact on extreme weather, focusing on wildfires and hurricanes. She explains the science behind these phenomena and highlights the importance of understanding climate change to mitigate risks. The lecture also addresses environmental justice and the need for proactive measures to ensure equity in climate adaptation. Ferguson concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the role of education and policy in addressing climate challenges.

What is the primary reason for the rapid climate change we are experiencing today?

• Natural cycles of the Earth

• Solar flares

• Increased greenhouse gases from human activities

• Volcanic eruptions

How does climate change affect extreme weather events?

• It only affects temperature, not weather events

• It makes them more intense and sometimes more frequent

• It has no effect on them

• It makes them less frequent

What is one of the main reasons wildfires have become more intense in recent years?

• Increased rainfall

• Decreased temperatures

• Fire suppression leading to fuel buildup

• Less human development

Which of the following is NOT a factor in the formation of hurricanes?

• Low pressure system

• High wind shear

• Warm ocean water

• Warm air above the ocean

What is a storm surge and why is it dangerous?

• A sudden increase in wind speed

• A rise in sea level due to hurricane winds pushing water towards the coast

• A decrease in atmospheric pressure

• A rapid drop in temperature

How can we reduce the impact of rising sea levels and storm surges?

• Relying solely on insurance to cover damages

• Ignoring the problem

• Increasing urban development along coastlines

• Building seawalls and preserving natural defenses like mangroves

What is one way to reduce urban runoff during heavy rainfall?

• Divert rainwater into the ocean

• Create more green spaces and permeable surfaces

• Build more skyscrapers

• Increase the amount of concrete surfaces

Why are marginalized groups more affected by natural disasters?

• They have more resources to recover

• They often live in less vulnerable areas

• They have less access to resources and political power

• They receive more government aid

What is a potential benefit of understanding climate change and its impacts?

• It allows us to ignore environmental issues

• It helps us develop strategies to mitigate risks

• It ensures that only scientists can address the problem

• It guarantees immediate solutions

What is one action we can take to reduce CO2 emissions?

• Increase fossil fuel usage

• Switch to renewable energy sources

• Rely on natural disasters to balance emissions

• Stop using all technology