Climate Change and Its Impacts

The video discusses the 2°C target in international climate policy, its origins, and the debate surrounding its effectiveness. Initially proposed by a Yale professor in 1977, the 2°C benchmark has been widely adopted as a safety limit to prevent catastrophic climate impacts. However, some scientists argue it is too simplistic and does not account for ocean heat content. Despite efforts, many experts believe it is unlikely to keep global warming below 2°C, with significant effects already visible, such as Arctic ice melting and glacial retreat.

What is the primary goal of international climate policy discussions?

• To increase renewable energy usage

• To reduce carbon emissions by 50%

• To eliminate fossil fuel consumption

• To limit the rise in global air temperatures to 2°C

What catastrophic events are associated with a temperature rise of 2°C or more?

• Increased volcanic activity

• Super droughts, severe flooding, and mass extinctions

• Frequent earthquakes

• Rapid desertification

Who is credited with first mentioning the 2°C figure in climate discussions?

• A Yale University Professor

• An MIT Scientist

• A Harvard Researcher

• A Stanford Climatologist

Why do some scientists support the 2°C benchmark despite its limitations?

• It is a clear target in the fight against global warming

• It is the most cost-effective solution

• It is the only scientifically accurate measure

• It is the easiest to achieve

What do critics suggest should be included in climate benchmarks besides air temperature?

• Soil moisture levels

• Ocean heat content and other parameters

• Wind speed variations

• Solar radiation levels

What is the main cause of the Earth's warming, according to most climatologists?

• Solar flares

• Volcanic eruptions

• Greenhouse gas emissions

• Deforestation

What is the uncertainty surrounding the 2°C benchmark?

• It is too difficult to measure accurately

• The exact catastrophic tipping point is unknown

• It is irrelevant to current climate conditions

• It is not supported by any scientific evidence

What significant climate change effect was observed after passing the one-degree mark?

• Increased rainfall in deserts

• Stabilization of global temperatures

• Dramatic summer melting of Arctic sea ice

• Expansion of tropical rainforests

What are some current effects of global warming mentioned in the video?

• Increased biodiversity

• Glacial retreat in Greenland

• Stabilization of sea levels

• Decreased frequency of hurricanes

What might happen long after the 2°C line is crossed?

• Global temperatures will stabilize

• More dangerous consequences of global warming may become evident

• The Earth's climate will return to pre-industrial conditions

• All ice caps will completely melt