Climate change

• What is the main topic of the study material?

  Climate Change
• What are the anthropogenic causes of climate change?

  Human activities increasing greenhouse gases
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It traps re-radiated radiation in the atmosphere

  
• Why are greenhouse gases important for life on Earth?

  They keep Earth warm enough for life
• What are two examples of greenhouse gases?

  Carbon dioxide and methane
• How have human activities affected carbon dioxide levels?

  They have increased carbon dioxide levels significantly
• What is the relationship between fossil fuel combustion and carbon dioxide levels?

  Fossil fuel combustion increases carbon dioxide levels
• What is anthropogenic climate change?

  Climate change caused by human activities
• What are carbon sinks?

  Natural stores of carbon in the environment
• How does deforestation affect carbon dioxide levels?

  It increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• What is methane?

  A simple hydrocarbon and greenhouse gas
• How has methane production changed in the last 150 years?

  Methane levels have risen significantly due to humans
• What are some human activities that produce methane?

  Farming, landfills, and fossil fuel extraction
• What happens to methane levels as permafrost melts?

  Methane is released from natural stores

  
• What is the significance of Antarctic ice cores in climate research?

  They show correlation between temperature and carbon dioxide
• What is the difference between correlation and causation?

  Correlation shows association, causation shows influence
• What is global warming?

  Rise in global temperatures due to greenhouse gases
• What does climate change refer to?

  Long-term changes in climate measures
• What is positive feedback in the context of global warming?

  It amplifies changes away from equilibrium

  
• What happens to albedo as polar ice caps melt?

  Albedo decreases, absorbing more sunlight

  
• How does increased decomposition relate to global warming?

  It releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

  
• What is legacy carbon combustion?

  Release of carbon locked in trees and soil
• What is the impact of forest fires on carbon dioxide levels?

  They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• What is the risk of boreal forests switching from sink to source?

  It increases positive feedback effects of warming
• What is the main consequence of reduced photosynthesis in boreal forests?

  Increased carbon dioxide release
• How does drought affect boreal forests?

  It reduces water availability for trees
• What is the significance of forest browning?

  It indicates stress and potential tree death
• What happens to dead trees in boreal forests?

  They increase the risk of forest fires
• What is the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems?

  It destabilizes ecosystems and increases carbon release

  
• What is the role of methanogenic microorganisms in permafrost?

  They produce methane as permafrost melts
• How does global warming affect the frequency of extreme weather events?

  It increases the frequency of extreme weather events
• What is the significance of boreal forests in carbon cycling?

  They are important carbon sinks
• What is the tipping point in the context of boreal forests?

  Switch from carbon sink to carbon source
• How does global warming lead to forest fires?

  Increased drought makes vegetation more flammable
• What is the impact of forest fires on photosynthesis?

  Reduces the number of photosynthesizing plants
• What is the relationship between global warming and carbon dioxide levels?

  Global warming increases atmospheric carbon dioxide
• What is the role of carbon sinks in climate change?

  They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• What is the main consequence of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide?

  It contributes to the greenhouse effect
• How does the melting of polar ice caps affect global warming?

  It decreases albedo, increasing heat absorption

  
• What is the impact of increased decomposition on carbon levels?

  It releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere