Anthropocene

• Geological timescale


  A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time
• Anthropocene


  The current period we are in
• Ecosystem


  A community of living organisms in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment, they are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows
• Biomes


  • Large ecosystems characterized by similar climate, plants, and animals
  • Their location is determined by the global distribution of rainfall and temperature, which are influenced by factors such as latitude, air pressure, and winds
• Low pressure


  Associated with rising air, which tends to bring cloudiness and precipitation. Normally in unsettled weather like rain or storms
• High pressure


  Involves sinking air, leading to clearer skies and generally dry weather
• Natural greenhouse effect


  A process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warmer than it would be without these gases, this is crucial to sustain life
• Enhanced greenhouse effect


  The additional warming that results from increased concentrations of greenhouse gases due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels
• Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation


  Have led to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is changing the climate
• This has resulted in global warming, sea-level rise, more extreme weather events, and other impacts
• Impacts of climate change


  • Affecting water supplies, food security, health, and leading to extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and economic challenges
• Tropical Rainforests


  • High biodiversity, role in carbon absorption, influence on the water cycle, resources and a habitat for wildlife
• Tropical Rainforests


  Typically located between 10 degrees north and south of the equator, where they receive high rainfall and maintain warm temperatures year round
• Tropical Rainforests


  • Characterized by their layered structure, diverse plant and animal life, and adaptations to the warm and humid climate
• Deforestation


  Causes loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contributes to climate change
• Sustainable management of Tropical Rainforests


  1. Selective logging

  2. Ecotourism

  3. Establishment of protected areas
• Arctic


  Located at the northernmost part of Earth, encompassing the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, and other countries
• Arctic


  • Characterized by its extreme climate, unique vegetation, and diverse animal life
  • Climate is typically cold with long winters and short summers, where temperatures mostly remain below freezing
  • Vegetation includes tundra, where the plant life consists of mosses, lichens, low shrubs, and various types of grasses
  • Animal life includes species such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, caribou, and various seabirds
• As temperatures rise


  There is an increase in ice melting which leaves dark oceans that absorb more heat and increase the temperature further
• Positive feedback loop


  A process where the output of a system amplifies the initial condition, leading to an even greater effect
• Coral reefs


  Underwater ecosystems characterized by reef-building corals, which are marine invertebrates that live in compact colonies and are known for their vibrant colours and rich biodiversity
• Coral reefs are threatened by a variety of factors, both local and global, including physical damage from coastal development, pollution from land-based sources, and destructive fishing practices
• The loss of coral reefs has profound implications for marine life diversity, coastal protection, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them