AP Environmental Science climate change key terms

What is greenhouse effect?

The trapping of the sun's warmth in the Earth's atmosphere due to greenhouse gases.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases like CO2, CH4, and N2O that trap heat in the atmosphere.

True or false: Climate change is solely caused by human activities.

False, because natural processes also contribute to climate variations.

Difference between climate and weather

Climate is long-term averages of temperature and precipitation; weather is short-term atmospheric conditions.

What is carbon footprint?

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual or organization, expressed in CO2 equivalent.

Fill in the blank: The main source of CO2 emissions is __________.

burning fossil fuels.

What is global warming?

The long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities.

What does IPCC stand for?

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body assessing science related to climate change.

What is climate adaptation?

Adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage from climate change.

What is climate mitigation?

Efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases.

True or false: Renewable energy sources do not produce greenhouse gases.

True, they typically have a lower carbon footprint.

What is a carbon sink?

Natural systems, like forests and oceans, that absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit.

What are positive feedback loops in climate?

Processes that accelerate climate change, e.g., melting ice reduces albedo, increasing heat absorption.

What is the Paris Agreement?

An international treaty focused on limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Difference between renewable and non-renewable energy

Renewable energy is naturally replenished, while non-renewable energy sources like coal and oil are finite.

What is ocean acidification?

The decrease in pH of ocean waters due to increased CO2 absorption.

What is a climate model?

A mathematical representation of the climate system, used to predict climate changes.

What are the impacts of deforestation on climate?

Increases CO2 levels, reduces biodiversity, and disrupts water cycles.

True or false: Climate change affects only polar regions.

False, it impacts ecosystems worldwide.

What is the role of aerosols in climate?

Aerosols can cool the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight or warm it by absorbing heat.

Fill in the blank: Extreme weather events, like hurricanes, are __________.

increasing due to climate change.

What is climate equity?

The concept that vulnerable populations should have equal access to climate solutions.

What is the significance of the Keeling Curve?

It shows the steady increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration since 1958.

What is a cap-and-trade system?

A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives.

What role do oceans play in climate regulation?

Oceans absorb large amounts of CO2 and heat, influencing global climate patterns.

True or false: All climate models predict the same future climate scenarios.

False, models can diverge based on assumptions and inputs.

What is the main goal of reforestation?

To restore forested areas to improve carbon sequestration and biodiversity.