This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.
Indicators and Effects of Climate Change
Global Warming: |
An increase in the global average temperature |
The rate of increase in global temperature has increased since the 1960s |
Changes in Polar and Glacier Ice
Large amounts of ice are melting at higher rates in recent years |
Impacts of Melting Ice |
Raises sea levels |
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Affects the habitats of polar animals |
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Affects the traditional lifestyles of the Inuit population |
Rising Sea Level and Ocean Acidity
The melting of ice caps and glaciers could raise global sea levels by 20cm - 40cm within the next 100 years |
Thermal expansion of sea water will also result in higher global sea levels |
Large populations of people will be displaced by rising sea levels as many of the largest cities are coastal |
The influence of tides, prevailing winds, and ocean currents will increase/decrease the effects in different areas |
Changes in ocean pH make coral reefs vulnerable and affect the ability of oceanic organisms to reproduce |
The ocean will become more acidic due to absorption of CO 2
produced by the burning of fossil fuels |
Rising sea levels will cause loss of coastal land and increase flooding potential |
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Climate and Health
Climate is closely related with risk of disease and injury/death due to natural disasters |
Some disease outbreaks are more likely in higher temperatures |
The risk of waterborne diseases increases as climate change affects precipitation |
Increasing temperatures may adversely affect those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory disorders |
Changing Wind and Precipitation Patterns
Changes in heat distribution affect wind currents |
The speed, frequency, and direction of winds have fluctuated due to climate change |
High temperatures increase the rate of evaporation and precipitation |
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Desertification and Drought |
An increase/decrease of precipitation affects the levels of reservoirs and ground water |
Declines in precipitation can lead to desertification |
Desertification: The process by which land slowly dries out until little or no vegetation can survive and the land becomes a desert |
Desertification may lead to famines |
Global warming may lead to a shortage of freshwater |
Changes in agriculture and food supply will affect international trade |
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Storm Intensity and Frequency |
Warmer seas result in stronger hurricanes |
Climate change can also lead to stronger/more frequent wildfires, heavy rains, and strong winds |
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Changing Biomes
Up to 1 million species are threatened with extinction due to climate change |
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Deforestation |
The destruction of the world's forests through direct human activity and indirect effects of climate change, pollution, and acid rain |
A shrinking forest reduces the amount of CO 2
absorbed from the atmosphere |
Global warming lends to increased chances of forest fires or insect infestations |
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Shrinking Wetlands |
Lower water levels in the Great Lakes will dry out surrounding wetlands → reduces habitats |
Climate and Health
Climate is closely related with risk of disease and injury/death due to natural disasters |
Some disease outbreaks are more likely in higher temperatures |
The risk of waterborne diseases increases as climate change affects precipitation |
Increasing temperatures may adversely affect those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory disorders |
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