What are the primary human activities contributing to the increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?

• Human activities raise CO₂ levels.

• Fossil fuel combustion for energy.

• Transportation using gasoline, diesel.

• Industrial processes emitting CO₂.

Explain the role of water vapor in the greenhouse effect.

Water vapor enhances the greenhouse effect.

• Absorbs infrared radiation effectively.

• Increased evaporation raises concentration.

• Significant climate change contributor.

Fill in the blank: Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is a significant impact of ___ warming.

Global

What are Climate Tipping Points (CTPs) and why are they significant?

Climate Tipping Points are crucial.

• They signify critical thresholds.

• Trigger irreversible climate changes.

• Affect ecosystems and weather patterns.

True or False: Methane has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) that is lower than that of carbon dioxide.

False. Methane has a GWP more than 20 times higher than that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.

What is the relationship between aerosols and climate forcing?

Aerosols negatively affect climate.

• Deflect sunlight, causing cooling.

• Contrast to greenhouse gases.

• Influence climate forcing dynamics.

Fill in the blank: The average increase in the Earth's surface temperature is primarily attributed to ___ gas emissions.

Greenhouse

Describe the impact of glacial retreat on water supplies in the Andes and Himalayas.

Glacial retreat threatens water supply.

• Glaciers are key water sources.

• Retreat reduces river flow.

• Affects millions in dry areas.

True or False: Greenhouse gases are only produced through natural processes.

False

Greenhouse gases have both natural and human sources.

• Natural processes like respiration.

• Human activities include burning fossil fuels.

• Industrial processes release significant gases.

What is the significance of the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of different gases?

GWP indicates gas impact on warming.

• Measures gas energy absorption.

• Higher GWP means greater impact.

• Crucial for policy and regulations.

Fill in the blank: Black carbon, also known as ___, contributes to atmospheric warming.

Soot

Explain how the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon and its importance for life on Earth.

The greenhouse effect supports life.

• Traps heat from the Sun.

• Maintains Earth's temperature range.

• Essential for living organisms.

What are the expected consequences of surpassing a 2°C rise in global temperatures?

Surpassing 2°C leads to severe consequences.

• Ice sheet collapse risks.

• Arctic sea ice loss.

• Ocean current disruptions.

True or False: Fluorinated gases are less potent than carbon dioxide in terms of global warming potential.

False. Fluorinated gases have very high global warming potentials compared to carbon dioxide.

Describe the role of nitrous oxide in the greenhouse effect.

Nitrous oxide contributes to climate change.

• Strong greenhouse gas effect.

• Increased by human activities.

• Affects global temperature rise.

True or False: The greenhouse effect is a negative climate forcing that cools the Earth.

False. The greenhouse effect is a positive climate forcing that warms the Earth.

The average increase in Earth's surface temperature contributes to shifts in ___ patterns.

Global climate patterns