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Flashcards in Climate Change Deck (11)
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1
Q

What does GWP stand for?

A

Global Warming potential

2
Q

What do GWP take into account?

A

Spectrum of absorption, residence time of different GHG, the potential is expressed as C02 equivalent.

3
Q

What is the economic sector with the highest GHG emissions?

A

Electricity/heat production 25%

4
Q

What country is responsible for the highest GHG emissions?

A

China

5
Q

How can we tell what GHG quantities were present in the past?

A

Ice cores- - thickness of layers – air bubbles – isotope concentrations – gas conc – precipitation – temp etc
Tree rings – tree grows less
Fossils
Sediments – amount and types of organic debris

6
Q

Give examples of observed changes due to global warming?

A

Extreme events occur more often, desertification, deforestation, soil degradation and formation of deserts.

7
Q

What problems exists with global warming and the polar regions?

A

Melting ice causing decreased albedo and rise of sea water.

8
Q

What problems exist with global warming and tundra?

A

Thawing of permafrost soils, starting microbial activity and increasing GHG emissions.

9
Q

Why does climate changes threaten water security?

A

The Gulf Stream system might break down due to the mixing of water temperatures.

10
Q

What is mitigation?

A

Human intervention to reduce sources of GHG and enhance the sinks of GHG.

11
Q

Give some examples of negative emissions technologies?

A

Direct air capture > C02 storage underground, direct injection into the sea, coastal carbon enhancement, artificial upwelling, iron fertilisation, restoration of trees