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9.4 Increases in the Greenhouse Gases

8 min readdecember 22, 2022

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Global Effects of Increasing Greenhouse Gases 

Climate is defined as the long-term (30+ years) weather patterns in a given area. This includes temperature and average precipitation. An increase in the amount of can cause more thermal energy to be trapped in the . This will result in an increase in the average . If the average increases by even one degree, it can cause widespread . These changes can make the environment uninhabitable for human and animal populations, affecting population movements and dynamics.

The Intergovernmental Panel on (IPCC) was formed in 1988 as a group of 3,000 scientists with the goal of working together to assess . IPCC’s goal is to determine the environmental and economical impact potential of . IPCC scientists have developed an in-depth understanding of how increasing carbon dioxide dictates temperature increases and the environmental consequences of these changes. 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Global_annual_CO2_emissions_by_world_region_since_1750.svg/800px-Global_annual_CO2_emissions_by_world_region_since_1750.svg.png

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

The chart above depicts the increase in CO2 production by countries individually and collectively.  Overall, the industrialization of nations creates a demand for energy. This energy is primarily generated from the burning of , which results in a sharp increase in CO2 and other

Changes to The Environment

Increasing global temperatures are expected to have a large range of impacts on the environment. Some of these effects include: 

Rising Sea Levels

The melting of , ice sheets, , and can contribute to and flooding, which can have serious impacts, like erosion, on coastal communities and ecosystems. Rising temperatures increase the rate at which melted water flows from the land into the oceans. 

Additionally, as the temperature of the Earth's oceans increases, the water expands. This is a result of warmer water taking up more space than colder water, due to the increased movement and vibration of the water molecules. As the oceans warm, they expand.

Spread of Disease Vectors

Diseases that were previously confined to the tropics will begin to spread toward the poles. As the Earth's temperature increases, some disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, are able to survive and reproduce in areas where they previously could not. This can lead to the expansion of the range of these vectors and the diseases they transmit.

Since warming can also affect the distribution and abundance of the animals and plants that serve as hosts for disease vectors. As the climate changes, the ranges of host species may shift, bringing them into contact with new populations of vectors and increasing the risk of disease transmission. Or warmer temperatures may lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of certain species, which can disrupt the balance of ecosystems and increase the risk of disease outbreaks due to population density impacts.

Ocean Acidification

and are both caused by the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. When excess amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the air through the burning of , some of it is absorbed by the oceans. This process increases the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the water, which in turn decreases the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic.

The process of can affect the ability of some marine organisms, such as corals and shellfish, to build and maintain their shells and skeletons, by reducing access to calcium—an effect that can lead to declines in their populations. Acidification can also have indirect effects on other species by altering the food chain and the overall structure of marine communities.

Extreme Weather Events and Changing Weather Patterns

It is important to note that the relationship between warming trends and is complex, and it is not possible to attribute any single extreme weather event directly to global warming. However, the overall trend is for an increase in the frequency and intensity of , including droughts, heatwaves, flooding, and hurricanes, due to

The increase in global temperatures caused by rising levels of in the atmosphere can lead to changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, which can in turn affect the occurrence of . For example, higher temperatures can lead to more evaporation, which can contribute to drought severity. Or an increase in the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere may change precipitation patterns and fuel more intense storms, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes. 

Loss of Biodiversity

Changes in climate can have a variety of impacts on ecosystems and species, leading to the .

As temperatures rise, many species may find it increasingly difficult to survive in their current habitats. This can lead to the displacement of species, as they are forced to move to new areas in search of more suitable conditions. However, if suitable habitats are not available, or if species are unable to migrate or evolve fast enough to keep up with the changing climate, they may become extinct.

In addition to the direct impacts of rising temperatures, warming can also indirectly contribute to the through its effects on other environmental factors, such as the availability of water, the severity of natural disasters, and the spread of diseases. For example, when droughts and heat waves caused by increased global temperatures reduce the availability of water, rising resource competition can contribute to declines in certain species. Similarly, more frequent and severe natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes, can create genetic drift and disrupt ecosystems to cause species loss.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/The_Rim_Fire_in_the_Stanislaus_National_Forest_near_in_California_began_on_Aug._17%2C_2013-0004.jpg/800px-The_Rim_Fire_in_the_Stanislaus_National_Forest_near_in_California_began_on_Aug._17%2C_2013-0004.jpg

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Review: Why are Greenhouse Gases Increasing?

Carbon Dioxide

Natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions:

  • Carbon dioxide naturally occurs as a byproduct of the metabolic reaction of cellular respiration. 
  • Volcanic eruptions release a large amount of CO2 and ash, which upon release can have significant short-term effects on climate. Historic large-scale eruptions have been at fault for reducing the global average temperature by blocking solar radiation.
  • The decay of organic matter is another natural source of CO2. As plants and animals die, they decompose, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

Human-induced sources of increased CO2 emissions include:

  • Carbon dioxide is produced during the combustion of . Burning of , including the use of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes, is the largest source of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. 
  • is another human-induced source of CO2 emission issues. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow and photosynthesize. When trees are cut down, the carbon dioxide intake process is disrupted, leading to an increase in atmospheric CO2. An example of this is mass in the , which is a terrestrial carbon dioxide sink. 
  • feed into and CO2 emissions. Changes in land use, such as the conversion of forests to agricultural land can increase the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. 
  • Industrial manufacturing and processes also emit carbon dioxide. From cement production to waste decomposition, industries also contribute to increased carbon dioxide. 

Methane

Natural sources of include:

  • , such as swamps and marshes, produce methane through the decomposition of organic matter.

  • In the guts of animals, methane can be produced, meaning animals can create methane through the digestion of their food.

  • Wildfires can also release methane into the atmosphere.

Human-induced sources of methane include:

  • can contribute to . The extraction and transportation of , including coal, oil, and natural gas, can release methane into the atmosphere.

  • are a significant source of , as organic waste breaks down in low-oxygen conditions and releases methane gas into the atmosphere.

  • are a significant source of increased atmospheric methane. The raising of livestock, including cows, sheep, and goats, is a major source of due to the digestion of their food and the decomposition of manure. Increased cattle farming created a large-scale methane increase.

  • Some industrial processes, such as the production of iron and steel, also emit methane.

Water Vapor

Natural sources of water vapor include:

  • Water vapor is released into the atmosphere through the process of evaporation, which occurs when the sun's energy heats the surface of oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water.

  • Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration, which occurs when water is absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaves, where it is released into the air through small pores called stomata.

  • Animals release water vapor into the atmosphere through the process of cellular respiration, which occurs when they breathe out air that contains water vapor.

Human-induced sources of increased water vapor include:

  • Some industrial processes, such as the production of electricity, can release water vapor into the atmosphere as a byproduct of burning .

  • , such as irrigation and the application of fertilizers, can also release water vapor into the atmosphere.

Nitrous Oxide

Natural sources of nitrous oxide include:

  • Nitrous oxide is naturally produced in soil through the decomposition of organic matter and during the , especially in low-oxygen environments like and the oceans.

  • Lightning also can break down nitrogen molecules and produce nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. 

Human-induced sources of increased atmospheric nitrous oxide:

  • are the main source of increased nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is produced in agriculture through the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and the application of animal manure to fields.

  • The industrial production of nitric acid and the burning of , especially the burning of coal for electric power generation, can also release a significant amount of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.
  • The decomposition of organic waste in and sewage treatment plants can also release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

All of the main sources of CFCs are human-induced:

  • CFCs were widely used as refrigerants in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other cooling systems.

  • Solvents to clean electronic equipment and manufacture metal.

  • CFCs were used as foam-blowing agents in the production of foam products, such as insulation and packaging materials.

CFCs are no longer produced or used in many countries due to the negative impacts they have on the and their exceptionally high GWP, but existing CFCs in the atmosphere continue to have detrimental effects on warming. 

🎥 Watch: AP Environmental Science Streams

Key Terms to Review (31)

Agricultural Activities

: Agricultural activities encompass all human actions related to cultivating crops, raising livestock, and producing food, fiber, and other agricultural products.

Amazon Rainforest

: The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering a significant portion of South America. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity and plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

: Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas naturally present in Earth's atmosphere. It is released through natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions but also through human activities such as burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds made up of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They were commonly used in aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and foam-blowing agents but have been phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer.

Climate Change

: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on a global scale. It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Deforestation

: Deforestation refers to the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests. It involves the permanent conversion of forested areas into non-forest land for various purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging.

Denitrification

: Denitrification is a natural process in which certain bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it back into the atmosphere. It occurs primarily in oxygen-depleted environments, such as wetlands and soil.

Environmental Changes

: Environmental changes refer to alterations or disturbances that occur within ecosystems or natural environments. These changes can be caused by both natural processes (such as wildfires or volcanic eruptions) and human activities (such as deforestation or pollution).

Extreme Weather Events

: Extreme weather events refer to severe and unusual weather phenomena that deviate significantly from normal conditions. These events include hurricanes, tornadoes, heatwaves, blizzards, floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Fossil Fuel Extraction and Transportation

: Fossil fuel extraction and transportation refers to the process of extracting fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) from the Earth's crust and transporting them to be used as energy sources.

Fossil Fuels

: Fossil fuels are energy-rich substances formed from ancient organic matter buried deep within the Earth's crust. They include coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are burned to release energy but also release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Glaciers

: Glaciers are large masses of ice that form over many years from compacted snow in areas where more snow falls than melts. They move slowly downhill due to their own weight.

Global Temperature

: Global temperature refers to the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere over a specific period of time, usually measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. It is an important indicator of climate change and can be influenced by natural factors like volcanic eruptions and human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Global warming potential (GWP)

: Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas can trap in the atmosphere over a specific time period, compared to carbon dioxide. It helps assess the impact of different gases on global warming.

Greenhouse Gases

: Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

: The IPCC is an international organization that provides scientific assessments and reports on climate change. It brings together scientists from around the world to review and summarize the latest research on climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation.

Land Use Changes

: Land use changes refer to the alteration of how land is utilized, such as converting forests into agricultural fields or urban areas. These changes can have significant impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Landfills

: Landfills are designated areas where solid waste is disposed of in a controlled manner. They involve burying waste materials in layers with soil coverings to minimize environmental impacts.

Loss of Biodiversity

: Loss of biodiversity refers to the decline or extinction of species and the reduction in genetic diversity within a particular ecosystem. It is caused by various factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation.

Methane Emissions

: Methane emissions refer to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.

Nitrogen Cycle

: The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms in the environment. It involves nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions

: Nitrous oxide emissions refer to the release of nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere primarily through agricultural practices, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial activities. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and also plays a role in ozone depletion.

Ocean Acidification

: Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like burning fossil fuels dissolves into seawater and lowers its pH level. This decrease in pH makes seawater more acidic over time, harming marine life such as coral reefs and shellfish.

Ozone Layer

: The ozone layer is a region in Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. It plays a crucial role in absorbing and filtering out most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it reaches the Earth's surface.

Permafrost

: Permafrost refers to permanently frozen ground consisting of soil, rock, or sediment that remains below 0°C (32°F) for at least two consecutive years. It is found mainly in polar regions but also exists in some high-altitude areas.

Polar Ice Caps

: Polar ice caps are large masses of ice that cover polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. They play a crucial role in regulating global climate by reflecting sunlight back into space.

Population Dynamics

: Population dynamics refers to the study of how populations of organisms change in size, density, and structure over time. It involves analyzing factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, emigration, and interactions with other species.

Rising Sea Levels

: Rising sea levels refer to the increase in the average height of the Earth's oceans and seas over time, primarily caused by global warming and the melting of glaciers and ice caps.

Troposphere

: The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs. It extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) in altitude.

Water Vapor Emissions

: Water vapor emissions refer to the release of water vapor into the atmosphere through natural processes or human activities, such as evaporation and industrial processes. It is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Wetlands

: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil either permanently or seasonally. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species.

9.4 Increases in the Greenhouse Gases

8 min readdecember 22, 2022

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Jenni MacLean

Jenni MacLean

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Global Effects of Increasing Greenhouse Gases 

Climate is defined as the long-term (30+ years) weather patterns in a given area. This includes temperature and average precipitation. An increase in the amount of can cause more thermal energy to be trapped in the . This will result in an increase in the average . If the average increases by even one degree, it can cause widespread . These changes can make the environment uninhabitable for human and animal populations, affecting population movements and dynamics.

The Intergovernmental Panel on (IPCC) was formed in 1988 as a group of 3,000 scientists with the goal of working together to assess . IPCC’s goal is to determine the environmental and economical impact potential of . IPCC scientists have developed an in-depth understanding of how increasing carbon dioxide dictates temperature increases and the environmental consequences of these changes. 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Global_annual_CO2_emissions_by_world_region_since_1750.svg/800px-Global_annual_CO2_emissions_by_world_region_since_1750.svg.png

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

The chart above depicts the increase in CO2 production by countries individually and collectively.  Overall, the industrialization of nations creates a demand for energy. This energy is primarily generated from the burning of , which results in a sharp increase in CO2 and other

Changes to The Environment

Increasing global temperatures are expected to have a large range of impacts on the environment. Some of these effects include: 

Rising Sea Levels

The melting of , ice sheets, , and can contribute to and flooding, which can have serious impacts, like erosion, on coastal communities and ecosystems. Rising temperatures increase the rate at which melted water flows from the land into the oceans. 

Additionally, as the temperature of the Earth's oceans increases, the water expands. This is a result of warmer water taking up more space than colder water, due to the increased movement and vibration of the water molecules. As the oceans warm, they expand.

Spread of Disease Vectors

Diseases that were previously confined to the tropics will begin to spread toward the poles. As the Earth's temperature increases, some disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, are able to survive and reproduce in areas where they previously could not. This can lead to the expansion of the range of these vectors and the diseases they transmit.

Since warming can also affect the distribution and abundance of the animals and plants that serve as hosts for disease vectors. As the climate changes, the ranges of host species may shift, bringing them into contact with new populations of vectors and increasing the risk of disease transmission. Or warmer temperatures may lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of certain species, which can disrupt the balance of ecosystems and increase the risk of disease outbreaks due to population density impacts.

Ocean Acidification

and are both caused by the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. When excess amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the air through the burning of , some of it is absorbed by the oceans. This process increases the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the water, which in turn decreases the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic.

The process of can affect the ability of some marine organisms, such as corals and shellfish, to build and maintain their shells and skeletons, by reducing access to calcium—an effect that can lead to declines in their populations. Acidification can also have indirect effects on other species by altering the food chain and the overall structure of marine communities.

Extreme Weather Events and Changing Weather Patterns

It is important to note that the relationship between warming trends and is complex, and it is not possible to attribute any single extreme weather event directly to global warming. However, the overall trend is for an increase in the frequency and intensity of , including droughts, heatwaves, flooding, and hurricanes, due to

The increase in global temperatures caused by rising levels of in the atmosphere can lead to changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, which can in turn affect the occurrence of . For example, higher temperatures can lead to more evaporation, which can contribute to drought severity. Or an increase in the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere may change precipitation patterns and fuel more intense storms, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes. 

Loss of Biodiversity

Changes in climate can have a variety of impacts on ecosystems and species, leading to the .

As temperatures rise, many species may find it increasingly difficult to survive in their current habitats. This can lead to the displacement of species, as they are forced to move to new areas in search of more suitable conditions. However, if suitable habitats are not available, or if species are unable to migrate or evolve fast enough to keep up with the changing climate, they may become extinct.

In addition to the direct impacts of rising temperatures, warming can also indirectly contribute to the through its effects on other environmental factors, such as the availability of water, the severity of natural disasters, and the spread of diseases. For example, when droughts and heat waves caused by increased global temperatures reduce the availability of water, rising resource competition can contribute to declines in certain species. Similarly, more frequent and severe natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes, can create genetic drift and disrupt ecosystems to cause species loss.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/The_Rim_Fire_in_the_Stanislaus_National_Forest_near_in_California_began_on_Aug._17%2C_2013-0004.jpg/800px-The_Rim_Fire_in_the_Stanislaus_National_Forest_near_in_California_began_on_Aug._17%2C_2013-0004.jpg

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Review: Why are Greenhouse Gases Increasing?

Carbon Dioxide

Natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions:

  • Carbon dioxide naturally occurs as a byproduct of the metabolic reaction of cellular respiration. 
  • Volcanic eruptions release a large amount of CO2 and ash, which upon release can have significant short-term effects on climate. Historic large-scale eruptions have been at fault for reducing the global average temperature by blocking solar radiation.
  • The decay of organic matter is another natural source of CO2. As plants and animals die, they decompose, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

Human-induced sources of increased CO2 emissions include:

  • Carbon dioxide is produced during the combustion of . Burning of , including the use of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes, is the largest source of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. 
  • is another human-induced source of CO2 emission issues. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow and photosynthesize. When trees are cut down, the carbon dioxide intake process is disrupted, leading to an increase in atmospheric CO2. An example of this is mass in the , which is a terrestrial carbon dioxide sink. 
  • feed into and CO2 emissions. Changes in land use, such as the conversion of forests to agricultural land can increase the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. 
  • Industrial manufacturing and processes also emit carbon dioxide. From cement production to waste decomposition, industries also contribute to increased carbon dioxide. 

Methane

Natural sources of include:

  • , such as swamps and marshes, produce methane through the decomposition of organic matter.

  • In the guts of animals, methane can be produced, meaning animals can create methane through the digestion of their food.

  • Wildfires can also release methane into the atmosphere.

Human-induced sources of methane include:

  • can contribute to . The extraction and transportation of , including coal, oil, and natural gas, can release methane into the atmosphere.

  • are a significant source of , as organic waste breaks down in low-oxygen conditions and releases methane gas into the atmosphere.

  • are a significant source of increased atmospheric methane. The raising of livestock, including cows, sheep, and goats, is a major source of due to the digestion of their food and the decomposition of manure. Increased cattle farming created a large-scale methane increase.

  • Some industrial processes, such as the production of iron and steel, also emit methane.

Water Vapor

Natural sources of water vapor include:

  • Water vapor is released into the atmosphere through the process of evaporation, which occurs when the sun's energy heats the surface of oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water.

  • Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration, which occurs when water is absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaves, where it is released into the air through small pores called stomata.

  • Animals release water vapor into the atmosphere through the process of cellular respiration, which occurs when they breathe out air that contains water vapor.

Human-induced sources of increased water vapor include:

  • Some industrial processes, such as the production of electricity, can release water vapor into the atmosphere as a byproduct of burning .

  • , such as irrigation and the application of fertilizers, can also release water vapor into the atmosphere.

Nitrous Oxide

Natural sources of nitrous oxide include:

  • Nitrous oxide is naturally produced in soil through the decomposition of organic matter and during the , especially in low-oxygen environments like and the oceans.

  • Lightning also can break down nitrogen molecules and produce nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. 

Human-induced sources of increased atmospheric nitrous oxide:

  • are the main source of increased nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is produced in agriculture through the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and the application of animal manure to fields.

  • The industrial production of nitric acid and the burning of , especially the burning of coal for electric power generation, can also release a significant amount of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.
  • The decomposition of organic waste in and sewage treatment plants can also release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

All of the main sources of CFCs are human-induced:

  • CFCs were widely used as refrigerants in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other cooling systems.

  • Solvents to clean electronic equipment and manufacture metal.

  • CFCs were used as foam-blowing agents in the production of foam products, such as insulation and packaging materials.

CFCs are no longer produced or used in many countries due to the negative impacts they have on the and their exceptionally high GWP, but existing CFCs in the atmosphere continue to have detrimental effects on warming. 

🎥 Watch: AP Environmental Science Streams

Key Terms to Review (31)

Agricultural Activities

: Agricultural activities encompass all human actions related to cultivating crops, raising livestock, and producing food, fiber, and other agricultural products.

Amazon Rainforest

: The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering a significant portion of South America. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity and plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

: Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas naturally present in Earth's atmosphere. It is released through natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions but also through human activities such as burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds made up of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. They were commonly used in aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and foam-blowing agents but have been phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer.

Climate Change

: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on a global scale. It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Deforestation

: Deforestation refers to the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests. It involves the permanent conversion of forested areas into non-forest land for various purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging.

Denitrification

: Denitrification is a natural process in which certain bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it back into the atmosphere. It occurs primarily in oxygen-depleted environments, such as wetlands and soil.

Environmental Changes

: Environmental changes refer to alterations or disturbances that occur within ecosystems or natural environments. These changes can be caused by both natural processes (such as wildfires or volcanic eruptions) and human activities (such as deforestation or pollution).

Extreme Weather Events

: Extreme weather events refer to severe and unusual weather phenomena that deviate significantly from normal conditions. These events include hurricanes, tornadoes, heatwaves, blizzards, floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Fossil Fuel Extraction and Transportation

: Fossil fuel extraction and transportation refers to the process of extracting fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) from the Earth's crust and transporting them to be used as energy sources.

Fossil Fuels

: Fossil fuels are energy-rich substances formed from ancient organic matter buried deep within the Earth's crust. They include coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are burned to release energy but also release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Glaciers

: Glaciers are large masses of ice that form over many years from compacted snow in areas where more snow falls than melts. They move slowly downhill due to their own weight.

Global Temperature

: Global temperature refers to the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere over a specific period of time, usually measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. It is an important indicator of climate change and can be influenced by natural factors like volcanic eruptions and human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Global warming potential (GWP)

: Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas can trap in the atmosphere over a specific time period, compared to carbon dioxide. It helps assess the impact of different gases on global warming.

Greenhouse Gases

: Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

: The IPCC is an international organization that provides scientific assessments and reports on climate change. It brings together scientists from around the world to review and summarize the latest research on climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation.

Land Use Changes

: Land use changes refer to the alteration of how land is utilized, such as converting forests into agricultural fields or urban areas. These changes can have significant impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Landfills

: Landfills are designated areas where solid waste is disposed of in a controlled manner. They involve burying waste materials in layers with soil coverings to minimize environmental impacts.

Loss of Biodiversity

: Loss of biodiversity refers to the decline or extinction of species and the reduction in genetic diversity within a particular ecosystem. It is caused by various factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation.

Methane Emissions

: Methane emissions refer to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.

Nitrogen Cycle

: The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms in the environment. It involves nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions

: Nitrous oxide emissions refer to the release of nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere primarily through agricultural practices, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial activities. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and also plays a role in ozone depletion.

Ocean Acidification

: Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like burning fossil fuels dissolves into seawater and lowers its pH level. This decrease in pH makes seawater more acidic over time, harming marine life such as coral reefs and shellfish.

Ozone Layer

: The ozone layer is a region in Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. It plays a crucial role in absorbing and filtering out most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it reaches the Earth's surface.

Permafrost

: Permafrost refers to permanently frozen ground consisting of soil, rock, or sediment that remains below 0°C (32°F) for at least two consecutive years. It is found mainly in polar regions but also exists in some high-altitude areas.

Polar Ice Caps

: Polar ice caps are large masses of ice that cover polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. They play a crucial role in regulating global climate by reflecting sunlight back into space.

Population Dynamics

: Population dynamics refers to the study of how populations of organisms change in size, density, and structure over time. It involves analyzing factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, emigration, and interactions with other species.

Rising Sea Levels

: Rising sea levels refer to the increase in the average height of the Earth's oceans and seas over time, primarily caused by global warming and the melting of glaciers and ice caps.

Troposphere

: The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs. It extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) in altitude.

Water Vapor Emissions

: Water vapor emissions refer to the release of water vapor into the atmosphere through natural processes or human activities, such as evaporation and industrial processes. It is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Wetlands

: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil either permanently or seasonally. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.