A Look Back: How Heat Shaped 2020

The video discusses the impact of heat on Earth's systems, highlighting events like fires, ice melt, and intense storms. It explains how human activities have increased greenhouse gases, leading to climate change. The video also covers the effects of warming in the Arctic, ocean heat's role in storm intensity, and the need for strategies to reduce emissions.

What is the primary cause of the increase in greenhouse gases in our atmosphere?

• Solar flares

• Human activities

• Natural volcanic eruptions

• Animal respiration

How do prolonged heat and drought conditions affect wildfires?

• They reduce the likelihood of fires

• They have no impact on fires

• They increase the availability of dry fuels, leading to more severe fires

• They cause fires to extinguish faster

What unusual phenomenon can occur when wildfires burn in areas with permafrost?

• The fires create new ice layers

• Zombie fires can occur, smoldering under snow

• The fires cause immediate flooding

• The fires extinguish immediately

What was significant about the Arctic sea ice minimum in recent years?

• It reached a record high

• It was second only to 2012 in terms of low extent

• It showed no change from previous years

• It completely melted away

How do oceans contribute to the intensification of storms?

• By reflecting solar radiation

• By absorbing sunlight

• By cooling the atmosphere

• By providing warm moisture that fuels storms

What is a potential reason for storms stalling near coastal regions?

• Stronger trade winds

• Changes in climate patterns due to rising global temperatures

• Increased volcanic activity

• Decreased ocean salinity

What is a key strategy to combat human-induced climate change?

• Increasing fossil fuel usage

• Implementing cleaner technologies

• Encouraging deforestation

• Reducing renewable energy sources