Climate Change Consequences and Feedback Mechanisms Explained

The video discusses climate change, highlighting its historical natural variations and recent acceleration due to human activities. It explains feedback mechanisms, both positive and negative, that influence global warming. The albedo effect and cloud formation are explored as examples of these mechanisms. The video emphasizes the complexity of predicting climate change due to various feedback processes and the influence of factors like oceans and forests.

What has caused the recent acceleration in global warming?

• Natural variations

• Solar flares

• Greenhouse gas emissions by humans

• Volcanic eruptions

What is a feedback mechanism in the context of climate change?

• A way to predict weather patterns

• A method to measure temperature changes

• A response that can either enhance or counteract warming

• A process that only cools the Earth

Why are some feedback mechanisms called 'positive'?

• Because they are well understood

• Because they have a beneficial effect

• Because they enhance the initial warming effect

• Because they reduce global warming

What is the albedo effect?

• The reflection of solar radiation by surfaces

• The absorption of sunlight by the Earth

• The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases

• The melting of glaciers

How does the albedo effect contribute to global warming?

• By increasing the Earth's temperature

• By reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

• By reflecting more sunlight and cooling the Earth

• By amplifying the initial warming effect

What happens when more snow melts due to warming?

• More sunlight is reflected

• The Earth's temperature decreases

• Less sunlight is absorbed

• More sunlight is absorbed, leading to further warming

How can cloud formation act as a negative feedback mechanism?

• By reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• By trapping more heat

• By reflecting more sunlight and cooling the Earth

• By increasing evaporation

What determines whether clouds will warm or cool the Earth?

• The time of day they form

• The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

• The location and height of the clouds

• The type of precipitation they produce

Why is predicting climate change challenging?

• Due to the simplicity of climate models

• Because climate change is not occurring

• Due to the complexity of feedback mechanisms

• Because of the lack of scientific data

What other factors, besides feedback mechanisms, influence climate predictions?

• The position of the moon

• The Earth's magnetic field

• The influence of oceans and forests

• The amount of rainfall