Climate Change Impacts and Misconceptions

The transcript discusses the historical understanding of the link between carbon dioxide emissions and climate change, dating back to the 19th century. It highlights the role of industrial development in accelerating climate change and the early warnings by scientists like Jim Hanson. The text also covers the growing public awareness of climate change in the late 20th century and the observable impacts, such as warmer winters and altered migration patterns. Finally, it addresses the broader consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels and changes in ecosystems.

When did scientists first link carbon dioxide emissions to rising temperatures?

• In the 19th century

• In the 2000s

• In the 1960s

• In the 1980s

Who was the pioneering climate scientist that testified about human influence on climate change?

• Stephen Hawking

• Albert Einstein

• Jim Hanson

• Isaac Newton

What did Jim Hanson claim was evident during his testimony?

• The human influence on the climate system

• The end of fossil fuels

• The start of a new ice age

• The extinction of polar bears

What is the relationship between global warming and extreme climate events?

• No relationship

• Global warming reduces extreme events

• Global warming increases the frequency and severity of extreme events

• Global warming only affects rainfall

Which of the following was an observable sign of climate change by the late 1980s?

• Birds changing migration patterns

• Increase in polar bear population

• Longer winters

• Decrease in ocean temperatures

What change in nature was observed as a result of climate change?

• Coral reefs thriving

• Pollinators and flowers blooming earlier

• Bugs hibernating longer

• Birds migrating later

What impact does climate change have on sea levels?

• No impact

• Causes sea levels to fall

• Stabilizes sea levels

• Causes sea levels to rise

How does climate change affect Arctic ice?

• It causes the ice to expand

• It makes the ice thicker

• It causes the ice to melt

• It has no effect on the ice

What is one of the broader impacts of climate change on the environment?

• Decrease in global temperatures

• Shifts in climate patterns

• Increased biodiversity

• Stabilization of weather patterns

What is a misconception about longer summers due to climate change?

• They have no impact on ecosystems

• They are a sign of global cooling

• They are harmless

• They are beneficial for agriculture